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

We’re almost there!!! The 2024 state legislative season has been a doozy, and it’s almost over!! Not sure when your state’s session adjourns? Take a look at NCSL’s state legislative calendar. 

THANK YOU to everyone who has advocated for the rights of LGBTQ+ people across the South these last few months, and for persevering through the moments where your motivation and hope may have wavered. Keep going and don’t forget to celebrate the “small” wins!

What’s next? Debriefing the season with your membership could be a great way to process, heal, and strategize next steps for your chapter’s advocacy. Whether it’s writing thank you letters to state legislators who championed the rights of LGBTQ+ people in your state, creating love letters to trans youth, or focusing on the local landscape like your city/town’s nondiscrimination ordinances, or connecting with LGBTQ+ allied businesses, the sky's the limit!

We couldn’t be more proud of PFLAGers like you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me for help debriefing the season with your chapter, strategizing on what comes next, or just venting about the last few months. Our love is louder!

Stay safe,

Abby Shuler (she/her)

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