Tobacco Working Group, A Project of The DC Center tag:www.thedccenter.org,2009-10-30:/blog//1 2013-05-21T21:30:11Z Movable Type 4.32-en The Tobacco Working Group works to raise awareness about how smoking impacts the GLBT community and people living with HIV/AIDS in DC; and provide support for individuals who are ready to quit smoking. Freedom from Smoking: Introducing Justin Salinas tag:www.thedccenter.org,2013:/blog//1.3058 2013-03-07T03:04:41Z 2013-03-07T03:18:17Z Meet Justin Salinas. Justin is social work student and is a new volunteer at the DC Center. Justin will be co-leading our next Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center which starts on March 19th. If you or someone you know is ready to quit smoking, make sure they sign up for the class Hey there! I'm Justin Salinas, originally from Southern California, and I'm brand new to the DC area. My first impressions were great and I am working daily to integrate myself into the culture and community as much as possible. I'm a transfer student at a University in Takoma Park working on my degree in Social Work. I whole-heartedly believe in giving people the attention and respect they deserve and conveying as much helpful information to better someone's life. It's my honor to be working with the DC Center for the LGBT community and I hope to be of any service possible to those who want it. The DC Center justinsalinas.jpgMeet Justin Salinas. Justin is social work student and is a new volunteer at the DC Center. Justin will be co-leading our next Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center which starts on March 19th. If you or someone you know is ready to quit smoking, make sure they sign up for the class

Hey there! I'm Justin Salinas, originally from Southern California, and I'm brand new to the DC area. My first impressions were great and I am working daily to integrate myself into the culture and community as much as possible. I'm a transfer student at a University in Takoma Park working on my degree in Social Work. I whole-heartedly believe in giving people the attention and respect they deserve and conveying as much helpful information to better someone's life. It's my honor to be working with the DC Center for the LGBT community and I hope to be of any service possible to those who want it.

]]> Freedom from Smoking Class Starts March 19th tag:www.thedccenter.org,2013:/blog//1.3000 2013-02-08T04:42:14Z 2013-02-09T07:12:49Z Ready to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. A new Freedom from Smoking class will start in Tuesday March 19th. Classes will take place on seven consecutive Tuesdays from March 19th to April 30th. The Freedom from Smoking class we teach is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good. It is modified slightly to be more relevant to the LGBT Community and people living with HIV/AIDS. Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the information presented in the first three classes. Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at outtoquit@thedcenter.org. * click here to download the sign-up form For more information e-mail Justin Salinas or call the DC Center at (202) 682-2245. The DC Center Ready to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. A new Freedom from Smoking class will start in Tuesday March 19th. Classes will take place on seven consecutive Tuesdays from March 19th to April 30th.

The Freedom from Smoking class we teach is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good. It is modified slightly to be more relevant to the LGBT Community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the information presented in the first three classes.

Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at outtoquit@thedcenter.org.

* click here to download the sign-up form

For more information e-mail Justin Salinas or call the DC Center at (202) 682-2245.


]]> Current Cigarette Smoking Facts tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2835 2012-11-13T21:34:40Z 2012-11-13T22:05:02Z This article reports on the sad truth that smoking among adults did not decrease between 2010 and 2011. Article findings are distributed in the Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report released by the Center for Disease Control. Take a few minutes to check out this report. Hopefully these statistics can serve as a nice reminder of the current state of the ills of smoking. We encourage you to be part of lower statistics in the future. Click here to read full report. Front Desk cdc_logo.jpg This article reports on the sad truth that smoking among adults did not decrease between 2010 and 2011. Article findings are distributed in the Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report released by the Center for Disease Control. Take a few minutes to check out this report.
Hopefully these statistics can serve as a nice reminder of the current state of the ills of smoking. We encourage you to be part of lower statistics in the future.

Click here to read full report.

