The Rainbow Community Council (RCC) is an initiative designed to bring together 2S/LGBTQIA+ affirmative community organizations to develop a truly community-wide, sustainable framework for supporting everyone who identifies as 2S/LGBTQIA+ in the Waterloo Region.

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RCC History

On May 7th, 2014, 25 individuals representing 18 local community, social service and governmental organizations gathered with a vision to create a new community council committed to fostering a connected, welcoming, integrated, and supportive community in Waterloo Region that is inclusive of members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community. Throughout 2014 and 2015, a subsection of this group met regularly to develop a Terms of Reference for this important community initiative. At this time, the RCC was conceived as being a subcommittee of the Waterloo Region Rainbow Coalition (WRRC). The first Terms of Reference for the Rainbow Community Council were adopted on May 7th, 2015 (one year to the day of the original meeting). It is on this date that the Rainbow Community Council was founded. 

As the RCC has continued to grow, members made the decision in 2021 to become a separate entity from the WRRC.

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What does the RCC do?

Participating individuals and organizations on the RCC work collaboratively to support each other in such ways as addressing gaps in service provision; avoiding duplication of services and resources; collaborating on grants/proposals; and other supportive and collaborative initiatives as they relate to the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community in Waterloo Region. 

The RCC can also connect community members with 2S/LGBTQIA+ affirmative organizations and resources. Inquiries are welcome.

RCC Meetings

The RCC meets monthly in an effort to support positive change for 2S/LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Waterloo Region. As a community of best practice, we encourage interested community organizations to inquire about attending one or more meetings. Please contact the RCC Chair at rcc-chair@outlook.com to discuss interests and group meeting guidelines.

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