Letter from the National Board Co-Chairs
On behalf of the GLAAD National Board of Directors and our senior volunteers across the country, we are proud to share this 2008 Performance Report. Looking back over the year, GLAAD’s influence is seen in all types of media – from ensuring accurate reporting among the local news outlets in Greeley, Colorado, after the murder of a transgender teenager, to receiving an on-air apology from the FOX News Channel after anti-LGBT defamation occurred. GLAAD’s advocacy work in our nation’s media is needed more than ever to ensure that our lives are accurately portrayed and that people get to know the common ground we share. Only by doing this work to change our culture do we truly achieve full equality under the law.
Last year, we continued our strategic efforts to ensure the viability of GLAAD through this historic time in our movement. We developed and announced our 2009-2013 strategic plan, with the pro-bono contribution of Bain & Company, which will focus on increased awareness, diversified fundraising support, development of volunteer involvement, new and focused media programs, and communicating our results. The strategic plan will allow for GLAAD to expand our work and influence as a cultural change agent and ensure we meet our long term organizational goals.
Moving forward, our community faces a new set of challenges and increased opposition from anti-gay activists. As the country begins to experience hope and change, it is crucial that we maintain and promote fair and accurate discussion of our lives in the media and offer a strong voice against the defamation our communities still face.
A special thank you to outgoing GLAAD President Neil Giuliano for leading GLAAD to new heights in our programmatic, outreach and operational activities. By promoting fair, accurate and inclusive images of LGBT people in these new areas, we’re sparking discussions about our lives and bringing images of our community to new audiences. It’s increased visibility in these new communities that will help change hearts and minds and work towards equality. GLAAD’s new strategic plan, database and web community capacity will allow us to grow and strengthen for an even brighter future.
We look forward to reaching even greater success under the leadership of Jarrett Barrios. It is only with your support as a stakeholder and investor in GLAAD’s work that allows us to expand our media advocacy and anti-defamation work, fostering further cultural change. As we do so, we invite your greater involvement and deeply appreciate your continued support.
©2009 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation