MAX Ottawa
The Community MAXimizer program is not receiving applications until spring 2024.
Have an idea to improve the health and well-being of guys into guys?
Community MAXimizers are individuals that want to help promote the health, well being and social connections of guys into guys in the Ottawa region. If you have an idea and want to become a MAXimizer we can help support and fund your project!
Applications can be completed and returned to Brian, our Volunteer & Engagement Coordinator, or pick one up in our office.
Want some inspiration? Check the full list of Community MAXimizer projects that we have supported since the beginning of this program at the bottom of this page.
We also have answers to frequently asked questions about the program.
For more information, contact us!
Phone: 613-701-6555 x 1012
Email: maxvolunteers@maxottawa.ca
WATCH OUR SHORT COMMUNITY MAXIMIZER VIDEO AND HEAR FROM COMMUNITY LEADERS
MAXimizer Programs
MAXimizer Program 1
KEEPING IT 100
Pilot: November to December 2017
Added to permanent MAX programming in February 2018
“Keeping it 100 (K1) is an ACB (African, Caribbean, Black) GBTQ (gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning, DL, etc) peer discussion group.
We cover a wide range of rotating topics in a group led discussion. Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment to talk about issues that affect ACB guys into guys. We accomplish this by supporting one another, increasing the representation of the Black, Queer male experience, and help inform others of the unique experiences and needs we have.
K1 presently meets every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Check the schedule as we host guest speakers and hosts off-site sessions on occasion. It’s always Free with Food and Refreshments provided.
THE SAHRA
FEBRUARY – MARCH 2018
“The Sahra was a group of GBTQ guys into guys who identify as Middle Eastern who met weekly to watch a movie and had a discussion about the experiences of Middle Eastern guys in the GBT2Q world.”
Do you have another idea for a social program you have never seen before? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
GAY MUSLIM COOKING NIGHT
January to February 2018
“MAX Ottawa and Gay Muslims United organized the Gay Muslims Communal Cooking night. Participants did not have to be Muslim in order to join. Participants were asked to submit their recipes by email, so that MAX Ottawa could cover all of the costs of the food. Participants met in a downtown building, cooked together, ate together, and learned about Muslim Communal lifestyle.”
Not into cooking? What would you like to do instead? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
GAIE, FRANCOPHONES ET FIERS
Pilot: March 2018
After the successful pilot, a second edition was held in March 2019
“Gay, Francophone and Proud is a dinner, community village and entertainment event for the francophone and francophile GBT2Q guys into guys in Gatineau and Ottawa. It has been a recurring event every year since 2018.
Don’t forget to participate in the other activities for the French-speaking gay group of the outaouais. Ask to be a member of the group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/gaisfrancophonesoutaouais/
Do you have a new and exciting idea? Why not make it happen? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
NOW WHAT!?
April to June 2018
Added to permanent MAX programming July 2018
“A casual discussion and social group for gay and male-identified adults aged 40 and above.
Would you like to broaden your social circle but haven’t done that for so long that it seems challenging? Maybe it’s time to step a bit outside your comfort zone and come to a gathering.
As maturing members of the gay community, we come together to create a welcoming environment where we can reduce isolation and expand our network of friends.
Please join us. We’re a friendly bunch!”
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Need something different? Have an idea? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
MAXPRESS YOURSELF
October 2018 to December 2018
Added to permanent MAX programming in February 2019
“MAXpress Yourself is an arts-based social program for guys who live, work or play in Ottawa and who are into other guys. This is a free, drop-in monthly workshop presented by Max Ottawa. Previous artistic experience is not required.
MAXPress Yourself! presently meets every second Tuesday of each month to make your own original creation or a fabulous mess! Regardless if you are a social butterfly or the shy and quiet type, young or young at heart, all are welcome! Workshops are instructed by local artist/puppeteer Mikey Artelle. All project supplies are provided by MAX Ottawa!”
Do you like this type of event? Why not make another one? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
MAX AT THE MOVIES
February-March, 2019
MAX at the Movies was a free social event for guys into guys, who live, work or play in Ottawa. After the movie, group members had an open group discussion about the film.
Want to make something new and different? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
HYGGE HOMESHARING
March 2019
“Hygge Homesharing, pronounced HUE-GAH, is the Danish word for coziness. The founder, CJ Blake, aims to provide social support by pairing students and seniors in co-housing relationships. Through the community MAXimizer grant, CJ was able to do some community and partners consultations and to start conversations around 2SLGBTQ+ housing both within the community and with relevant stakeholders.”
For more information on how Hygge Homesharing has continued to develop, check out Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hyggehs/
Have an idea? Want to make it a reality? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
COMFORTABLE IN HIS OWN SKIN
May 2019
“Imagine you’ve decided to take the radical decision to lose 300lbs and alter your body in the quest to be healthier and live longer – only to find that the new body you have brings a whole new set of challenges to how you see yourself. What would you do?
If you are Angus Wright, you agree to go to a stranger’s home, take off all your clothes, and let her make huge photographs of you!
This was an opportunity to learn how Ottawa photographer Ruth Steinberg and Angus worked together to coax the beauty out of a body that Angus was reluctant to look at himself. There was also a moderated artist talk and panel discussion on the male nude in photography, masculinity, gender performance, and body image.”
Feeling inspired to do something new? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
QU’ART QUEER COMMUNITY GARDENING CLUB
July 2019
“Qu’ART’s Queer Community Gardening Club aimed to mix fun volunteer gardening work in local Ottawa community plots with learning, socializing, and fun intergenerational knowledge-sharing. Folks met at the Centretown Community Garden Project and all supplies and tools were provided All queer people of any age were welcome to apply with a commitment to 2 or 3 flexible volunteer hours a week during the summer to help take care of the garden plot.
Have an idea for something new and different? Apply for our Community MAXimizer program for a micro-grant to make your idea a reality!
DADDIES AND DRAGONS
November 2019-January 2020.
Have you been looking for a queer-focused Dungeons and Dragons Campaign? ⠀
Heard all the hype about Dungeons and Dragons and wanted a queer-friendly space for you to explore the most magical and epic game on planet Earth?⠀
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This Community MAXimizer program, hosted at Centertown Community Health Centre, was created to answer “Yes!” to the above questions. Daddies and Dragons begin a campaign to stamp a GBT2S+ face onto D&D!⠀
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Beginners are VERY welcome, as are experts! No equipment required!⠀
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MAKEUP GENDERLESS
January 2020-February
From Daytime to Drag contributed to the goal of building healthier and more resilient communities of guys into guys by de-stigmatizing makeup as a non-gendered art form and means of self-expression. Participants, particularly those who are guys into guys, were welcomed to creatively explore various makeup tools and techniques from a gender-neutral framework, which emphasizes makeup as a fun way to express oneself and practice new skills.
With this event, Spectrum built on the existing strengths of our participants by creating a space where makeup knowledge and skills were shared, and where confidence, self-efficacy, and a sense of community solidarity had been fostered.
T4T ZONE
April 2020- August 2020
T4T Zone is a project aimed to connect trans men (and gay, queer, bisexual, transmasculine, non-binary, Two Spirit, gender diverse men and folks) with other trans men & folks. Two virtual hangout meetings were held. The project provided a copy of “We Both Laughed in Pleasure: the diaries of Lou Sullivan” and the group discussed it.
