Volunteer to Help
The committee summaries below provide an overview of what each committee is doing. Contact the committee chairs to volunteer, donate relevant services or materials, and get more info.
Not sure how you want to help? Send an email to the Center's Membership Co-chairs at volunteer@lgbtqcenter.org, outlining what you do well or what you might like to do and we'll get in touch with you! We need your help!
Volunteers With Specialties: The Grants Team is eager for additional members with experience in prospect research and identification, and/or proposal writing combined with budget preparation. If you have experience with grant writing and wish to assist, please send an e-mail to apuzzony@aol.com.
The Building Committee
Chair: Cusie Pfeifer
Email: building@lgbtqcenter.org
The Building Committee is working to keep our busy new building at 300 Wall Street up and running in support of Center events and activities. Help is needed to perform routine cleaning and maintenance. Contact Cusie to help with this vital work.
Communications Committee
Chair: Ria Slaton
Email: communications@lgbtqcenter.org
The Communications Committee encompasses the CenterPiece newsletter, press and media relations, and the Center's website. We currently need media relations' professionals to support our growing programs and events. Email Ria at communications@lgbtqcenter.org to get involved.
Technology, led by Michele Johnston, is a sub-committee of Communications, and manages all of the Center's growing computing and technology needs, from data management to our security and surveillance system. To volunteer email Michele at technology@lgbtqcenter.org.
Fundraising Committee
Chair: Ginny Apuzzo
Email: fundraising@lgbtqcenter.org
The Fundraising Committee meets in conjunction with Special Events each month. Meeting dates are announced by e-mail. The Cornerstone Capital Campaign, to raise the funds to eliminate the debt for our building, is underway and our talented Grants Team is actively pursuing funding for the operations of our various programs, educational, and outreach events. Assistance is needed in many areas: clerical, major gift solicitation, event sponsorships, and more! Contact Ginny Apuzzo at fundraising@lgbtqcenter.org
Membership Committee
Co-Chairs: Barbara Fried
Email: membership@lgbtqcenter.org
Since our first outreach meeting, more than 1,200 people across the Hudson Valley joined the Center as dues paying members.
This achievement is due to the increased visibility of the Center through outreach events like Just Desserts, Gay Day at Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, and get-togethers at area Muddy Cup coffee-houses. Your help is needed to organize and staff these events.
Membership meets the second Tuesday of each month.
Programs Committee
Chair: Vanessa Shelmandine
Email: programs@lgbtqcenter.org
The Programs Committee educates service organizations, schools, government agencies, and the general public about LGBTQ issues as well as organizing events and meetings at the Center to support our community.
The Programs Committee created an incredibly schedule of workshops and presentations for the Center's second annual Conference: Come Out & Find Out held September 15, 2007.
If you or your organization would like to be involved in creating and expanding services for our community email programs@lgbtqcenter.org.
Pride Committee
Co-Chairs: Michelle DeDominicis & Retts Scauzillo
Email: pride@lgbtqcenter.org
The Pride Committee made the 2007 Pride March and Festival an event everyone could enjoy. Our largest celebration yet, attended by an estimated 2500 marchers and spectators, the day featured great entertainment, floats, balloons, food, and fun events for kids. Planning for Pride 2008 is beginning and we expect next year's event to be even better. Volunteers interested in helping to organize these events can email pride@lgbtqcenter.org.