Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition, Central Ohio’s youth community center by and for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their straight friends 20 and younger, announces the launch of their Second Decade Campaign to celebrate 10 years of service to the Central Ohio community.The goal of Kaleidoscope’s Second Decade Campaign is to raise an additional $50,000 by 2007. The funds will be used to sustain the original vision and respond to the remarkable increase in the number of LGBTQ youth who access the community center, and utilize other Kaleidoscope services.
According to Executive Director Angie Wellman, “The Second Decade Campaign is about preparing for the next generation of LGBTQ youth.” In 2004, Kaleidoscope’s youth community and board conducted a year-long strategic assessment and planning process. The results emphasized some trends: LGBTQ youth still need safe space; they still want community; and more LGBTQ youth are coming out to family and friends.
“This means Kaleidoscope needs to be ready to encourage the next Decade of LGBTQ youth to create their community and empower themselves,” said Wellman.
“As we move into our second decade of service, and with so many young LGBTQ utilizing Kaleidoscope’s services, we’ve found that the youth love our new space and the new programs we’re providing. We’re seeing the Second Decade Campaign as a way to support the human capital, the infrastructure of our organization.”
On February 24, Kaleidoscope supporters will gather at the Network, located at 525 N. Park St, . to kick off the Second Decade Campaign. Each Second Decade Campaign contributor who pledges $3,000 or more over the next two years will receive his or her name on a plaque to be displayed in the Center in special recognition for their leadership.
“We have seen such strong support from the LGBT and Allied community. My hope is that more people will think about what they can do to help reduce homophobia and create safe space for LGBTQ youth,” said Board Development Chairperson, Tom Tootle . “The Second Decade Campaign is a great way to get involved.”
For more information about Kaleidoscope Youth Coalition, or the Second Decade Campaign, call (614) 294-7886, email angie@kaleidoscope.org or visit www.kaleidoscope.org.
