NATIONAL CENTER FOR LESBIAN RIGHTS
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I have had experience with NCLR in multiple ways: 1) They successfully connected me with a Lesbian Attorney when I needed one in my area. 2) They were a sponsor for the QueerFamilies=HealthyFamilies Conference where I served on the steering committee and was a presenter. 3) I am currently working with them to address the anti-gay articles published by CAMFT in getting CAMFT, to apologize, make ammends, change their internal structure to better serve the needs of LGBT people. At all times they are professional and committed to serving the LGBT community and in their fight for our equal rights!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In helping to put on the 1st Conference for professionals dedicated to educating mental health professionals about LGBT Parenting.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Want to tell everyone about us and what we do.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
With NCLR's efforts and those of other organizations we will see LGBT gain full equality. I feel that energy when I am involved with their activities and functions.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Helpful, polite, professional, passionate and dedicated
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Change the world for LGBT people everywhere!
Ways to make it better...
They were great.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Obtaining enough funding to serve all the individuals that need assistance and to fund the campaign for Equal Rights for all LGBT people.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I am grateful that NCLR exists. It makes me feel safer in a society where I face prejudice and discrimination.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Was helped by the organization with my immigration, and later collaborated with the organization on other issues. Great staff, great dedication, and wonderful humanity.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my own asylum case as well as those of others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
try to insert a new national voice in LGBT political lobbying in DC. HRC is too moderate, and NCLR has the best politics in the LGBT community as far as I know.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the staff. A wonderful and very humane group of people.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
awesome.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Fully implement it's liberal mission via legal, pr, lobbying, and organizing means
Ways to make it better...
the organization also worked on policy issues at the federal level. It focuses on legal work.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the overall lack of interest in the LGBT community to get more involved in other social justice issues.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I really like the org. Have I said that already?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2001
NCLR is, simply put, an amazing organization. They were founded more than 30 years ago, during a turbulent time in American and LGBT history, as well as somewhat of a vague time for lesbians in particular (most early cases had to do with adoption and general family law). Since then, they have grown into a prominent, national LGBT-wide legal organization, working on behalf of the entire queer community and its families for one simple thing: Equality. Whether it's in sports, work, the hospital or simply one's own family life, equality is the end goal and they really will be here until this is achieved. I'm very thankful for the work they have done and continue to do (if you want a Grisham-like set of legal stories, just head to their Web site!), and honestly we wouldn't be where we are now without NCLR. Whether they win Pride Choice or not, hopefully their hard work is duly noted.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
national media, courtrooms small and large, my daily life and the life of the community.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
work on also being part of higher-level 'cause' conversations and mindful not to risk pigeon-holing the organization into that of a "wacky San Francisco" type. The work is so tremendous and powerful, I'd hate to see it marginalized by greater America.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their audacity to fight for justice and their perseverance to win :)
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
enthusiastic and dedicated to their work, able to keep the goal in mind even during tough times.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
establish more offices/outposts for even more casework; attend more events and hold more gatherings across the country; research/litigate more cases (small and large) that impact the various and nuanced aspects of achieving equality under the law.
Ways to make it better...
there was a little less emphasis on getting all of the demographics right; not getting bogged down in too much "PC" culture that could end up alienating less all-out-liberal members of the LGBT community (not every American has a "Bay Area" perspective).
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
reaching out to the greater American LGBT community, especially Heartland/rural; finding a place to hold the growing number of anniversary celebration attendees :) One challenge NCLR DOESN'T face? Staying positive that one day full equality will be seen!
One thing I'd also say is that...
I'm very grateful for NCLR. I don't always agree with its methods, but their work is powerful and important stuff.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
NCLR is a fantastic, results-oriented nonprofit that works for change at the institutional level, winning landmark court cases on behalf of LGBT people.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the victories and sense that it's a matter of when, not if, the LGBT community gains truly equal civil rights.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
smart, passionate, and articulate.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
take on additional discrimination cases.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
NCLR gave me hope when I had none and I can honestly say had it not been for the staff at NCLR, my family would not have survived and came through our custody ordeal in tact. They are more than a legal service; they are a support group, counseling organization, in essence, they become a part of your family! Not a week goes by that I don't remember what they did for us!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
so many people they have helped.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
let it continue the work they do, continue to enable the dedicated staff, and be proud to be involved with an organization that selflessly helps others.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
they understand how difficult individual situations can be for the individuals involved.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
amazing, understanding, kind, caring and more.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world in a shorter amount of time.
Ways to make it better...
I had not been at the lowest point of my life when I met NCLR.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
overcoming the prejudices of the world.
One thing I'd also say is that...
