Director's Column: Center News
First I would like to use the famous words of Harvey Milk, “The Center wants to recruit you!” We are looking for members to join us in 2009 as we strive to fulfill our mission and realize the vision of the Center. As a paid member you receive discounts and benefits from our Community Partners as appreciation for your commitment to equality and the work of the Center. Please visit our webpage at http://7riverslgbt.org/documents/membership.pdf and print off the membership form and send it in or drop it off today. Our Stellar Advocates for Equality a.k.a. The Board of Directors and I have a goal of increasing our membership exponentially in April; you can help us do that by joining today! If you are already a member-borrow Harvey’s words and “Recruit, recruit. recruit!” Belonging is an amazing feeling and together we can do so much more as a collective force.
We are once again being given an opportunity to participate in the democratic society in which we live by voting on Tuesday, April 7th. On the ballot will be races for La Crosse Mayor, State Superintendent, and State Supreme Court. Vote, vote, vote-it is definitely one way as a collective community for equality that we are afforded an opportunity to create a climate in which we can realize equality and be included in the bigger picture. If you are undecided or not as informed as you would like to be check out the candidate’s web pages, organizational endorsements of candidates, and learn all you can. Being an uneducated voter is just as harmful as not voting.
Spring is definitely here, the weather is warming and people are scurrying all about soaking up the sun. It is an exciting time at the Center as we continue progressively in to the new season with activities to increase our sense of community. We continue to have monthly Out & About outings and groups that offer support and strive to alleviate the isolation that often surrounds our community. Stop in, check our website, or call to learn more ways you can get involved with the Center and the rich diverse LGBT community in the La Crosse area.
GALAXY started meeting on Tuesday, March 10th, at the Center and is off to a great start. We have received calls from outlying communities and visits to the Center checking out our space and offerings for LGBT youth. Since the first meeting we have had 10 different youth participate in GALAXY-definitely we are off to a fantabulous start!
Being true to the rich vibrant history of GALAXY we are holding the GALAXY Ball on Saturday, April 18th, at the Port` of Call from 7:30-midnight. We have tickets for sale at the office for $5 for Adults and $4 for Students in advance and encourage people to buy their tickets in advance. We will have a wing span raffle with proceeds to benefit the GALAXY program and dancing will start at 8:30 pm and end at midnight. If you are interested in sponsoring the ball please contact me at the Center, 608-784-0452 or r.st.sauver@7riverslgbt.org
Stop down to the Center at 303 Pearl Street, and see our beautiful cozy nook. We have books, music, movies, computers for public use, WIFI, a comfortable lounge space and more. While you are here you can trace your hand so it can be added to our spectacular rainbow on display here at the Center. Lastly, you could pay your 2009 membership dues and help the Center thrive.
Belief,
Rosanne