Update from the LGBT Caucus Chair

As we head into the summer months of a busy Virginia election cycle, and Pride, I wanted to take time to brief you on the progress of our Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA)  LGBT Caucus.

We completed the merger of the Virginia Partisans Club and the Stonewall LGBT Caucus of the DPVA  this past winter. We are now one newly energized organization under thebanner of the “LGBT Democrats of Virginia” which you will see as our new logo and title on the new group website www.lgbtvadem.org.  There are links there for membership, PAC donations and upcoming events.  Please share with your friends and family!

A special welcome to all the former Virginia Partisans members who are now officially enrolled as members of the DPVA  LGBT Caucus!!!  We hope that you continue to support our new, larger organization as we continue to grow and influence Virginia political campaigns.

We will be starting our annual membership drive and renewal program shortly and hope that you will find the $20 minimum individual membership level to your liking and within your budget. These funds go to support our outreach and membership recruitment efforts so an important component to our fundraising plan and overall growth as an organization.

The Virginia Partisans PAC remains as the political campaign endorsement and contribution tool of the LGBT Democrats of Virginia and we also encourage you to support that fund via our Act Blue account link on the website.  We use 100% of these funds to support Democratic candidates who embrace and fight for LGBT issues in Virginia.

Finally, in a historic move, the DPVA voted in early 2011 to add a seat to its Steering Committee for the LGBT Caucus representative and I have been serving in that role asthe Caucus Chair.  This position gives us a very visible platform and voice at the table with the leadership of the State Democratic Party where important Party policy and direction proposals are debated.

Please take note of some upcoming events we have planned and we welcome your input on how to grow the Caucus and make a difference for all LGBT Virginians, their friends and families.  I am always available to you via [email protected] or 571-331-8194. Hope to hear from you soon or meet you at one of our events this year.  Note:  We will be planning some outreach events throughout the state in the coming months, so look for us soon in your neighborhood!  Have a great summer and thanks for your support!

– Terry Mansberger
Chair, LGBT Caucus

Upcoming Events

Out in the Park – Hampton Roads Pride: Sunday, June 5, 2011 at Town Point Park, Norfolk, VA

Capitol Pride: Sunday, June 12, 2011 on Pennslyvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.

LGBT Democrats of Virginia: 40 for 40 Fundraiser with Terry McAuliffe: Thursday, July 14, 2011 in Arlington, VA