Statement From Equality Arizona Board Of Directors
Despite Challenges, Organization Will Continue Working For Equal Rights

Like many non-profit organizations during this recession, Equality Arizona has been experiencing reduced cash flow for several months. As a result, we could not continue to meet payroll obligations and pay our operational costs, and we were forced to make the difficult decision to lay off our small but dedicated staff. We did not take this action lightly, and we remain committed to continuing the critical work of Equality Arizona to secure equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in our state.

Over the coming weeks, the Equality Arizona board will be working hard to plan for our organization’s future. Our immediate goal is to chart a path for achieving fiscal stability, while developing a volunteer structure to help us operate the most important programs. We are united in our determination to continue Equality Arizona’s work. We have no plans to shut the organization down.

As the Board of Directors of Equality Arizona, we are mindful of our role as stewards of this organization that serves Arizona’s diverse LGBT community. We are aware that the abrupt loss of some of our leading advocates has created concern for many community members. We regret the loss of our leaders on the staff, as well as the loss of some of our board members who were unable to continue to serve in light of the increased work ahead. We remain grateful for their service to Equality Arizona.

We also believe that every difficult challenge may also provide an opportunity. This is a moment when Equality Arizona needs the support of all Arizonans who support equal rights for LGBT people. Over the next few months, we will be providing opportunities for Arizonans to become involved in rebuilding a strong statewide advocacy organization by sharing your ideas, helping us prioritize our goals, volunteering for a working group, or making a gift to help us continue the work. We hope every person in this state who cares about equality will sign up on our website or find us on Facebook and watch for town hall meetings, community surveys, lobby day plans and community updates.

We pledge to keep the community informed about our progress in planning for the future, and we look forward to working with longtime supporters as well as new activists. There is much work to be done in Arizona, and an organization is only as powerful as its supporters.

Now, more than ever, we need your support. Together, we will create an Arizona where everyone feels at home.

Equality Arizona is Arizona’s only statewide LGBT civil rights organization working to secure, protect and defend the rights and welfare of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Arizona. We envision an Arizona where everyone feels at home: living in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Visit us on the web at www.equalityarizona.org.