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Please Take Our Survey Today!
What we're doing. The Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) was formed to address racial disparities at Affirmations. It is tasked with creating a set of best practices for Affirmations to embrace multiculturalism at many different levels, including (but not limited to): programs & services, leadership and decision-making, resource development, employment, and volunteering.
Progress. The MAC is currently in the process of gathering information from a range of community members about their perceptions of Affirmations and its level of racial and ethnic inclusivity. Thoughout the month of July, a range of stakeholders will be invited to take this survey, including current and former board members, current and former staff members, volunteers and the general community. Following this initial survey process, focus groups will be convened to gather additional information, beginning in the fall of 2010.
History. The Multicultural Advisory Committee was formed in response to an internal process begun in early 2007 among both board and staff that pointed toward a need for heightened multiculturalism within the organization. Of the thirteen committee members, two Affirmations staff and two Affirmations board members serve. All other committee members are representatives from the LGBT community-at-large that have a passion for ending racism and addressing racial disparities. The MAC is supported through funding from Affirmations' general operating fund and the Arcus Foundation.
The MAC first began meeting in May of 2008 and since that time has:
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Given voice to deep concerns and fears related to racism in the LGBT community;
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Participated in the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity & Inclusion's intensive diversity training and customized mini strategic-planning session for MAC members;
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Chosen the Denver Foundation's Inclusiveness Project to guide the work in creating a blueprint for change at Affirmations.
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Held an Open House on September 19th where the committee shared its progress with community leaders from area LGBT organizations. Click here to view the powerpoint of that presentation.
- Have collected data about the local demographic profile and surveyed other LGBT organizations in the Midwest about their practices.
Who we are. The MAC is made up of a diverse group of dedicated individuals who are passionate about growing and supporting our multicultural LGBT community. They represent a range of area organizations and come from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
How You Can Get Involved. We welcome community input and participation. Click here and fill out the form to let us know that you're interested in getting involved. Have additional questions? Contact Kathleen LaTosch, MAC Coordinator, at 248-398-7105 x215.
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Affirmations Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) members:
Deedra Bass
Carrie Copeland
Tamara Halliburton
Torii Hamilton
Zip Johnson
Ryan Oliver
Phil Rivera
Michelle Walters
Coordinated by Kathleen LaTosch
Press Releases:
Multicultural Advisory Committee Hosts Successful Open House (December 15, 2009)
Ferndale, MI - (December 15, 2009) In September, The Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC) hosted a successful Open House where leaders from Metro Detroit’s LGBT organizations for people of color met and learned about the progress that the MAC has made toward establishing best practices for multicultural service provision at area LGBT organizations.
The evening was hosted at Affirmations in Ferndale, and included a welcoming meet-and-greet and was followed by a 60-minute presentation reviewing the historical context that created the MAC, the present work being conducted and the future expectations. Follow-up dialogue pointed to a need for the Multicultural Advisory Committee to continue to communicate its progress to the community at large.
Featured during the presentation, was an announcement of a new set of inclusiveness principles developed by the MAC in partnership with both the staff and board of Affirmations. This Statement of Inclusiveness Principles was adopted by the MAC on September 3, 2009.
The MAC is currently working on collecting demographic information about the region, collecting program and service information from area nonprofits and conducting an in-depth analysis of Affirmations’ policies and practices.
Multicultural Advisory Committee Begins National Research on Best Practices (February 3, 2009)
Multicultural Advisory Committee Rolls up Their Sleeves (September 2, 2008)
LGBT Multicultural Advisory Committee Launched by Affirmations (January 15, 2008)
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