An era of growth and expansion has come to a SCREECHING halt…to say the least.
Taking a 'step back' is an understatement. Affirmations has displaced its most financially vulnerable (and arguably most devoted and energetic) staff who held positions at the lowest levels of the organization, giving them 3 days notice. Anyone who has ever worked within the non-profit sector does not do so for economic reasons. In addition to low pay, shoddy benefits, erratic work schedules (nights and weekends, a must!), these people have also shown great love and passion for the LGBTQ community by organizing, financially supporting, and volunteering for the many events that we celebrate and enjoy.
"Streamlining" services is another term to minimize the impact that eliminating services will certainly have on the most at-risk populations that depend on Affirmations for basic needs – a shower, clothing, social support, and safe space. I'm grateful for the privileges that I inherently have and have afforded myself through higher education. Privileges that allow me to use the center in a recreational manner. However, there was a time when Affirmations was the ONLY outlet that I had as an at-risk queer youth. Now that I have achieved a small measure of success, I make sure to give back and give big to the organization that saved me half my life ago.
Born in a recession and faring worse than my parents did, I do understand the concepts of sustainability and doing more with less – and I hope that Affirmations learns to do so, too – without displacing the staff who work where the rubber meets the road or the populations that those folks serve. I understand that donations are down, but also that stress is rising. The need for safe space and friendly services is more necessary than ever – as economic fears and the reality of bullying keep more of us in the closet at work, in school, and in our neighborhoods. The need will be even more pressing as we re-enter the dark days of conservative governmental control.
As an advocate and activist, my grassroots are far too long to overlook the fact that the organization now is seemingly top-heavy. "Pay cuts and reductions in hours" aside, the paradigm is difficult to accept, as is the way the organization chose to trim the fat. I'm saddened to see it in a place I've called home for all of my gay days. Cuts at the bottom nearly always arise from issues that begin up top. Should we rename the center "Administrations LGBTQ Community Center"? Houses are built with a strong foundations for good reason.
Sara Louise
Sterling Heights
