Newsletter of the Rainbow Alliance at the University of Florida
January 2003, Vol. 1, No. 4
Next RA Dinner Meeting! Tuesday, January 21, 2003 – 6:30 pm at Emiliano's in Downtown Gainesville
Features
First Words: Many Thanks to Our Contributors!
Rainbow Alliance Plans for 2003
GLSEN State Coordinator to Speak about Dignity for All Students Act in Gainesville, Tuesday, January 14Departments
Contributing to the Rainbow Alliance Fund
Resources
How To Join Rainbow Alliance
Contributors to This Issue of RA-News
First Words: Many Thanks to Our Contributors!
RA's basic goal is to improve the LGBT environment at the University of Florida. There's an abstract sense in which that's true -- if there were no LGBT people at the University, the right thing to do would be to create an atmosphere that would be welcoming, affirming and supportive. More important is the practical goal of improving the environment for the LGBT people who are here, and of course, for those who will follow.
We've said before to each of you who receive this newsletter, that simply by being on this list you are making a difference. Any time the question of changing University policy comes up, the core issue is always, "How many people does this affect?" But without a Who behind the How Many, whatever the answer to that question is, it may not carry much weight. You are the Who -- and although there are many more LGBT people and allies -- who aren't on our mailing list (yet!), just that fact that we have an organization allows us to represented. It's important.
But this month requires a special thank you to those of you who have sent in contributions to help establish the Rainbow Alliance Fund. The Fund is a critical part of our overall goals. While there are a number of things RA can accomplish for free, there are some things that can only be done with money. Early on, it was decided that RA membership would not require dues, and that everything would pretty much be on a "pay as we go" basis. But to take our plans to next level, we have to have a financial base. Those who have contributed to the RA Fund are laying a foundation for some very exciting projects.
It seems very appropriate that the Fund will be established during the University's sesquicentennial year, because both events are milestones for the University. The plan to take the University itself to the next level, into the highest ranks of America's finest research universities, must include a truly open and diverse environment. It is not an exagerration to say that the Fund is an important part of that plan.
Rainbow Alliance Plans for 2003
Last year, Rainbow Alliance saw the kick-off of fundraising to establish the Rainbow Alliance Fund, the beginnings of the UF LGBT Alumni Club, and the start of the Rainbow Alliance newsletter.
For 2003, we already have some exciting plans.
1) Creation of the Rainbow Alliance Fund in mid January. You can read more about the Fund in any of the newsletters, including this one.
2) Rainbow Alliance will award two LGBT Service/Research Awards during Spring 2003 semester. For the past three years these awards have been given through the auspice of the University's LGBT Concerns Committee. Every year the committee raised just enough money to give two $500 awards. This year, the awards will be funded by Rainbow Alliance, and awarded through a competitve process coordinated by the LGBT Concerns Committee. Past award winners and their projects will be listed on the Rainbow Alliance Web site.
3) The Rainbow Alliance Web site will be created. Coming soon! We promise.
4) Rainbow Alliance will work to help create the LGBT Colloquium -- an undergraduate course to be offered in Fall 2003. Several Rainbow Alliance members are working to create this course, which will provide a survey of LGBT projects being conducted in a variety of University departments. As details develop, they will be reported in the newsletter.
5) Work will continue to identify LGBTA alumni. We're considering several approaches. The Web site is cornestone of this effort.
6) Of course, we'll continue our monthly dinners, and we hope to have two special functions as well, similar to the socials we have had before. We hope all of you will make the effort to attend some of these functions.
7) Rainbow Alliance depends on the efforts of dedicated volunteers. A little of your time could go a long way. Get involved. Make a difference.
GLSEN State Coordinator to Speak about Dignity for All Students Act in Gainesville, Tuesday, January 14
Brenda Barron, GLSEN's State Campaign Coordinator, will speak on January 14, 2003 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at United Way of Alachua County located at 6031 NW 1st Pl (across the street from Burdines) in their large conference room. Brenda is traveling around Florida to speak to groups concerning the Dignity for All Students Act before the Florida legislative session begins in March. This meeting is open to anyone interested in the Dignity Act. So, please help us spread the word to other appropriate groups in our area. If you have any questions, please do hesitate to call Staci Fox at 377-0856.
For more information:
GLSEN <http://www.glsen.org>
Dignity for All Students Act <http://www.eqfl.org/dignity.htm>
Contributing to the Rainbow Alliance Fund
In a few days, the Rainbow Alliance Fund will be a reality. Several individuals have made contributions to help establish that fund. Their generosity is much appreciated. However, the Fund will need continuing support. Please consider making a donation. It is fully tax deductible. Once the Fund is set up, it will be very easy to set up a payroll deduction. Whatever you wish to contribute, including a few dollars a pay period, will really help. Ten dollars a pay period, for example. For most of us, it isn't that much, but it adds up to over $250 dollars a year. If we all gave just that, the Fund would thrive.
We will happily accept whatever you wish to give. Contributions will be gratefully accepted from anyone; non-UF individuals who contribute $50 or more will become honorary members of the Rainbow Alliance for one year.
We have established the following contribution levels:
Under $50 – Friend of the Rainbow
Alliance
$50 to $99 – Patron of the Rainbow Alliance
$100 to $199 – Benefactor of the Rainbow Alliance
$200 and above – President's Circle
To contribute, send a personal check made out to the University of Florida Foundation to the following address:
Charles M. Brown
PO Box 110570
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida 32610
These contributions are tax deductible.
Your contribution will fund the following:
- Competitive LGBT Research/Service Awards to be given in Spring semester.
- Purchase of materials for the collection of LGBT resources currently housed in the Dean of Students office.
- Rainbow Alliance makes a contribution annually to LGBT student groups to support specific programs.
- Lay the financial foundation for the University of Florida LGBT Resource Center.
If you have any questions about the Fund or for more information > Charles Brown: cbrown@agen.ufl.edu
RA-online > coming soon!
Pride Community Center of Gainesville > http://www.pridecommunitycenter.org/
Gainesville Community Alliance (GCA) > http://www.gcaonline.org/
Pride Student Union > http://sg.ufl.edu/pride/
Gator Gay Straight Alliance > http://www.gatorgsa.org
Many more links > http://sg.ufl.edu/pride/links2.html
Membership in Rainbow Alliance is available to all staff and faculty at the University of Florida. Graduate students will be considered for membership. Health Science Center staff and faculty are also welcome to join Rainbow Alliance. Individuals not associated with the University may become honorary members of Rainbow Alliance through an annual contribution to the Rainbow Alliance Fund of $50 or more.
To become a member, send an email to Charles Brown > cbrown@agen.ufl.edu
Charles Brown, editor
Greg Allen
Corrections, comments, copy > Charles Brown: cbrown@agen.ufl.edu
RA-news, newsletter of the Rainbow Alliance at the University of Florida, copyright 2003