COLAGE: People with a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer Parent

A friendly welcome to COLAGE’s new Development/Administrative Assistant

admin — Thu, 31 May 2012 01:44:11 +0000

COLAGE would like to welcome our newest staff member, Brennon Ham! Brennon will be the new Development/Administrative Assistant. Check out his staff page for more information about Brennon.

Feel free to email him at brennon@colage.org with questions.

COLAGE

elizabeth — Sun, 20 May 2012 18:39:29 +0000

Yesterday, the NAACP’s board of directors voted to endorse marriage equality unequivocally. This bold and courageous move is an unexpected, powerful, and significant step forward for the LGBTQ movement, without question. The right wing has made thinly veiled attempts to regain black voters specifically by attempting to cast the LGBTQ population as a- entirely separate from the African American population, and b- at odds with the values of black voters. The NAACP has instead asserted that they will not be made the political football of the GOP, and that they stand with the LGBTQ community in the fight for full civil rights for all Americans.

More importantly, this reminds us that our movement, the LGBTQ movement, is about social justice, and as such, it is inextricably linked to and embedded in the legacy the NAACP. Urvashi Vaid recently published a piece describing a schism in the framing of the LGBTQ movement as being either for social justice, or for equal rights. COLAGE is a social justice organization. COLAGE believes that civil rights are part of our path to social justice, but that social justice is a longer road, and it’s one we’re walking on with our allies in all oppressed and minority communities. We are not just walking this road with them, we are also standing on their shoulders, walking paths they’ve paved ahead of us.

The NAACP’s platform is for broad and sweeping change toward social justice, not just equal rights, and we commend that long-sighted vision. COLAGE stands with the NAACP in the fight for an end to legalized and institutionalized racial profiling, we stand with the NAACP in the fight for better access to healthcare and nutrition for all Americans, we stand with the NAACP in fighting for access to high quality schools that are not re-segregated thanks to white flight, we stand with the NAACP in fighting for reproductive rights, we stand with the NAACP in the fight for voter rights, and we stand with the NAACP in the belief that the civil right to marriage should be afforded to all Americans.

Our movement and our work will not end with marriage equality, and that is because it is only the most privileged among the LGBTQ community who will then have full access to what they need to thrive. Social justice is more abstract, more intangible, and yes, harder to campaign and fundraise for, but it is what we are working towards. We, as people of color and as white people, as the children of LGBTQ parents, as people who are straight, queer, trans, gender-variant, and gender conforming, as people with and without economic, social, and racial privilege have always stood together as COLAGErs for social justice for all as a higher (and harder) goal than equal rights, and we stand with the NAACP in the pursuit of equal rights as an important step toward our other shared goals of social justice.

We thank and congratulate Ben Jealous and the NAACP for their work for all of us, and we are committed to continuing our work with them and countless other social justice and civil rights organizations.

Got Questions About Family Week? We’ve Got Answers!

elizabeth — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:12:29 +0000

With Family Week around the corner you may have some questions about what to expect, and why registering for COLAGE programs opens the door to a life-changing experience for your child.

COLAGE programs are unlike anything else offered at Family Week, or any summer camp experience you may have had elsewhere. What makes them different? We’re glad you asked.

First and foremost, COLAGE programs, workshops and events are all led, planned, and created by adult COLAGErs. That’s right, everyone in the room will have the experience of having an LGBTQ parent. Being in COLAGEr-only space is a powerful experience that is not replicated anywhere else, and what we do with that is also unique.

For all age groups, COLAGE programs follow a natural progression throughout Family Week.

Early in the week, workshops are focused on creating community amongst ourselves: we get to know each other by sharing our family backgrounds, playing games, and through fun activities like scavenger hunts around Provincetown. We discuss how being the child of LGBTQ parents is in itself an identity, that we have our own “coming out” process and that is separate from our parents’ identities.
Next, we focus on taking care of ourselves in a world that treats us and our families differently: through workshops that give us “tools for school” to combat bullying and prejudice, or activities that help us identify resources in our communities, we focus on being able to advocate for our own needs and rights.
Moving forward, we examine how our powerful experiences as COLAGErs fit into a larger context of social justice movements: workshops focus on themes of economic, social, and racial justice through examining questions like “what is fairness?” and “what is equality?” Older youth will examine their own relationship to privilege, power, and responsibility, particularly in the context of being activists in the LGBTQ movement for social justice. Through this lens, COLAGE locates itself in the LGBTQ movement in the framework of social justice more so than an equal rights emphasis, though both are addressed.
Finally, the week ends with workshops that empower COLAGErs to speak up, speak out, and be heard: whether speaking out in a way that’s right for you means telling a few trusted friends and peers about your family, or speaking out publicly and in the public eye, you’ll gain skills, tools, and tips for how to do so in ways that both protect you and make a difference.

