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

6 Degrees: Innovative Testing Network

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What is 6 Degrees?

It can be hard getting through the door to get an HIV test. There are many reasons why people will put off getting tested. But when someone they know reaches out and supports them in getting tested, taking this important step becomes easier to do. Often people have thought about getting tested and just need a little outside encouragement and support to move forward. That’s where the 6 Degrees project comes in.

6 Degrees is a project where Vermonters who are connected to friends, peers and acquaintances at risk of becoming HIV positive (like having unprotected sex or sharing needles) volunteer to become Community Advocates who reach out to their circles and encourage folks to get tested. This non-judgemental peer support, and the support from a network of testers, makes it easier for people to come in for testing and find out what their HIV status is.

 

Why is it important to get tested for HIV?

HIV can have a major impact on someone’s health. Many people will not have any symptoms (like getting ill more often) for 11 years after they’ve become HIV-positive, and 1 in 5 people who are living with HIV don’t realize it. The sooner someone gets tested and knows their HIV status, the sooner they can take steps to keep themselves and their partners healthier for longer. 

 

What do I get out of it?

If you become a Community Advocate, you will receive gift cards, credit towards your bills, and other incentives of your choice worth $25 for each person at risk of becoming HIV-positive that you refer who comes in for a test. For example, you could earn up to $250 towards an iPad or an electric bill. You will also be a part of a new, exciting project that breaks down barriers for our friends and community, helping those we know and care about to stay healthier and informed. 

 

Who runs the 6 Degrees project?

The RU12? Community Center, an organization that celebrates, educates and advocates with and for LGBTQ Vermonters has partnered with the Comprehensive Care Clinics, a system of four clinics providing state-of-the-art treatment for all stages of HIV/AIDS. These two organizations work together to:

• Recruit Community Advocates
• Support the advocates in connecting with their communities
• Provide anonymous HIV testing to the people in the Community Advocates' social circles

 

How do I get involved?

If you’re interested in becoming a Community Advocate, contact Mike Bensel or Jean-Denis Couillard at the RU12? Community Center by calling (802) 860-7812 or emailing 6degrees@ru12.org. You can also contact Deb Kutzko at the Comprehensive Care Clinic by calling (802) 847-4594. We will set up an interview with you where you can learn more about the program and make sure it’s a good fit for you.

 

 

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  

Actors Needed for Chandler Pride Festival!

WANTED: Chandler Pride is looking for young men in their 20's to be part of this summer's production of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. If you are interested, please email your headshots and resumes to Chandler Summer at chandlersummerpride@gmail.com.  

Chandler Pride on Facebook

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.

 

Relay For Life- Rainbow Edition!

Be a part of an exciting new movement!

The American Cancer Society is proud to announce a groundbreaking new movement in the fight against cancer. Introducing Relay For Life- Rainbow Edition; an event for and by the LGBTQ community geared towards highlighting disparities in cancer and raising money to fight back!

Relay For Life is a 12 hour, overnight event where participants form teams and camp around a track taking turns walking all night, in honor of the concept that “cancer never sleeps”. This fun, family friendly event is coming specifically to the LGBTQ community in order to honor those lost, celebrate those surviving, and learn how to fight back against the disease and its disparities in our community. Scheduled for the summer of 2013, your American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers to be a part of this exciting new venture by becoming part of the planning team. For more information on how to get involved email Claire Giroux-Williams at Claire.girouxwilliams@cancer.org or call 802-872-6321. You can also visit our Facebook Page.

Pride Vermont “Equality Equinox” -Sept 22nd

Parade & Festival Registration Information

In order to offset the costs for the event, Pride Vermont now has suggested donation fees for the parade and festival. You may request a fee waiver by emailing director@pridevt.com if it would otherwise prevent your attendance. Don’t forget that you get the most benefit by being a Sponsor!

Please register by September 15th, 2012.

To register for marching in the parade only, please fill out the Parade Registration Form so we have your correct contact info then make your donation on the Payment page.

A la carte Parade donations: 

• • Non-profit organization: $30
  • Community group**: $50
  • Business: $75
  • Political candidate or 501(c)4: $100

To register for vending at the festival only, please fill out the Festival Registration Form so we have your correct contact info then make your donation on the Payment page.

A la carte Festival Table/Booth:

•  
  • Sheltered table for non-profit organization or community group: $45
  • Sheltered table for Business: $75
  • Political candidate or 501(c)4: $100
  • Sheltered Booth: $200

To apply as a performer in the festival, please fill out the Performer Registration Form. We cannot guarantee space for all performers but the committee will be in touch with you!

To sign-up for BOTH parade space and festival vending space, please fill out the Sponsorship Form so we have your correct contact info then make your donation on the Payment page.

