Welcoming 2012 and looking back at 2011!

http://www.icontact-archive.com/wcaXjq2w0Sv38zuhfDc3iSAn2apmLs0_?w=3

Hello Caucus Members and Friends –

 

As I look back at 2011, I can't help but smile at all of the tremendous accomplishments the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus has enjoyed. 

 

Under our new leadership, we have expanded with the addition of our Manatee County chapter, the Manatee County GLBTA Democratic Caucus, grown our membership by 35%, improved our image with a new website, increased communication with our monthly e-newsletter, had a successful summer conference in Key West, and put the wheels in motion for a “67-county strategy” by working to develop chapters in every County of our state.    While doing this, we’ve also enjoyed some wonderful victories around the state.  Just to give a few examples…

 

·         In Tampa, the Hillsborough County GLBTA Democratic Caucus celebrated the election of Bob Buckhorn as Mayor and all 7 Tampa City Council Members, all who are friends of the GLBTA Caucus and 3 who are members of the Caucus.

 

·         In St. Pete, the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County celebrated the landslide re-election of openly gay St. Petersburg City Councilman Steve Kornell.

 

·         In Largo, the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County also celebrated the election of Largo’s first openly-gay elected official, Commissioner Michael Smith, who beat out anti-equality incumbent Mary Gray Black.

 

·         In Orlando, the Rainbow Democratic Club celebrated the Domestic Partner Registry in December 2011. Orlando has passed a Human Rights Ordinance, passed Domestic Partner Benefits for County and City employees all in the last year. We're really moving Central Florida forward.

 

·         In Broward County, The Dolphin Democrats celebrated the passage of one of the strongest equal Benefits Ordinances in the country.

 

·         Broward and Hillsborough County School Boards expanded protections against the discrimination of LGBT individuals.

 

I am very proud that the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus’ members have been intimately involved in all these efforts and others around our state.  In our January 2012 e-newsletter, you’ll find more updates from each of our Regions outlining many of their accomplishments throughout 2011.

 

As we are now in the midst of this 2011 holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank the Leadership Team of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus for their continued hard-work and dedication throughout this transitional year and thank the membership for making this year such a success. I also want to thank all of you who are in this fight with us!  When one group is not Equal– no one is Equal!   

 

As we head into 2012, even with the successes that have been enjoyed, we have an uphill battle ahead of us.  We must ensure that we elect pro-equality Democrats from the “top of the ticket to the bottom.”  We need your help to ensure that all of our pro-equality Democrats are re-elected. Remember - ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!!

 

With the end of 2011 just around the corner, all current Caucus memberships will expire. That means it’s now time to renew by going to www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org!  And if you are not currently a member, please join our Caucus!

 

And Finally -- the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus’ Winter Conference, which will be hosted by the Hillsborough County GLBTA Democratic Caucus, is just around the corner. This Conference - BRICK BY BRICK ~ PAVING THE PATH TO EQUALITY- Ybor - Tampa - will be held February 10th, 11th, and 12th, 2012. The host hotel is the Hampton Inn and Suites-Ybor, on 7th Avenue in the heart of Historic Ybor City. The Conference on Saturday, February 11th will be at the Metro Center-Ybor.  We are planning a welcome reception on Friday, February 10th, a brunch on Sunday, February 12th and many exciting events in between to show off the wonderfully historic Ybor City in Tampa. Make plans now to join us and attend the Conference as this will be the 2012 kickoff event for the Democratic Progressive movement in Hillsborough County, Florida. Registration and hotel booking information will be on the website – www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org - within the next few days.

 

With Peace and Pride in 2012,

 

Sally Phillips

President, Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus

 

 

 

The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus is an arm of the Florida Democratic Party representing the GLBTA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied) community with 13 chapters across the state.

 

###