A Letter From The President

 Bob Dorr, PFLAG Omaha

 Posted on August 20, 2007

PFLAG Bylaw Change Is Proposed

Two years ago at our annual general membership meeting, Omaha PFLAG eliminated the requirement that the chapter president must be the parent of a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender person.

This year the board recommends that Omaha PFLAG eliminate the bylaw provision that a majority of the board must be parents. Members will vote on that recommendation at the chapter’s annual meeting, which will be part of the Sept. 13 support/program meeting.

The board’s thinking is that Omaha PFLAG is best served when it the directors are committed and capable, and that whether those people happen to be parents or GLBT people isn’t important. Increased flexibility regarding the makeup of the board would be good, the directors believe.

As president, I am happy to say that I work with a board of excellent directors. Six are parents, two are lesbians and one is a transgender person. All are faithful in attending both our quarterly board meetings and monthly support-program meetings.

At this year’s membership meeting, three directors whose terms expire are running for new two-year terms. They are Barbara Johnson, Gay Biga and Lauren Jansen. Gay and Lauren were first elected a year ago to fill unexpired one-year terms. I will ask that we elect at least two new directors.

Under the bylaws, the board rather than the general membership elects Omaha PFLAG’s officers.

TWO OMAHA PFLAGERS plan to attend the PFLAG National Convention in the Washington, D.C., area from Oct. 11-14. They are Carrie Spencer, who is chapter vice-president, and Deb Kobler, hospitality coordinator. There still is time to sign up to attend.

SUSAN KOENIG will speak at our Sept. 13 meeting. Susan is a leading Omaha attorney who has expertise in laws affecting gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender people. She also has become a certified life coach. Her topic: “10 Tips for Making Life Easier.”

PFLAG-GLSEN SAFE SCHOOLS TRAINING:

How often is this training held? Once a year.

Who should come? Anyone considering becoming a panelist or a presenter. Veteran panelists and presenters should come as a refresher.

When? Saturday, Sept. 8. Rolls and coffee, 8:30 a.m. The training, 9 a.m.-noon.


Where? First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St., Mead Hall (building’s west end).

Should I let you know I’m coming? Yes. Email Betty Dorr: bobcdorr@cox.net
Or Suzy Adams: suzy1224@yahoo.com

Bob Dorr, Omaha PFLAG President