Parade & Festival Combo: (Parade space and Sheltered Table)

•  
  • Non-profit organization: $60
  • Community group**: $75
  • Business: $100
  • Political candidate or 501(c)4: $150

**Performers or groups selected for the festival bandshell are exempt from the fee. Please complete the appropriate form for contact use.

To secure an ad space in the Pride Guide, visit the Sponsorship page.

Day-of event information will be provided to the contact person listed on the registration form. Please be prepared to arrive at the parade staging area (Hood Plant parking lot) by 10:30am and have your festival booth (Battery Park) set-up by noon.

 

Questions?  Please email director@pridevt.com.

Student Intern Opportunities at RU12?

Outreach and Marketing Intern

Description
RU12? Community Center is looking for a tech savvy intern with an eye for design to join our fabulous Outreach and Marketing team to work on print and online marketing campaigns. RU12? Celebrates, educates, and advocates with and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Queer and questioning Vermonters. 

This intern should be prepared to work in a deadline oriented team environment, and will finish the internship having gained broad experience in various aspects of marketing and community organizing.

Experience in HTML or design is helpful but not necessary. We are committed to training the right candidate.

Responsibilities
Assist in the creation of e-mail & print campaigns, weekly e-newsletters, and blog postings. Assist in the distribution or delivery of marketing materials via social media networks, through the organization’s website and through direct contact with collaborating agencies. Perform analysis of communications and outreach data.

 

Requirements
RU12? is looking for an undergraduate student in the Chittenden County who is majoring in Art/Design, Gender Studies, Human Service / Non-Profit Mgmt, Journalism, Social Work, Community Development, Marketing Public Relations or any other related field.  This person should have excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Familiarity with social media campaigns and community based outreach is a plus. Experience with design programs, PowerPoint, Word and Excel is a bonus. This internship requires an average commitment of 5-10 hour per week.

To apply please email michael@ru12.org or call 802-860-7812 for more information.

_____

 

Trans Resource Development Intern:

Description
RU12? Community Center is looking for a trans-knowledgeable and tech savvy intern to assist with the development of our Trans Resource Guide. Our organization provides services that celebrate and support LGBTQ Vermonters, and an updated, easy-to-use and more comprehensive list of providers, resources and information for trans people and their friends, families, and allies is greatly needed. RU12? Is seeking an intern who will be able to research trans-related information and resources, identify and contact healthcare providers, and translate data into a user-friendly webpage.

This intern should be comfortable making cold calls to providers, be able to identify accurate and effective information and online resources, and manage data. The intern should have a pleasant phone demeanor and basic knowledge of transgender issues or be willing to learn. Experience in HTML or webpage design is helpful but not necessary, as we are willing to train the right candidate.

Through the experience, the Trans Resource Development Intern will gain a better understanding of gender variant communities and the needs of the local trans community, grow as an effective researcher, and expand their technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Research up-to-date information and resources for trans people and allies.
• Identify and contact providers in Vermont, assess their capacity to see trans clients, and track this data.
• Translate provider database and research onto a user-friendly online resource guide.
• Create a printable version of the online Trans Resource Guide.

Requirements
RU12? is looking for an undergraduate student in Chittenden County who is majoring in Gender or Women’s Studies, Human Service / Non-Profit Mgmt, Journalism, Social Work, Community Development, Computer Science / Information Technology or any other related field.  This person should have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be an adept researcher. Webpage design and Excel experience is a bonus, and will be considered when choosing the best applicant for this internship position. This internship would require a minimum of 6  hours per week, and ideally 8-10 hours per week.

To apply, please email jean-denis@ru12.org or call 802-860-7812 for more information

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

RU12? Family Program Potluck Picnic and Field Day Event Saturday, September 1!

Just a reminder that this Saturday is RU12?'s first annual Family Program Picnic Potluck and Field Day Event!

The weather is slated to be beautiful (77 degrees and sunny--don't forget your sunscreen!)

We are still looking for a few volunteers to run the children's events (list below). If you have any interest in helping out (10am-4pm), email jean@ru12.org or call the Center at 802.860.7812.

Tentative list of kids' events will include Balloon Pop, Hula Hoop Marathon, Water Balloon Toss, Tug o' War, Beach Ball Race, Soda Bottle Bowling, Egg on Spoon race, Egg Toss, Long Jump, Face Painting, Toe-Marble Grab, Sponge Relay, Red Light Green Light, Rest/Relaxation Station and an all-participant Scavenger Hunt! Mini-awards and prizes will be offered at the end of the day.