]]> Second Freedom From Smoking Class tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2820 2012-11-08T17:38:23Z 2012-11-08T17:52:46Z Are you ready to quit? But you missed our first Freedom From Smoking class? No worries, you still have one week left to join! Join us Tuesday, Novemeber 13th at 6:30pm for our second meeting. Don't worry about missing dinner, pizza will be provided. Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. A new Freedom from Smoking class will start in November. Classes will take place on seven consecutive Tuesdays from November 6th to December 18th. The Freedom from Smoking class we teach is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good. It is modified slightly to be more relevant to the LGBT Community and people living with HIV/AIDS. Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the information presented in the first three classes. Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at outtoquit@thedcenter.org. Click the links below to see the class schedule and intake form. outtoquitintakeform.doc outtoquitschedule[1].pdf Front Desk quitting smoking 150.png Are you ready to quit? But you missed our first Freedom From Smoking class? No worries, you still have one week left to join!

Join us Tuesday, Novemeber 13th at 6:30pm for our second meeting.

Don't worry about missing dinner, pizza will be provided.

Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. A new Freedom from Smoking class will start in November. Classes will take place on seven consecutive Tuesdays from November 6th to December 18th.

The Freedom from Smoking class we teach is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good. It is modified slightly to be more relevant to the LGBT Community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the information presented in the first three classes.

Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at outtoquit@thedcenter.org.

Click the links below to see the class schedule and intake form.

outtoquitintakeform.doc
outtoquitschedule[1].pdf


]]> Legacy is Seeking Local LGBT Smokers to Share Their Stories tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2796 2012-10-24T20:07:24Z 2012-10-24T20:32:58Z A DC-based public health foundation is producing a video on tobacco use in the LGBT community! They are seeking members of the LGBT community who smoke and are willing to be interviewed and featured in a short (2-3 min) video. They're looking for them to share their story and experience with tobacco: why/how they started, if many of their friends/family smokes, if/when they have considered quitting or made a quit attempt, etc. They request that participants be available for a video shoot on Friday, November 2 afternoon (for several hours). Please direct all inquiries to Leslie Norrington at lnorrington@legacyforhealth.org. Front Desk legacy.jpgA DC-based public health foundation is producing a video on tobacco use in the LGBT community!

They are seeking members of the LGBT community who smoke and are willing to be interviewed and featured in a short (2-3 min) video. They're looking for them to share their story and experience with tobacco: why/how they started, if many of their friends/family smokes, if/when they have considered quitting or made a quit attempt, etc.

They request that participants be available for a video shoot on Friday, November 2 afternoon (for several hours).

Please direct all inquiries to Leslie Norrington at lnorrington@legacyforhealth.org.

]]> Freedom from Smoking Class Starts November 6th tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2764 2012-10-09T20:08:30Z 2012-11-05T16:07:02Z Ready to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. A new Freedom from Smoking class will start in November. Classes will take place on seven consecutive Tuesdays from November 6th to December 18th. The Freedom from Smoking class we teach is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good. It is modified slightly to be more relevant to the LGBT Community and people living with HIV/AIDS. Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the information presented in the first three classes. Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at outtoquit@thedcenter.org. Click the links below to see the class schedule and intake form. outtoquitschedule[1].pdf Intake Form.pdf For more information contact outtoquit@thedccenter.org or call (202) 682-2245. Front Desk freedom1.gif Ready to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. A new Freedom from Smoking class will start in November. Classes will take place on seven consecutive Tuesdays from November 6th to December 18th.

The Freedom from Smoking class we teach is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good. It is modified slightly to be more relevant to the LGBT Community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the information presented in the first three classes.

Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at outtoquit@thedcenter.org.

Click the links below to see the class schedule and intake form.

outtoquitschedule[1].pdf
Intake Form.pdf

For more information contact outtoquit@thedccenter.org or call (202) 682-2245.

