1 2014 ANNUAL REPORT WWW.ONEIOWA.ORG | 3839 MERLE HAY RD. #274, DES MOINES | 515.288.4019 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 OUR VISION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 STAFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 CONSULTANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 YEAR IN REVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 GOALS FOR 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 3 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DONNA RED WING “Leveraging grassroots activities, education and encouragement, One Iowa is taking on the challenges of inequality right here in the Heartland.” A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR T he world is changing. However, we know that every day across Iowa, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals of all ages and from all walks of life face discrimination and harassment just because of who they are. A teenager is bullied in school . . . a transgender inmate is treated in a degrading and inhumane manner . . . an elderly person is shunned back into the closet or openly ostracized. Leveraging grassroots activities, education and encouragement, One Iowa is taking on the challenges of inequality right here in the Heartland. Together we’re creating an Iowa where full equality across all aspects of life will be a reality—not generations from now, but within our lifetimes. With your help, we will continue to make a difference. Together, we will continue to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of LGBT equality in Iowa, and beyond. Together, we are One Iowa. 4 ABOUT OUR VISION O ne Iowa is the state’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organization working toward full equality for LGBT individuals in Iowa through grassroots efforts and education. Our mission for full equality includes educating Iowans about why marriage matters to gay and lesbian couples, ensuring that communities are safe for LGBT youth, reaching out to communities of faith, addressing concerns about Iowa’s aging and elder LGBT populations, improving access to resources for transgender Iowans, and more. Polls show that acceptance of LGBT people is growing. We need to continue to have important conversations with our friends, family, neighbors and colleagues about why equality is important to us. As the state’s premier LGBT organization, we can continue to lead our state forward to greater understanding and respect for all people. We can sustain and expand Iowa’s commitment to equality as an inspirational example for the entire nation. “As the state’s premier LGBT organization, we can continue to lead our state forward . . . ” 5 ABOUT OUR TEAM DONNA RED WING MATTY SMITH KEENAN CROW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR OUTREACH COORDINATOR Donna Red Wing served as Executive Director of Grassroots Leadership and as Chief of Staff at Interfaith Alliance, Walter Cronkite’s organization in Washington, D.C. She was one of three members of President Obama’s kitchen cabinet on LGBT concerns and was Howard Dean’s outreach liaison to the LGBT community. Matty Smith joined One Iowa’s staff during the 2010 election as Field Organizer. Keenan Crow has been active in Iowa politics since 2010 when he interned with Chris Hall’s campaign for Iowa State Representative. Donna has also held leadership positions at the Gill Foundation, the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. While directing the Lesbian Community Project in Oregon, Donna was featured in a Sundance Award-winning film about the 1992 struggle against the anti-gay Ballot Measure 9. In summer 2011, Matty was promoted to New Media Coordinator, where he worked to elevate One Iowa’s visibility online and in social media. In the summer of 2013, Matty was appointed Director of Communications and New Media, where he currently manages both traditional and online media initiatives for the organization. Matty holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Drake University. Since then, Keenan has been involved with several nonprofit organizations including Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and Cedar Valley Citizens for Undoing Racism. He was also involved in One Iowa’s campus group at the University of Northern Iowa. Keenan obtained a B.A. in Political Communications and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Northern Iowa. 6 K.O. MYERS BECKY SMITH HANNAH NELL DEVELOPMENT & OPERATIONS MANAGER IOWA PRIDE NETWORK COORDINATOR AMERICORPS MEMBER K.O. Myers has studied and written about judicial selection and other judicial policy issues for state and national nonprofits since 2007. Becky Smith has been a part of One Iowa’s team since the beginning of 2014, when she came to the organization as a program intern. Hannah Nell joined One Iowa in 2014 as an AmeriCorps member working with Iowa Pride Network over the course of a year. K.O. moved to Iowa in 2011 after 7 years in Philadelphia, where he graduated with a J.D. as part of the inaugural class at the Drexel University School of Law in 2009. In his spare time, K.O. produces and hosts OMGDSM, a podcast about interesting people and projects in Des Moines. Becky graduated with Distinction from the University of Iowa, with her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in May, 2014. Her interest is in policy-related issues concerning the LGBT population, and how individual attitudes and beliefs can impact the lives of LGBT Iowans. Becky was appointed Iowa Pride Network Coordinator in July, 2014, and brings with her a passion for helping young people combat homophobia and bullying in their schools. Hannah moved to Des Moines from Wisconsin, where she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2014 with a B.