RU12? Community Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Vermont

LGBTQ Welcoming Shelter Needs Our Help

The Sexual Assault Crisis Team (SACT) of Washington County provides comprehensive services  to victims/survivors of sexual violence, including emergency shelter and transitional housing for female victims of sexual violence and male  victims of sexual or domestic violence, legal advocacy, medical  advocacy, crisis services, support groups, and educational forums; legal services are available to victims of sexual assault. 

After visiting Bobbi Gagne at the SACT shelter, I was overwhelmed by the organization's respectful, client-centered approach to assisting LGBTQ survivors of sexual violence. In over a decade of doing anti-violence work, attending national conferences, helping to coordinate an LGBTQ national coalition, and countless hours of research, I rarely came accross a shelter focusing so clearly on survivors of sexual violence. SACT does this and extends their work to be absulutely embracing of our community. 

Recently, Bobbi and her team went the extra mile and created a space in the shelter that will allow survivovrs to have a slightly longer stay in an apartment on the first floor. They want everyone who comes to feel welcomed, not just because they say that all are welcomed, but because when someone steps foot in the space, they see LGBTQ culture all around them. 

Please, if anyone has any LGBTQ items-maybe a flag, or those rainbow dishtowels you bought in PTown that you never used, or framed poster that you no longer have wall space for, please let me know. I'd love to bring them down to the shelter. I don't want to have to rent a UHaul, so call me or email me before you bring anything over to the Center. 

If you would like to know more about the ways that SACT operates or the efforts they have made to welcome our community, give me a call or email me. I know you will be as impressed as I am. 

Kim 

kim@ru12.org, 802-860-8712

RU12?'s LGBTQ Community Dinner Tickets Now Available!!

RESERVE TICKETS

Please join us for RU12? Community Center’s 15th Annual LGBTQ Community Dinner: Emerald. Our signature event, this year’s dinner celebrates fifteen years of RU12?’s commitment to LGBTQA community building across Vermont.

RU12’s Annual Dinner brings together community members and allies for a fabulous evening of dinner and entertainment in support of our vital health and human rights programs as well as our social and educational events. It is a time for us to recognize community leaders, organizations, and businesses dedicated to building and strengthening our community.

The Annual Dinner begins at 5:00PM

The Sheraton Hotel, Burlington

in the Emerald Ballroom  

Leunig's All-Day Benefit for RU12?

Come to Leunig's on April 7th and support RU12? Community Center

On Sunday, April 7th, Leunig's Bistro and Lounge will donate 10% of the food and bar sales to support the programs of RU12?. 

Starts at 9am until closing.

Bring your family, friends, and colleagues. Tell everyone you know! 

Buy a Community Partner card for $50.00 and you will receive 20% off of your food tab throughout the year. Half of the cost of the card goes directly to RU12?. Or, renew your Community Partner card from last year and the entire cost goes to RU12?. 

What could be better than being a part of providing award winning direct services and advocacy for the LGBTQ Community while enjoying delicious food in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Church Street?
Also, Leunigs will hold a raffle 1 ticket for $5 or 3 for $10 for a chance to win Dinner for Two including Two Appetizers, Two Entrees & Two Desserts! All of the money raised in the raffle goes to RU12!!!

Facebook Event

RU12? Now Serving Coffee!

Lisa Wagner, long-term volunteer for RU12?, recently donated a Keurig single cup coffee maker to the community center and we are loving it!

Lisa has been volunteering at RU12? since 2009 through a program at her place of employment, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, that lets employees do volunteer work during their work hours.

When we asked Lisa why she chose to volunteer at RU12?, she said, "I wanted to volunteer some place I could relate to." Since volunteering at RU12?, Lisa has worked in several areas of the community center including assisting on creating a database to help track contacts for grants and helping in the library. Recently, Lisa decided to give back in a new way. Last Wednesday she donated a new Keurig coffee maker to the community center. "I wanted to give something to the community. I was really happy to see how much it is used."

Lisa is certainly right; the Keurig has already been much enjoyed. But don’t just take our word for it, stop by the community center and enjoy a wonderful cup of coffee yourself.

 

Killington Winter Pride Weekend: February 1st-February 3rd

 

 

With one of the most popular nightlife scenes in the East, along with 140 trails spread across 70 miles of mountain terrain, Killington’s got something for everyone – and then some. Whether you’re an avid snow sport enthusiast or just making the trip out to party, we’ll provide you with everything needed for an amazing experience.

As a part of this initiative, G.N.A.R. is proud to support RU12? Community Center as the principle non-profit beneficiary of this year’s event. RU12 Community Center celebrates, educates, and advocates with and for LGBTQ Vermonters. They offer a wide range of programs from social and educational events, to health and wellness programs, to direct services and advocacy.

