Milwaukee LGBT Community Center Annual Membership Meeting

On Thursday February 7th 2008 the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center will be holding its annual Membership Meeting. It will be at the the LGBT Center @ 315 W Court St. There will be reception at 6:00pm with the Annual Meeting at 6:30 to 8:00pm.

Again this is a good time to attend to voice your opinions on the direction and plans that the LGBT Center has in store.

One of the things that bothers me is the change to become a philanthropic organization which is already part and parcel to the Cream City Foundation. Personally I don't think it a good idea. I don't think they should be giving away money to anyone. What they should be doing is saving for a new more accessible (to those with disabilities) building. As it stands the only thing they have done is to install a platform which rises to the first floor for those with disabilities. they cannot go into the lower basement level nor can they get to the upper (2nd floor) level except with great difficulty. As with other buildings the Center has occupied this seems to be a big issue with many people. That and the lack of adequate parking.

Another problem I see as one of the first people involved in the proposed new LGBT center (there wasn't one at the time) was that the Center was to be a place where the Community could meet and commiserate. It was not meant to house mostly gay and lesbian businesses or organizations to a great extent as it now stands. Very few organizations use the Community Room because of the serious lack of parking in the area.

I think we need to remind our leaders that it is more important to get a new location which is better suited to those with disabilities than the one we have. Let the Cream City Foundation worry about Philanthropy. This in my opinion is the only way our community can grow and become more cohesive. Of course that is only my humble opinion.

Center Advocates Annual Meeting

Tonight Monday January 28th 2008 the Center Advocates will be holding their Annual Meeting at the Art Bar located at 722 East Burleigh Street. The Annual Meeting will be at 5:30pm till about 6:pm with a Reception from 6:00pm to 7:30pm with light refreshments, and a cash bar.

Be sure to RSVP as I am sure that they want to have enough refreshments available for everyone. This will be a good time to become a member if for no other reason to be able to vote on the proposed by-law changes or voice your opinions concerning the direction the Advocates are planning to take this year.

Sometimes I think apathy runs rampant in our community. Sitting by while others make decisions for us which may or may not be in our best interests can prove to be disastrous. There are those who have tremendous egos and are not held accountable or restrained will make decisions according to their own agenda without thought to the effect they have on the rest of us. In this respect I think it is very important that we attend these gatherings and voice our opinions.

This is your community and your opinion is valuable. As far as I am concerned if you don't vote or make your voice heard, you no longer have the right to squawk about the outcome should it not be in your favor. So come on out and let them know what you think and make a difference.