outsmartmagazine.com/cms-this_issue/200904--Unfinished+ -
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Published on: 4/2/2009
Last Visited: 4/2/2009
Deb Smith, board president of PFLAG Houston
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Deb Smith, board president, says membership has fallen in the last few years from 300 to 100, bringing dues down from $12,000 to $4,000.
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Yes, Smith says.
Partly.
"It's more acceptable to be gay or lesbian," she says.
"I talk to younger kids who say their peers just don't care that they are homosexual."
However, Smith says, the organization is likely weakened by its own doing more than society's emotional development.
Over the last few years, members have grown insular, educational efforts have waned, and advocacy has languished, she says.
Resurgence is needed if the group wishes to survive, and that effort is under way, despite meager funds.
Spearheaded by Smith, who became president this year, PFLAG Houston is already increasing outreach to area schools with an updated "Safe Schools" program, as well as planning public-awareness campaigns and open events.
Smith is dividing chapter duties into doable chunks, hoping for greater membership participation.
"We just need to get people excited about it again," she says.
...
Deb Smith, board president, says membership has fallen in the last few years from 300 to 100, bringing dues down from $12,000 to $4,000.
...
Yes, Smith says.
Partly.
"It's more acceptable to be gay or lesbian," she says.
"I talk to younger kids who say their peers just don't care that they are homosexual."
However, Smith says, the organization is likely weakened by its own doing more than society's emotional development.
Over the last few years, members have grown insular, educational efforts have waned, and advocacy has languished, she says.
Resurgence is needed if the group wishes to survive, and that effort is under way, despite meager funds.
Spearheaded by Smith, who became president this year, PFLAG Houston is already increasing outreach to area schools with an updated "Safe Schools" program, as well as planning public-awareness campaigns and open events.
Smith is dividing chapter duties into doable chunks, hoping for greater membership participation.
"We just need to get people excited about it again," she says.
...
Catch 22: Deb Smith, board president of PFLAG Houston, says membership in the local group has fallen by two-thirds, with funds dwindling proportionately.
Has PFLAG Houston done such a good job changing hearts and minds that it has rendered itself obsolete?
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