Who We Are
Pride Cares is the disaster response, relief, and care program of the Open Table Metropolitan Community Church, acting as the church’s social responsibility and outreach arm. Through this program, we aim to enjoin people to show support and solidarity with our siblings in Christ, especially LGBTQIA+ individuals and community members, who are stricken with natural and human-made disasters.
Rationale
As part of our mission to offer safe space to whoever comes to Open Table, we recognize the dire need for a safe space for individuals stricken with disasters both inside and outside church. This is one way that we involve ourselves with God’s wider work of justice.
The Philippines is a disaster-prone area due to its location (near the Pacific Ocean and on the path of the Pacific Ring of Fire). It is known for encountering multiple monsoons and typhoons throughout the year, as well as occasional earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Our country also continues to be affected by climate change and man-made disasters.
LGBTQIA+ individuals and families in the Philippines face more challenges in terms of accessing civic and government relief programs because of their gender identity, sexuality and composition.
Our Guiding Principles
Dignity
We believe that the human beneficiaries of support and response, being one with the image of Christ, and of equal humanity, deserve worthy acknowledgement, space, and respect. Therefore, Pride Cares shall strive to give in-kind donations and items that are reflective and respectful of how we see the recipients. As much as possible, the quality of the donations should be equivalent to what the donors want and need to use and enjoy.
As the church always says in Filipino, “Kung ano ang nakakain at nae-enjoy mo para sa sarili mo, ‘yun din ang ibigay mo sa kapwa mong higit na nangangailangan” [Whatever you eat and enjoy for yourself, give the same to your kindred who are in greater need].
Knowing their Name, Stories, and Humanity
Pride Cares strive to create real and personal connections with the people we will be responding to. Pride Cares volunteers and members shall do their best to connect and interact with them on a level that they are comfortable with, making an effort to know their names, lives, stories, struggles and backgrounds as they consent and are willing.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Pride Cares recognize the trust that should be honored when an individual opens and entrusts their personal stories and experiences to us. We ensure that the things shared to us are kept in confidence, and that clear consent must be given should there be a need of telling or writing albeit identities still kept confidential.
Respect and Non-judgment
As members and allies of vulnerable communities, we have experienced firsthand what judgment and disrespect does to a soul; thus, Pride Cares commit to giving respect to the people we will encounter, regardless of their race, sexual and gender orientation, and beliefs. We also commit to giving quality services with an attitude of non-superiority, non-condescension, and humility.
Honoring Boundaries
Pride Cares is careful not to transgress the boundaries of a person by pushing them to speak and share beyond their level of comfort or asking them to do things that they are not willing to. We shall also practice caution and sensitivity when it comes to physical boundaries, only forming physical contact and touch whenever appropriate, consented, and wanted. Likewise, we also commit to be wary of overcommitting through words by expressing and offering only what we can realistically do and follow through.
A Companion Role
Pride Cares shall never assume the role of messiah or a know-all resource for people just because of our response to people’s needs during disasters. Pride Cares, its leaders, members, and volunteers, are never superior to our recipients and beneficiaries, and we shall not act like one. We listen, give space, and offer presence and help as needed and wanted. We strive to show humility and grace in conversations and to not speak assumptively regarding a person’s plight or situation.
Transparency and Accountability
Pride Cares shall hold itself accountable to the church community, beneficiaries, and donors by being transparent with its needs and donations, both in cash and in kind. Pride Cares remains faithful and truthful in our annual report, and shall also commit to giving updates after the execution and accomplishment of a project.
Area of Operation
Pride Cares’ initial areas of relief operations and response shall be the Greater Manila Area (in pink). This includes Metro Manila, the provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna. Assistance and response may also extend to the provinces of Quezon, Batangas, and Pampanga (in green).
Volunteer Recruitment
Membership to Pride Cares shall be available for regular attendees of Open Table MCC who express interest and desire to participate in outreach and disaster response. The promotion shall come during announcements, social media postings, and member invitations. Interested individuals may approach any Open Table MCC Board member or any of the existing Pride Cares members.
Pride Cares shall also open outreach activities to friends of members; however, they shall not be able to join planning and implementation discussions in the committee.