Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association
Since its inception in 1989, OPALGA has become one of the largest community based, multipurpose lesbian and gay membership organizations in Illinois.
OPALGA Board Votes to Hire Professional Consultant
At its monthly board meeting on August 21, the Board of Directors of OPALGA voted unanimously to retain the services of Carol S. Goldbaum, Ph.D., to assist the Board as it moves toward the vital step of hiring the organization’s first Executive Director.
In the past 18 years, OPALGA has experienced tremendous growth as it has continually worked to fulfill its mission of serving the LGBT community. Yet growth presents additional challenges, and OPALGA, like many other not-for-profit organizations, is now experiencing typical growth and maturity issues as it seeks to transition to the next level.
The efforts of Chris Mitchell led OPALGA to contact Dr. Goldbaum. After an initial meeting with Susan Abbott (Youth Program Director) and Mike Cochran (Treasurer), it was obvious that she was an excellent fit for the organization. “Carol possesses a breadth of background that is both diverse and accomplished, “ stated Cochran. “Furthermore, she is a member of the LGBT community who is familiar with our organization, knows many of our members, and is passionate about our mission. She will be a tremendous individual for our Board to work with, and I am eager to get the process started.”
The process necessitates additional work hours for the OPALGA Board and staff. Dr. Goldbaum will hold a series of meetings with the Board and staff, and she will meet with members at large during a public open focus group where both past OPALGA leaders and members of the community will be invited to share their thoughts and ideas. Through close collaboration with the Board, the result of this process is expected to be a specific project plan with detailed action steps, job descriptions, and a business plan.
After meeting with Dr. Goldbaum, both Brad Bartels and Cheryl Haugh, Co-Chairs of OPALGA, were equally enthusiastic. “I did not know what to expect initially,” said Bartels, “but I was pleasantly surprised. It was very apparent at the outset that she would tailor this project for OPALGA, and I liked that.” Echoed Haugh, “After checking one reference, it became apparent to me that Dr. Goldbaum would hold each of us on the Board directly accountable for our tasks, and yet she would do so with a sense of humor and enthusiasm.”
If all goes according to plan, the Board would receive its final work product on or about December 31, 2007. Yet knowing the amount of work awaiting them actually added to the Board’s willingness to proceed. “We are all in for a more hectic fall schedule,” stated Board member JoAnn Ziebarth, “but this is a very exciting time for OPALGA and a great step forward.”
Any OPALGA member wishing to have input into this process should call Mike Cochran, Treasurer, at 708-848-8025. The progress of this project will be reported in future issues of Empower.
Message from the Co-Chairs
The end of summer always brings transition and the promise of new and exciting challenges. For some, the end of summertime’s pleasures and intensity is fraught with sadness; for others, it’s a time of relief! For OPALGA, there are many activities to look forward to in the coming months—the picnic, the house walk, Octoberfeast, and the annual meeting. In addition to these fondly anticipated events, we will be cooking up a fall stew of delicious change and new possibilities for OPALGA.
You will read this month that the OPALGA Board of Directors unanimously voted to retain a highly recommended consultant, Dr. Carol Goldbaum, to advise and guide us as we consider our readiness to take some of the next steps in the development of the organization and enter a strategic planning process. Are we ready to hire an Executive Director? How has our programming evolved, and how should it change? Dr. Goldbaum will help us all to participate in clarifying our organizational direction and in establishing a strategy for the next stages of our growth. She will meet with the Board and staff to gain a clearer view of our expectations, and she will hold a public open focus group to obtain different points of view as well as historical perspective.
Facing that unknown is as intriguing as it is daunting. With the vast diversity that we have cultivated in our “family” over the years, how will we find a purpose and direction upon which we can agree? Will we all be inspired by the outcome? Do we have the organizational strength to accomplish new goals? Will there be membership support? How can we manage changes in our funding? Where will the money come from? How will we determine our priorities and celebrate our accomplishments?
As the months of 2007 come to an end, we are also closing the leadership cycle with Co-Chair Brad Bartels, who has served so ably since 2003. As we have designed such transitions, one co-chair leaves while the other continues for another year to bridge the transition. Brad’s tireless work and thorough approach to his directorship will be sorely missed. Brad has been instrumental in leading the Board to establish the groundwork for hiring an Executive Director. A successful and productive term of service from a creative, professional, and dedicated man will come to an end.
