Out & Equal Workplace Advocates is thrilled to meet the growing need of LGBT employees acorss the United States who have expressed interest in starting their own Out & Equal regional affiliate group! To get involved in organizing networking opportunities in your area, contact Networks Manager Stephen Gould.

Out & Equal is committed to increasing the number of our current Regional Affiliates. The program director and a national regional affiliate advisory committee composed of two representatives from each Regional Affiliate directs and supports this growing program. (The advisory committee meets semi-monthly via teleconference.)

Want to start a local Affiliate?

1. Do some research to determine initial interest and need
   Become familiar with Out & Equal's educational programs, constituents, and vision. Determine if there is a need in your community for the type of work Out & Equal does. Are there other programs — LGBT networking groups, educational groups, professional organizations — in your area doing related work with whom you can partner, or that would help support the Affiliate?
   
2. Network, network, network
   Find dedicated individuals in your community who are interested. To start an O&E affiliate, you will need a minimum of five people from five separate organizations/employers. We recommend gathering a minimum of 10-15 people for initial conversations to learn more about the responsibilities and benefits of having an O&E Affiliate.
   
3. Informational meeting with Out & Equal
   Contact Out & Equal to have representatives meet with your group by phone or in person to outline benefits and expectations. O&E staff will discuss the impact of Regional Affiliates on a national and local level, provide examples of initial documents, and supply information about how other affiliates were created. In addition, O&E staff will explain the application process and answer questions.
   
4. Application process
   Once you have met with Out & Equal and your group has decided to move ahead with becoming an Out & Equal regional chapter, you will need to complete a Regional Affiliate application [DOC, 136KB]. O&E staff will guide you through the application process, which includes approval by the regional council advisory committee and the board of directors.

For additional information on how to start a local Out & Equal Regional Affiliate, contact Networks Manager Stephen Gould or call (415) 649-6506.