Of course, our beloved program highlights will again take place:

Scavenger hunts: a team of your peers are off to learn about Provincetown and each other on a scavenger hunt! Meet a drag queen, find out who the harbor master is, and create a team song – the winning team gets a prize!
Teen Panel: parents and younger youth love hearing teens respond to their questions! Join us to hear COLAGErs speak out about their lives with LGBTQ parents.
Show and Tell: Come see what we’ve been up to all week! It’s true, COLAGEr only space means parents might not get to know much about what we’re up to (depending on your kids!). The Show and Tell is a chance to get a peak at what we’ve been doing.
Lunch Chats: COLAGE lunch chats are back this year due to popular demand! These powerful yet informal meetings are for sub-constituencies in the COLAGE community among youth 13 and older. Some examples of lunch chat groups are: trans-racially adopted COLAGErs, COLAGErs born through donor insemination, straight-identified COLAGErs, and “2nd Gen” – or LGBTQ-identified COLAGErs. All lunch chats are hosted by COLAGE staff who share the identity of the group meeting.
The DANCE! Friday night the week ends with a youth dance at Town Hall. This hugely popular event is a final chance for all COLAGErs at Family Week to come together and celebrate the community they’ve created together.

Age groups for COLAGE program are used to divide youth into groups where they participate in developmentally-appropriate workshops and programs. The day is structured according to each age group’s developmental needs:

Camp is for youth entering grades 3-5 and programs feature more physical activity, creative expression, and play. Camp programs are in the morning, with very few afternoon or evening events.
Crew is for youth entering grades 6-8 and programs are a mix of discussion and creative/physical activities. Crew programs take place every morning, include lunch chats for older Crew participants, and a few workshops and events in the evenings and afternoons.
High School programs are for youth entering grades 9-12 and are held every morning, every afternoon, and some evenings.

The adult COLAGErs who will be the staff for Family Week are all volunteers from all over the world. Many have grown up coming to Family Week, or have been on staff many times before, and some are coming for the first time. All the staff work hard to prepare the activities and workshops well in advance of arriving in Provincetown, and go through training before programs begin. Your appreciation of the staff goes a long way, they pay for their own travel and use their precious time off from work or school to work hard to provide your children with an unforgettable week. Want to show us your love and appreciation? Consider bringing part of a meal to a staff dinner, or inviting a staff member for a meal with your family. We’ll have more information about that at Family Week!

And last but not least, the details!

When is Family Week? July 28th 2012 – August 4th 2012

Where is Family Week? All events and programs are at various venues in Provincetown, MA, and all are walk-able to and from the town center. COLAGE does NOT provide housing to participants, in order to participate in Family Week, you need to reserve your housing for Family Week. If you have not already done this, please do so soon as rentals and hotels fill up very early!

Who is Family Week for? COLAGE is for people with LGBTQ parents. If you have or had a parent who is LGBTQ-identified, you’re a COLAGEr!

Ok, so now that you’re an expert on Family Week, you’re ready to register. To do so, simply go here. There will be on-site registration available but prices will be higher.

Still have questions? No problem, email Elizabeth Castellana, National Program Director at elizabeth@colage.org

We can’t wait to see you at Family Week, thanks for helping us make it great!

Tell Us Why You Love Family Week!

admin — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:35:09 +0000

Hey COLAGErs!!
Do you love family week? We are making a video clip here at COLAGE to capture the essence of Family Week, and what better way would the message be said other than by you!

Here is how part of the production:

Film yourself (and possibly other family members!)

Tell everyone:
-What makes you love Family Week and makes it so memorable, unique, and fun!
-What you are looking forward to for the next Family Week!
-Feel free to share some of your favorite stories!
-Why they should register!

Make sure:
-You (and others) are centered in the video
-There is a limited amount of background noise
-There is a limited amount of background distraction
(i.e. people moving around in the background)
-That you can be clearly heard and understood
-No profanity and/or coarse material observable
-The clip is around 3 minutes at maximum

After you have filmed your clip post it on Youtube and send us a message and a link to your video at CP@colage.org so that we can use your submission!

*I/We understand COLAGE will be taking photographs and/or taking video footage of participants during this event. COLAGE has permission to publish my/our photograph in COLAGE publications and outreach materials. COLAGE has permission to use video of me on the COLAGE YouTube Channel, or in other COLAGE materials.

*I/We understand that COLAGE may edit part(s) of the submission(s)

*At your request we will remove your video at any point in the process if you do not want it to be shown.

Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you all!

Register for Family Week!

elizabeth — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:53:41 +0000

Join COLAGE as we return to Provincetown Family Week from July 28th-August 4th!

Early bird rates expire on May 15th – register now!

COLAGE is returning to run our outstanding and unique programs for youth with LGBTQ programs at Provincetown Family Week this summer.

COLAGE programs are for youth ages 8-18 (youth entering grades 3-12) who have or had 1 or more LGBTQ parents. All COLAGE programs, workshops, discussions, and events are lead by the adult children of LGBTQ parents – so everyone in the room will be like you – someone with an LGBTQ parent!

Our beloved programs have empowered, encouraged, and supported youth with LGBTQ parents for over a dozen years and this year will be no exception.

Registration is a per child fee, so families must register their children individually. We are committed to ensuring the accessibility of Family Week programs to all who want to attend, if cost is a problem, please contact elizabeth@colage.org for scholarship information.

Registration entitles youth to participation in all COLAGE programs and events during Family Week, and COLAGE does not provide housing or meals for youth during Family Week.

For house rentals we recommend weneedavacation.com and vrbo.com.

Please contact elizabeth@colage.org with any questions!

Welcome Barbara, COLAGE’s new Interim Executive Director!

adrian — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:43:28 +0000

Greetings!

Please join us in offering a warm welcome to Barbara Green, COLAGE’s new Interim Executive Director as she begins in her new role with us on Monday! COLAGE is excited to add Barbara Green to our staff and honored to have her serve us in the essential leadership role.

In addition to 16 years of experience serving as interim executive director at a wide variety of non profit organizations, Barbara also brings her connections with leaders of LGBT organizations around the country, strategic planning expertise and a deep understanding of organization development. Barbara is excited to start her position with COLAGE, “As a lesbian mother of a teenage son, I am passionate about empowering youth and helping further the COLAGE mission.” She will be in the San Francisco office March 12-14 and will then work from her home in Seattle. If you are in the Bay Area, Barbara would love to meet with you while she’s in town.

Barbara joins Elizabeth Castellana, COLAGE’s National Program Director and Noah Chasnoff, our Development Associate in an exciting and important time for COLAGE. COLAGE is embarking on a new strategic plan process, preparing for our return to Provincetown Family Week, and launching new leadership programs for youth, adult participants and volunteers. Your support of Barbara in her new role and your support of COLAGE through your participation and donations will ensure the success of these initiatives.

Once again, thank you for your support during this time of excitement and change. We are eager to engage with you through programs and planning this year and encourage you to reach out to welcome Barbara and share your ideas and visions with her.

Sincerely,

Aaron Sachs Paul Perry

Chair Vice Chair

Intern at COLAGE this Summer!

elizabeth — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:14:10 +0000

The 2012 Felicia Park-Rogers Summer Internship Program

Come work with COLAGE this summer!

About COLAGE

COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth and adults who have one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parents. We build community and work toward social justice through youth empowerment, leadership development, education and advocacy. COLAGE offers an integrated array of local, regional and national programs. To learn more, visit www.colage.org.

The Felicia Park-Rogers Internship Program

The COLAGE Summer Internship Program is named for our visionary former director Felicia Park-Rogers who started the summer internship program during her tenure at COLAGE. We honor her creativity, years of leadership, and commitment to people with LGBTQ parents, through 10-week internships that promote the development of young leaders and advocates who make change that matters.

COLAGE is the only national youth-driven network that connects people with an LGBTQ parent to a community of peers. This is a hands-on job: interns don’t just do filing, they get to use their creativity and initiative. We are looking for team players who are motivated to learn, share, play, and work hard in support of COLAGE’s mission. Interns will assist the staff on current or new projects, with both local and national events, and with office management. The internship is a great way to build your skills in doing non-profit administrative and program work, as well as to become a passionate and effective leader for yourself and your family.

This year’s interns will work out of the Boston area and will support the programs department and work as a part of Family Week staff in Provincetown, MA. Interns will be responsible for their own housing though we will assist them in securing low-cost housing options.

Preferred qualifications

· Computer literate (especially on PC’s), knowledge of Office 2003, Database Systems, especially Salesforce, HTML, and desktop publishing programs a plus.

· Experience and comfort with email and phone-based organizing and networking.

· Experience and comfort working with youth and families

· Self-motivated, flexible, and full of initiative

Requirements

Summer interns receive modest pay. for a ten-week, full time internship including some evenings and weekends. We will help you find low-cost or free housing when possible.

· Must make at least a ten-week, full-time commitment during the summer.

