PFLAG National continuously works to improve direct services and support to our large and expanding affiliate base (chapters) across the country. One of our core functions is to provide leadership on the wide range of challenges and issues our chapters face, both internal and external, so that they can be as effective as possible in fulfilling the PFLAG mission—supporting families, educating communities and advocating for equality.

The 2011 Chapter Needs Assessment Survey is an important tool for PFLAG National staff, volunteer regional directors, state coordinators, and the board of directors to understand chapter needs and evaluate PFLAG National resources.

As PFLAG National looks toward the future, we look to you for your thoughts and insights. Your feedback will help us improve our resources - training programs, publications, advocacy work, and so much more.

To take this simple PFLAG National survey, please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011PFLAGchaptersurvey.

Please note that all responses are completely anonymous and confidential and will not be linked to either IP addresses or chapter characteristics. Your candor is appreciated.

This link will stay open until September 9th. At that time, we'll close the survey and start analyzing the results. Chapter leaders and members will be informed of survey results and subsequent action plans to address areas identified for improvement at the 2011 PFLAG National Convention in November.

In appreciation for your feedback, we are offering a 75% discount on your next order from the PFLAG National Bookstore (information provided at the completion of the survey.

Although online surveys are preferred, if you need to utilize a paper version of the survey, please contact the National Office to have one mailed to you. Paper surveys can be mailed to Beth Kohm (Deputy Executive Director), 1828 L Street NW Ste. 660 Washington, DC 20036. If you use this method, please include your name, mailing address, telephone number and an email address to receive the bookstore discount codes.

Many thanks for all that you do!

Regards,

Peggy Moore, Vice-President, PFLAG National Board of Directors, Chair, Board Performance Review Committee

Come see what we're up to at our upcoming PFLAG Tri-Cities Meetings!

In March (17th), one of our members who works with the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) will be presenting photos and stories from the 7th Annual Advancing Equality Day on the Hill. She will provide updates on the bills proposed in the TN General Assembly that affect LGBT individuals in the state of TN.Come on out to find out about the issues and see how TEP and PFLAG can work together.

Then...

In April (21st), an individual from Appalachian Service Project (ASP) TriCities will speak to our group about community service opportunities with the local one-day service projects in the Tri Cities area. He will provide an overview of ASP and specific information about the year-round projects locally. The goal is to organize 1-2 teams of volunteers (8-10 persons each) to serve our community in the name of equality and fellowship. Please join us to find out how you can make a difference in our area.

As always, our meetings offer the opportunity for safe, welcoming, supportive fellowship.Please come out and join us!

Meeting!

Thursday, February 17th!

ETSU Campus
Rogers-Stout Hall, Room 125
7pm

Hope to see you there!

December Meeting Canceled

The PFLAG December meeting is canceled!

Due to the inclement weather and potentially dangerous road conditions, the December meeting of PFLAG Tri-Cities is canceled.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season and we hope to see you at our January meeting.

Next meeting:

January 20, 2011 at 7pm

New Meeting Room: 125 Rogers-Stout Hall on the ETSU Campus

We look forward to seeing you there!

SPLC: Gays Under Attack

In today's mail I received the latest issue of the Intelligence Report published by the Southern Poverty Law Center.




The cover story is Under Attack: Statistics Reflect Grim Reality: Gays Remain The Most Targeted Minority In America.

Responding to the wave of teen suicides — including, most dramatically, that of 18-year-old Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University student who leaped off the George Washington Bridge in New York City in September — anti-gay leaders instead blamed those who sought to protect students from bullying.

Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association said gay rights activists “pressure these students to declare a disordered sexual preference when they’re too young to know better, [so] they share some culpability.” Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, a key critic of anti-bullying programs, said gay activists were “exploiting these tragedies to push their agenda.” He said that gay kids may know “intuitively” that their desires are “abnormal” and that the claim, pushed by gay activists, that they can’t change “may create a sense of despair that can lead to suicide.” Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel said those activists want “to use the tragedies to increase pressure on the real victims: Christians.”

Can you believe that? Christians are the "real victims" according to these anti-gay zealots. You will also want to read

1. Ten Anti-Gay Myths Debunked
   
2. Anti-Gay Movement Fuels Hate Violence
3. 18 Anti-Gay Groups and Their Propaganda
4. Anti-Gay Hate Crimes: Doing the Math
5. Jamaica's Anti-Gay "Murder Message" Carries Violent Message

Thanks to the SPLC for this issue.

The best way to counter this is to stand up and be counted.

In Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia please support:

1. PFLAG Tri-Cities
2. PFLAG Abingdon/Washington County Virginia
3. Tennessee Equality Project (Tri-Cities)
   
4. Northeast Tennessee Pride
5. LGBTieS (ETSU)
   
6. Open Door Society (Tusculum)
   

2010 PFLAG Holiday Celebration!

Come and join us for some holiday fun!

It's the PFLAG Tri-Cities Holiday Celebration!

When: Sunday December 5 at 5pm
Where: Presbyterian Campus House
1412 College Heights Dr.
Johnson City, TN

What to bring: A covered dish to share, drinks* for your party and your holiday spirit!

(*As this location is on the ETSU campus, no alcohol will be permitted.)

RSVP either at our Facebook event page or email us at pflagtricities@yahoo.com

We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to celebrate the holidays in a safe, accepting environment!

Coming Out Day October 11th

Join us Monday at the Borchuck Plaza (courtyard outside the Sherrod library)

Office of Multi-Cultural Affairs at ETSU presents:

Sam says:

On this night, we remember and speak about those who have gone on, those who continue to have the courage to speak out for what they believe is right, and those who inspire you in your everyday life. There will be performances by Johnson City's sensational group, Squash Blossoms, and an after-dinner at the Campus Presbyterian House. Following dinner, we will take time to share our stories and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.