Dear PFLAG Supporter,

Happy Volunteer Month! As we take this month to reflect on the ways PFLAG chapters utilize and grow their volunteer base, we also want to recognize YOU. PFLAG is built on a volunteer network and wouldn’t exist without the many, many hours you all sink into this work. Especially in a time when our work is at its hardest, thank you for all you do!

We want to make sure you all have the support you need to keep doing this work, so see more below on turning Pride season into board recruitment.

In addition to tips board recruitment,  this edition of Leadership Learnings you’ll find: 

• Board Recruitment

• Advocacy Corner: Updated 501c3 Guidelines

• Rural Think Tank Alert!

• Resilience Roundup: Thank you!

Board Recruitment

Building your volunteer base can also mean growing your board. One of the best pathways to board service is through folks volunteering with your chapter at a more entry level. This could be tabling, bringing snacks to a meeting, helping set up/tear down meetings, facilitating support groups, etc. As you gear up for Pride, you might find yourselves even more in need of volunteer support than usual– your board may be spread thin and you may have more events to engage with. Now is the time to get your community more involved as volunteers! Once folks have joined the volunteer ranks, it is likely that they would be willing to take on a little more responsibility and eventually be excited to join the board.

Check out these short videos and one pagers for more tips from chapter leaders on board recruitment, including specifically turning community members into volunteers into board members!

Advocacy Corner

We’ve updated our 501c3 Rules and Guidance resource. In an election year, knowing the do’s and don’ts of advocacy is especially important. Please visit our chapter member portal and read our updated 501c3 resource for specifics, including frequently asked questions on lobbying, attending protests, and more.

And please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected] with any additional questions or clarifications you need on how to do advocacy work as a non-partisan organization.

Rural Think Tank Alert!

This month’s Rural Think Tank is TONIGHT at 4pm PT-5:30pmPT / 7pm ET-8:30pm ET! As always, Rural Think Tanks are an opportunity to be in community with PFLAG chapter leaders from rural areas all over the country, discussing a specific area that affects rural communities differently.

The April topic is volunteer recruitment and engagement. As you prepare for the summer, you may be needing tabling volunteers. Year-round, you may need people to help set up/tear down meetings, facilitate, manage social media, help throw events... the list goes on. More help is always needed! In a small community, where have you been able to find volunteers? How have you kept them engaged, coming back, and even potentially taking on more responsibility? Register now and come prepared to share your successes and challenges and learn from others.

Resilience Roundup

As you’re plugging into pride preparations, sourcing volunteers, and generally the busiest season of the year, it can be difficult to take perspective on this work. Many chapter leaders are challenged to feel like these types of efforts are purposeful and meaningful. I want to be sure that you remember: investing in your chapter’s development, growth, and sustainability are all resilience building! Thanks for all of the thoughtful work you’re putting into your PFLAG Chapter. You’re making a real difference in your community through every action you take!

Stay safe,