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics and Political Science. Hannah is interested in work within the LGBT community, especially youth development. She will serve as a resource for Gay Straight Alliances across the state working to make schools more inclusive and safe for everyone. 7 ABOUT OUR CONSULTANTS CAROL SAWYER | CREATIVE CONSULTANT Carol Sawyer brings her skills in project management, website building, grant proposal writing, and informal education to One Iowa. From an early career in research science she transitioned to developing science exhibitions. As Director of Exhibits and Planning at the Museum of Life + Science she oversaw a major museum expansion and the development of three nationally touring exhibitions. Using her creative skills to create compelling media events about education issues, Carol has organized parents and teachers to fight for equity and ending high-stakes testing in public schools and more. JASON DINESEN | ACCOUNTING CONSULTANT As a Licensed Public Accountant constantly studying tax law and tax publications, Jason Dinesen admits to being a bit of a “tax nerd.” He loves helping people alleviate their fear of—and frustration with—tax preparation and planning. After leaving a career as a news director for a radio station in 2007, Jason shifted his professional focus to accounting and started his own company, Dinesen Tax, in 2009. Jason works with many LGBT clients, and joined One Iowa in December 2013 to assist with the organization’s accounting. He holds a degree in corporate communications from Simpson College in Indianola. 8 ABOUT OUR BOARD SHARON MALHEIRO JENNY SMITH JANET ROSENBURY BOARD CHAIR BOARD VICE CHAIR BOARD SECRETARY Sharon Malheiro is a senior shareholder and past president of the board at the Davis Brown Law Firm, where she practices employment law and media and communications law. Jenny Smith is a Financial Service Representative of Principal National and Principal Life Insurance Company and a Registered Representative of Princor Financial Services Corporation. Janet Rosenbury moved to West Des Moines after living most recently in Sioux City, England, New York, Michigan and Indiana. Sharon is an advocate for LGBT civil rights. She has served on the Iowa Supreme Court’s Task Force on Gender and Racial Bias in the Judicial System. Sharon also provides pro bono legal counsel for the AIDS Project of Central Iowa, and acts as a cooperating attorney for Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. Jenny has four years of financial services experience, and is a former small business owner. She is also a volunteer with the Roosevelt High School softball team. Janet has been involved with organizations seeking equality and justice for many years. These include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood, Interfaith Alliance, church boards and school-related organizations and more. Janet is most proud of the four globally-aware children she and her husband Mark have raised. 9 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ALICIA CLAYPOOL** FOUNDER, INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF IOWA JASON DINESEN*** BOARD TREASURER OWNER/ACCOUNTANT, DINSESEN TAX DEAN GENTH*** LIFELONG LGBT ADVOCATE CONNIE RYAN TERRELL* EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERFAITH ALLIANCE OF IOWA DR. RICH SALAS* DIRECTOR OF MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS, DES MOINES UNIVERSITY RETIRED PROFESSIONAL, LONGTIME ADVOCATE KATE VARNUM* LYNN SCHREDER* JENNY SMITH*** REALTOR, NP DODGE REAL ESTATE SHARON MALHEIRO*** JANET ROSENBURY* BOARD VICE CHAIR FINANCIAL SERVICE REP, THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP BOARD SECRETARY VOLUNTEER & ADVOCATE ALLEN VANDER LINDEN* ADVOCATE, VARNUM V. BRIEN PLAINTIFF CO-OWNER, KHI SOLUTIONS BOARD CHAIR SENIOR SHAREHOLDER, DAVIS BROWN LAW FIRM TOM SYNHORST*** MANAGING PARTNER & CHAIRMAN, DCI GROUP MAURA STRASSBERG* PROFESSOR OF LAW, DRAKE UNIVERSITY MIKE YOWELL** *SERVES ON ONE IOWA EDUCATION FUND BOARD (C3) **SERVES ON ONE IOWA (C4) BOARD ***SERVES ON BOTH ONE IOWA EDUCATION FUND (C3) & ONE IOWA (C4) BOARDS 10 ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS GAY & GRAY IN THE MIDWEST “We have a lot of walking wounded among us . . . It’s very isolating.” Gay & Gray in the Midwest works to reduce the homophobia and transphobia that elder gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people face. In 2014, One Iowa conducted a preliminary LGBT Aging Survey. While LGBT elders confront the same health, housing and social issues that all elders face, they must also deal