OUR MISSION
MISSION STATEMENT
The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center is dedicated to serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of the greater Sacramento area and surrounding counties and its allies by providing space, diverse programming, advocacy, and cultural activities in an affirming, compassionate, and safe environment.
VISION STATEMENT
To be recognized for our excellence and our commitment to the LGBT community of the greater Sacramento region by developing and sustaining quality, innovative programs and services that support, strengthen, and champion this diverse community; by expanding community outreach and involvement; and by maintaining and enhancing superior professional staffing and valued board governance.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in employment and in the provision of all services.
It is an explicit goal of all Center programs to be inclusive and representative of the diversity found in the Sacramento community. Honoring, promoting and celebrating our community’s diversity is a central organizing principle for the Center. Every staff member, board member and volunteer is committed to helping to create an environment where each individual can feel respected, welcomed and understood. The Center provides services without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, genetic characteristics, political belief or activity, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state and local laws.
GOALS
Acquire optimum space in a preferred locale to meet programming and community needs.
Develop a solid paid staff supported by a diverse volunteer base.
Develop mission-driven, effective programs based on community needs.
Develop solid, reliable funding streams from diverse sources.
Build a thriving multicultural and integrated community center.
Build effective partnerships that support the mission of the center and the goals of the LGBT community.
Obtain appropriate technology and means to inform and educate and serve our community.
Develop a solid, diverse and effective board of directors.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Center’s Strategic Planning Community Outreach Engages Over 350 People
One of the most important responsibilities of the Board of Directors is to ensure the future direction for the Center is established and achieved. Earlier this year the Center’s board initiated a strategic planning process and appointed a task force to guide the effort. The board extends their appreciation to the following task force and community members for their help:
• Gail Mancarti, Board President and Task Force Co-chair
• Rev. Jason Bense, Pastor Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer and Co-chair
• Bob Herne, MSW, Executive Director Sierra Forever Families
• LaKeysia Beene, Attorney
• Sara Freid, Past Interim Executive Director Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center
• Alicia Stammer, Consultant
• Nik Bonovich, Provided Data Analysis for the Task Force
The board also wishes to thank the community members who participated in strategic planning focus groups, the on-line survey, and interviews. These perspectives and comments have enriched the discussion of the Center’s future. In addition to the 288 respondents to the on-line survey, the following communities of interest participated in the focus groups and the board wants to acknowledge their support:
• Faith-based Organizations
• Local Businesses
• LGBTQ and Ally Community Members
• Parents
• Center Staff and Volunteers
A commitment was made to report on the progress of planning after completion of this initial phase. The board, however, is allowing the Center’s new executive director, Shara Perkins-Murphy, to expand the engagement process over the next 60 days. She has plans to further engage donors, volunteers, and community partners to build on the information already collected in widening the picture of the Center’s current and potential role within the community.
