Please join the rest of the Outright family as we celebrate Llu's time here and give her a warm send-off!

DATE: Wednesday September 12
TIME: 7-9:00 PM
LOCATION: Pine Street Art Works, 404 Pine Street, Burlington
ATTIRE REQUESTED: one fabulous accessory!
Refreshments will be served.
PLEASE RSVP to Katherine at katherine@outrightvt.org or call 865-9677

See you there!

Outright Vermont
P.O. Box 5235
Burlington, Vermont 05401
RSVP to Katherine at 802-865-9677
or at katherine@outrightvt.org

Please help!

Governor Douglas has sent a campaign fundraising letter describing the newly-formed commission to study the marriage laws as "something entirely out of left field." He wrote:

In a stunning distraction from the real challenges facing Vermonters, the Democrat leadership has decided to launch a nine-month public campaign on gay marriage, despite the fact that Vermont has already achieved equality under the law. It's really an amazing turn. . . .

[T]he Democrat leadership has focused on a far-left agenda that is not in line with the real needs of working Vermont families. . . . It has become clear that this Democrat-led legislature is so far out of the mainstream that they have completely lost touch with the issues affecting the people of this state. . . .

Please, contact Governor Douglas right away.
E-mail: Gov. Jim Douglas
Phone: 802-828-3333

Snail Mail: Governor Jim Douglas, 109 State Street, Pavilion, Montpelier, VT 05609-0101.

He needs to know that:
1) Civil rights and family protections are important to you, and to most Vermonters;
2) You don't appreciate the Governor's attempt to use this issue as a political wedge. Our families, and our civil rights, should not be fodder for politicians looking for a political advantage, and we expect more of Governor Douglas.

Tell your story. Be firm, but civil. We believe Governor Douglas will come around when he understands that we're squarely in support of civil rights, and he's the one who's out of step. It's up to us to show him!

Also, the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection met from 10am to Noon at the statehouse today. As anticipated, it was a business meeting where the members discussed how to move the process of listening to Vermonters forward. Although they discussed possible dates and locations of the public hearings, none were set.

We will keep you informed as we gain more information about the Commission.

Thank you,
Robyn Maguire
Field Director

The Mission of Outright Vermont (ORVT) is to build safe, healthy, and supportive environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. We envision a world of compassion, love, and understanding where: all young people's lives are celebrated; young queer people are given the information and tools to make healthy life decisions, especially concerning intimacy and sexual relationships; bullying, taunting, harassment, and other forms of oppression are not tolerated; and nonconforming gender roles and sexuality are no longer targeted as justifications to be cruel, dominate, or control others.

About the Position

The Director will provide continued leadership and vision to our dynamic organization based in Burlington , Vermont that provides education and outreach to schools and communities, and support services to queer and questioning youth. The Director is responsible for all aspects of non-profit management, including:

Leadership and planning which includes program and strategic planning, movement building, emergency management, and strong agency representation locally and nationally; Direction of full-time and contracted , support of the Board of Directors, and emphasizes inspiring staff and Board to do their best work; · Management of all organizational communications, including acting as spokesperson to the media and the public, maintaining and developing communications tools as needed; and actively pursuing media coverage for the agency; · Maintain organizational systems and tools, especially grant reporting, staff and agency annual work plans, and organizational policies and procedures; · Manage financial oversight of agency through closely working with our Bookkeeper and Board Treasurer to provide accurate financial projections, timely expense payment, and adequate funding allocations for all personnel and program costs; · Handle all grant management and reporting, research of new opportunities, and pursuit of current and new major grant opportunities; · Manage or support all aspects of agency fundraising which includes motivating and assisting the Board of Directors in their fundraising; assisting or coordinating three different major fundraising events annually; directing and expanding annual donor appeals including a direct mail campaign, major gifts campaign, phone-a-thon, and end of the year giving; create or assist in creating new donor appeal campaigns including bequest gifts and planned giving; expanding our corporate giving, manage donor relations

Experience Required

All candidates must display clear experience in the following areas:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (required).
• Significant grant writing experience and success (required).
• Non-profit leadership experience (required).
• Excellent communication skills, computer and organizational skills (required).
• Understanding of the cultures and needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth and the queer community (required).
• Experience with state and federal requests for proposals and health prevention grants a plus.
• Ideal candidates will excel both independently and as part of a team.
• Enjoyment of youth, ability to work in a youth- space, and a sense of humor a plus.

