Equality Federation

Equality Federation is a social justice, advocacy and capacity building organization serving and supporting state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) advocacy organizations in the United States.[2]

Equality Federation
Founded1997
Location
Key people
Fran Hutchins, executive director[1]
Employees
8
Websiteequalityfederation.org

History

In 1997, a group of state-based LGBT advocacy organizations came together to form the Equality Federation, which originally operated as a volunteer-run coalition. In 2005, Toni Broaddus joined the Federation as its first executive director, transitioning it to a staffed organization.[3] In 2010, the Federation was a staff of four when Broaddus stepped down. After a nationwide search, the board of directors hired Rebecca Isaacs as the organization's second executive director in 2011.[4] It was declared in December 2020 that Fran Hutchins would be succeeding Rebecca as the third execute director, starting January 2021.[1]

Structure

The Equality Federation is an umbrella group of two separate non-profit organizations. The Equality Federation is a 501(c)(4) membership organization serving organizations who advocate for LGBT equality in nearly all 50 states. The Equality Federation Institute is a 501(c)(3) organization with programs in leadership development, policy advocacy, and organizational development.

The Equality Federation staff is distributed across the United States.

Programs

Equality Federation's programs focus on leadership development, policy advocacy, and organizational development.[4][5]

Leadership development

Equality Federation staff provide coaching and mentoring to new and experienced executive directors, offer training for staff and board of advocacy organizations, and operate an internship program to connect young people with statewide organizations.[6]

The organization also hosts two annual events: the New Executive Director Boot Camp and the Summer Meeting. The New Executive Director Boot Camp is attended by new organization leaders for two days of in-depth training.[7] The Summer Meeting provides state-based organization leaders with the opportunity to collaborate and develop working relationships.[8]

Organizational development

Equality Federation's organizational development program focuses on strengthening member organizations to ensure they're sustainable and strategically positioned to advance public policy changes.[9]

The program's offerings include strategic planning services (organizational, advocacy, and fundraising plans), executive search support, and access to online services. The organization also works to create partnerships within and across regions. The Southern Cohort convenes annually at the Southern Leadership Summit to share best practices and form partnerships for working in the Southern United States. Similarly, the Midwest Cohort meets at the Midwest Leadership Summit to strategize for the Midwestern United States.[9]

Policy advocacy

The organization's policy program assists state-based organizations with their public policy advocacy efforts.[10]

The State Equality Fund (a philanthropic partnership that includes the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, Ford Foundation, the Gill Foundation, and anonymous donors) works with the Equality Federation to build support for passage of statewide nondiscrimination laws in Ohio and Pennsylvania.[11] The organization has worked with a number of state-based organizations to develop plans after their state allows same-sex marriage.[12] Equality Federation has also formed a partnership with the GSA Network to advance safe school policies in five states.[10]

Membership

Equality Federation serves statewide LGBT advocacy organizations in the United States, including:[13]

See also

References
  1. Curtin, Jenn (December 8, 2020). "Equality Federation Names Fran Hutchins as New Executive Director". Archived from the original on December 8, 2020.
  2. "About Us". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on April 3, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  3. Browning, Bil (July 30, 2010). "Equality Federation ED to step down". Bilerico Project. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  4. Bajko, Matthew S. (2011-01-27). "Political Notebook: Equality Federation welcomes new executive director". Bay Area Reporter. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  5. "Programs". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on April 3, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  6. "Building Leaders". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  7. "New Executive Director Boot Camp Builds Skills, Relationships". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  8. "2013 Summer Meeting". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  9. "Strengthening State Equality Groups". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  10. "Advancing Critical Issues in the States". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  11. "Winning Nondiscrimination Protections in Pennsylvania". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  12. "Planning the Post-Marriage Movement". Equality Federation. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  13. "Member Organizations". Equality Federation. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  14. "About Us". Basic Rights Oregon. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  15. "Equality Illinois". Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  16. "Equality Maine". Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  17. Carreras, Jessica (2010-05-20). "Equality Michigan steps out". Between The Lines. Archived from the original on October 25, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  18. "OutNebraska". Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  19. Staff, News 3 (January 30, 2020). "Silver State Equality endorses Pete Buttigieg for President". KSNV.
  20. "Action Center". Equality North Carolina. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  21. "Dauphin County candidates endorsed by Equality Pennsylvania". Roxbury News. April 15, 2013. Retrieved January 16, 2014.
  22. "Community Partners". Equality Utah. Archived from the original on December 29, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  23. "The Fairness Campaign and Kentucky Fairness Alliance Merge!". Equality Federation. Fairness Campaign. October 16, 2013. Archived from the original on January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  24. "Who We Are". Forum for Equality. Archived from the original on November 20, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  25. "Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition announces new executive director". Bay Windows. July 25, 2013. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  26. "Kara Suffredini Named to Equality Federation Board of Directors". MassEquality. September 30, 2011. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved January 14, 2014.
  27. "About Us". OutFront Minnesota. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
  28. Maples-Bays, Beth (July 1, 2005). "Equality Federation supports state level activists". Out & About Nashville. Retrieved January 17, 2014.
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