with the additional challenges of isolation, discrimination and lack of understanding. “We have a lot of walking wounded among us,” says one respondent of the LGBT Aging Survey. “Most single LGBT folks I know have zero support or resources to help them as they age. It’s very isolating.” According to our survey of LGBT elders (based on nearly 500 respondents): Approximately 36.7 percent of LGBT elders live alone. This means LGBT elders rely less on children and family to take care of them. They depend mostly on a “family of choice,” many of whom are not acknowledged by official policies and laws. This can create some significant problems later in life. Most surprisingly, many LGBT elders go back into the closet when they go into long term care. This is unacceptable, and One Iowa is working to change this unfortunate reality for many LGBT elders. As part of our outreach plan, One Iowa cosponsored an important summit on LGBT housing in September 2014. This was our first step in addressing the needs and challenges of LGBT elders in Iowa. 11 ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS HIV IS NOT A CRIME “One Iowa was one of the very first LGBTQ rights organizations to take on HIV criminalization as a priority issue . . . ” I n Spring 2014, One Iowa and coalition partners celebrated a great victory. Together, we reformed an outdated and aggressive state law. No government should be allowed to single out people living with HIV and AIDS for severe criminal penalties. By passing a law in 1998 that criminalzed HIV transmission, Iowa lawmakers set the stage for 16 years of aggressive and draconian prosecutions. The new law, passed in May 2014 with unanimous support from both the Iowa Senate and House, is no longer HIV-specific and introduces tiered sentencing instead of the old law’s “one size fits all” approach. With this achievement, Iowa became the first state in the nation to reform its HIV criminalization statute. “One Iowa has consistently demonstrated oustanding and effective leadership on HIV issues,” says Sean Strub, Executive Director of the national organization The Sero Project. “One Iowa was one of the very first LGBTQ rights organizations in the entire United States to take on HIV criminalization as a priority issue, providing office space, reliable counsel and strategic advice, grassroots support and lobbying muscle,” Strub adds. “Working with them was a remarkable experience for me as an activist and a native Iowan, one that made me proud.” In addition, One Iowa cosponsored and helped organize the first national “HIV is Not a Crime” conference in Grinnell, Iowa. The conference brought together hundreds of activists and advocates from all all over the world to strategize and discuss the importance of modernizing and reforming HIV criminal statutes across the country and beyond. Once again, Iowa leads the way. 12 ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS IOWA FAIR COURTS COALITION “In 2014, we saw just how significant the role of the courts is to LGBT equality.” T he Iowa Fair Courts Coalition began in 2013 as a group of organizations, businesses, individuals and policy makers who believe that access to fair and impartial courts is a crucial component of a healthy democracy. Since founding the coalition, One Iowa has received support from the Center for American Progress and the National Center for Jewish Women to further this important work. In 2014, we saw just how significant the role of the courts is to LGBT equality. State and federal courts alike ruled against marriage bans in state after state, including conservative pockets of the country like Wyoming, Mississippi, Wisconsin, and more. Through the Iowa Fair Courts Coalition, One Iowa held a dozen events discussing the importance of the federal judiciary. These conversations took place all over the state, and included presentations in Colorado and Arizona. In addition, we’ve amplified our message through the use of traditional and social media, placing multiple opinion pieces in a variety of publications such as the Des Moines Register, the Associated Press, and others. We also pushed for confirmation of judicial nominees during the 2014 “lame duck” session: we urged our coalition supporters to contact Senator Chuck Grassley, and we placed letters to the editor in local newspapers. 13 ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS IOWA PRIDE NETWORK “As a result of our efforts, we engaged and connected with more students than ever before.” P rotection from bullying and harassment leads to increased school attendance and greater academic performance. As part of our mission for full equality, One Iowa also works to empower LGBT youth to advocate for equality and become tomorrow’s leaders. In Spring 2014, One Iowa adopted Iowa Pride Network’s student organizing and Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) efforts. Iowa Pride Network, founded in 2003, represents LGBT students at schools and colleges throughout the state. As a program of One Iowa, Iowa Pride Network now has a full-time staff person to coordinate the GSA efforts. We’ve also brought on a fulltime AmeriCorps member who will serve as a resource for GSAs and conduct a first-of-its-kind research project surveying the positive effects GSAs have on students in a learning environment. One Iowa has also refreshed and recast the website and the student curricula for Iowa Pride Network, providing a more intuitive tool for students and faculty to use for GSA meetings and school efforts around GSAs. As a result of our efforts, we also doubled the attendance at Iowa Pride Network’s annual Leadership Summit at Grinnell College, and engaged and connected with more students than ever before. 