I understand that we have SIG members who are active in at least three groups we will want to network with, ATESL, Peace Corps’ RPCV, and NASPA. David and I will be touch with them to see how they think we can best interact. We would also like to conn ect with AACRAO, so if any of you are members, please get in touch.

4. Advocate and Lobby

We will be working with NAFSA at large and with the Diversity Committee on this issue. The new chairperson of the Diversity Committee is John Eng-Wang. We have been in touch, and I expect we will be able to establish a more active relationship with th at group. It will be our job to keep that committee advised concerning such issues as persecution of GLBT folks abroad and immigration issues, including asylum for victims of homophobia (see Peter Voeller’s article in this issue). Again, David and I would welcome knowing who might be interested in working on these issues with the Diversity Committee.

In response to the concern NAFSA conference should be held only gay-friendly sites, you will find the NAFSA resolution to that affect passed in 1993 on our website under the Newsletters section, Fall 1993.

5. Enhance the Listing of GLBT-related Resources on Our Website

This one is really up to you! When you come across a website which you think belongs in our list of web resources, send it along to Kathleen Sideli. She is always ready to upgrade our site.

6. Increase Opportunities for Networking, Professional and Social Exchange Within the SIG ...

• ... At Conferences
  We will certainly take this into consideration when planning for the SIG in Denver next year. We may be able to arrange another formal event, such as a reception or dinner, or, perhaps some less formal ones, depending on what Denver has to offer for its gay community. The wonderful, relaxed open house at a gay owned guest house in Vancouver was ideal for getting to know new people. Do we have any Denver natives who can clue us into such an opportunity there?

  As for increased opportunities at the regional conferences, is there a SIG member from each region who would work either (1) formally with the regional conference planning committee to schedule a regional SIG meeting or (2) informally to inform SIG me mbers at the regional conference of a social gathering at some welcoming public place? The formal arrangements may only be possible for regions whose conferences are scheduled for the spring, but the informal should work anytime if there is an announceme nt board at the conference. Again, she or he who volunteers first for the region wins! (Wins what? – the pleasure of meeting new GLBT–friendly colleagues!)
  
  

• ... Mentoring
  This was a suggestion that seems to fit into the concern for increased networking and professional exchange. I think it can be done, most easily at the Annual Meeting, but certainly, if we have volunteer mentors, through the Rainbow listserve or the website. David and I will get this started by a call to you here and now to send us your name, email and snail mail address, phone and fax number if you are willing to serve as a mentor to a new SIG member OR if you are looking for a mentor. Watch for fur ther information on Rainbow and on our Homepage in the fall.

You’ve asked a lot from us, but if you noticed, we’ve thrown a good deal of it back to you! No organization works because two people co-chair it. It works because members are committed and are willing to do an extra bit to make it go. Find one of tho se "offers" of extra work and commit to it. We know you’re overworked. We know that because David and I are barely getting everything done in a ten hour day. But as my wise mother said, there is always time for what you really want to do, and we know the SIG is important to you. We don’t ask you to take on a lot. Just do what you can and our SIG will continue to do important work for the people we care about – our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered students and colleagues.