The Implementation Team may begin with an Internet search to locate SGM organizations, groups, or support services in the region that can assist with identifying potential SGM people to take part in the organizational change process. If this search does not produce results, statewide organizations might assist in making local contacts. These include SGM health advocacy and policy organizations, LGBTQ resource centers (often housed at local universities and colleges), transgender resource centers, and associations centered on social support, such as PFLAG (formerly titled the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). Staff and volunteers at these organizations can work with the Implementation Team to find contacts and resources in the local community. Appendix C includes contact information for organizations in New Mexico, the state where we developed this toolkit with the help of its SGM community. We encourage clinics to compile similar contact information for groups in their area.
Once the team has located resources, have the “ask” ready. For example, if the clinic would like to expand its governing body or an advisory board to include local SGM patients, families, and caregivers, be prepared to explain to the organizations that the clinic is reaching out to them to see if they might know someone who would be willing to serve. A sample invitation letter appears in Appendix D.