2011 Equality Conference Workshops
All Conference workshops will take place in the Elliott University Center on the campus of UNC Greensboro. Here are the workshops that will be presented at this year's conference:
Breakout Session I:
Equality North Carolina Student Ambassador Program for Universities and Colleges
The youth of North Carolina have the ability to create real change and equality for all LGBTQIA+ community members in our state. This panel presentation will focus on Equality North Carolina's newest student program: Student Ambassadors. Led by current Student Ambassadors from campuses across the state, this presentation will cover what the Student Ambassador program is, what Student Ambassadors do, and how to start or become involved with a program on your campus.
Presented by: Matthew Turpin, Zachery Reedy, Stephen Bishop, and Rebecca Weidler
Bridging the Gap: Linking Reproductive Rights to LGBT Issues
This interactive workshop will teach participants how to link reproductive justice to LGBT rights, as well as other social justice issues. We'll go through the Advo.kit, a toolkit designed by Ipas for young activists, and run through one of the many activities included in the kit to practice your advocacy skills and make connections between reproductive justice, LGBT rights, and North Carolina's proposed anti-LGBT constitutional amendment. This workshop is best suited to students and newer activists.
Presented by: Jessica Reinholz, Julie Grubbs, and Jennifer Colletti
Building your Social Media Matrix
Social media is everywhere, but that doesn't mean you know how to use it to advocate for your cause. This hands-on workshop will show you an easy process for evaluating social media channels so you can choose and use the best ones for your purpose and your audience--and easily integrate it into your overall strategy.
Presented by: Margot Carmichael Lester and Steve Peha
PFLAG: The Family Voice of the Effort for Full Equality for GLBT People
Hear how PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) members are sharing their personal stories to change hearts and minds in favor of LGBT rights, and learn how you can do the same. Presenters include the father of a lesbian daughter, the mother of a gay son (now deceased), a transgender woman college professor, and an activist gay man.
Presenters: Brandon Major, Marcia Rogers, Mike Clawson, and Linda Stroupe
Saying "I Do" when North Carolina Says You Don't: Marriage, the Anti-LGBT Amendment, and Living in a State that Doesn't Recognize Your Marriage
This interactive workshop pairs a dynamic young lawyer with a highly regarded veteran attorney who will engage participants in a discussion of the anti-LGBT constitutional amendment, marriage, the pitfalls of living in a state that doesn't recognize marriage, and things to consider before getting married. The presenters, Connie Vetter and Meghann Burke, each bring a unique perspective to this discussion. Meghann married her wife in Massachusetts and now lives in North Carolina. Connie is not married.
Presented by: Connie Vetter and Meghann Burke
Breakout Session II:
The LGBT Rights Organizer in the Mirror
Do you ever wonder, "What does an organizer do?" or "How can I organize my hometown?" Well, this is the workshop for you! Not only will the legislative and anti-LGBT amendment ballot campaigns be discussed; participants will also be guided through the axioms of organizing and the strategy of leadership. This interactive workshop will ensure that each participant leaves with the ability to organize the community around them.
Presented by: Sam Parker and Chris Speer
Understanding the School Violence Prevention Act of 2009
The NC General Assembly passed the NC School Violence Prevention Act in June, 2009. Since then, every school in North Carolina is required to function under this law in an effort to create safer learning environments for both students and school employees. In this session, participants will come to a better understanding of the law, what it means, and what should be happening in our schools today.
Presented by: Elic Senter
Writing Your Way to Advocacy
Many forms of writing can be used as vehicles for activism and advocacy, from letters to the editor and op-ed pieces to essays, articles, and even books. In this workshop, you will learn what elements make a story most likely to be accepted by a publication, and you will brainstorm about where to pitch your stories.
Presented by: Diane Daniel
Documentation for Transgender Individuals: Successes, Failures, and Challenges
What if you couldn't leave the country because you were unable to obtain a passport that reflected your current gender? Obtaining proper identification documentation for transgender people can be a complex, dynamic process. During this workshop, we will explore the current policies for obtaining or changing identification documentation such as passports, drivers' licenses, and birth certificates, and discuss recent changes that affect access to this documentation. We will also examine the impact these forms of documentation can have on occurrences such as traffic stops and access to social services, student housing, travel, and marriage.
Presented by: ENC Transgender Policy Task ForceEmployee Resource Groups: Leverage Learning to Drive Action
Most organizations that struggle with taking action in support of the LGBT community probably do not really understand the issues they are being asked to support. This workshop will explore the role LGBT Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) can play in facilitating sustainable organizational change to support equality for the LGBT community on a local, regional, and national scale.
Presented by: Rick Schroder
Breakout Session III:
The Trouble with Outreach: Better Steps to Achieving Inclusivity within the LGBT Movement
Outreach is often thought to be an integral part of passing pro-LGBT legislation. But what is outreach, and how much thought is put into efforts to connect with various communities? Do attempts at outreach actually build inclusivity within the movement? How are communities targeted? In this workshop, we'll discuss the limitations of outreach and strive to give participants better skills at forming connections and coalitions with diverse populations.
Presented by: Seth Maid and Stephen Wiseman
Advocating for Religious Tolerance
This workshop will teach participants important techniques to encourage collaboration between LGBTQ people, LGBTQ advocacy groups, and the religious organizations that influence community policies in order to increase religious tolerance, counter anti-LGBTQ biases, and expand resources to respond to hate crimes in our communities. The goal of this workshop is to equip participants with the tools needed to make all of our communities safer by working together to create programs and campaigns to reduce anti-LGBTQ violence.
Presented by: Jenna Zirbel and Andy Little
Bigotry is Bad for Business: The Economic Harms of the Anti-LGBT Amendment
Here's your chance to meet some of the courageous business leaders who spoke out against the anti-LGBT amendment prior to the votes in the North Carolina House and Senate. They were able to do so becasue their companies value their LGBT employees and understand that anti-LGBT discrimination is bad for business. Through this panel discussion, they will reflect on their companies' strong commitments to diversity, and will answer your questions about how to help other companies take a stand against anti-LGBT discrimination. And while you're at it, please take the opportunity to thank them for their true leadership!
Presented by: Anthony Pugliese, Brian Fitzsimmons, and Richard DegnanSeeds of Change: How to Take a Small Group and Make it Great
This workshop will lead attendees through the processes and techniques of leading a small LGBT group to success when faced with the challenges of a diverse and short-on-time community with high turnover, such as those on commuter college campuses. Topics to be discussed include leading meetings, inspiring action in others, member retention, successful event planning, and preparing a strong group base to continue beyond its current leadership.
Presented by: Darren Lipman
Working with Local Leaders for Equality
Much of the work towards equality is done at the local level. In this workshop, we will discuss tips for sharing your story with local elected officials, and we will practice sharing those stories in mock meetings. If you are new to talking with your elected officials or want to brush up on your skills, this workshop will be the perfect place to start!
Presented by: Heather Yandow
Equality NC's "What's Next?" Town Hall Meeting Tour