]]> Press Release: CDC National Adult Tobacco Survey Findings tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2713 2012-09-20T20:49:32Z 2012-09-20T21:18:29Z This is a press release from the Fenway Institute, released on September 20, 2012 FINDINGS FROM CDC'S NATIONAL ADULT TOBACCO SURVEY SHOWS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO USE AMONG LGBT RESPONDENTS VERSUS GENERAL POPULATION Report Marks Historic First Release of National Surveillance Data on LGBT Tobacco Use A CDC (United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) analysis of data from 2009-2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) showed that with the exception of pipes, tobacco use was significantly higher among LGBT respondents when compared to the general population. The survey found that 32.8% of LGBT people nationally smoke cigarettes; 12.2% smoke cigars/cigarillos/small cigars; 6.1% and 38.5% report using any tobacco. Among non-LGBT respondents, those rates fell to 19.5% for cigarettes; 6.6% for cigars/cigarillos/small cigars; and 25.2% for any tobacco use. An abstract of the APJH report is available here, where American Public Health Association (APHA) members can download a PDF of the full report. Members of the press who would like a copy of the report should contact the APHA at mediarelations@apha.org or 202.777.2509. "These data provide the first national benchmark of adult LGBT tobacco use and we applaud the Office of Smoking and Health at CDC for their leadership in LGBT integration and data collection," comments Dr. Scout, The Director of The Network for LGBT Health Equity. "Unfortunately, these findings confirm the bad news that LGBT people smoke cigarettes at rates 68% higher than the general population and that our overall tobacco use is 50% higher." said Scout, PhD, Director of The Network for LGBT Health. "It's clearer than ever that tobacco use is one of the largest single health burdens on the LGBT community," Scout continued. "On a daily level, this means smoking and secondhand smoke is taking our health and too often, our lives. I look forward to the day when every tobacco control program includes LGBT tailored work and every tobacco industry marketing program doesn't." "The American Lung Association is happy to see that this report contains specific information on LGBT tobacco use. As we stated in our 2010 report on LGBT tobacco use, Smoking Out a Deadly Threat - Tobacco Use in the LGBT Community, it's important that this type of data be collected among the LGBT community so we can target programs and funding appropriately to reduce the burden of tobacco use among this community and all disproportionately affected communities," said Bill Blatt, the Director of Tobacco Control Programs at The American Lung Association. "The LGBT communities have been advocating for health data collection for so long." reports Terry Stone, the Executive Director of Centerlink, the national association of LGBT community centers, "It's great to finally see some results from that work. Even if the news is bad, it's better than being invisible." The 2009 - 2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey is a national landline and cell phone survey of adults aged 18 years and older, to estimate current use of any tobacco; cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; water pipes; snus; and pipes. We stratified estimates by gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, income, sexual orientation, and US state. The Network for LGBT Health Equity at The Fenway Institute is a community-driven network of advocates and professionals looking to enhance LGBT health by eliminating tobacco use, and other health disparities within our communities. We are one of six CDC-funded tobacco disparity networks. For more than forty years, Fenway Health has been working to make life healthier for the people in our neighborhood, the LGBT community, people living with HIV/AIDS and the broader population. The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health is an interdisciplinary center for research, training, education and policy development focusing on national and international health issues. Fenway's Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center cares for youth and young adults ages 12 to 29 who may not feel comfortable going anywhere else, including those who are LGBT or just figuring things out; homeless or living on the streets; struggling with substance use or abuse; sex workers; or living with HIV/AIDS. Front Desk squarefenway.jpgThis is a press release from the Fenway Institute, released on September 20, 2012

FINDINGS FROM CDC'S NATIONAL ADULT TOBACCO SURVEY SHOWS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO USE AMONG LGBT RESPONDENTS VERSUS GENERAL POPULATION

Report Marks Historic First Release of National Surveillance Data on LGBT Tobacco Use
A CDC (United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) analysis of data from 2009-2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) showed that with the exception of pipes, tobacco use was significantly higher among LGBT respondents when compared to the general population.

