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Queer organizations throughout the state are receiving phone calls and letters asking for volunteers as two of Vermont's state-wide organizations strive to become more representative of Vermont's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community.
The Vermont Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights and Pride Vermont are both trying to better reflect the needs of the state's community by working more closely with other existing GLBTQ organizations.
If the attempts do not succeed, their signature events may face significant changes — or worse.
VCLGR has already cancelled its best-known event, the town meeting, for this year. It's using the energies it would normally expend on the gathering to recruit a new board comprised of representatives from other GLBTQ organizations throughout the state.
The coalition has been without a full board for two years, and has seen flagging interest from the community in political organizing.
Keith Goslant, VCLGR co-liaison, is hoping that the board restructuring combined with the political atmosphere surrounding the issues of same-gender marriage and safe schools for queer youth will help revitalize the organization and build involvment.
"The hope is to have true representation of our communities: geographic, orientation, gender, political advocacy, and community interest," he said.
Simultaneously, volunteers for Pride Vermonts are also recruiting members for its new board from community organizations, hoping to draw on the talents and resources of already active community members.
Although volunteer burnout has been a problem for the small organization, Pride Vermont's reorganization is being counted on for more than simple revitalization. Sarah Harrington, a long-time committee volunteer, said they hope to answer criticism that Pride Vermont simply does not represent the community at large.
"We really want to have a good party for the millennium," said Mike Hayes another Pride Vermont Volunteer, "It's all of ours, not just the Pride Committee's party."
By recruiting a board of people already involved in other community organizations, the organization hopes to draw on both connections and experience to produce an event that appeals to all parts of the community. Establishment of a board will also allow Pride Vermont to seek non-profit status and improve its fundraising ability.
If Pride Vermont can't meet these goals, said Harrington, "we might just have to go back to basics, abandon the waterfront, and have a smaller celebration."
Harrington says that initial response has been very positive. Pride Vermont organizers will meet again in late September to compare responses and make plans for a meeting with all representatives on October 6.
Tage Lillja of Outright Vermont says he thinks it is a great idea but he hopes that both Pride Vermont and VCLGR realize that not every organization has the time and employee/volunteer availability to participate even when they might really want to.
