Where are we going?

I almost fell walking out to my car to attend OUTLinc’s setting priorities meeting on Saturday (February 13). So when Heath asked everyone to tell their neighbor what they just love about winter, my first impulse was to let him know where he could stick that particular icebreaker (hint: I almost fell on mine). But his evil plan worked and everyone thought of something they like (I enjoy the extra excuse to cuddle). When it was all over, the group was in a positive frame of mind and ready to get down to business.

With OUTLinc’s first birthday coming up next month, Heath and Robin invited the community to discuss priorities OUTLinc should focus on in the coming year. About twenty people attended the meeting at Gere Library where we generated several ideas that address important needs in Lincoln’s GLBT community. After a diplomatic vote that involved post-it notes and some wandering around the room, five needs become our top priorities.

Community newsletter
Community Space
GLBT friendly business directory
Mental health
Youth outreach

Small groups discussed how to move forward with each priority. I participated in the directory group where two things became clear very quickly. We need to contact other organizations in Lincoln that maintain lists of GLBT friendly business (Planned Parenthood, GLSEN, PFLAG, etc) and we need to define GLBT friendly.

Every small group brought ideas back to the larger group. For the community newsletter we need to network with individuals who can help make it happen. The mental health group talked about ways to offer reduced counseling rates. Youth outreach will partner with the high school GLBTSA and there was talk of a youth conference. Our space group needs money and a location (among other things).

I can’t speak for everyone who attended, but I left the meeting very encouraged. It can be hard to find time but working with the GLBT friendly directory is something I can manage. If you want to get involved or just want more information about any of the priorities, post a comment on this entry. Please also comment if you attended the meeting and want to add something I left out.

So after ninety minutes of productive conversation in good company, I went home to take advantage of the cuddle weather while it lasts.