Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc.
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May 2, 2011
I have worked with many non-profit organizations over the years. I can say without reservation that Lambda Legal offers donors the most return on their investments. The organization runs leanly and efficiently. The group's cost of fundraising is even less than the Charity Navigator suggests because the accounting form on which Charity Navigator relies for its rating fails to reflect Lamda Legal's extensive and extremely valuable partnerships with private lawyers and law firms across the country by which it receives hundreds of thousands of dollars in donated legal services at no cost at all. What is more, in my personal opinion, the organization has done more than any other LGBT and HIV/AIDS advocacy group to advance equal rights. It has also become the "go to" advocacy organization for media and the Obama Administration as can be seen by regular reference to Lambda Legal in the largest media oulets, such as the NY Times, and by virtue of the changes we have seen in the Obama Administration's approach to relationship recognition for non-married couples in health care and, most recently, in its decision to stop defending DOMA.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Lambda Legal has impacted my family, in particular, through its Fair Courts and other educational programming. My partner was elected to the civil trial court of highest jurisdiction in Dallas County, Texas. Her election was historic for two reasons: she is the both the first openly gay and first African American female judge elected to that position. I feel certain that Lambda Legal's educational efforts and visibility paved the way for her election in what most would consider a place of conservatism.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would increase the organization's ability to explain the role of courts in our struggle for equal rights. The fight for civil rights must come on two fronts: in the courts and in the legislature. History teaches us that progress in the courts leads the way. And that is how it is supposed to work; the judicial system is a balance that ensures the majority does not impinge on the minority's constitutional rights.
January 11, 2010
I have found that Lambda Legal is very effective in deploying resources wisely to achieve the maximum impact possible. Lambda Legal puts its resources into its mission (no fancy offices) and has staff that are tremendously dedicated. The staff and board work well together and there is a large group of volunteers nationally that help the organization generate funds and conduct impact litigation. Lambda Legal is a well-run nonprofit and I'm happy to donate to it, knowing it will put my donations to good work.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
meeting people whose families have been helped through Lambda Legal's work.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
repaint their offices, which are so modest and inexpensive that they could use some brightening up.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing how dedicated, hardworking and passionate about the organization's mission Lambda Legal's staff and volunteers are.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
enthusiastic, diligent and proud to be involved with Lambda Legal.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help improve the lives of more people who face discrimination, job loss, violence and even death just because of who they are. Equality is a priceless treasure, but achieving equality takes a lot of time and money!
Ways to make it better...
I had learned about Lambda Legal sooner and been able to support it earlier.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
that there are so many cases of discrimination and mistreatment of GLBTQ people and those with HIV or AIDS that Lambda Legal can only take on a small proportion of them, focusing strategically on those where they can have the greatest impact.
One thing I'd also say is that...
The executive director of Lambda Legal, Kevin Cathcart, is a wonderful guy who is an amazing combination of scarily smart, highly personable, even-tempered, strategic, optimistic and realistic. It's great to have such an effective person in charge.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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