"When the winds of change blow, some people build walls, others windmills." – Chinese Proverb
The winds of change are blowing through our LGBT community. During these challenging times, Affirmations and Equality Michigan are being buffeted by crises in leadership, the dismal economy with sharply diminished fund raising expectations, and the exodus of many LGBT citizens from Michigan. What is to be done? The consolidation of our faltering organizations would strengthen the infrastructure of our community. This consolidation could begin with the merger of two leading organizations, Affirmations and Equality Michigan. Both organizations are reducing services even as demands increase; both organizations are seeking new executive directors and board members; both organizations lack adequate long term, sustainable funding and are returning time and time again to the same, stretched donors.
Our community would be well served if leaders, donors, and our allies rallied behind a consolidated Affirmations and Equality Michigan with a single, effective executive director, a single robust board of directors, and shared administrative and fund raising functions.
Consolidation itself poses challenges, not least because of the different tax status accorded to organizations engaged in education and community building as opposed to organizations engaged in political activity and lobbying. At the moment, however, both Affirmations and Equality Michigan have separate arms that carry out these different activities.
We should keep our eyes on the prize: a leaner and stronger organization that can focus on the crucial, dual activities of operating a vital community center and achieving full legal and social equality for all of Michigan's LGBT citizens.
{ITAL Henry Grix & Howard Israel
Bloomfield Hills}
