Commission/Interest Group:   LGBTA Concerns Commission     

Chair:     Dean R. Jolly       

Summary of Annual Meeting at National Conference (agenda items, issues, discussion topics, announcements, etc.)

With a larger group than usual, the meeting began by vocally recognizing Casey Self for his receipt of the Service to Commission Award. Casey was "officially" recognized during one of the concurrent sessions the previous day. Congratulations again Casey! You are appreciated!

A large amount of time was taken during the session for introductions. While time consuming, I find this to be extremely important in effort to build a sense of "community" within the commission. I know that some great networking was a result.

During last year's meeting time was taken to "localize" efforts within the commission by re-examining the sub-unit goals (listed below):

1. EDUCATE the NACADA membership about the myths and concerns that confront gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered students.
2. ENCOURAGE conversations amidst the NACADA membership about sexual orientation and gender identification and its relationship to issues in advising, education/career planning, curriculum and retention.
3. ESTABLISH a supportive environment where advisors can discuss and address homophobia and heterophobia in their institutions and in NACADA.
4. ENABLE NACADA LGBT folks the opportunity to network with each other at regional and national conferences.

The results of that meeting provided 5 main mini-goals for the commission. These mini-goals were re-evaluated during this meeting. The mini-goals are listed below.

1. Encourage regional presentations to be made at national conferences
2. Establishment of a more sound networking effort within the commission to assist our campuses with the procurement of domestic partnership benefits and sexual orientation anti-discrimination clauses.
3. Promote the allies aspect of the commission and increase the strength of their support
4. Development of training modules to be distributed within the commission
5. Help LGBT folks that cannot attend conferences to get involved.

A leader was designated within each of the five mini-goal groups to help encourage the discussion. The purpose for the mini-group sessions was to focus on one of the five mini-goals listed above and provide specifications for how to achieve that goal. As time ran out during the session, I asked the leader of each group to prepare a list of activities designed by the group. To date, I have received one groups list.

In addition, I acquired three "promises to present" at the next annual meeting in Cincinnati .

Approximate Number of Commission/Interest Group Members in Attendance:   25   

Critical Issues of Concern or "Hot Topics" Identified:

1. The need for a commission strategic plan
2. Increased commission membership in NACADA committees (diversity, membership, etc.)
3. "Article 12"
4. Domestic partnership benefits/anti-discrimination clauses
5. Certification issues and process from NACADA attendance

6. Panel of students presenting at next national conference

Unit Goals and Objectives for Next Year:

Still waiting for complete lists from commission members - will attach an addendum to this report upon receipt.

Future Activities Planned:

1. I will be working with commission member, Jennifer Joslin, to create a draft of the commission strategic plan.
2. An all out effort to recruit presenters for regional/national conferences
3. Other activities as detailed by "mini-goal" groups - details to come.

Volunteer Opportunities Available Within the Unit:

Several committee member seats have opened up and we hope to fill some of them with LGBTA Concerns Commission Members.

Members Serving this Unit (committee members, liaisons, etc.):