As is also the design, several other Board positions are vacated for reelection or replacement at the end of 2007. Nominations for these open positions have been called for. Talk with your friends and colleagues about the leaders you recognize among us, and call The OPALGA Center with their names.
Volunteer Homes Needed
October 21, 2007, is the date set for the Fourth Annual OPALGA House Walk. We’re looking for homes to showcase in this year’s event. If you would like to feature your home or would like additional information about volunteering your home, please call The OPALGA Center at 708-848-0273. Please leave your name and contact information. Let’s make this year’s occasion one to remember!
PFLAG Family Potluck
On Sunday, September 30, PFLAG will host its Fifth Sunday Family Potluck at First United Church, 848 Lake St., Oak Park, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited. Please bring a dish to share—your PFLAG hosts will provide soft drinks, plates, cutlery, and napkins. We hope to see you there!
Save the Date—Annual Meeting Scheduled for November
The OPALGA Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 6, 2007. The meeting will include a report on the state of the association and the announcement of the election results for the OPALGA Board of Directors and Officers. As in the past, heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. Keep your eye out for your invitation, but mark it on your calendar today.
We hope that you will be able to join us!
Volunteer Spotlight
Given the hundreds of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, we decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better.
This month, we are highlighting volunteer member Andrea Kemp.
Q: How did you hear about OPALGA?
A: I got hooked on OPALGA through Women Like Me. (Women Like Me is a drop-in group for women who are involved in a heterosexual marriage or who are separated, divorced, or coming out later in life. The group meets on the fourth Sunday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The OPALGA Center.) I felt an immediate connection with the group facilitator, Bobbi Allen. She nurtured me out of my nervous shell and into the OPALGA community. Thank you, Bobbi!
Q: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA?
A: February will make two years since I have been an OPALGA member and volunteer. My first volunteer task was working on the drag show two years ago at Temptations. It was a blast, and I felt so welcomed into the OPALGA community—I was sold! Now, my volunteer work is primarily centered on planning events with the Programming Committee, and my solo task is coordinating the OPALGA book club. This job is made easy by the wonderful book club members we have who keep the choices interesting and keep our meetings lively! (The book club meets on the third Sunday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The OPALGA Center. Upcoming book titles are available on the calendar on the OPALGA Web site, www.opalga.org, and are announced each month in Empower.)
Q: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
A: Not in a volunteer capacity, but I remain a supporter of groups such as Amigas Latinas and the LCCP.
Q: What about you?
A: I am originally from Belize, and I currently live in Oak Park with the love of my life, my 11-year-old son, Ryan. He’s my favorite sidekick, for as long as he’ll allow me to be—his friends seem to be cooler! I am a physician, subspecialized in Maternal Fetal Medicine, high-risk pregnancies, at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago. I also have 28 other children at work—I’m the assistant residency director in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UIC. My work and teaching role with the residents is just as, if not more, important to me than my clinical practice—they keep me grounded.
When not working I can most likely be found either playing some crunchy-granola song on my guitar, reading the latest Harry Potter novel with Ryan, or planning our next ski and snowboarding trip!
Thank you Andrea, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You might be next in the spotlight….
Annual Picnic Outing
Fall is fast approaching, but we are going to stretch out the summer just a little bit longer. On Sunday, September 23, please join OPALGA for our annual picnic outing.
Join us and enjoy some outdoor activities, or relax and watch others play volleyball, softball, or the always-fun Baggo game (and if you don’t know what that is, come by and we will introduce you to the game!). Your kids will have fun playing with other kids! OPALGA will also have on hand some art supplies and coloring books.
You won’t want to miss the fine dining in the wonderful outdoors. The cost is $5 a plate, and children under 8 eat free. Hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, chips, and cookies are provided, but please bring your own beverage (no glass).
Please join us for this OPALGA end-of-summer picnic outing.
Where: Chicago Avenue Forest Preserve, Grove #2, Chicago & Thatcher, River Forest
Date: Sunday, September 23
Time: 2:00 p. m. to 6:00 p. m.
Why: Lots and lots of fun!!