The survey found that 32.8% of LGBT people nationally smoke cigarettes; 12.2% smoke cigars/cigarillos/small cigars; 6.1% and 38.5% report using any tobacco. Among non-LGBT respondents, those rates fell to 19.5% for cigarettes; 6.6% for cigars/cigarillos/small cigars; and 25.2% for any tobacco use.

An abstract of the APJH report is available here, where American Public Health Association (APHA) members can download a PDF of the full report. Members of the press who would like a copy of the report should contact the APHA at mediarelations@apha.org or 202.777.2509.

"These data provide the first national benchmark of adult LGBT tobacco use and we applaud the Office of Smoking and Health at CDC for their leadership in LGBT integration and data collection," comments Dr. Scout, The Director of The Network for LGBT Health Equity. "Unfortunately, these findings confirm the bad news that LGBT people smoke cigarettes at rates 68% higher than the general population and that our overall tobacco use is 50% higher." said Scout, PhD, Director of The Network for LGBT Health.

"It's clearer than ever that tobacco use is one of the largest single health burdens on the LGBT community," Scout continued. "On a daily level, this means smoking and secondhand smoke is taking our health and too often, our lives. I look forward to the day when every tobacco control program includes LGBT tailored work and every tobacco industry marketing program doesn't."

"The American Lung Association is happy to see that this report contains specific information on LGBT tobacco use. As we stated in our 2010 report on LGBT tobacco use, Smoking Out a Deadly Threat - Tobacco Use in the LGBT Community, it's important that this type of data be collected among the LGBT community so we can target programs and funding appropriately to reduce the burden of tobacco use among this community and all disproportionately affected communities," said Bill Blatt, the Director of Tobacco Control Programs at The American Lung Association.

"The LGBT communities have been advocating for health data collection for so long." reports Terry Stone, the Executive Director of Centerlink, the national association of LGBT community centers, "It's great to finally see some results from that work. Even if the news is bad, it's better than being invisible."

The 2009 - 2010 National Adult Tobacco Survey is a national landline and cell phone survey of adults aged 18 years and older, to estimate current use of any tobacco; cigarettes; cigars, cigarillos, or small cigars; chewing tobacco, snuff, or dip; water pipes; snus; and pipes. We stratified estimates by gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, income, sexual orientation, and US state.

The Network for LGBT Health Equity at The Fenway Institute is a community-driven network of advocates and professionals looking to enhance LGBT health by eliminating tobacco use, and other health disparities within our communities. We are one of six CDC-funded tobacco disparity networks.

For more than forty years, Fenway Health has been working to make life healthier for the people in our neighborhood, the LGBT community, people living with HIV/AIDS and the broader population. The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health is an interdisciplinary center for research, training, education and policy development focusing on national and international health issues. Fenway's Sidney Borum Jr. Health Center cares for youth and young adults ages 12 to 29 who may not feel comfortable going anywhere else, including those who are LGBT or just figuring things out; homeless or living on the streets; struggling with substance use or abuse; sex workers; or living with HIV/AIDS.

]]> Meet new intern Adrienne! tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2676 2012-08-30T21:09:08Z 2012-08-30T21:16:22Z Hello! I'm Adrienne and I'm a graduate student in Gallaudet's Social Work program. I'm an Indiana native who spent the last few years living and learning in the South studying American Sign Language and Women and Gender Studies. I am pumped to explore DC and I have a good feeling that the internship with the DC Center may be one of the most exciting parts of my time here. My goals are to work within the Deaf Queer population at the community level. I am particularly interested in visibility and resource accessibility of members of this group. At the Center I will be working on Freedom from Smoking Program, the GenderQueer Discussion Group and collaborating with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. I am lucky enough to intern here until May 2013. When not interning or in class, I absolutely love thrift shopping. I adore vintage dresses, red lipstick and up-dos. I can't forget to mention my joy of exploring the city, talking walks with my pup, having good discussions on all things queer and spending time with friends. Front Desk Adrienne blog pic.jpgHello! I'm Adrienne and I'm a graduate student in Gallaudet's Social Work program. I'm an Indiana native who spent the last few years living and learning in the South studying American Sign Language and Women and Gender Studies. I am pumped to explore DC and I have a good feeling that the internship with the DC Center may be one of the most exciting parts of my time here. My goals are to work within the Deaf Queer population at the community level. I am particularly interested in visibility and resource accessibility of members of this group.

