Equality Federation recently conducted two successful regional summits and a strategy session in Connecticut, and I am so excited to tell you about them. First, our West by Midwest Leadership Summit drew 20 leaders from 9 states throughout the Midwest, from Equality Ohio to Equality Illinois.

Attendees at our West by Midwest Leadership Summit represented the most diverse array of roles at the convening yet, volunteers, development directors, organizers, executive directors, program folks, and more, which made for a robust exchange of learning. We highlighted innovative programs to share best practices, such as Out Front’s violence prevention work and North Dakota’s upcoming work to build relationships with indigenous communities. Additionally, we reviewed election outcomes and planned for the upcoming legislative sessions.

This year, for the first time, we partnered with GLAD to convene a New England area gathering of LGBTQ advocates, both our members and non-members. This gathering had 36 leaders from all 6 states in the region. We are excited to report that three New England states are working to create LGBTQ advocacy organizations and were able to benefit from connecting with leaders from established groups. Additionally, a number of youth-focused organizations shared ways they are supporting queer young people through fighting issues such as police brutality and homelessness.

The day after the convening, we facilitated a state-wide conversation regarding next steps for the budding group in Connecticut!

These summits harness the knowledge and power of the LGBTQ community and generate new ideas for the resistance.

We’re building a stronger, more strategic movement, and we need your support to push us into 2019 with vigor because Trump and his allies are not letting up.