· People with LGBTQ parent/s

· Must be 18 or over

· Must be LGBTQ-positive

COLAGE is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer

· People of color, people with disabilities, male-identified people and people with LGBTQ parents especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply for Summer Internships

Deadline: Friday, March 30th, 2012

Please email us the following information:

1. Your resume;

2. A cover letter sharing your interest in working for COLAGE and qualifications;

3. Contact information for two people who will serve as references and can attest to your experience and skills.

We ideally are looking for folks to work June 4^th – August 10^th although start and end dates can be flexible.

Need more info? Want to apply?

phone: (855) 4-COLAGE ext 1

email: elizabeth@colage.org

www.colage.org

Join the Family Week Staff!

elizabeth — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:02:30 +0000

Are you over 18 and the child of an LGBTQ parent? If you are, and you enjoy facilitating youth empowerment programs, join COLAGE’s Family Week staff from July 27th-August 4th 2012 for a life-changing week of programs, gatherings, and community. Our flagship program is back in 2012 and we’re looking for 30 or more COLAGErs who are over the age of 18, love to work with youth and want to make a difference in the lives of others with LGBTQ parents.

If this sounds like you, download the 2012 staff application and submit it by March 30th!

Join us!

Exciting News from COLAGE’s Board of Directors

elizabeth — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:59:21 +0000

Dear friends,

Thank you so much for your involvement with COLAGE. It is because of your investment that COLAGE has been able to connect people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer parents to a network of peers for the past twenty-one years. In honor of your commitment to helping people with LGBTQ parents become strong advocates for ourselves and our families, we write to you with some exciting news and an update on the state of our organization.

As you no doubt know, Beth Teper, COLAGE’s Executive Director, left her position at the end of 2011. Under Teper’s eight years of leadership, COLAGE has grown its annual budget and developed a number of innovative programs and initiatives. We are profoundly grateful for her contributions and wish her the best in her coming endeavors. This shift in executive leadership will mark the end of a year filled with other staff changes at COLAGE. We congratulate Mark Snyder, COLAGE’s Communications Manager, who started a new job with the Transgender Law Center in October. We will soon bid farewell to Jamon Franklin, our Finance and Operations Manager, who will leave her position in January. We are pleased that Elizabeth Castellana, our National Program Director, and Noah Chasnoff, who was hired as our Development Associate/Administrative Assistant in November, are continuing on in the midst of these transitions.

COLAGE is excited to announce that Barbara Green will begin as Interim Executive Director in early 2012.Barbara is an experienced interim executive director, having served in this capacity at 19 non profit organizations over the past 16 years, including Equal Rights Washington, Lambert House (a drop-in center for queer youth) and New Futures (a youth and family empowerment organization). She lives in Seattle with her partner and their 17 year old son, two cats and a dog. In her interim executive director work, Barbara specializes in helping organizations see the opportunities that exist during leadership changes. As the mother of a COLAGEr, Barbara is also looking forward to working at COLAGE because she is passionate about the mission.

In the time between Barbara’s start and Beth’s departure, Elizabeth Castellana has agreed to serve as the Acting Executive Director. Elizabeth’s primary focus will continue to be COLAGE’s amazing programs while also serving as COLAGE’s primary spokesperson. She can be contacted at Director@colage.org.

Clearly this is a time of significant change for COLAGE, and the Board is committed to embracing this opportunity to reshape and revitalize the extraordinary and unique work that COLAGE is already doing. We are eager to hear your feedback and answer questions on the many changes afoot and more importantly, we hope to see you involved in creating those changes. In 2012, COLAGE will be undergoing a strategic planning process, and your involvement as a committee member or input as a friend of the organization are both welcome and desired. In the meantime, there are ample opportunities to connect with and support COLAGE during this time: host a house party, forward an action alert email notifications to friends outside of our network, support your local chapter or help start a new one.

We can’t stress enough how important your ongoing fiscal support is for COLAGE. Your donations are important to us and not only help us offer our programming to people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer parents in places across the country, but this year your donations will also support COLAGE in doing its crucial strategic planning work. We hope you will also consider joining with every member of the Board in becoming a monthly donor or increasing the amount you already donate monthly. Whether $12 or $120 a month, please celebrate the New Year with a donation to COLAGE.

Once again, thank you for your support during our transition year. Like you, the Board looks forward to that moment at the end of 2012 when we can all look back with pride at the tremendous positive changes our organization (and by extension, our families) will have undergone during this pivotal transition year. We are confident that we will get there and we want you there with us. Thank you for all that you do for COLAGE and our families.

Sincerely,

Aaron Sachs Paul Perry

Chair Vice Chair

COLAGE’s Northeast Retreat

elizabeth — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:45:22 +0000

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