At the Center I will be working on Freedom from Smoking Program, the GenderQueer Discussion Group and collaborating with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. I am lucky enough to intern here until May 2013.

When not interning or in class, I absolutely love thrift shopping. I adore vintage dresses, red lipstick and up-dos. I can't forget to mention my joy of exploring the city, talking walks with my pup, having good discussions on all things queer and spending time with friends.

]]> Freedom from Smoking Class Starts August 9th tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2513 2012-06-08T18:53:44Z 2012-06-28T19:08:15Z Ready to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. A new Freedom from Smoking class will start in August. Classes will take place on seven consecutive Thursdays from August 9th to September 20th. The Freedom from Smoking class we teach is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good. It is modified slightly to be more relevant to the LGBT Community and people living with HIV/AIDS. Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the information presented in the first three classes. Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at outtoquit@thedcenter.og. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION FORM ONLINE For more information contact outtoquit@thedccenter.org or call (202) 682-2245 The DC Center freedom1.gifReady to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. A new Freedom from Smoking class will start in August. Classes will take place on seven consecutive Thursdays from August 9th to September 20th.

The Freedom from Smoking class we teach is an adaptation of the American Lung Association's gold standard, group clinic that has helped thousands of smokers to quit for good. It is modified slightly to be more relevant to the LGBT Community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the information presented in the first three classes.

Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at outtoquit@thedcenter.og.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION FORM ONLINE

For more information contact outtoquit@thedccenter.org or call (202) 682-2245


]]> Network for LGBT Health Equity Steering Committee Positions Open tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2304 2012-03-30T17:54:11Z 2012-03-30T19:17:21Z The Network for LGBT Health Equity is now accepting nomination to fill two positions on its 13 member Steering Committee. Please note that one of the two positions is designated as a youth/young adult position, and applicants must be between 18-24 years old. The purpose of the committee is to provide multidisciplinary input and guidance on activities for the Network. Members will participate by sharing information regarding tobacco and other LGBT health disparity opportunities, providing input on National Network efforts, and considering strategic policy enhancements that further LGBT health disparity work at their organizations. Responsibilities:Attend regularly scheduled phone meetings (generally once or twice a month)Attend one in-person meetings per year (paid for by the Network)Review and give feedback on policy, direction, and strategic planning of Network ActivitiesStrategize effective ways to increase Network visibility, organizational outreach, and membershipIdentify and increase the engagement of subgroups within the LGBT community (i.e., youth, rural, elder, etc)Support and enhance the goals and objectives of the Network in a changing environmentEngage agency/coalition groups on pertinent issues/opportunities and report back to the Committee If you are interested in nominating an individual or yourself for the committee the following is required (please send CV/Resume and Statement of Interest to lgbthealthequity@gmail.com):Current copy of the individual's CV or ResumeStatement of Interest from the nominee (maximum of 250 words and must be completed by the nominee)Complete an online application questionnaire (must be completed by the nominee) The Youth/Young Adult Nomination process is slightly varied. If you are interested in nominating a youth/young adult member or you are a youth/young adult and you would like to apply to be on the committee, click here to fill out the Youth/Young Adult Steering Committee Application form online. Youth/young adults can still be nominated or apply through the general nominations process (candidacy will not be affected by either application) and would follow the same guidelines by submitting the following: Current copy of the individual's CV or ResumeStatement of Interest from the nominee (maximum of 250 words)Complete a general online application or youth application (must be completed by the nominee) All Nominations must be submitted on or before April 16th, 2012 by 3PM EST to:lgbthealthequity@gmail.com Subject: Steering Committee Nomination. You will receive a confirmation email within 2 working days of your email nomination. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 2 working days, please resend and call 617.927.6452 to ensure delivery. If you are submitting a nomination on the due date and have not received a confirmation by 4PM EST please call 617.927.6452 before 5PM EST to resend or confirm delivery. Nominations received after 4/16/2012 at 3PM EST will not be accepted. Front Desk lgbt health equity.jpgThe Network for LGBT Health Equity is now accepting nomination to fill two positions on its 13 member Steering Committee. Please note that one of the two positions is designated as a youth/young adult position, and applicants must be between 18-24 years old.