How to Apply

How to apply: If you would like to apply for the Executive Director position please submit the following:

• A letter of Intent which includes an overview of your grant-writing successes and non-profit leadership
• Resume
• 3 References
• A writing sample, preferably from a grant application or donor appeal

Interested candidates should apply electronically to bagilbar@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis until September 7, 2007. For more information about Outright Vermont, visit www.outrightvt.org.

No phone calls, please.

More About Outright Vermont

Outright Vermont is one of the longest standing queer organizations in Vermont and the only one that works specifically with young people. By striving to empower queer youth, model positive cross-generational learning and leadership, and to address lateral oppressions including racism, classism, heterosexism, ORVT is building a safer, healthier, and more supportive world for all young people.

Currently Outright Vermont works toward our mission by providing social, support and educational opportunities for youth and also by offering outreach to schools, youth serving agencies, and communities in order to identify, develop and train allies for LGBTQ youth, and create safe environments for all youth.

About Outright Vermont

The Mission of Outright Vermont is to build safe, healthy, and supportive environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.

Website: http://www.outrightvt.org
Outright Vermont
Brian Gilbar
Outright Vermont Board Chair
email: katherine@outrightvt.org
phone: 802-865-9677

On August 10 2007 Scott Graham found out that the State of Vermont Corporate Tax Department ignores the Civil Union Law -- defining marriage using the federal definition. Gay couples are forced to pay a minimum $250 tax each year to the State of Vermont under this practice.

Scott Graham and his spouse Brian Stephens have been in a monogomous relationship for 19 year. They own 110 acres in West Fairlee where they live, steward the land, manage the timber and grow ginseng. They received a bill from the State of Vermont for Willoughby Forest, LLC, a Vermont Limited Liability Company in which they are the sole partners.

Confused, about the bill, a penalty fee and interest, because they had no timber sales last year, Graham telephoned the Vermont Department of taxes.

He learned that the State of Vermont's corporate income tax has a $250 minimum tax which applies to all C corporations, S Corporations, Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies. "That is, unless as in our case, the members of the LLC are limited to an individual and their spouse -- and both materially participate in the business. In that case the LLC can essentially be treated as a proprietorship and there is no minimum corporate tax,"says Graham.

"I informed the representative from the tax department that this was the case and he indicated he would review our return and call me back with details on resolving the bill,"says Graham. "A few minutes later, he called me back and asked, 'Who is Brian Stephens?' My spouse, I replied. I then learned that the Corporate Division of the State of Vermont Tax Department requires that spouses meet the federal definition of marriage: man and woman."

This is not equal protection under the law.

Each year when I civil unioned couples file their federal income tax they must do so as a single individual. Then when they file their Vermont state taxes, they need to change their federal return to married and print out that copy -- not the official, federal copy -- which they then submit with their Vermont state taxes.

The State of Vermont ignores the federal definition of marriage in this case but not when it comes to the corporate income tax.

"Our neighbors -- a lesbian couple -- are in the same boat. They have a business together and have structured it as an LLC. I am sure that there are more couples in Vermont who work in a business together but are forced to pay the tax."

Call to Action: Email (http://www.vermont.gov/governor/contact.html), call (toll-free in Vermont: 1-800-649-6825) or fax (802 828-3339) the Governor and ask why his administration is selectively applying Vermont's Civil Union Law for same-sex couples who have do business through an LLC together.

G. Scott Graham, MS
True Azimuth, LLC
802-380-1026, cell / voicemail
802-333-9006, fax
sgraham@TrueAzimuth.biz, email
http://TrueAzimuth.biz, website

Register by September 1st!

Outright Vermont , Vermont 's provider of support and educational services for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer youth, will benefit from the 4th Annual Fire Truck Pull held on the Church Street Marketplace on Saturday, September 15th from 12pm-2pm.

Teams of 12 people will be pulling a REAL Fire Truck up the Marketplace. Teams with the best pull times, best costumes and most money raised will win prizes.

Do You Have What it Takes?

Think you and 11 of your buddies can pull a fire truck? Think you can do it faster than everyone else? Come show us! Register your team by Sept. 1st by calling 802-865- 9677.

Each team is challenged with raising $1,000 each to compete in the Pull. Team registration and event information are available for download on the Outright Vermont website. Teams of all ages, genders and occupations are encouraged to compete!

Prizes for fastest pull time, most money raised, and "best dressed" teams will be given out. Every team gets a free Fire Truck Pull t-shirt!

Proceeds from the Pull benefit Outright Vermont's services for queer youth in Vermont . Outright VT provides direct services to youth through age 22, including HIV education, weekly drop-in sessions and discussions, support for gay-straight alliances in schools, a state-wide chat and information line, and referrals for youth in crisis. Outright VT also provides educational workshops and trainings to students and educators throughout the state to address issues of discrimination and harassment in schools.