14 ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS LIVE HEALTHY, LIVE PROUD “It’s essential that LGBT people in Iowa know that culturally competent healthcare exists for them, and where they can access it.” R esponding quickly to the shifting healthcare landscape, One Iowa educated LGBT communities statewide about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in more than 60 events, and through both traditional and new media. Our trained volunteers helped individuals enroll in health coverage through the ACA Marketplace. We also offered free, confidential guidance to elder LGBT Iowans to help them make informed decisions about Medicare and other health coverage. As part of our “Life Healthy, Live Proud” program, One Iowa offers a number of health and wellness opportunities for community members throughout the year. The annual LGBT Health and Wellness conference educates healthcare professionals and clinics in cultural competency for LGBT people. In addition, it helps members of the LGBT community learn and utilize methods to assist clinics and health professionals in becoming culturally competent to LGBT individuals. The LGBT health study helps us understand the barriers and needs of LGBT Iowans, which is critical to move forward with health programs and provide adequate healthcare. Cultural competency trainings are available for healthcare facilities, including modules for healthcare providers and healthcare support staff. It’s essential that LGBT people in Iowa know that culturally competent healthcare exists for them, and where they can access it. This is especially important for transgender individuals, who face the highest level of discrimination and misunderstanding from healthcare professionals. Utilizing public education, trainings and research, our hope is that we can expand the number of healthcare resources available for LGBT people in the state. 15 ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS TRANSFORMING CORRECTIONS CULTURE “Not only is (One Iowa’s) training beneficial in our professional lives, your training has also benefited so many in their personal lives.” O ne Iowa provided training to Iowa corrections staff at 17 sites in 2014, including a statewide “jail school.” During this time, we were able to reach and impact over 1,200 jail and corrections staff. For many in corrections and law enforcement, this was their first opportunity to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity and challenge their own attitudes toward LGBT individuals. Our training to stop discrimination in Iowa’s jails will not only make inmates and officers safer, but will also create a ripple effect as law enforcement professionals become role models of respect and tolerance both at work and at home. “Not only is your training beneficial in our professional lives, your training has also benefited so many in their personal lives,” says Craig Matzke, Jail Program Coordinator at Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. help educate law enforcement on how to professionally and humanely treat LGBT persons. “I have seen and heard the impact of the training provided by One Iowa,” Matzke adds. “Your program is engaging and informative and gives a comfortable forum to discuss issues.” Through comprehensive training programs, we help law enforcement and corrections officers understand and confront discrimination against LGBT individuals, and create a safer environment for all. One Iowa provides interactive trainings to law enforcement officers and administrators at all levels. We help them understand the challenges LGBT people face in the criminal justice system, and Working with Iowa’s Law Enforcement Academy, we open a dialogue between the LGBT community and law enforcement. 16 2014 YEAR IN REVIEW “From ‘cradle to grave,’ when we say equality—we mean equality for everyone.” F ormed in 2005, One Iowa has been an effective advocate for the LGBT community. In coalition with our allies, One Iowa has expanded its scope to move its focus beyond marriage equality. One Iowa’s mission and our ultimate goal is to secure full equality for LGBT individuals throughout the state. This should include everyone from our LGBT youth, to those living with HIV and AIDS, to our LGBT elders, and everyone in between. HIV law. And, we launched our first LGBT Aging Survey. From “cradle to grave,” when we say equality--we mean equality for everyone. In 2014, One Iowa engaged with LGBT youth through its Iowa Pride Network program. We tirelessly worked with coalition partners to modernize Iowa’s draconian One Iowa and coalition partners at the signing of the historic bill that modernized Iowa’s draconian