Mission, vision, and strategic goals

This page sets out the mission, vision, values, and strategic goals of RUSA LGBTQ+ (now QARAVAN), as stated in its 2023 Annual Report.

Mission

RUSA LGBTQ+, headquartered in New York City, is a community-based, nonprofit organization of LGBTQ+ immigrants from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, women, and other people with intersectional identities, and their allies. In solidarity with other grassroots groups, RUSA builds the power of people to change unjust policies, discriminatory societal attitudes, and oppressive ideologies to create a more equitable world.

RUSA LGBTQ+ was formed as a grassroots group in 2008 and registered as a nonprofit organization in 2022. RUSA provides informational support and mutual aid to asylum seekers and other immigrants in the United States and organizes events to build a stronger community of LGBTQ+ immigrants and allies and increase the acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ+ people worldwide.

Vision

Our vision is a world where the community of LGBTQ+ immigrants from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus is an integral and active part of social justice and human rights movements in the United States and globally. The common goal of these movements is a world where people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities exercise their human rights fully, openly, and safely, without fear, violence, bigotry, or discrimination.

Values

The values and keywords driving our work:

• Gender justice
• Transparency
• Belonging
• Chosen family
• Joy
• Civic engagement
• Human rights
• Immigrant justice
• Racial justice
• Solidarity

We also endorse:

• Anti-imperialism
• Celebrating differences
• Diversity
• Inclusion
• Mutual support
• Volunteer engagement

We strive towards:

• Disability justice
• Equity
• Liberation
• Mobilization
• Cultural humility
• Participation
• Pride

Strategic goals

Our strategic goal is community building and strengthening. Through community events, mutual aid, referrals, and orientations, we build a community of LGBTQ+ immigrants from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus. We unite against structural and interpersonal discrimination of LGBTQ+ individuals, women, refugees, and other underprivileged groups.

As a new nonprofit, RUSA also focuses on its capacity building and sustainability. We increase RUSA’s knowledge and skills to support our community, deliver RUSA’s mission, and ensure a stable, long-term, impactful, and effective organization.