PACE is a bipartisan organization that works to advance equality in Northwest Louisiana so that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community can lead open, honest, responsible, and safe lives at home and in the workplace.
We believe that the most effective way to achieve these goals is to educate our communities and to constructively participate in the political process.
Specifically the objectives and purposes of PACE are to enhance the quality of life for all citizens by working:
- To establish a society free from discrimination against individuals based on race, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religious belief, or national origin;
- To urge the government to provide adequate police protection, quality education, public health, assistance and protection for the individual freedoms and rights for all;
- To encourage government to be more responsive to all citizens and to eliminate corruption; and;
- To educate the public and candidates for public office regarding Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) issues.
The strength of PACE's membership lies in it's Focus Groups. Focus Groups give members an opportunity to work in a specific area of advocacy and activism. Serving on a Focus Group is not mandatory, however, it is strongly encouraged.
Political Organization: will make contact and establish relationships with elected political representatives of Northwest Louisiana at all levels (school board, city council, parish commissioners, and state representatives and senators); will obtain information from the Education Focus Group to inform these representatives on our issues; and, prior to elections will send out surveys to candidates and will conduct interviews with candidates to determine their positions on our issues. << Contact the Chairperson >>
Public Relations and Education: will make contact and establish relationships with the local media (newspapers, radio and television stations) clergy and local civic clubs; will offer and be prepared to serve as a source for local stories on our issues; will periodically submit to the media information on current stories and issues of interest; and shall draft and disseminate Public Service Announcements, when appropriate as well as, develop programs to educate and inform these entities. << Contact the Chairperson >>
Fundraising: will solicit contributions from potential donors; will plan activities to raise funds; will work with existing groups or events to secure funds. << Contact the Chairperson >>
Social: will plan regular socials and notify the members of these events via email; will assist the Vice President with the planning and coordinating of an Annual Pride event to be held during or near Pride week (last week of June) each year. << Contact the Chairperson >>
