Support PFLAG National Programs

A couple of exciting (and easy!) ways to support our parent organization are set for the fundraising extravaganza that will be May 2014.

In addition to our own rummage sale, for which we are still taking donations, and whatever support we can lend Spokane PFLAG on National Give OUT Day (our status is not ready this year for it), everyone can chip in to help the national nonprofit.

First, for the third year running, the Johnson and Johnson Company is partnering with PFLAG’s Safe Schools Program to raise money to go toward anti-bullying strategies. Johnson and Johnson understands the unique struggles faced by LGBT students, and with their Care With Pride initiative, they can help to make a difference. Watch an informative and heartwarming video about the way the world could be here and then be sure to text “HERO” to 41010 to send $5 to Care With Pride. Johnson and Johnson will match every dollar for up to $150,000 to PFLAG’s LGBT youth programs. That’s $300,000 to help make schools a safe place for all students. Just send the text and $5 will be added to you cell phone bill– easy peasy.

 

Second, there is an amazing new book that is available now for preorder on Amazon. It’s called “This Day in June”. Here is the Amazon.com description:

This Day in June is an uplifting and upbeat book that shares the experience of attending an LGBT Pride festival and a day when everyone is united. It includes back matter that informs the reader of various aspects of LGBT history and culture.

Inspired by founder, Jeanne Manford’s, bravery and hoping to instill in the next generation feelings of love and solidarity, this book is written for parents and children to enjoy and learn together. A copy of the book costs $8-11, depending on whether you want hard or soft copy and a portion of the proceeds will benefit PFLAG National when you order through Smile, Amazon’s charity giving program (as soon as we have the necessary documentation, we’ll have one of these too, so every time you order though Amazon, you    can support your local PFLAG chapter). Simply select PFLAG National as your chosen organization when you order.

So, that’s it! $15 later and you helped raise nearly half-a-million dollars for safe schools as well as provided your family with a valuable tool for educating our youngest allies.

Unitarian Universalists of North Idaho

Q: What do you get when you cross a Jehovah’s Witness with a Unitarian Universalist?
A: Someone who knocks on your door and asks you what YOU believe.

Have you heard of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations? For short, and because meetings are generally on Sunday, we call it “church”. But it’s not like any church you’ve ever been to.

The Unitarians promote and live their lives by seven pretty basic principles:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person

2. Justice, equality and compassion in all human relations

3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to grow spiritually

4. A free (as in uninhibited) and responsible search for truth and meaning

5. The right of conscious and the democratic process, both in the congregations and society at large

6. The goal of the world community with peace, liberty and justice for all

7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part

Sounds great, right? No dogma or doctrine. Just guidelines for living life well and respecting the lives you encounter along the way. A church that encourages the concept of “life before death”. Learn as much as you want by visiting their website.

The local chapter of the Unitarian Universalists has been serving the Coeur d’Alene area with meetings most Sundays, book discussions, dances and socials. I’ve attended a handful of times over the last year because, personally, I love the community feeling of a church without Jesus Christ being shoved down my (and my kids’) throat. Just one woman’s opinion.

If you are interested in learning more about the North Idaho Unitarian Universalists, please consider attending a mixer being hosted by one of the congregations members or sitting in on a service. The meetings are held at the Harding Family Center at 411 N. 15th St in Coeur d’Alene from 10:30 to 11:30AM. Childcare is provided for free most Sundays, and this is one of the most welcoming bunches of people I have ever met! 

Jeanne Manford PFLAG Way – A New Street in Queens

(First of all, does anyone else see the irony that the founder of an LGBT rights group lived in Queens? I’m sorry if that’s not PC, but it is a cute coincidence.)

What was formerly know as 171st St in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, N.Y. is being officially renamed in honor of the founder of PFLAG. We’ve been learning about Jeanne Manford, the spirited mother who was unfailingly proud and supportive of her gay son and unwitting founder of one of the largest LGBT and ally support group organizations.

Jeanne died last year at the age of 92.

Read the full article here.

Give OUT Day 2014

On May 15th, we invite you to participate in the Second Annual Give OUT Day! Give OUT Day is a national initiative that will engage hundreds of organizations and mobilize thousands of people on a single day across the country to participate in an online giving campaign in support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

According to a study done by the Horizons Foundation which examined charitable giving trends within the LGBT community states that less than 5% of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered are actually donating to the cause.

Last year, PFLAG National and the 33 umbrella chapters which participated raised $8000, only a portion of what the nationwide day of giving was able to collect. The Razoo Foundation, who will be “hosting” the event, expects a 50% increase in donations this year, so it is a great year to be a part of it! Not only will this new group be a part of the making of history, but it is a fantastic to accrue some extra start-up funds for the projects and goals we have for our community.

There is a planning webinar for Give OUT Day scheduled for Friday, April 11 at 2:00PM (EST) or 11:00AM (PST). It will also be recorded and available to listen at your convenience after that.

Read the full post issued by PFLAG National here.