Register now!

Where: Salt Lake City, Utah

Equality Utah welcomes state and national leaders to the 16th Equality Federation Institute Summer Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Salt Lake City, located in the beautiful, complex state of Utah. Reserve your room online.

When: July 25 - 27, 2013

Register online today. If you register before July 15th, you'll receive an early bird discount.

What: The Premier Gathering of State LGBT Leaders

This year's meeting will highlight the unique issues facing state-wide LGBT advocacy organizations. Join caucuses that address the challenges facing your region of the country, that examine strategies for achieving greater non-discrimination protections in local communities, and that address the special interests and skills of staff, boards, and leaders of state equality organizations. We'll have more as our program develops.

If you have questions about the Summer Meeting, email us.

Quick Schedule Overview

Wednesday

Evening Reception

Thursday

Opening Welcome Circle
Workshop and Presentations

Friday

Workshops and Presentations
FEDTalks
Fed Fling

Saturday

Members Meeting
Workshops and Presentations
Closing Dinner, Featured Speaker and the Feddies Awards

Workshops

(just a sample of the great sessions planned for this year)

Prime Your Organization for Future Success
Join our panel discussion to find out what strategic and operational decisions can best position your organizations for future success in organizing, passing legislation, and electing pro-equality candidates. Our presenters have expertise in creating strong field programs, developing ballot initiative campaigns, growing lists and supporters, and building solid infrastructures. Learn the best practices for transitioning from your regular practice to campaign readiness.

Getting Business on the Side of Equality
The business community allies can make a huge difference in state and municipal campaigns. Throwing business leaders' weight and influence behind pro-equality legislation undermines the opposition and encourages fence-sitting legislators. Learn about the challenges and strategies that get business leaders to work with us and find out how to leverage the contacts and relationships in your community.

Understanding Religious Exemptions, LGBT Equality, and Legislation
Our opponents are increasingly seeking broad religious exemptions to laws designed to protect LGBT people. Their goal is to insulate themselves from LGBT people, our lives and families. This shows up in many nondiscrimination cases, but also in other more subtle laws that don't obviously affect LGBT rights.

These state religious freedom protection laws (RFRAs) are designed to allow people to refuse to follow general rules based on their conscience. Come and hear about existing models for religious exemptions from LGBT nondiscrimination laws, learn about what our opponents are trying to achieve, and discuss which exemptions are inappropriate and why.

And there's so much more. Register now for our early bird discount.

Front Page Message

Movement leaders from across the country are gathering in Salt Lake City to learn from each other and build the skills and relationships that are so critical to growing a strong state-based movement for equality. Will you be there?