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EVENT PASS OPTIONS:
- Gold Pass ($129)
- Gold Pass + Full-Day Lift Ticket ($169)

Pride Passes may be purchased at www.GnarWinterPride.com.

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FEATURED EVENTS:

RU12?'s Bring a Bottle Wine Auction

Please join RU12? Community Center on Monday, December 3rd at Burlington City Arts for the RU12? Wine Auction. From 6PM to 8PM, guests will mingle, hear fabulous music by accomplished cellist Mo Citro, enjoy tantalizing hors d'oeuvres from Catering by Dale, and catch up with friends at Vermont Creamery's cheese table. 

Need some wine for gifts or dinners in the coming holiday season? Are you adventurous about trying new wines? Want to build up your wine cellar?This is the event to attend. 

Guests are asked to bring a bottle of your favorite red or white. At the end of the evening, two lots of wine, the table of reds and the table of whites, will be auctioned. We also plan to have a couple other wine related auction items for those who may not want to bid on an entire table of wine! 

All proceeds will benefit RU12? Community Center, which celebrates, educates, and advocates with and for LGBTQ Vermonters. 

For more information, contact RU12? and speak with Kim Fountain at 802-860-7812 or email her at kim@ru12.org. 

Facebook Event

October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) SafeSpace Happenings

It's DVAM (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) and our SafeSpace program interns have been busily tabling at local colleges. Community College of Vermont (Winooski), St. Michael's and Champlain College happily welcomed our program for community outreach, education, informal discussion and at two of the three sites, the showing of an impressive art exhibit produced by our commuity partners Women Helping Battered Women (WHBW) titled, "A Survivor Stands Beside Me". The exhibit consists of powerful life-size photos viewing domestic violence as an issue that crosses into all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic statuses. At St. Mike's campus, we joined WHBW and HopeWorks (formerly Women's Rape Crisis Center) for the Abuse Awareness Project, a statistics and awareness event that highlighted the number of survivors served by WHBW, HopeWorks and SafeSpace with purple, white and rainbow flags. These events were a great success. Our interns were not only able to make some new friends and allies, but raise awareness out about an important issue in the LGBTQ community (and our culture at large), as well as spread the word about RU12?'s SafeSpace anti-violence program and the work it does with LGBTQ survivors.

In solidarity with local agencies working to end domestic and sexual violence, SafeSpace advocates and supporters will have a presence at WHBW's Candlelight Vigil and Survivor Speak Out at 6pm on Thursday, October 25th in front of City Hall on Church Street. This will consist of a candle-lighting ceremony in honor of those who have lost their lives as the result of domestic and intimate partner violence, followed by a silent march to the Unitarian Universalist Church at the top of the Marketplace, where survivors will be able to share their stories in a healing space. We hope you will spread the word about this incredible event, and that we will see you there!

If you or anyone you know has experienced domestic, intimate partner, sexual, transgender, hate violence or discrimination, SafeSpace advocates are available to offer support and advocacy services by calling 802.863.0003, or you can report violence anonymously to SafeSpace. If you'd like to make a donation to SafeSpace in honor of your own or a loved one's survival experience, you can donate here and make a designation for the SafeSpace Program.

 

Bluebird Barbecue Supports RU12? on Weds 9/26

**This Wednesday, September 26th** Enjoy a great meal with friends while strengthening your queer community! This Wednesday at Bluebird Barbecue's "Community Night" 10% of all proceeds benefit Vermont' LGBTQ Community Center! Bluebird Barbeque is located at 317 Riverside Ave, Burlington   FACEBOOK EVENT

9th Annual Outright Vermont Fire Truck Pull!!!

Scores of teams of a dozen people each, compete to raise the most money, dress the best, please the crowd, and pull a REAL Burlington City fire truck up the Church Street Marketplace.

For almost a decade, Outright Vermont has shown thousands of spectators that queers are fierce and that hundreds and hundreds of Vermonters want to raise money for queer youth programming and anti-harassment workshops for public schools.

Come see the fun on Sat. September 15th, 12pm-2pm outside of the Outdoor Gear Exchange & downtown mall, on Church Street in Burlington, VT.

Better yet - build a team and compete for the GLORY! It is fast, easy and so much fun. Details here: http://www.firstgiving.com/OutrightVT/9th-annual-outright-vermont-fire-truck-pull

Outright Vermont Clothing Drive - The entire month of July!

Got unwanted clothes? 

Donate them to Outright Vermont! Outright Vermont is doing a Clothing Drive for the Youth Space during the entire month of July. Donations of gently used/new items can be made at their offices at 241 No. Winooski Ave, Burlington. All sizes, genders, and styles are appreciated! 