Event will take place at Hubbard Park's Old Shelter (by the soccer field). Plenty of nearby parking, as well as outhouse facilities (no running water). Click here for a map of the park.

Directions from 89: Go R on State Street from the highway to Elm Street. Take a L on Elm until Winter Street. Go L on Winter Street to the junction of Parkway Street/Parkway Avenue. Follow Parkway Street into the park and look for signs for parking. (~1000 feet past the frog pond is a R-turn towards the Old Shelter where the event will take place.)

Things to bring:

• Suggested donation of $10/family for RU12?'s Family Program (to defray the cost of the event and raise funds for future endeavors), but no one will be turned away for lack of donation.
• A dish to share
• Non-alcoholic beverages for you and yours
• Picnic blankets
• Sunscreen
• Overlayer in case it gets cold
• Change of clothes/shoes in case of getting eggy (egg toss, egg on spoon) or wet (water balloon toss)

For more info on any of the above, please contact jean@ru12.org.

Notes from a donor...

Notes from a donor: As a member of the RU12? Community Center Staff, I experience first hand the positive change affected by our programs & services in the lives of LGBTQ and allied Vermonters. It’s rare that donors get a chance to witness the impact of each dollar spent on the vital programs offered by the center each day. I can see that financial contributions are crucial in maintaining the sustainability of the organization’s mission and how carefully each dollar is spent. I would love to show my support for RU12? by donating a large lump sum of money. Unfortunately my personal budget doesn’t reconcile with that wish, so I choose to donate a smaller amount each month. The Network for Good website allows me to determine a monthly donation that feels comfortable & won’t break my budget. They even send me an email 10 days before they charge my card so I keep track of my donations. I feel good about investing in my community and I know that Vermont is a better place because the RU12? Community Center thrives. Please join me in supporting a fantastic organization!

-Mike Bensel, HIV Prevention Program Coordinator

 

GLAM Meeting Every Wednesday

* Every 2nd Wednesday of the month the meeting is held at a restaurant or coffeehouse downtown.

 

We're looking for young gay, bi and queer guys who are interested in putting together great events, meeting new people, and reaching out to other guys!  We want your help! If you're a young gay, bi, or queer man who would like to get involved, email us at glam@ru12.org , check out our webpage (http://www.glamvt.org) or friend us on Facebook.

GLAM Meeting on Location: Nectars

*NEW* We're taking GLAM Core Group on location. The Second Wednesday of every month we'll be meeting at Nectar's. Join us for some tasty appetizers (our treat!) while we plan social events and adventures for GBQ guys in VT.

GLAM Core Group Meets every Wednesday 6:30pm. We're looking for young gay and bi & Trans guys who are inte’rested in putting together great events, meeting new people, and reaching out to other guys! Core Group runs our program, and we want your input!

If you're a young gay, bi, or queer man who would like to get involved, email us at glam@ru12.org or friend us on facebook

National HIV Testing Day- Stop In to RU12? For A Test!

June 27th is National HIV Testing Day! This is an annual national campaign coordinated by the National Association of People With AIDS that encourages everyone to "Take the Test, Take Control".  RU12? will be offering free, anonymous walk-in HIV testing from 11am to 6pm. Tests are quick (20 mins for results) and painless (they're oral- no needles)! We'll be brewing up some coffee and dishing out small gift cards donated by local businesses (See list below). In the USA, there are about 1.2 million people living with HIV, about 1 in 5 of whom don't know they are positive. People who find out that they are HIV positive earlier are more likely to stay healthier longer and are able to better protect themselves and their partners. Not sure why you should take the test?  Feeling a little anxious about it?  Want to make an appointment? Give Mike or Jean-Denis a call at 802-860-7812 or email us at glam@ru12.org.  You can also check out these great locally made videos: http://www.11years.org/ For more information on NHTD, see http://hivtest.cdc.gov/press_files/ RU12? Thanks the following businesses for their donations: August First Chipotle City Market Cupps Pure Pop Records Purple Shutter Herbs Skinny Pancake Sneakers Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup

 

 

Wishlist Items for Kid's Day

RU12?'s Family Program is participating in this year's Kid's Day!

We need your help gathering the following art supplies:

• cardboard egg cartons
• pipe cleaners of various colors
• googly eyes of varying sizes
• washable paint and paint brushes
• glitter
  
• school glue
• glitter glue
• markers

Below is a Wish List of other 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
• Art Supplies for Family Project
• Ground Coffee
• 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.
• MacBook Laptop Power Cords
• Knitting, Crocheting, Craft Supplies
• LGBTQ Friendly Children's Books
• Kids Toys and Games

* 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

 

UVM Study Seeks Transgender Individuals

A new study is starting up at the University of Vermont and we are looking to recruit both MtF and FtM transgendered individuals between the ages of 18 and 55 for a two hour study. Individuals may be at any stage of HRT or surgical status, or non-transitional. This study will use brain imaging techniques to examine neural activation during processing of emotional information in order to compare results between transgendered and cisgendered individuals. Financial compensation of up to $50 is available for those who complete the study.

