Children learned about the science of rainbows. They played with slime. Created spin art. Some even dared to sit in an oversized replica of a shark’s gaping jaws.
But perhaps most importantly, the kids spent their day of fun and learning surrounded by all kinds of Broward families – including those with two moms or two dads.
Pride Day festivities at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale are examples of the museum’s new emphasis on inclusion.
With support from Fundholders at the Community Foundation of Broward, the museum is bolstering efforts to become more welcoming to all Broward families. New marketing campaigns, programing and even the addition of gender-inclusive bathrooms are among the museum improvements to help more Broward families feel like they belong.
The changes are part of Broward Pride philanthropy through the Foundation that fosters inclusion and unites our diverse community. We have identified Broward Pride as one of the 10 Issues That Matter – issues that affect us all and are key to shaping a better future for our community. Broward Pride supports communitywide outreach to families that – due to discrimination, insensitivity or sometimes just indifference – often feel left out.
“We have been able to reach out and show that we are about inclusion and acceptance,” said Joseph Cox, president/CEO of the museum, which received a Broward Pride grant from the Foundation.
To become more inclusive, the museum has enlisted the help of SunServe, a nonprofit organization that works to foster inclusion and equality for Broward’s LGBTQ community.
SunServe has provided LGBTQ sensitivity training for museum employees, like the education programs it conducts for local businesses and other organizations.
In addition to helping the museum, a Broward Pride from the Foundation has empowered SunServe to expand LGBTQ sensitivity training to municipal workers in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, Plantation and several other Broward cities.
First responders, customer service representatives and other city workers who deal with the public are learning how to be more accommodating to LGBTQ residents.
“If you don’t understand their struggle, their needs, you are not going to be sympathetic to help them,” said Misty Eyez, a SunServe director, trainer and case manager.
Now, work to spread inclusion and equality to more of Broward is getting a big boost from $379,000 in new Broward Pride grants. Support from Foundation Fundholders is making it possible for hospitals, youth programs and more to better serve all who call Broward home.
Support for the museum's Broward Pride grant has been provided by the following Funds at the Community Foundation:
Richard Frisby and Edward Burkhart Fund
Gay and Lesbian Broward Community Fund
Edwin A. and Jane N. Huston Fund
Everett H. Metcalf, Jr. Unrestricted Fund
Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund
Support for SunServe’s Broward Pride grant has been provided by the following Funds at the Community Foundation:
Richard Frisby and Edward Burkhart Fund
Gay and Lesbian Broward Community Fund
Loren R. Lyons Fund
Fred and Mary Ruffner Fund
Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund
To learn how you can establish a charitable Fund for Broward to support the Broward Pride initiative, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