Lluvia Mulvaney-Stanak
Executive Director

Again! RU12? was smashed!

Hello everyone, it is with sadness that I report yet another smashed window over the weekend here at the Center. We came in Monday morning and discovered that one of the windows in our cyber center was smashed. The window that was targeted had a screen on the outside which prevented the object from coming through both of the windows and potentially damaging the cyber center computers.

Just when we were beginning to think that maybe the violence against us was over - or at least taking a break!! One never gets used to how to react or what to do in situations like these. We contacted the police and are hopeful that they will continue to investigate all of the hate crimes that have occurred against RU12?

Anyhow.. We wanted you all to know. Thank you for your continued support of the Center and we will be sure to update you should we hear anything from the Burlington Police Department.

Ann Atkins
Program Director
SafeSpace
P.O. Box 5883
Burlington, Vt. 05402
802-863-0003
ann@ru12.org

Dear Outright Vermont Supporter:

I am writing to let you know that I gave notice of my resignation to the Outright Vermont Board in late June. I have made this decision for many positive personal, professional, and organizational reasons. The most significant of these reasons is that our organization is the strongest it has ever been in our 19 year history.

Through solid team work of the Board and Director we have established a solid fundraising plan which features new, creative, and effective fundraisers and the expansion of our donor family.

We have secured numerous substantial grants that now fully support the expenses for our Direct Services, Education & Outreach, and Health & Wellness programs.

In the last year we have more than doubled our staff size from just two staff to six staff (four full-time and two contracted).

We moved Outright Vermont from a small office in Burlington's South End to the Multi-Generational Center in the Old North End--more than doubling our space.

As many of you know, I have been on staff for over five years starting first as a Program Assistant in 2002, then teaming up with Kate Jerman in 2004 to become Co-Director, and most recently becoming the sole Director last August. Working for Outright Vermont has provided me with some incredibly powerful experiences.

Listening to queer youth tell their stories with poise, courage, compassion, and amazing honesty to thousands of students, faculty, and staff around our state.

Celebrating five years of Youth Pride with youth of all ages by marching (and chanting!) in the streets of Burlington and dancing the night away at the queer youth prom.

Sharing in the excitement of gathering queer and allied students from around the state for Vermont's first Gay/Straight Alliance this past spring.

Rumbling up the Church Street Marketplace in the dead of winter tossing Mardi Gras beads with Outright Vermont youth and volunteers.

Awarding four different amateur drag performers (including two Outright Vermont youth!) the title of Vermont Drag Idol at Pride.

Supporting countless queer youth at our office, over the phone, by email, or in their schools.

Helping to establish Outright Vermont as an agency that truly walks its talk by creating youth leadership opportunities, addressing lateral oppression, and working to unify the queer community.

With all of the good times, it's hard to reflect on the last five years and not also think about some of the incredibly challenging times. In the last five years, queer youth accessing our services have discovered that they have become infected with HIV, have become victims of suicide, have endured endless bullying and harassment not just in Vermont schools but in their work places and homes, and have experienced severe isolation in the more rural parts of our state. These heartbreaking real-life experiences of youth are exactly why Outright Vermont staff and volunteers continue to work tirelessly to reach as many queer youth in need as possible around the state. It is the support of community members and colleagues like you that help us make a difference every single day.

The last two years at Outright Vermont had especially significant challenges. In 2005, like many other queer youth agencies across the country, we faced a significant funding shortfall and we nearly had to close our doors. Unlike those other organizations, we survived thanks to the support of supporters like you. Outright Vermont is now one of only a handful of independent and rural queer youth organizations still providing both Direct Services and Educational Programs in the United States.

As you likely recall, in the last year our Education and Outreach work at WillistonCentralSchool and then MissisquoiValleyUnionHigh School drew local, state, and national media attention. In both incidents neo-conservative parents and community members used many of the same distortions, mistruths, and attacks that were used during Civil Unions against Outright Vermont to pressure school officials to cancel our presentations. Throughout both attacks Outright Vermont staff responded with courage, professionalism, and compassion. We chose to gather support for the embattled school professionals rather than respond directly to the slander and gay-bashing. Our approach proved effective at each school as the school boards both unanimously voted to support the Outright Vermont presentations. Once again, you were with us every step of the way responding to our action alerts, attending school board meetings, writing letters to the editor---even making cookies for weary staff. Never underestimate the impact that your encouragement continues to have on the staff, volunteers, and youth.