Drop-off hours are Tuesday-Friday @12pm – 8pm, and Saturday @12pm – 5pm. For more info about Outright, visit www.outrightvt.org

Help your GARDEN and COMMUNITY Grow!!

-Order Here-

 

For More Info Call 860-7812 or email PlantSale@ru12.org

10% Tuesday at Drink A Benefit for RU12? Community Center

 

Come have fun and support RU12?!

On Tuesday March 6th, Drink will be hosting a benefit night for RU12? and 10% of the proceeds from that night will be donated to RU12? Root 7, a Vermont contemporary a capella group will also be performing. Drink will have $4 infusions and many board games to choose from.

GLAM will be instigating a Game Night on the comfy couches of Drink after the musical performance.

Come down and have a drink, play a game and listen to some great music while benefiting the RU12? Community Center.

Facebook Event Page

Help Raise Money for RU12? with TD Bank

Help RU12? Community Center Raise Money

RU12? Community Center Code: A2226

Call 802-655-3110 to become a member of the program.

Affinity Membership Program

Open an account at TD Bank and we’ll make a contribution to your organization. TD Bank will make an annual contribution based on the average balance in all members’ accounts. Checking, Savings, Money Market, CD and IRA accounts are all included in the program.

Contributions are calculated at 1/2% on checking balances and 1/4% on savings, CDs, Money Markets, and IRA balances. Members’ accounts are not affected in any way by this contribution. Your account balances are used to determine the level of contribution and are kept confidential. 

If you are already a TD Bank Customer, visit any TD Bank location and ask to have your balances included as part of your organization’s Affinity Membership Program.

Join the Action Team!!!

Join the RU12? Community Center's Development Committee Action Team (DCAT). DCAT is designed to produce events aimed at fundraising and/or 'friendraising' for RU12?. 

This is not your ordinary volunteer opportunity. Whether you want to lead the organizing, participate in only one particular aspect of the organizing such as advertising or outreach, or you only have time to show up at the event and help take care of logistics, we have the need for your time, energy, and commitment.

Help organize a Summer Semester of community classes, Yard Sales, Dinner Parties, Wine Auction, Bingo Nights and more!!!!

 

"The great thing about the Action Team is that I don't have to make a long term commitment and attend regular meetings. I can check in when I have the time and energy to help with an ongoing project or create a new project of my own. It's an amazing way to connect with my community and help support the important work that RU12? provides to strengthen our communities."

- Meg Tamulonis, Action Team Member

"RU12? is working hard to provide social and educational programs and events for all LGBTQ Vermonters and our allies. I am very excited that the Action Team has so many dedicated volunteers to ensure our success. The more people who get involved, the more we can do for our community." 

Kim Fountain, Executive Director

To join the Action Team please email DCAT@ru12.org or call 802-860-7812

  

This isn't your ordinary volunteer opportunity!

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Facebook Event

When: Sunday, January 29th, from 11am-12:30

Where: RU12? Community Center, 20 Winooski Falls Way, Winooski, VT

If you are interested in joining us at this session, please contact Kim Fountain:DCAT@ru12.org or 802-860-7812

If you can't make it to the session, but are still interested in volunteering with DCAT, there will be another session on Monday, March 27th at 6:00 pm.

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Do you know someone who you think would be perfect for DCAT? Download the DCAT and pass along to a friend!

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Events that you could help create:

 

Summer Semester

One of RU12? Community Center’s first programs is back! Summer Semester offers the opportunity for LGBTQ community members to draw upon the skill, ability and knowledge of our talented peers with short series of classes throughout the summer. Potential classes to be offered include: Basic Car Maintainance, Yoga, Financial Planning, Photography, Zumba, Resume Writing, Home Ownership and more!

Family Bowling!

When you host a bowl-a-thon, you recruit people to bowl on a designated day for your special event. Each participating bowler solicits a flat rate pledge among neighbors, friends, and relatives. This could be a fun way to get families to engage in supporting RU12? as well as having a great event for families to enjoy together.

Grab a Bite with Friends

Help introduce the community to RU12? by working with your favorite local restaurants to host benefit nights.

 

 

House or Garden Party

Team up with a friend or neighbor to put together a fabulous event for your friends. Let them know how much you care about your community and ask them to support a organization you believe in.

Tee Off With RU12?

Hosting a golf tournament can be a high-profile, and often very lucrative fundraising event. A great advantage of hosting a tournament is the connections you make with local businesses and celebrities that support the RU12? Community Center. Plan a whole day event with lunch and prizes.

 

Pitch us your own idea!

Contact Kim Fountain: DCAT@ru12.org or 802-860-7812

 Make a Difference in Your Community 

Join the RU12? Community Center's Development Committee Action Team (DCAT). DCAT is designed to produce events aimed at fundraising and/or 'friendraising' for RU12?.

