Out in the Mountains Coalition Notes: Name change and planning long-range STRAFFORD -- The Vermont Coalition for Lesbians and Gay Men, newly reorganized after last December’s Conference in Randolph, has been hard at work since then. The Board has been meeting regularly to develop long—range organizational goals and strategies. The Coalition seeks to develop an active and involved membership in every county and, through social and educational programs, to be a strong visible and vocal presence in the state. The goal is to bring lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people together as well as influence individuals, schools, organizations, and the legislature to secure and defend civil rights and protections for all represented communities. In May, after much discussion, the Coalition voted to change its name to The Vermont Coalition for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The Board discussed including bisexuals and transgender people in the name, and while many felt it was important to encourage participation by these groups in the organization, the members recognized that the common oppression we all experience is homophobia. The fear and hatred of lesbians and gay men is the cause of much of the discrimination against people who identify as bisexual and transgender. Promoting and defending lesbian and gay social and political rights through education, lobbying, and visibility are effective strategies for improving all our lives and the Coalition’s primary goals. By changing the Coalition’s name, those goals are made clear. All Vermonters who support these goals — lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight allies alike — are encouraged to participate. The Coalition has formed the following working committees and encourages you to join one: The Conference Committee is planning the 2nd Annual VCLGR Conference: A Queer Town Meeting, to be held at Middlebury College on Saturday, November 12th. Help is needed in all areas of planning now as well as help on the day of the Conference. The Program Committee is working to plan educational and social events in all regions of the state. The Coalition hopes to develop a speakers bureau available to groups seeking information or assistance with lesbian and gay rights concerns. Suggest an idea for an event in your neighborhood. The Public Policy Committee will develop legislative lobbying strategies for bills of interest to our communities and organize contact with key legislators to urge their support. This committee will also keep members aware of candidates who support or oppose its efforts. The Fundraising/Finance Committee raises and manages the Coalition’s resources. The Coalition needs community members with experience or skills in grant writing or fundraising to help develop a strong financial base. ' The Membership/Publicity/Outreach Committee develops campaigns to recruit new members and to increase Coalition visibility through articles and other publicity throughout the state. To join the Coalition, volunteer to help on any of the above committees, or get more information, call (802) 728-4121 or 454-8552. Watch for further information on the upcoming November 12th Queer Town Meeting Conference in the October issue of OITM. V Bennington Free Library Bennington College Bennington Library Record Rack . Southern Vennont College Brattleboro Brattleboro Food Coop Common Ground Everyone's Books Burlington Burlington College Chassman & Bem Fletcher Free Library Onion River Co—op Partners in Recovery & Growth Peace & Justice Center Pearls Planned Parenthood Castleton STEP Learning Center Chester Misty Valley Books Chester Craftsbury Craftsbury Public Library Where to Find OITM Center Rutland Rutland Area Gay/Lesbian Connection East Hardwick Greenhope Farm Fair Haven Fair Haven Free Library Hardwick Buffalo Mountain Coop Galaxy Books Lyndonville Jon's Automotive Project EXCEL, Lyndon State College Manchester Center Northshire Bookstore Middlcbury Addison County Women in Crisis Ilsley Public Library Middlcbury Natural Food Coop Stonn Cafe Montpelier Bear Pond Books Hom of the Moon Cafe Rivendell Books Woman Centered Morrisville Monistown Centennial Library Newfane Moore Free Library Northfield Brown Public Library Norwich Social Alternatives for Gay Men Plainfield Woman's Study Program Putney Putney Library Randolph Kimball Public Library Rutland PFLAG Rutland Free Library United Methodist Churh Grace Cong. United Church of Christ St. J ohnsbury LUNA/NEVGALR c/o Umbrella Natural Pnovisions Regional Library St. Johnsbury Athenaeum Stowe Food for Thought Waterbury Video Exchange White River Junction WRJ Books Upper Valley Coop Williamstown, MA Wild Oats Co—op Orbysubscriptionmailedrighttoyourdoorl 16