It is time again for me to call upon the Outright Vermont family to support our staff, volunteers, and youth during this exciting transition. I originally made my decision to leave Outright Vermont being unsure about what was next. Fortunately, the queer fairies of the universe have stepped in to guide me. Just last week, I accepted a job at the University of Vermont's Student Life Department as the Assistant Coordinator of Community Service. This is a thrilling opportunity for me both personally and professionally as I look to my future.

Over the next week, the Outright Vermont Board will launch a Transition Team which will be charged with hiring the next Executive Director. We know that the leadership of our agency is critical not just for Outright Vermont, but also for the community as a whole. This is why our team will include representatives from across our organization including youth, program staff, volunteers, donors, and community leaders.

At the end of August, I will shift from full-time to part-time at Outright Vermont and begin my transition to UVM. Our upcoming Fire Truck Pull on Saturday, September 15th will be my final day at Outright Vermont. (Maybe this is a little more incentive to create that team you have been thinking about? J). By Labor Day, critical areas of my responsibilities will be distributed amongst the appropriate staff until the new Director is hired.

I have assured the Board, staff, and--most importantly--the youth that you, the Outright Vermont family, will support them through this transition. I encourage you to take this request to heart and consider offering your support by joining the Transition Team, helping out at the office, or volunteering at one of our fall fundraisers. Most importantly, please continue to sustain your financial support of Outright Vermont. Donations from Vermonters like you help sustain a healthy portion of our annual budget and ensure the future of our work.

It has been a privilege to work with the amazing youth, staff, Board, and all of you in so many different ways. It is truly the people involved in the work of Outright Vermont and the youth who access our services that make this organization so special. I will always be grateful for this remarkable experience. I leave knowing that this agency is in excellent hands.

In Solidarity,
Lluvia Mulvaney-Stanak, Executive Director

p.s. I can be reached at Lluvia@outrightvt.org or by calling the office should you want more information about this transition. Also, please stay in touch personally with me via thelluvia@gmail.com

The Burlington Free Press has a poll asking its readers to vote on same-sex marriage.

We urge you to TAKE ACTION and vote YES! Burlington Free Press

This is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate support for the fair and equal treatment of same-sex couples in Vermont. Although it's not a sientific poll, we know that the results will make an impression on our legislators and fellow community members.

Please vote YES now! Burlington Free Press

Also, if you haven't already, please call (or email) Speaker Gaye Symington and President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin to thank them for their leadership and for forming the Blue Ribbon Commission. We are extremely pleased with their effort to move this conversation forward and we want to ensure that they hear from supporters.

Gaye Symington:
899-3324
E-Mail: speaker@leg.state.vt.us

Peter Shumlin
387-4447
E-Mail: senprespt@leg.state.vt.us

We anticipate that anti-gay, opposition letters will be submitted to papers throughout Vermont. We urge you to write a letter to the editor in support of the freedom for same-sex couples to marry. Remember to thank the Speaker and the President Pro Tem and state your support for equality. It only needs to be 200 words or less.

Go to our Letters to the Editor for speaking points and to link to your local paper.

Burlington Free Press - Letter to the Editor

Rutland Herald - Letter to the Editor

I will send out another email with more details about the commission shortly. For now, it's important to take action.

Thank you!!
Robyn Maguire
Field Director

Today, House Speaker Gay Symington and Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin announced at a press conference in Burlington that they have formed a Blue Ribbon Commission to study Vermont's laws governing same-sex couples. The commission will hold public hearings around the state and will evaluate whether same-sex couple in Vermont should have the same legal right to marry as heterosexuals. Following their evaluation, the commission will make a recommendation to the Legislature.

We are very excited and encouraged by this positive step forward!! Both Speaker Symington and President Pro Tem Shumlin have demonstrated initiative in moving the conversation forward here in Vermont and we applaud their leadership.

We urge you to thank them today! Please call (or email) both Speaker Symington and President Pro Tem Shumlin and thank them for forming this blue ribbon commission. (And don't forget to tell them you support equal marriage rights!!)

Gaye Symington:
899-3324
E-Mail: speaker@leg.state.vt.us

Peter Shumlin
387-4447
E-Mail: senprespt@leg.state.vt.us

We know that anti-gay opponents will call leadership to speak out against equality. It's extremely important that we demonstrate support for the fair and equal treatment of ALL Vermonters.

Gaye Symington:
899-3324
E-Mail: speaker@leg.state.vt.us

Peter Shumlin
387-4447
E-Mail: senprespt@leg.state.vt.us

Also, please encourage your supportive family and friends to call (or email) to thank both the Speaker and the President Pro Tem. We know that Vermonters support equality and it's time to act now!!

As we find out more information about the commission, we will send you an email.

Thank you for your continued support!