For more information or to be screened for this study, please contact Melanie at 802-847-4081 or Melanie.waldbrise@uvm.edu

 

Current and Future Vermont LGBTQ Leaders to Gather at Statehouse

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact: Kim Fountain, Executive Director, RU12? Community Center

Phone: 802-860-7812

Email: kim@ru12.org

Current and Future Vermont LGBTQ Leaders to Gather at Statehouse 

 

Montpelier, VT -- A coalition of five Vermont organizations serving the state’s diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally (LGBTQA) communities announced plans today for the seventeenth annual Leadership Day at the Vermont Statehouse on Friday, April 6, 2012. On Leadership Day, previously known as Visibility Day, current and future Vermont LGBTQA leaders will gather in Montpelier to meet lawmakers, network, and discuss legislative priorities.

 Organized by the RU12? Community Center, Outright Vermont, Vermont CARES, Vermont Freedom to Marry, and Truth Wins Out, this awareness and leadership day is designed for LGBTQA people of all ages and all degrees of civic engagement.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Vermont’s LGBTQA community members to meet with lawmakers to have our concerns over issues from bullying to transgender health care heard,” said Kim Fountain, Executive Director of RU12? Community Center.   

The goals of this event are twofold: to make certain LGBTQ legislative issues remain a priority for lawmakers, and to promote leadership in the private and public sectors among LGBTQA communities around the state. 

The schedule for Leadership Day is as follows:

7:45AM – 9:15AM: Breakfast in the Statehouse cafeteria

8:45AM: Framing the day - conversations with Vermont’s LGBTQA organizations

9:15AM: Introduction on the House floor

Morning devotional by Rev. Emily Heath of the West Dover Congregational Church

9:45AM - 11:00AM: Discussion and Mingling with LGBTQA Statehouse regulars in Room 11:

Meet and greet fellow Leadership Day participants. Q&A with LGBTQA legislators, Statehouse workers, and Statehouse regulars

11:00AM: Meet with Governor Peter Shumlin in the Ceremonial Office

11:30AM-12:45PM: Meet and greet with legislators in the cafeteria

1:00PM: A light luncheon for participants hosted by Vermont CARES in their new Montpelier offices at 58 East State Street

Vermont LGBTQ leaders will be available for comment during the mid-morning meet and greet in Room 11 on the first floor of the Statehouse.

Facebook Event

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

  

Celebration of the life of Greg B. Raney (Sat 2/25 10am)

 

Celebrating the life of Greg Raney

10am Saturday, February 25th

RU12? Community Center

Champlain Mill, Winooski

 

 

 

 

On Saturday, February 4th, RU12? lost a dear friend and devoted volunteer, Greg B. Raney.

Greg was often the first person visitors would see as they walked through the front door of RU12?. He showed up every morning promptly at 10:00AM and spent an average of 20 hours a week making certain that visitors felt welcomed and that the Center schedule ran efficiently. Greg shared with his close friends that he felt he found a whole family at RU12? and a purpose for his life. We know that having Greg in our lives enriched us all.

Beyond greeting walk-in users, Greg fielded calls, monitored the Cyber Center, and tracked books in our lending library. His incredibly strong work ethic and diplomacy in handling sensitive situations were critical to the successful operation of the center. Greg’s commitment to RU12? extended beyond his volunteer work at the front desk. He also served on the Board of Directors and helped with the pledge drives and mass mailings. His dry sense of humor kept us all in good spirits especially on those days when we’d lose sight of what's really important.

Greg also had a tremendous love of dogs, having shown them for many years across the country. He especially loved Borzois and the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka. Greg was also a voracious reader. He always had a book with him, especially those by James Patterson, Janet Evanovich and Jonathan Kellerman, who were among his favorite mystery and suspense writers.

As a way to honor Greg’s life and his commitment to our community, RU12? will be dedicating our library in his name.

Please join us on Saturday, February 25th in celebrating Greg’s life. We will gather at 10:00AM on the dot at RU12? for coffee and light snacks, including Greg’s favorite, cinnamon rolls. The dedication of the Greg B. Raney Memorial Library will take place at 10:30AM. Donations can be made to RU12? Community Center or the American Cancer Society in Greg’s memory.

As a way to honor Greg’s life and his commitment to our community, RU12? will be dedicating our library in his name.