Here at the Federation, the year has gotten off to an exciting start as our team implements our 2014 plan. Through our programs in leadership development, policy advocacy and organizational development, we’re poised to make a huge impact in the coming months.

As the Federation grows, and our work expands, your support is more critical than ever. Investing in the Federation is an investment in the state-based movement for equality. Still, in 29 states, LGBT people lack the most basic protections under the law, and we’re committed to changing that in partnership with state equality groups.

Building Leaders

At the Federation, we’re building the leaders of today and tomorrow to ensure our movement continues making the monumental gains we’ve seen in recent years.

In 2014, as a part of our leadership development program, the Federation will:

• Launch our expanded leadership development program for state-based movement leaders, including coaching, executive transition and board development.
• Host our New Executive Director Boot Camp, a two-day intensive course in executive leadership for 2014’s newest leaders.
• Revitalize and relaunch our youth leadership development and internship program.

You can be a part of this work with a monthly contribution to the Equality Federation Institute -- just click here to pitch in.

Advancing the Issues

The greatest opportunities for policy victories that improve the lives of LGBT people are in the states -- where the Federation partners with local leaders to build a strong movement for equality that secures critical grassroots wins.

In 2014, as a part of our policy advocacy program, the Federation will:

• Expand our nondiscrimination project -- ensuring that planned work in Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina stays on track; bringing nondiscrimination messaging research findings to the states; and providing support and resources to advocates working on the state and local level.
• Publish a white paper on building strong movement organizations beyond the marriage milestone as part of the launch of our expanded program supporting post-marriage state groups.
• Continue our safe and just schools program, implementing state advocacy plans in progress, developing plans in new states and educating all state leaders about education justice and school pushout.

Your support -- right now -- will ensure that we can make 2014 as historic a year as 2013. Will you give monthly to advance the policies that matter most?

Strengthening State Equality Groups

Strong movement organizations create meaningful change in our communities.

In 2014, as a part of our organizational development program, the Federation will:

• Hold a Communications Boot Camp, bringing together state and local leaders for three days of intensive training on messaging, online organizing and earned media.
• Host the 17th Annual Summer Meeting, the Southern Leadership Summit and the Midwest Leadership Summit.
• Partner with member groups to provide organizational development services that ensure the strength and stability of our movement.

Your investment in the Equality Federation Institute will ensure the state-based movement remains sustainable and impactful. Click here to give now.