NCLR inspires me and changed my life forever.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
I cannot begin to explain why the NCLR is such a great organization. They have an unconditional commitment to such a critical cause, and they work non-stop to assist individuals and improve society. Their entire staff group is intelligent, articulate, and caring. From the lawyers who are at the top of their field, to the communications people who go out of their way to attend to every last detail, this organization is at the top in the not-for-profit category! I am a part of on ongoing project with the NCLR that has lasted for the the past year and a half, and I have nothing but good things to say. My experience has been only positive. Thanks NCLR!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The marriage case for same-sex couples, and in my own discrimination case.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
throw a party for the staff to show my appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The professionalism of the staff and their ability to make significant change....real, lasting, change.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Friendly, intelligent, caring, and committed.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
really make our society and the world a better, more comfortable place for millions of people.
Ways to make it better...
Right now, my experience is great. I would like to go up to NCLR office in San Francisco some day to meet the entire staff and thank them.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Financial limitations and time. The opponents to many of the causes the NCLR fight for are conservative groups willing to throw money at political campaigns and projects. In order to battle those groups, NCLR would benefit from more money.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Now is a critical time for this organization. Politically, socially, and culturally, our world is ready for discrimination to same-sex couples to end and the NCLR is working hard to make that a reality.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
NCLR is undoubtedly, at the forefront of the LGBT rights movement in this country. Their legal team has successfully secured the right to marry for all couples in California, and they help thousands of LGBT people across the country every year through their helpline. This is an incredible organization with a proud history. Way to go NCLR!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Most recently by the outcome of the California marriage case
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Provide Shannon Minter the resources to argue as many cases as he could
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The breadth of their impact
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Talented, organized, and knowledgeable
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Set legal precedent ensuring equal protection for LGBT people across the country
Ways to make it better...
No suggestions
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Time and money, like all organziations
One thing I'd also say is that...
This is a spectacular group of lawyers
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
If you don’t already know who the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is and the amazing, crucial, and effective work they are doing for all of the LGBT community you need to check them out (nclrights.org): their hard work and smarts are a major reason why we have the right to marry in California and WILL defeat the homophobes in November! As a queer man of color, I truly believe that what they are fighting for and accomplishing on marriage, family, work, discrimination, HIV, seniors, youth, and trans issues are some of the most important battles and strategic victories for any queer person alive today, anyone who cares about a queer person, and anyone who cares about American social justice and civil rights in our lifetime.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the legal cases they win and precedents they set, time after time.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
hire the current staff immediately and turn the reins over to them.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The values, the leadership, the lack of ego, the way they keep their eye on the prize: it is always about the client and the community.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Incredible. The leadership from Kate Kendell and Shannon Minter is unparalleled. If only all our leaders could be like them. The NCLR staff and board is inspired and carries that same vision and leadership.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
literally change the world as we know it. I get goosebumps thinking what Kate and NCLR could do with that kind of money!
Ways to make it better...
not possible!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Political climate and backlash. And being "the best kept secret" of the queer community. And, as always, FUNDING.
One thing I'd also say is that...
NCLR has been a visionary leader for the past 31 years, one step ahead of all of us, and they haven't broken stride. They're still leading the way.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I live in Minnesota--far from the sweet air of equality blowing across California these days. Although based in San Francisco, NCLR regularly helps our state's leading GLBT organization (OutFront MN)with legal issues we encounter. They are always there for us. It is like being backed by up by the strongest, most powerful big sister you could imagine.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Making meaningful change for ordinary people.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Make sure people do know all the wonderful work NCLR does.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The lack of ego and need to hog all the credit for the work they do.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Fun, smart, dedicated, powerful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Fund more internships for undergraduates and law students to instill public service values in them.
Ways to make it better...
I could see the NCLR folks in person more often.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Backlash, funding, funding, funding.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I'm so proud of NCLR.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
NCLR came to the rescue 8 years ago. My partner and I were kicked out of the San Mateo Community Center Ballroom Dance class for being gay. I never imagined being discriminated in one of the most openly gay place in the world. I realized then you are never safe from discrimination. A friend told me to call NCLR. They provided me with several options. We decided to write the Mayor of San Mateo and the Director of the Community Center of this horrific experience and requested sensitivity training to their staff going forward. To my delight, the Mayor, Director and facilitators sent us letters of apology and informed us they are conducting sensitivity training going forward. From that day on, I have been supporting NCLR with time and money. This year NCLR saved the day again as lead council to help legalize Gay Mariage in California. My partner and I are celebrating 25 years together and now we have the opportunity to say it out loud and proud! NCLR is a blessing to us all.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the passion and dedication of the Executive Director and staff.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008