The purpose of the committee is to provide multidisciplinary input and guidance on activities for the Network. Members will participate by sharing information regarding tobacco and other LGBT health disparity opportunities, providing input on National Network efforts, and considering strategic policy enhancements that further LGBT health disparity work at their organizations.


Responsibilities:

  • Attend regularly scheduled phone meetings (generally once or twice a month)
  • Attend one in-person meetings per year (paid for by the Network)
  • Review and give feedback on policy, direction, and strategic planning of Network Activities
  • Strategize effective ways to increase Network visibility, organizational outreach, and membership
  • Identify and increase the engagement of subgroups within the LGBT community (i.e., youth, rural, elder, etc)
  • Support and enhance the goals and objectives of the Network in a changing environment
  • Engage agency/coalition groups on pertinent issues/opportunities and report back to the Committee

If you are interested in nominating an individual or yourself for the committee the following is required (please send CV/Resume and Statement of Interest to lgbthealthequity@gmail.com):
  • Current copy of the individual's CV or Resume
  • Statement of Interest from the nominee (maximum of 250 words and must be completed by the nominee)
  • Complete an online application questionnaire (must be completed by the nominee)

The Youth/Young Adult Nomination process is slightly varied. If you are interested in nominating a youth/young adult member or you are a youth/young adult and you would like to apply to be on the committee, click here to fill out the Youth/Young Adult Steering Committee Application form online. Youth/young adults can still be nominated or apply through the general nominations process (candidacy will not be affected by either application) and would follow the same guidelines by submitting the following:
All Nominations must be submitted on or before April 16th, 2012 by 3PM EST to:lgbthealthequity@gmail.com Subject: Steering Committee Nomination. You will receive a confirmation email within 2 working days of your email nomination. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 2 working days, please resend and call 617.927.6452 to ensure delivery. If you are submitting a nomination on the due date and have not received a confirmation by 4PM EST please call 617.927.6452 before 5PM EST to resend or confirm delivery. Nominations received after 4/16/2012 at 3PM EST will not be accepted.

]]> Youth Planning Committee--LGBT Health Equity Summit tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2256 2012-03-08T16:34:23Z 2012-03-08T17:01:07Z Are you between the ages of 16 and 24? Do you care about health and the LGBT community? Do you worry about the toll that smoking and tobacco is taking on the lives of your friends, family and community? Join The Network for LGBT Health Equity's youth planning committee for the 8th National LGBT Health Equity Summit, Bridging the Gap: Promising Practices in LGBT Health and Tobacco Control in Kansas City, Missouri on August 14th, 2012. The Summit will have workshops, lectures and talks designed to leave participants with the tools and strategies to advance their movement around LGBT health and tobacco control in their local communities, along with an amazing evening event (details coming soon). The youth committee will work on coming up with and organizing a youth focused activity for the Summit. Responsibilities will include a monthly planning call (or calls as needed), and a passion to be involved in the summit. This will be a great opportunity to network and make connections with organizations and other youth activists from around the country, meet interesting people, get great planning and organizational experience, represent youth and have fun! A limited number of scholarships will be offered for Committee Members to attend the Summit. Also please note that youth under the age of 18 will have to be accompanied by a chaperone. To fill out the application, please click HERE! The application Deadline is Friday March 9th at 5pm EST. Front Desk summit-logo-2012.jpgAre you between the ages of 16 and 24? Do you care about health and the LGBT community? Do you worry about the toll that smoking and tobacco is taking on the lives of your friends, family and community?

