Become a Member
For three decades, Equality Federation has powered the local and state fights for LGBTQ+ liberation. Our programs create an adaptive movement ecosystem that fights the attacks on our dignity, and equips our leaders with the skills to organize for durable, long-lasting change.
Sign Up to Become a Member
By becoming a member, your organization joins nearly 50 independent, statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations working toward our collective liberation.
Become a Member FAQ
We have state partners in over 40 states, from California to Missouri to Georgia. With our organizational and movement-building support, members are experimenting with new approaches to state-based organizing, and shaping the direction of the national LGBTQ+ movement.
Membership is a mutual relationship, and our network is enriched by state partners who are deeply engaged in cross-state learning and strategy-sharing.
Members support each other through learning cohorts, convenings, and trainings. They also provide Equality Federation with local insights to inform national strategy.
At a minimum, members are required to participate in the annual Member Census, a survey that helps assess the impact of our services and informs our programs.
To be considered, an organization must be an independent, statewide, nonpartisan, LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. Additionally, prospective members must have a governing board of directors.
The process evaluates an organization’s readiness to receive capacity-building services and its ability to support and engage the larger network.
Membership dues are paid annually and are scaled to a percentage of your organization’s operating budget. Equality Federation is committed to ensuring that organizations otherwise eligible for membership are not deterred from joining by dues.
Dues-paying members have access to all programs and services at no additional cost, except for the Leadership Conference and other convenings. Registration fees for conferences and convenings partially offset the cost of producing these events.
Fill out the form here/above to submit your membership inquiry. The form collects basic information about your organization and mission.
We prioritize applications from organizations based in communities without an existing state partner. Organizations led by or serving BIPOC and trans communities operating with statewide impact are especially encouraged to apply.
Equality Federation makes every effort to respond to membership inquiries within one week of submission. The complete process includes conversations with staff and the governance committee of the board of directors. Membership decisions are made by the board of directors. New members are approved four times a year during quarterly board meetings.
