Dear PFLAG Supporter,

As you know, Learning With Love: the 2025 PFLAG National Convention is happening in Chicago this year, October 10-12. The convention is a fantastic opportunity to gather with other chapter leaders, but we’ve heard that there isn’t always enough time to talk shop. This year, we’re hoping to fix that with a new half-day institute, Compassion in Action, especially for PFLAG chapter leaders. 

In this edition of Leadership Learnings you’ll find:

• Compassion in Action: The PFLAG Chapter Leader Institute
• Skrmetti Decision Communication
• Regional Round Up: Somatic Workshop on Grief and Identity

NEW! Compassion In Action: PFLAG Chapter Leader Institute

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Compassion in Action: The PFLAG Chapter Leader Institute, happening before Learning With Love: The 2025 PFLAG National Convention. Compassion in Action is a dedicated space—similar in style to our Rural and Urban Think Tanks—centering chapter work, rooted in chapter leader-focused ideas and tactics for growing community engagement. 

This year’s theme focuses on progress over perfection and sustaining a PFLAG chapter through thoughtful community engagement. Together, we’ll explore important topics such as aligning chapter programming with community needs, fostering leadership development, creating thoughtful administrative practices, and redefining support for evolving communities. 

The Institute will take place on Friday, October 10th from 9:00 - 11:50 AM, and space will be limited to the first 75 participants who register. Therefore, in addition to registering quickly, we ask that you limit attendance to no more than two (2) board members per chapter. Attendance is included as part of your convention registration, so you must be registered to attend Learning With Love in order to participate. 

To express interest in Compassion in Action, first register for Learning With Love, and answer yes to the question “Are you a part of a local chapter?” We will reach out to chapter leaders later in the summer to circulate sign ups and additional information. If you have already registered for Learning With Love and would like to sign up to receive information about Compassion in Action, please reach out to Chapter Engagement staffer Ruadhan Ward at rward@pflag.org.

Skrmetti Decision Communication

In December of 2024, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case about whether it is constitutional for states to ban access to critical medical care to minors, particularly transgender youth’s access to gender-affirming care. The outcome of this case would have implications for Tennessee—where the case originated—and in the 23 other states that have similar bans. 

The Supreme Court could release its decision in Skrmetti any time now. There is no requirement for the Supreme Court to rule later or earlier, so it is important to be prepared for a decision at a moment’s notice. 

PFLAG National is working with a coalition of groups, including the ACLU and Lambda Legal, to coordinate a response to the decision when it comes down. Please know that it does take time for the legal experts to review the decisions when they are released, and we will hold on releasing information until we hear from them the full scope of information.

Once that happens, you can expect the following from PFLAG National and our partners following the decision being released:

• An explanation of how the justices ruled and what it means for us; and
• Actions you can take, including joining local rallies

Look for this information in the coming days and weeks, and know that you can always reach out to PFLAG National with any questions. Advocacy questions? Reach out to advocacy@pflag.org. Getting press requests? Please reach out to press@pflag.org.

Regional Roundup

Pride season is a great time to bring in new members, and as you do so, make sure to consider what chapter member benefits you offer.

For example, PFLAG Highlands Ranch South Suburban (Colorado) is hosting a members-only somatic workshop on grief and identity for LGBTQ+ people and allies. It is coming up on June 18th at 6pm-8pm MT, is being held on Zoom, and is being made available to members (and ONLY members) from any PFLAG chapter in the country. Consider offering this event as a perk for those interested in joining by inviting your chapter members to attend. 

Registration is required for this event, so please share the registration link with your members if you choose to offer this opportunity.

Stay safe,

Ruadhan Ward (They / Them)

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