Join The Network for LGBT Health Equity's youth planning committee for the 8th National LGBT Health Equity Summit, Bridging the Gap: Promising Practices in LGBT Health and Tobacco Control in Kansas City, Missouri on August 14th, 2012.

The Summit will have workshops, lectures and talks designed to leave participants with the tools and strategies to advance their movement around LGBT health and tobacco control in their local communities, along with an amazing evening event (details coming soon).

The youth committee will work on coming up with and organizing a youth focused activity for the Summit. Responsibilities will include a monthly planning call (or calls as needed), and a passion to be involved in the summit. This will be a great opportunity to network and make connections with organizations and other youth activists from around the country, meet interesting people, get great planning and organizational experience, represent youth and have fun!

A limited number of scholarships will be offered for Committee Members to attend the Summit. Also please note that youth under the age of 18 will have to be accompanied by a chaperone. To fill out the application, please click HERE! The application Deadline is Friday March 9th at 5pm EST.

]]> Tell the DC Council - HIV+ Smokers need your help! tag:www.thedccenter.org,2012:/blog//1.2233 2012-02-28T20:15:08Z 2012-02-28T22:58:43Z Over the past few months, the DC Center for the LGBT Community has met with LGBT individuals, activists, and organizations to talk about tobacco. Many people understand that smoking is unhealthy, but did you know that HIV+ smokers are at risk for both HIV AND smoking-related illnesses and diseases? In our discussions, we have encountered many different exciting ideas about how to reduce smoking in the LGBT community. You can't make someone quit, but you can provide more information and help people make better choices. The DC Center and the Tobacco Working Group are asking the DC Council to make information about the effects of smoking for people living with HIV available in all stores that sell tobacco. According to the Department of Health, DC has at least 16,000 people living with HIV. That's at least 3% of the population living with HIV! The DC Center has created a petition to help explain to the DC Council the effects of tobacco on people living with HIV. Won't you join us? Justin tobaccolgbt1.gifOver the past few months, the DC Center for the LGBT Community has met with LGBT individuals, activists, and organizations to talk about tobacco. Many people understand that smoking is unhealthy, but did you know that HIV+ smokers are at risk for both HIV AND smoking-related illnesses and diseases?

In our discussions, we have encountered many different exciting ideas about how to reduce smoking in the LGBT community. You can't make someone quit, but you can provide more information and help people make better choices. The DC Center and the Tobacco Working Group are asking the DC Council to make information about the effects of smoking for people living with HIV available in all stores that sell tobacco.

According to the Department of Health, DC has at least 16,000 people living with HIV. That's at least 3% of the population living with HIV! The DC Center has created a petition to help explain to the DC Council the effects of tobacco on people living with HIV. Won't you join us?

]]> Tobacco Working Group Meeting: January 17th tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2111 2011-12-30T23:01:49Z 2011-12-30T23:07:06Z The DC Center is working to reduce smoking in the LGBT community, and we need your help! On Tuesday, January 17th, we are hosting a meeting of the Tobacco Working Group, a collection of individuals and organizations working together towards this important goal. The DC Center is an organization that exists to help the LGBT community, and so we welcome any individuals who would like to join us and provide comments or suggestions. We want to do the best job possible, and we can only do that if we have the support of our community! You can find out more information on our website: www.outtoquit.org or on Facebook Justin tobaccolgbt1.gifThe DC Center is working to reduce smoking in the LGBT community, and we need your help! On Tuesday, January 17th, we are hosting a meeting of the Tobacco Working Group, a collection of individuals and organizations working together towards this important goal.