HIV law. (May 2014) 17 THE YEAR IN NUMBERS • Held 67 trainings and events throughout Iowa, educating the LGBT community and its allies on the Affordable Care Act between January and March. • Attended 24 events at schools and colleges to discuss our work with Gay Straight Alliances through Iowa Pride Network, a program of One Iowa. • • Over 130 participants in the 2nd Annual Health & Wellness Conference in April, hosted at Des Moines University and cosponsored by One Iowa. Reached over 100 HIV and AIDS adovcates and activists from the United States and across the world at the first ever “HIV is Not a Crime” conference in June at Grinnell College, cosponsored and organized in part by One Iowa. • Presented 17 cultural competency trainings to jail and corrections staff as part of our Transforming Corrections Culture program. • Hosted a dozen events educating Iowans about why the courts matter both on a federal and statewide level. 319,424 People (in Iowa and across the country) impacted by our work around the Affordable Care Act between January - March 2014, reached through events, social media, traditional media, and advertising. 54,799 People impacted throughout the year by our dynamic constituent communications and social media platforms. 3,523 1,215 Iowans that we directly impacted and engaged with face-to-face through events, presentations and trainings. Jail and corrections staff that we reached and impacted across Iowa through our Transforming Corrections Culture program, a partnership with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. 173 Total events, presentations and trainings across the state that we were involved in. 18 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENT “Expenditures totaled $387,000 in 2014, leaving us a surplus heading into 2015 that we intend to invest in additional programming.” I n 2014, One Iowa enjoyed a record-setting year financially. Total revenue was the largest amount we have ever raised at $460,000, with a 10 percent increase over the previous year. Major funders included grants and contracts (totaling $316,000); recurring and one-time donations both in and out of state ($99,000); and events such as our annual Gala fundraiser ($45,000). As you can see, One Iowa continues to act as wise stewards of our funds and your investments. Every gift, no matter the size, demonstrates your belief in the importance and value of our programs. Expenditures totaled $387,000 in 2014, leaving us with the necessary funds to head into 2015 with strong and resonant programming. By participating with a donation, you will play an essential role in One Iowa’s continuing success. Fundraising continues to be an integral part of One Iowa’s work. One Iowa Education Fund is grateful to our many grassroots donors, monthly donors and 19 major donors, as well as our corporate and individual event sponsors. These generous donors understand how important our work for equality continues to be. We would also like to thank these organizations for their generous investment in our important work in 2014: CENTER FOR AMERICAN PROGRESS CIVIL MARRIAGE COLLABORATIVE COLE-BELIN EDUCATION FOUNDATION DILLENKOFFER ENDOWMENT GILL FOUNDATION PHILANTHROFUND FOUNDATION (PFUND) SUSAN B. KOMEN FOUNDATION UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FUNDING PROGRAM 2014 FINANCIAL STATEMENT BY THE NUMBERS TOTAL REVENUE $460,000 REVENUE SOURCES: EXPENSES: GRANTS $255,000 PROGRAM $312,837 CONTRACTS $61,000 FUNDRAISING $31,748 EVENTS $45,000 OVERHEAD $42,589 DONATIONS $99,000 20 GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR “Every individual in Iowa’s LGBT community faces challenges as unique as themselves.” S uccesses like the ones we achieved in 2014 have helped make life better for thousands of LGBT Iowans. Each victory, large and small, illustrates why One Iowa’s work is so vital. Every individual in Iowa’s LGBT community faces challenges as unique as themselves. That’s why One Iowa’s work in 2015 must address a wide range of needs: • Supporting more students who launch Gay-Straight Alliances in schools and colleges statewide, and energizing existing groups with additional resources and assistance. • Leveraging an LGBT Elder Summit to bring our aging population together, assess their needs, and find solutions to their biggest challenges. • Delivering our 3rd Annual LGBT Health & Wellness conference in March, and unveiling a new breast health initiative. • Expanding the number of LGBT cultural competency presentations in Iowa jail and correctional facilities in order to reach more law enforcement officers and corrections staff. • Increasing HIV testing and decreasing transmission rates by partnering with organizations like the Community HIV/ Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network (CHAIN) and the Sero Project. • Continuing our work with partners in the Iowa Fair Courts Coalition to strengthen the integrity of Iowa’s judicial system and ensure that the laws we work so hard to pass are enforced and the rights of LGBT individuals are upheld. Join One Iowa today and help make a difference. For more information, visit www.OneIowa.org.
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