Director's Column

What a wonderful experience it has been and continues to be for me to work at the Center. I have met new people, or have faces to go with names, and get to see friendly folk all around. It has been great to meet people who walk by and just drop-in because the center is open! Instead of being rarely open we have become more accessible to you, allies, and community members. With the start of fall we will again expand our hours to include Saturdays. Starting September 6, 2008 we will be open on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. After all we want to continue to work to create a schedule that allows you increased accessibility to our resources, staff, and safe space.

For those of you who are not familiar with me, I am committed to social justice work and working to create change and promote peace in my work, life, and world. I believe we all can make a difference as individuals, but as a group we become unstoppable in our collective efforts. If it has been awhile since you have stopped into the Center, or if you didn't renew your membership this year, take the time today to reaffirm your commitment to the center by visiting and becoming a member. It is a time of change for the Center, we are going places, and we would like for you to come along for the ride!

Consequently, when I interviewed for this position I shared my vision/hopes for the Center. As the Executive Director I assure you the Center is committed to developing programs, services, and events that are enjoyable, thought provoking, and that will encourage diverse participation. Here are three areas currently on the radar screen:

Resource Advocates

I want to develop/create an advocacy program here at the Center that will train volunteers to become Resource Advocates. Our Resource Advocates will be available to assist LGBTQIA callers with resources, emotional support, and options when they need it most.

If you are interested in becoming a Resource Advocate please stop in and complete a volunteer application to start the process.

Drop In Group

There have been several requests for social time for LGBTQI that is not in a bar setting. I would like to invite interested persons to drop in the Center on Thursday evenings for conversation, networking, and connections. Our first Thursday Drop In will be on September 11, from 6:00 -8:00 p.m.

LGBT Parent Support Group

A few years back I contacted the center looking for a group for myself as a newly “out” mom. My coming out not only affected me but everyone around me- especially my children. I called looking for a support group for newly out moms. There was not one-there is not one now. I am interested in making the Center available for LGBT Parents for a weekly, biweekly, or monthly get together. Please contact me (608-784-0452 or email r.st.sauver@7riverslgbt.org) and let me know what would best meet your needs if this is a group you are interested in. LGBT Parent Support Group coming soon!

Again these areas are only based on my own assessment and influenced by conversations I have been fortunate to have with some of you. Please know that I am open to suggestions and would love to hear needs that you feel are unmet for the LGBTQI community. I can be reached at 608-784-0452.

National Coming Out Day Events

With anticipation similar to that of a first kiss, I am anxiously awaiting October 11, 2008 National Coming Out Day (NCOD)! The Center’s Board of Directors and myself have been planning our first annual Coming Out For Equality: Bridging Communities Gala Event. It will be a gala evening featuring a catered dinner, silent auction, speakers, and dancing at the Radisson Center. You do not want to miss this, so stop by the center and pick up a ticket today, or call 608-784-0452 or email r.st.sauver@7riverslgbt.org.

If you are not able to attend Coming Out For Equality: Bridging Communities, consider sponsoring a ticket so someone else can.

Another fantabulous event we have planned for NCOD is the Silent Rally For Equality which will be happening on the Cass Street blue bridge spanning the Mississippi from noon-12:30. We had a sign up sheet at Pride and people have stopped in the Center and signed up. Currently we have 56 people signed up to be at the rally! Imagine a group of people sporting rainbow gear, Pride flags, and walking together to promote equality in step with one another. It is a beautiful vision and will be even better when seen in living color on Saturday, October 11th. We will meet in Cameron Park at 11:30 a.m. and return there after the rally for light refreshments and relish in the good vibes.

Definitely it is a time of transition and change at the center. With your continued support we will become the LGBT Resource Center for the Seven Rivers Region, which was envisioned years ago when our founding mothers and fathers worked conscientiously to incorporate us. The Center is your Center. Please stop in, email, or call with ideas you have to strengthen our community and continue to push our agenda forward: equality, acceptance, and safety for all members of our community.

Shop For A Cause: September 20, 2008

The LGBT Center for the 7 Rivers Region is participating in Macy's Shop For A Cause fundraiser and community event on Saturday, September 20, 2008. This is our first time and we want it to be a huge success and YOU can help make that happen!

We are selling $5.00 shopping passes that entitle the bearer to:

  1. special sale merchandise
  2. 20% off regular, sale, and clearance clothing for men, women, and kids, jewelry, bed & bath items, housewares, frames, luggage, china, crystal & silver, all kitchen 7 personal care electronics & technology items
  3. 10% off regular & sale furniture, mattresses and rugs
  4. A chance to sign up to win a $500 Gift Card
  5. Plus anyone who opens a Macy's account receives an additional 20% off!

For every $5.00 shopping pass we sell we make $5.00 to help us do the great work we do!

Let me know how many shopping passes you would like and consider buying a few and sharing with your friends, family, and coworkers. These shopping passes are good nationwide on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Your $5 contribution will help us have a successful first Shop For A Cause-thanks again for your support

Peace & belief,
Rosanne St. Sauver
Executive Director