The DC Center is an organization that exists to help the LGBT community, and so we welcome any individuals who would like to join us and provide comments or suggestions. We want to do the best job possible, and we can only do that if we have the support of our community!

You can find out more information on our website: www.outtoquit.org or on Facebook

]]> Videos of Performances from Smokin' Words tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2110 2011-12-30T22:45:46Z 2011-12-30T22:59:12Z Justin icon2 90 dpi jpg version.jpgIn late November, the DC Center hosted Smokin' Words, a night of spoken word and poetry performances to expose the LGBT community's struggles with tobacco. Videos of the performances are now on YouTube.

See performances by:
Regie Cabico - Regie Cabico is a 3 Time National Poetry Slam Finalist and has appeared on 2 seasons of HBO's Def Poetry Jam. His work appears in over 30 anthologies including The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry, Spoken Word Revolution & The World In Us; Gay & Lesbian Poets.

Liz Prescott - Liz was a semi-finalist in Capturing Fire, the first national, queer poetry slam. She has featured previously at the original Busboys and Poets, *Sparkle* a queer driven open mic at the 5th and K location, and The Garden open mic at Bloombars. Liz is the board president of mothertongue, a women's spoken word collective. She just released her first chapbook, The Calcium in my Bones in February.

Amy Saidman - Amy Saidman has been hosting and producing SpeakeasyDC since 2001. For over four years, she was the Program Manager for the Washington Storytellers Theatre.

J. Mace III - J Mase III is a Black/Trans/Queer/Rowdy-as-Hell Poet with a capital [P] based in Philly. As a performer and teaching poet J Mase III has rocked venues all around the country from colleges and radio stations to group homes and youth centers. An organ donor, J Mase is the author of If I Should Die Under the Knife, Tell My Kidney I Was the Fiercest Poet Around and creator of the annual performance event Cupid Ain't @#$%! To find out more about J Mase III, simply stalk him on his website www.jmaseiii.com or on facebook.com/masonthewordartist.

Gowri K. - Gowri is program director at BloomBars community arts space and teaches a course on poetry and social justice at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She has performed at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage and Lincoln Center Out of Doors and her poetry has appeared in Beltway Poetry Quarterly, Bourgeon, and Lantern Review.

J.T. Bullock - JT Bullock is poet, writer, and aspiring teller of stories who resides outside the District line (in Silver Spring, Maryland).He has competed in three National Poetry Slam competitions, most notably the 2006 Nationals in Austin where he ranked 19th in the nation.

]]> Freedom from Smoking Class Planned for January tag:www.thedccenter.org,2011:/blog//1.2081 2011-12-12T00:57:26Z 2011-12-15T22:55:21Z Ready to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. The DC Center is currently putting together a new seven week Freedom from Smoking to start in January. We are tentatively planning for the classes to take place on seven consecutive Thursdays starting January 12th at 7:00 PM. The schedule may change slightly based on the needs of group participants. Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class. This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the first three classes. Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at justin@thedcenter.og. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM For more information contact Justin at justin@thedccenter.org or call (202) 682-2245. The DC Center freedom1.gifReady to quit? Increase your chances of success by joining a Freedom from Smoking class at the DC Center. The DC Center is currently putting together a new seven week Freedom from Smoking to start in January. We are tentatively planning for the classes to take place on seven consecutive Thursdays starting January 12th at 7:00 PM. The schedule may change slightly based on the needs of group participants.

Please note: You will not quit smoking until week 4 of this class. This is intended to give you adequate time to prepare, and to benefit from the first three classes.

Classes will take place at the DC Center for the LGBT Community. If you are interested in taking this class, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to the DC Center (1318 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009) or e-mail it back to us at justin@thedcenter.og.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

For more information contact Justin at justin@thedccenter.org or call (202) 682-2245.

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