Robyn Maguire
Field Director

When Joe Swinyer approached Mountain Pride Media with time on his hands and enthusiasm to match, the Mountain Pride Media Board of Directors put its thinking cap on to find the perfect role for him. Board membership would entail a bit much travel time, but another thing was apparent: Joe's a talker. He's incredibly active in and committed to his community and not at all hesitant to speak with groups and individuals, so it all made sense: Joe would be our new Volunteer and Campaign Outreach Coordinator.

This volunteer position entails formally and informally spreading the word about two of Mountain Pride Media's greatest needs right now: money and people. In this capacity, Joe will reach out to friends, neighbors, social groups, churches, and community-based organizations to describe the Phoenix Campaign and the volunteer and Board positions that very much need to be filled.

"I was so psyched to meet with Joe. He's ready to do his homework on MPM and has already started brainstorming presentations and reaching out to contacts. Since we need financial support and Board members the most right now, Joe's role in the organization will be vital. I'm very glad to have him on board," said Michelle Barber, MPM Board President.

Joe formerly volunteered for Out in the Mountains too, manning many stuffing nights and writing the "Ask Joe" column. A bio of our newest volunteer is below - welcome Joe!

Joe Swinyer is a New York State native residing for many years in the Plattsburgh area. His undergraduate degree in teacher education is from Plattsburgh State University as is his masters in teacher education (elementary). Joe also holds the master of library science degree from the University Center, Albany. Joe taught elementary school for several years and later was a member of the library faculty at Plattsburgh State University for 31 years. He currently works part-time as a consultant for New York State's Documentary Heritage Program administered by the New York State Archives.

Since retirement from full-time work in 1995, Joe has been an active volunteer for the Adirondack Humane Society, Champlain Valley Physician's Hospital Palliative Care Program, and for St. Peter's Church where he serves on the Hospitality Committee, Bethany Ministry, lectors, and is an Eucharistic Minister. Joe is also active in the Town of Plattsburgh Democratic Party as Committee person for Area 4. Joe was an active volunteer for Out in the Mountains. He has also facilitated the Bereavement Support Group and the Coming Out Support Group for RU12?

Joe is a widower. His partner of 30 years, Larry Hart, died from prostate cancer in 2005. Larry and Joe discovered Out in the Mountains soon after its inception and always subscribed to stay connected to our community. Joe is looking forward to promoting Mountain Pride Media and Out in the Mountains in New York State and Vermont.

Through the generosity of the 2007 Pride Committee, Mountain Pride Media will have a table at the 2007 Pride festivities in Burlington! MPM fans can stop by the table, visit with Board members, find out about volunteer opportunities, and get the latest update on the Phoenix Campaign.

"Pride Vermont is a celebration of Vermont's queer community in beautiful downtown Burlington. Pride brings together families, community organizations, businesses, artists, and professionals for one proud day July 7, 2007. This year Pride occurs at Battery Park, after marching from the bottom of Church Street in the traditional Pride Parade." www.pridevt.com

Actually, though, the Pride Committee has pulled together a whole weekend (and more) of festivities for the GLBT community! There's the Mr. Pride Vermont Pageant, a yard sale, the VGSA Pride Cruise (benefiting MPM!), the Burly Bear Beer Fest, and LOTS more! Visit www.pridevt.com for a complete listing - and visit us on July 7!

Dear MPM supporter,

The Phoenix Campaign is moving along steadily through individual donations and organizational collaborations. We continue to need the financial support, but just as much, we need supporters to consider joining our Board of Directors.

I can't stress enough how important a strong BOD is at this time. We're returning to our volunteer roots and that means we need a team at the helm who is willing to say "I want a community with a GLBTQ media outlet and I'm willing to step up to the plate for a period of time to make that happen."

MPM is going through an exciting period of growth and we're trying to attract the right visionaries to our Board of Directors: we're looking for GLBT or Allied community members that are interested in our mission, full of energy and ideas, with a good sense of humor, and interested in exploring specific areas of media communication.

I'm also aware that the MPM BOD has a reputation of being a true working board. That certainly continues to be the truth now, but we are also being very deliberate with our resources - and that includes You! We meet twice a month and limit our meetings to two hours. We rotate locations and set the meeting times and dates based on all Board members schedules. Volunteer time outside of the Board meetings is expected, but, beyond that statement, the time and energy you give is up to you.

If you feel you have skills related to our needs, or if you valued Out in the Mountains, or if you feel you have something to say or contribute to our community, let's have a conversation over coffee.

Thank you for your support - I look forward to reconnecting our community with you!

Michelle Barber
President
MPM Board of Directors