Advocacy Program

Introduction

We would like to introduce you to the Identity Advocacy Team (IAT), a new program sponsored by Identity, Inc. The mission of our program is to advocate for the interests of the Alaska GLBT community and their allies. The team is comprised of people who individually and collectively educate the larger Alaskan community to build GLBT equality. Our goal is to start discussions, open dialogues and provide information.

With the plethora of opinions and commentaries regarding the recent state-wide ballot measures on healthcare benefits, many businesses, governmental agencies, educators, and social organizations have realized a need for more education on GLBT issues. Companies are including sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination language in their corporate policies, yet are having trouble applying these practices to every-day practice.

Needless confusion, misperceptions and conflict result due to both the lack of factural information and the knowledge of how to access local and national resources for assistance. If employers hold dialogues and planning sessions without credible information, the result is often unsuccessful and can negatively impact employee satisfaction and morale. Additionally, these unsuccessful instances only serve to reverse the advances that have been made in GLBT acceptance in the workplace.

Identity, Inc. is spearheading our program. In its existence under several different names over the past thirty years, Identity has already made a strong impact in the community by sponsoring such programs as the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Anchorage PrideFest, the fall Pride Conference, the Gay and Lesbian Help Line, and the NorthVIEW newsletter. The IAT, through Identity and other local GLBT organizations, will partner with local and national organizations to provide resources dedicated to creating an allied community for Alaska. Corporations, educational institutions, health care professionals, community leaders, and other interested organizations can feel comfortable that they are addressing the important issues and information needs by engaging the Identity Advocacy Team. Our research, information, and insight are intended for both straight and GLBT audiences.

By way of this introduction, we hope that your organization will become involved with the Identity Advocacy Team when you have the need for speakers and information on GLBT topics. We would also like to partner with organizations with which we share common goals and ideals. We are committed to being visible as contributing valued members of the community as we educate, inform, and enlighten. Contact us via email at advocacyteam@gmail.com, or by phone at (907) 929-4528. We look forward to hearing from you soon.