35
The
generation
gap
Younger women are crucial for LCP’s survival
by
F
K r ist a n A
spen
ear seems to be the primary factor motivat
ing many of us since Sept. 11.
I also know there are lesbians who support
LCP financially because they believe in the
possibilities of what an organized community
can do. Whatever your reasons for becoming a
The only way we can regain a sense of
member, I hope you will do it today.
safety is to reach out and build community
If LCP ceases to exist in 2002, what will
with our human family. The better we know
serve as the umbrella for new projects and ini
each other, the more secure we will feel and
tiatives developed by lesbians and our friends
the more prepared we will be to support each
and allies? Who will play host to Deaf Culture
other when any of us is under attack.
Nights and American Sign Language classes,
To build this kind of community network
the Amazon Dragons dragonboat team and for
takes commitment and vision. It was the vision
the Options for Elders task force on senior
of the founding mothers of the Lesbian Commu housing and retirement communities?
nity Project in 1986 that this organization could
Who will produce the softball tournament
evolve to meet the needs of lesbians many years
in August? Who will provide leadership train
into the future. Today, I believe LCP is more
ing retreats for queer youth and organize Con
important than ever as an institution.
versations Projects?
I agreed to serve as program director in Jan
These are just some of the projects flourish
uary 2000 because I wanted to see LCP thrive
ing under LCP’s auspices. Who knows what
and become relevant again to lesbians and oth
new community organizing opportunities await
ers in the sexual minorities community. With
us in the new year!
the help of a precious few board members who
I hope I’ve convinced you to become a
have given generously of their time and money
member, renew your membership and/or make
during the past two years, we have made great
a special tax-deductible, year-end donation.
strides and survived through 2001.
Any donation
Now, we need an influx of new energy to
and any renewal
continue to
by a member
grow. Now is
expired for more
the time for
than a year will
women in their
count toward a
20s, 30s and 40s
50 percent
to get involved.
match from the
We have m en
Ralph L. Smith
tors in their 50s,
Foundation.
60s and 70s
The purpose
who are avail
of this grant is to
able for consul
strengthen our
tation, to share
membership/do-
history and to
nor base so LCP
train new lead
can become
ers as requested, Kristan Aspen (left) learns sign language as part of the Lesbian more self-suffi
but LC P cannot Community Project’s outreach to the deaf community
cient. We appre
become stronger
ciate the foundation’s continued investment in
without more
our collective community umbrella organiza
participation by younger women.
tion. To qualify for the match we must demon
It was not an easy thing to start this organiza
strate that lesbians and our friends and allies
tion, to obtain tax-exempt status, to build an
are investing in LCP, too.
infrastructure or even to amass the office supplies
The future of any organization is in the
we have. These achievements are substantial, and hands of its members. Without you we are
they are available to you because many women
going nowhere. Basic membership is critical.
have held this dream together for 16 years.
Beyond that, you can pledge any amount
is a resilient
institution.
It has been
you choose on a monthly or other basis to
but LCP
it should
not he taken
for granted.
support LC P ’s office and staff. Monthly
To keep the organization running smoothly
pledgers and major donors are LC P ’s fairy
requires the commitment and cooperation of
godmothers.
10 to 18 volunteer board members plus five to
10 other active volunteers. We have only nine
And finally, you can offer to volunteer in
board members, and several are ready to retire.
the office, at our New Year’s Eve Dance or
through public speaking, working on the
Without new enthusiasm to stoke the fire, LCP
newsletter and fund raising. If you are a voting
will not survive the next year.
member, you may apply to serve on the board
Perhaps you are wondering what LCP actu
of directors. The board needs women of diverse
ally does for lesbians. Through our newsletter,
backgrounds who have good communication
soon-to-be-launched Web site, groups and
skills,
a commitment to lesbians and an interest
classes, LCP provides access, information,
in community organizing.
hope, leadership training, visibility, opportuni
However you choose to participate, you will
ties to make new friends, communication
be joining a wonderful community of women.
between women and many possible ways to
volunteer and participate in building commu I Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Join LCP now. I look forward to seeing you
nity with others.
on New Year’s Eve at Shenanigan’s, where we
As program director, 1 interact with lesbians
all can “Lift Those Spirits and Dance!!” Tell
who appreciate LCP being there for them—
your friends. Everyone is welcome! J H
women who are just coming out, women who
are new to town, women who need the support
K r i s t a n A s p e n is program director of the
of other lesbians as they face difficult decisions
Lesbian Community Project. For more
or are calling for a referral to a lesbian-friendly
information call 503-294-7435
practitioner of one kind or another and women
or
send e-mail to lcp@webpride net.
looking for social alternatives to the bars.
HILARIOUS 8 SHOCK«™.
SMART 8 UNSPARING.
GASPINGLY ENTERTAINING
E V E N IN G N E W S
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