Become a Host for Octoberfeast Weekend: October 5—October 7
Last year, we had a very successful Octoberfeast weekend, where members hosted parties in their homes on behalf of OPALGA. There were dinner parties, cocktail parties, and brunches. Not only did these events raise money for OPALGA, but they were also great opportunities to introduce new people to the organization. This year, we have designated Friday, October 5—Sunday, October 7 as the Second Annual Octoberfeast Weekend. We are again asking members to host fundraising parties in their homes for their friends, neighbors, and families.
Here’s how it works: As a host, you will be asked to hold a party at your home—it can be a cocktail party, a sit-down dinner party, a dinner buffet, or a brunch. You select a date and time during our Octoberfeast Weekend, you decide upon your guests (we have three party-pricing packages: $25, $35, or $50 per guest), and then you host the party. You will receive a gift-in-kind donation credit for your expenses, and OPALGA receives the proceeds from your party. It is a fun and easy way to support the organization.
OPALGA will work with you along the way. We will provide you with invitations, information regarding OPALGA for your guests, and any guidance that you may need. You will also receive a host gift for your efforts. It should be a great weekend, and you will be helping OPALGA to raise funds for our important programs and operations. If you are interested in becoming a host, e-mail Board of Directors Co-Chair Brad Bartels at or call The OPALGA Center at 708-848-0273. Your help in making this a memorable weekend and in raising funds for the organization will be truly appreciated.
Oak Park Supports Civil Unions
On July 6, 2007, the Oak Park Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved a Resolution in support of Illinois HB 1826: “Illinois Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act.” This Bill, if approved by the State Legislature, would establish a civil union law in Illinois. This law would grant same-sex partners the State benefits now awarded to those who are civilly married in the State.
If the State Legislature approves the measure, Illinois will become the sixth state in the country to establish a civil union law.
Spearheaded by Village Trustee and former OPALGA Co-Chair Ray Johnson, the Resolution was read by Village President David Pope and passed unanimously by voice vote.
In a press release issued by OPALGA before the vote by the Village Board, OPALGA Public Policy Chair Alan Amato said, “I am confident this Resolution will garner unanimous approval from the Oak Park Village Board. Oak Park has lead the way in fostering community diversity. This is a logical next step.”
Oak Park Again in the Forefront
With this action, the Village of Oak Park became the first municipality in the entire State to support HB 1826.
Soon after passage of the Resolution, The OPALGA Center was contacted by residents of DuPage County, asking for a copy of the Resolution so they can present a similar Resolution to village boards in that county. According to Rick Garcia, Political Director of Equality Illinois, interest in the Oak Park Resolution has come from around the State.
Resolution Gains Press Interest
The Resolution has garnered press attention throughout metropolitan Chicago. In addition to interviews with the local press (Wednesday Journal and Oak Leaves), OPALGA representatives were interviewed by the Chicago gay press as well as the Chicago Tribune. Reports of the passage of the Resolution were also aired on WGN-TV and several radio stations.
We Need YOU to Take Action!
It is extremely important that we contact our State Representatives to request the support of HB 1826. PLEASE take a few minutes to contact your State Rep!
Representative LaShawn K. Ford (8th District)
5104 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 378-5902
(8th District: Adams to Roosevelt, Austin to Harlem)
Representative Deborah Graham (78th District)
6101 W. North Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 445-9520
(78th District: North to Madison, Austin to Harlem)
Meetings to Be Organized
OPALGA will also be organizing meetings with our State Representatives to gain their support of HB 1826. If you are interested in helping to organize these meetings and attending, please contact Alan Amato at .
OPALGA Sponsors Third Annual Wright Ride
OPALGA is again committed to be a sponsor of the Wright Ride being held in Oak Park and the near western suburbs on Sunday, August 19, 2007. This marks the third annual ride, and OPALGA has been a sponsor for all three rides. The start location for the ride is Oak Park and River Forest High School, and routes include 10, 25, 50, and 62-mile courses. The Wright Ride is the brainchild of the Oak Park Cycle Club and the Oak Park Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Enclosed with Empower is a brochure that gives all of the details and the required liability waiver. The cost for the ride is $20 per rider (children under 12 ride free but must be registered to participate and must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride). There is also a Children’s Wonder Mile Ride, which costs $10 for children under 7. If you are a biking enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or just enjoy peddling, we encourage you to participate. It is a great event for the whole family.
