Group lends a hand
RALEIGH , N.C.— Volunteers from ReachOUT NC are strapping on their tool belts and heading to Durham on Oct. 25, 12:30 p.m., to help with building a Habit for Humanity home.
And, this is not all they do. They recently mulched some grounds for Raleigh Parks and Recreation, as well as serving a brunch at the Ronald McDonald House in Chapel Hill.
On 9/11 they held a day of service where they spent time writing letters to U.S. military troops, packaged literacy kits for Helps Education Fund, created holiday cards for Kids with Friends of Wake County Guardian, created toys for rescue animals for two shelters, as well as home decor for families who were transitioning out of homelessness, painted pictures for hospice patients and made blankets for a homeless initiative.
Other upcoming projects include: Nov. 15, sorting and package food at the Food Bank of North Carolina and Nov. 22, building assistance for a home for Habitat for Humanity.
ReachOUT NC is comprised of members from the LGBT community and allies who want to make a difference by volunteering their time to service projects in the area. The diversity of those who participate is also equal to the tasks they take on.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religion, age and ability, ReachOUT NC says.
info: reachoutnc.org. facebook.com/reachoutnc.
Center offers new programs
RALEIGH, N.C. — The LGBT Center of Raleigh, 324 S. Harrington St., has announced the formation of new support groups for its community outreach.
Triangle PLUS is designed for HIV positive gay men and their positive-friendly allies. Monthly meetings are geared toward fostering support for those involved. Meetings are on the last Sunday of each month at 5 p.m. Interested parties should email triangleplus@lgbtcenter
ofraleigh.com.
Raleigh Allies is a resource program that encourages more effective dialogue between the LGBT and straight communities. Education is a key component to reaching objectives. The group hopes to be an entry point for people who may not necessarily consider themselves a part of the LGBT community and help encourage a transition from passive support to active engagement in furthering the cause of equality. The program is not just limited to straight individuals. Anyone who considers themselves an ally to a sexual or gender minority are welcome. Meetings are held on the third Friday of every month at 7 p.m.
info: lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.
Conference opens registration
RALEIGH, N.C. — The Gay Christian Network will hold its network conference from Jan. 8-11, 2015, at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Portland, 1000 N.E. Multnomah St., in Portland, Ore.
This event brings in hundreds of participants to engage in fellowship, worship, support, Bible study and more.
Theme for this year’s conference is “Together at the Table” and focuses on the unity shared as a community of Christ, coming together to share in that fellowship regardless of differences.
Speakers slated for the four-day conclave include gay Christian author and journalist Jeff Chu, Southern Baptist pastor and parent Danny Cortez, British theologian, singer/songwriter and media personality Vicky Beeching and GNC founder Justin Lee.
Workshop topics cover a wide range of reflection and will be announced closer to the event once all of the facilitators have been selected.
A schedule for the conference, as well as special events during the conference (weconnect women’s retreat (with $25 fee), free Friday night entertainment, Sunday morning worship and local service projects) are available online.
Visit the conference website to obtain information on hotel accommodations and to secure registration. Special discounted airfare is provided through Delta Airlines.
info: gcnconf.com.
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Share your news with us
Does your organization or special interest group have events or great information to share with our readers? If so, be sure to send in your information to specialassignments@goqnotes-launch2.newspackstaging.com. In the upcoming months, we’ll feature one of you in our news notes section in each issue. Are you a part of a Meetup, Yahoo or Google group and do you do something that’s really newsworthy? Do you provide a service for the community or hold fundraisers for worthy causes? Do you educate the public about LGBT issues or concerns? Of course, this is only a sampling of things we are interested in. It’s the aim of these pieces to inform, enlighten and educate our readers about what we’re doing here in the Carolinas to champion LGBT rights, as well as offer resources for those who may be interested in what your group is doing.