This FAQ divided to two sections: Member FAQ's | Community FAQ's
For Members:
Q: What is the purpose of the Welcome Here Project?
A: The Welcome Here Project supports businesses and organisations to create and promote environments that are visibly welcoming and inclusive of Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) people. We also support Members to celebrate LGBTIQ diversity by providing free promotional resources.
Q: Who can apply to become a member?
A:All businesses and organisations including corporate, community and government services can become a member. There are no limits in size, location or sector, all are welcome.
Q: How do I become a member of the Welcome Here Project and how long does approval take?
A: It’s easy to apply! Click here, it only takes 5 minutes. We process applications within 1 week and send out Member Packs within 4 weeks (maximum).
Q: What if my business has more than one site?
A: The More the merrier! You can register as many of your sites as you like. Members receive one Member Pack for each registered site. A Member Pack includes:
- Welcome letter and checklist – tips to get the most out of the project
- Rainbow Stickers and Charter
- Promotional postcards
- Fridge magnet and badge
Q: Is there a fee involved to become a member?
A: Yes, there is a small fee per site (or additional pack) to help cover project running costs:
- Membership costs $15 per site + a flat rate shipping fee of $10 per order. For example, if you register 3 sites, your membership cost will be $45 total, and your shipping fee will be $10.
Q: What are the conditions of membership?
A: We require members to support the three project commitments:
- Welcome and include LGBTIQ+ people
- Create positive change in your local community
- Celebrate LGBTIQ+ Diversity (see LGBTIQ Diversity Days Project)
We also require members to display the Welcome Here member sticker and charter publicly and/or online.
It is optional but we encourage members to join in celebrating ACON’s LGBTI Diversity Days Project.
Q: I was a Safe Place Member, do I have to reapply to the Welcome Here Project?
A: Yes, the Safe Place Project was reviewed in 2017 resulting in the refreshed Welcome Here Project. The focus has shifted from ‘safety’ to creating visibly ‘welcoming’ spaces and celebrating LGBTIQ diversity. We have made some changes and improvements including new branding with a new sticker and charter so reapply to get all the benefits of being a member.
What’s new?
- Member Resources – we now provide free resources to help members celebrate LGBTIQ diversity which is part of our LGBTIQ Diversity Days Project.
- Nominate a Business function – if you know a business you think would like to be involved.
- New Website – providing useful information including a community feedback section
- Project Promotion Resources – download our project logo and Member Badge and let everyone know you are a proud member.
- Promotional Video – take a look and feel free to post or share the video.
- Member Newsletter – we provide members with a quarterly newsletter to support members to create welcoming and inclusive spaces.
- Just one sticker – we no longer have 5 different membership categories or different stickers.
- Simplified application – the application form is shorter and easier.
Q: My business/organisation is outside NSW, can I still apply?
A: Yes! While the project was developed in NSW and has been based here for many years we have now expanded the scope of the project so businesses and organisations across Australia can now join.
We welcome all new members from wherever you are located.
Q: What are the benefits of being a member?
A.
- Belong to a national movement of like-minded inclusive businesses/organisations
- A low cost and easy way to show your customers, clients and visitors that your business is welcoming of LGBTIQ people
- Opportunities to increase your exposure to LGBTIQ communities for example by listing your site/s on our Member Directory
- Access to training and other inclusion information to help make your business/service more accessible
Q: Can I nominate a business or organisation to join the project?
A: Community members can submit an online nomination for any businesses and/or services they believe demonstrates the project principles to become a Welcome Here Project member.
When we receive a nomination we send the nominated organisation an email with a link to the application page and invite them to join. The nomination process is confidential.
Q: Can I promote the project in my local area?
A: Yes Please! Promotion of the project can come in many forms. In addition to displaying the Welcome Here sticker and here are some other ways you can promote the project:
- Once you are a member we’ll email you the project logo and other designs which you can use to let everyone know you are a proud member and welcome LGBTIQ people.
- Display the Welcome Here Project promotional cards in your business or service.
- Post a selfie on Facebook or Instagram displaying your sticker and/or charter. Tag @aconsafetyandinclusion or #ACONwelcomehere
Q: What is the LGBTIQ Diversity Days Project and do Welcome Here members have to join in?
A: LGBTIQ Diversity Days Project aims to increase awareness of LGBTIQ diversity by celebrating LGBTIQ days of significance like Wear it Purple Day and IDAHOBIT.
While you do not have to acknowledge all the Diversity Days we do encourage you to choose a few days that you or your local community relate to and show your support for diversity in your own way!
For Tools and tips on Diversity Days go to https://www.welcomehere.org.au/diversitydays
Q: Does ACON have other Inclusion Programs that might be relevant to my business?
A: Yes! Some businesses might also consider accessing one of ACON’s other Inclusion Programs – you can be a member of the Welcome Here Project at the same time:
- Pride in Diversity Australia’s first and only national not-for-profit employer support program for all aspects of LGBTI workplace inclusion.
- Pride in Health + Wellbeing is a membership program that provides year-round support in the provision of LGBTI inclusive services for those working within the health and wellbeing sector.
- Pride in Sport designed to assist National and State sporting organisations and clubs with the inclusion of LGBTI employees, players, volunteers and spectators.
- Pride Training provides learning and development programs to assist health and community organisations increase their knowledge of LGBTI people, communities and health issues. Our learning and development offerings use a variety of activities, media and training resources to engage with participants.
For more information please visit www.pridetraining.org.au or www.prideinclusionprograms.
For Community:
Q: What Can I expect when I go into a registered Welcome Here Member’s place?
A: All Welcome Here members have agreed to the three project commitments which are:
- Welcome and include LGBTIQ people
- Create positive change in their local community
- Celebrate LGBTIQ Diversity
If you have a positive or negative experience and want to let us know please go to the contact us page on our website or you may wish to give your feedback directly to the member. Please give feedback in the spirit of the project which is about bring the broader community on a journey of greater inclusion. We work with Members to support them where possible.
Q: How do I know which businesses are Welcome Here Members and how do I support them?
A: Check out our Member Directory to see all registered Welcoming Places throughout Australia. When you click on the link you will see a Google Map where you can zoom in on areas of the map to find members in your local area. You can also search by business name or location.
We encourage you to visit these businesses/organisations, join them in celebrating LGBTIQ diversity, and share via our Instagram and Facebook channels - @aconsafetyandinclusion or #ACONwelcomehere.
Q: What is the nomination function? What happens when I nominate a business?
A: If you know of a business or organisation in your local area that is welcoming and inclusive of the LGBTIQ community and you think they should be a registered Welcoming Place you can nominate them on our website to become a Member. We will contact the business or organisation to let them know about your nomination and extend an offer of membership to them.
Q: As an individual can I become a member?
A: Yes, we will send you an Individual Member Pack with resources to help you have conversations with local businesses and encourage them to join.
Here are some other ways you can support the project and get involved:
- Nominate a Business – through our website you can nominate a business or service to become a Welcome Here Place. Nominations can be done at
- Provide Feedback – If you have a positive or negative experience and want to let us know please go to our Welcome Here website or you may wish to give your feedback directly to the member.
- Celebrate LGBTIQ Diversity Days – this project is all about increasing visibility, awareness and understanding of LGBTIQ communities thereby breaking down access barriers. Download free promotional kits for the many LGBTIQ Days of Significance from the project website.
- Donate – please consider making a donation to support our ongoing work
Q: Can a community member celebrate LGBTIQ Diversity Days?
A: Yes please! On our Diversity Days page we have links and resources for all to print, post or email. You can also Like us on Facebook @aconsafetyandinclusion.