On January 29th, we will be hosting our first DCAT volunteer recruitment. This is not your ordinary volunteer opportunity. Whether you want to lead the organizing, participate in only one particular aspect of the organizing such as advertizing or outreach, or you only have time to show up at the event and help take care of logistics, we have the need for your time, energy, and commitment.

The recruitment session will introduce you to RU12's plans for 2012, outline the DCAT structure and present you with opportunities to get involved.

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Steam Mop: RU12? Wish List Item of the Week

Below is a Wish List of items that RU12? staff, volunteers, and groups use frequently. Please consider supporting your community by making an in-kind donation of any of the items listed below:

 

• Steam Mop Click Here
• Dry Erase Markers Click Here
• Printer Cartrages Click Here
• Post-It Easel Pads Click Here
• White Out Click Here
• Large Flat Screen Television
• Gift Cards (Costco, Staples, Supermarket, WB Mason, etc)
• Copy Paper Click Here
• Large Conference Room Table
• Paper Towels
• Paper Cups, Plates, Utensils, Coffee Cups
• Cleaning Supplies
• Bottled Water
• Manilla Folders Click Here
• LGBTQ Friendly Children's Books for our library.
• Lamps and lighting
• MacBook Laptop Power Cords
• Knitting, Crocheting, Craft Supplies
• LGBTQ Friendly Children's Books

* All donations are Tax Deductable. 

If you'd like to donate something or have questions please call us at 802-860-7812 or email: thecenter@ru12.org

 

COPY PAPER: RU12? Wish List Item of the Week

Below is a Wish List of items that RU12? staff, volunteers, and groups use frequently. Please consider supporting your community by making an in-kind donation of any of the items listed below:

 

• Dry Erase Markers Click Here
• Printer Cartrages Click Here
• Post-It Easel Pads Click Here
• White Out Click Here
• Large Flat Screen Television
• Gift Cards (Costco, Staples, Supermarket, WB Mason, etc)
• Copy Paper Click Here
• Large Conference Room Table
• Paper Towels
• Paper Cups, Plates, Utensils, Coffee Cups
• Cleaning Supplies
• Bottled Water
• Manilla Folders Click Here
• LGBTQ Friendly Children's Books for our library.
• Lamps and lighting
• MacBook Laptop Power Cords
• Knitting, Crocheting, Craft Supplies
• LGBTQ Friendly Children's Books

* All donations are Tax Deductable. 

If you'd like to donate something or have questions please call us at 802-860-7812 or email: thecenter@ru12.org

 

Thanks To Our Donors

GLAM (a program of RU12?) would like to thank Small Dog Electronics for their fabulous donation (over $100 worth!), which is being raffled off to all the guys that attended Sex Talks throughout the year. Our hats off to them!

Keep posted- we'll be having one more of our fun, interactive Sex Talks this year! For more information, email glam@ru12.org or call Mike or Jean-Denis at 802-860-RU12.

GLAM held two fun Sex Talks just last week, where attendees received gift cards from the following awesome (and generous!) local businesses:

The Skinny Pancake

Stone Soup

Don Pedro's Taqueria

Dobra Tea

Plato's Closet

Purple Shutter Herbs

Sneakers Bistro

Cupp's Bakery

Pure Pop Records

Apple Mountain Gifts

 

Thanks again!!! Let's support the businesses that support us!

 

VT CARES and Chandler Pride host "The Normal Heart" in Randolph

Vermont CARES is excited to partner with Chandler Pride this year to host a reading of Larry Kramer's fiery play, "The Normal Heart," in Randolph, VT. Produced by Dan Butler, this reading will benefit Vermont CARES and our colleagues at the HIV/HCV Resource Center. Please join us, and call ahead for tickets at (802)863-2437.

Community Center Wish List

Below is a Wish List of items that RU12? staff, volunteers, and groups use frequently. Please consider supporting your community by making an in-kind donation of any of the items listed below:

• Dry Erase Markers Click Here
• Printer Cartrages Click Here
• Post-It Easel Pads Click Here
• White Out Click Here
• Large Flat Screen Television
• Gift Cards (Costco, Staples, Supermarket, WB Mason, etc)
• Copy Paper Click Here
• Large Conference Room Table
• Paper Towels
• Paper Cups, Plates, Utensils, Coffee Cups
• Cleaning Supplies
• Bottled Water
• Manilla Folders Click Here
• LGBTQ Friendly Children's Books for our library.
• Lamps and lighting
• MacBook Laptop Power Cords
• Knitting, Crocheting, Craft Supplies
• LGBTQ Friendly Children's Books

* All donations are Tax Deductable.