Dear PFLAG Supporter,

We’re doing a lot of work around building infrastructure and greater connections across the PFLAG Chapter Network these days. Some of these efforts are reflected in one-on-one support for chapter rebranding, ongoing development of the Member Portal, and through our upcoming efforts to ensure all chapters have updated bylaws and governance documents, which you’ll hear from me about over the next couple of weeks.  

Tangibly, these updates to bylaws will impact each chapter individually, and help strengthen our collective work across the PFLAG Chapter Network. Some of the considerations in the updated bylaws include the implementation of term limits, updated mission and vision statements, and greater clarity around things like chapter board governance, composition, and activities.   

We have templates for both bylaws and governance documents, and are happy to meet with you and your board to talk through these, answer questions, or look over your drafts. There are additional resources available to help you on the Member Portal, including PFLAG Academy Online sessions created especially for PFLAG chapter leaders.  

Meanwhile, as we embark on this project, PFLAG National staff are here to serve as a resource and in collaborative partnership with your chapter board. There will be additional opportunities for one-on-one, small group, and regional connection about these ongoing infrastructure updates across the PFLAG Chapter Network. 

Undertaking these changes as a board will help strengthen your chapter and build support to keep PFLAG in your community long term. I look forward to supporting you in these efforts!

A new PFLAG Connects: Communities Meeting!

We are excited to announce the launch of the PFLAG Connects: Gender Spectrum Community, the newest addition to our PFLAG Connects: Communities (PCC) program. PCC provides safe, virtual, moderated spaces where people with shared experiences can connect each month. PFLAG National’s current communities gather people to gain support, ask questions, and learn from others—and that’s exactly what this new community will do.

Our first meeting, the PFLAG Connects: Gender Spectrum Parent Community meeting, will take place on the third Monday of each month, at 8pm ET/5pm PT, beginning Monday, May 20th.

As with all PFLAG support groups, there are no dues, fees, or membership required to join. For the PFLAG Connects: Gender Spectrum Parent Community meeting, anyone who is a parent or caregiver of a young person who is gender diverse is welcome. The only requirement is to register in advance so that we can provide an even higher level of safety and support to attendees. Register now, and then get ready to join us on Monday, May 20th!

Rural Think Tank Alert!

Join us on Thursday, May 9th for the next Rural Think Tank, a collaborative discussion-based space for leaders of rural chapters, this time focused on fundraising. Whether you've had success getting grants or corporate/business partners in your community or it’s been a challenge to navigate the development landscape, this collaborative discussion space is for you! Maggie Ardiente (she/her), PFLAG National's Vice President, Development & Philanthropic Partnerships, will be present to provide support and guidance.
Register now to attend on Thursday, May 9th from 4pm-5:30pm PT/7pm-8:30pm ET.

Regional Roundup

Working to update your bylaws and governance can have a huge positive impact on your chapter, including helping to recruit new board members. For example, PFLAG Greeley was on the brink of shuttering because they were unable to find new leadership. After updating their bylaws and creating a governance manual, the chapter restructured to better delegate responsibilities and make it a lighter lift for new board members, and especially officers, to take on their new roles. 

In Pat Kennedy, PFLAG Greeley’s former President’s, own words, the chapter was “able to recruit new people to take over various responsibilities which included a new chairperson for the scholarship committee, a new secretary with a separate chairperson to manage membership, a new treasurer, and a new support team leader. We also found two people willing to be president and vice president.”

PFLAG Greeley is just one example of how a chapter can benefit from new bylaws and governance, demonstrating just one of the multitude of ways they can help to move a PFLAG chapter forward.

Stay safe,

Shaun Connors (he/they)

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