February 23, 2010.  During the past several weeks, it has become apparent the Center Volunteer Program is in need of review.  In consultation with board members and staff, I have determined we will place the program on “Hold” for the next several weeks.  During this time, we will take steps that strengthen how we work together with our most valuable team of individuals who enable the center to succeed.  Volunteers are truly the heart of the organization who include our Group Facilitators, Pride Committee, office staff and numerous other team members.

We appreciate the work that Jean Adams and Michael Moore did on behalf of the organization.  While they are no longer involved in the program, Center leadership appreciates what they contributed to working with the volunteers during the past several months while I have been interim Executive Director.  

In the weeks ahead, the Center will announce the re-launch of the Volunteer Program and looks forward to continuing to build a team of individuals willing to help us meet our goals. 

For the past few year, Sacramento Pride has featured a series of Pride Week events—opportunities for local businesses and community organizations to spotlight their venues, products or services while showing their LGBT Pride and supporting the services of the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center.

Last year, there were so many Pride Week events that there weren’t enough days in just a week! So for 2010, Sacramento will offer Pride Month—an entire month of fabulous parties, workshops, art shows, open houses and more...!

Host an Official Pride Month Event!

Check back often for additions to our Official Pride Month Schedule!

We can’t wait to celebrate a whole month of California’s Capital Pride!

Download the Application Form

Sacramento, CA – Jason Russell, Rainbow Chamber Treasurer, recently presented a $2,500 check to Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center Board President Gail Mancarti, Vice President, Connie Axelrod and interim Executive Director, Bill Otton. The funds will support youth programs at the Center during 2010 and is part of a $10,000 pledge made by the Rainbow Foundation in late 2009.

“The gift represents the ongoing collaboration between the Center and prominent organizations in our community,” said Otton. “We are grateful that Chamber Foundation leaders continue to support our efforts to provide a safe and nurturing place for young people, where positive programming leads to productive lives.”

The Center is currently moving through a period of change while maintaining its various activities for all ages. A search for a new Executive Director is well underway with a goal to have the new leader in place before summer. New board members are being sought, membership and donor programs are growing and the largest Pride Festival in the Center’s history is currently being planned under the leadership of volunteer Chair, Josh Jacoby. “It is truly an exciting period to be involved,” said Axelrod, who has served on the Board of Directors since August 2008.

The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center serves the needs of the LGBT community and its allies. Board, staff and volunteers work together to bring the community together through educational and social programs that help end violence, hate crimes, and prejudice, while promoting greater tolerance and understanding for various points of view and lifestyles.

The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center is expanding its volunteer Board of Directors. We are in an exciting time of renewing our vision, services, and operations to better serve the Sacramento LGBTQI community in the coming decade. Please join us in this effort!

Over the next two to six months, four new Board members will be selected. If you are interested in being part of the Board candidate pool please review the following information then submit a cover letter and resume to Gail Mancarti, Board President at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

For immediate consideration please respond by March 7, 2010.

As a volunteer Board member we will ask for your commitment to:

1. Be informed about and agree with the organization's mission, vision, services, policies, and programs.

2. Be open with your sexual identity and your connection with a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex community center.

3. Attend at least 75% of regular and special board meetings.

4. Be prepared for board meetings.

5. Personally participate in financial giving to the Center.

6. Be able to place the organization's purposes and interests above your own professional and personal interests when making decisions as a board member.

7. Agree to board member contract.

8. Attend and participate in Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center fund-raising events.

9. Represent the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center at other organization’s events.

10. Participate in board trainings, retreats and planning sessions.

11. Inform others about the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center.

12. Suggest candidates to serve on the board.

13. Keep up-to-date on developments affecting the LGBTQI community.

14. Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies.

15. Refrain from making special requests of the staff.

16. Volunteer to help.

Preferred qualifications for Board membership:

• Previously served on a non-profit Board of Directors.

• Ability to raise funds for the Center.

• Connections to the LGBTQI community.

• Policy level leadership experience.

• Energy and enthusiasm in building a community organization.

• Knowledge of LGBTQI issues.

Job Opening:  Executive Director             

Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center

Position Summary          

This position functions as the Executive Director having overall management responsibility for the successful operations of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center. The position requires excellent human relations skills, extensive political awareness and commitment to the causes and issues of the LGBT community. The position also requires an energetic and innovative leadership style and the ability to effectively interact with diverse and frequently critical opponents.

About This Organization               

The Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center is proud to serve the LGBT communities with a rich offering of programs and support.  We are currently in our 25 year and actively searching for a new Executive Director.

Through extensive use of Volunteers and a very small staff we provide a safe location for LGBT groups to meet.              

Full Time

Compensation

$45,000 - $55,000

Medical, Dental, Vision

Qualifications    

College degree required, master’s degree preferred. Experience in managing staff, and volunteers, and in working with a Board of Directors. Thorough knowledge of non-profit management necessary. Experience in fundraising required. Financial management and budget development experience necessary. Excellent writing skills required. Public speaking skills necessary. Must be able to balance multiple tasks.

Job Requirements          

Foster an environment within the community that provides broad support to the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian center as well as strong support for the mission of the Center.

Foster an environment within the center which promotes volunteer use, and effective and efficient programs and events.

Establish a Center culture that promotes excellence in program delivery and services and sound fiscal management.

Manage, direct, and be the leader of Center Staff and volunteers including ALL personnel activities.

Informs the board of progress in Center activities and programs.

Be responsible for Center program development and implementation of the programs.

Prepare program evaluations and reports and participate in the development of program standards.

As a member of the Executive Committee review board meeting agendas and pertinent data needed for the meeting.

Assist the Board of Directors with strategic visioning and implementation of policy.

Provide annual goals and implementation strategies to the board for consideration in strategic visioning.

Provide annual center budgets, and festivals, events, and program budgets.

Respond to viable opportunities for fund development with strong leadership, delegation, and management of the required processes. Oversee or perform Grant research and grant writing.

Develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders including political figures, governmental agencies, local community leaders, local businesses.

Oversee and manage the design and production of all Center communication.

Represent the Center at regional and/or national events as deemed fit and approved by the board.

Provide LEVEL ONE development OR direction and management of all Center events.

Oversee all media activities.

Coordinating marketing strategy and materials.

Please resume to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Application Deadline     

Ashley Mills, Genetic Counseling student at Mount Sinai in New York is conducting a research study survey which aims to understand family history communication and cancer beliefs and attitudes in the LGBTQ community. It is a ONE TIME anonymous online survey and takes 15-20 minutes to complete.  It requires NO additional participation.

There have been few opportunities to investigate cancer beliefs and attitudes in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) female communities. The purpose of this study is to understand and analyze views on cancer and family communication in sexually diverse female communities.  The intended goal is to use the information analyzed to give health care professionals, such as genetic counselors, greater insight of community beliefs and attitudes in order to better serve and understand their patients who identify as LGBTQ.  Addressing risk assessment, cancer worry and family history are the key components of cancer genetic counseling, with the goals of both addressing patient’s psychological needs and influencing risk-reducing behaviors.  Therefore, such insights could be useful for improving education, cultural competency, communication and appropriate clinical care.

Your participation is much appreciated!  In order to participate, you must be female, over age 18. A diagnosis of cancer is not needed to participate in this survey.

 You can find the survey online by simply clicking on the link below:

 http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=CRt9E4jCxOD_2fKJgpSRnqrQ_3d_3d

 
If you have any questions, at any time, or want to discuss any study-related concerns, please contact Ashley Mills at (212)241-9414 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

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