Out and Equal Workplace Summit…in Pittsburgh?

The fight for equal rights and recognition for GLBT individuals in the workplace is gaining an increased amount of public attention nationwide. Much equality has been achieved with much left to be sought. One organization leading this effort is the Out and Equal Workplace Advocates.

Out and Equal is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in San Francisco. It promote safe and equitable workplaces for GLBT people. In addition, Out and Equal is building and strengthening successful organizations that value all employees, customers and communities.

Out and Equal sponsors an annual summit for GLBT employees and human resources professionals from around the country. This event has featured such notable presenters as Howard Dean, Patricia Ireland, Ann Richards and Billie Jean King.

In addition to the annual summit, Out and Equal offers Building Bridges Diversity Training specific to GLBT workplace issues, a growing network of regional affiliates, which now includes New York City, Dallas/Fort Worth and San Francisco, support to GLBT employee resource groups, a national newsletter and individual donor and membership programs. Committee Formed, Submits Proposal to Hold Out and Equal Summit in Pittsburgh

A local organizing committee in Pittsburgh has been formed and is currently working with the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau to invite the 2007 Workplace Summit to our city. The group has done an outstanding job of obtaining letters of support from most of the local GLBT organizations. These letters have been submitted along with the required initial proposal. The Out and Equal planning committee will announce the finalist by the end of August 2005.

The benefits of having a national organization deliver a strong message of equality can positively benefit a large number of our work environments. Historically, the conference has attracted close to 1,000 professionals (gay and straight) who are working toward expanded equal rights for all employees. These specialists from around the country would work with local companies and individuals in assisting their understanding of the importance of this issue.

The local committee will continue to maintain the excitement and interest in Pittsburgh. With a combination of pluck and luck, the committee hopes to begin building the framework for a successful conference for 2007.

For more information on Out and Equal, visit www.outandequal.org

---