SPACE:

Since 2003, the Center’s staff has grown by 300%, and the Center’s social & support groups have grown by 600%. As such, based on input from community members, Center supporters, and group facilitators, the board of directors identified space as a major priority for the organization, encompassing several goals:

1) Facilities – Due to the continued expansion of the Center’s staff and social & support groups, the board identified renting a new space as an immediate and mission essential priority for the organization.
2) Drop-In Resource Center – The organization has identified opening a drop-in resource center as an important function of the Pride Center. Preparations have already begun to re-instate the Center’s library and staff has applied for a grant to secure an internet café. Upon completion, the Center will re-instate regular open hours.
3) Coffee Kiosk – In order to effectively open the Drop-In center, the board has identified the possibility of opening a coffee kiosk within the space.
4) Over the next three-five years, the organization will research the possibility of implementing a capital campaign for a building purchase. Should the results of that research identify a capital campaign as an effective step for the organization, the Center will incorporate a capital campaign into its next strategic plan.

MARKETING & OUTREACH:

Input from community members identified marketing and outreach as essential to increasing the community’s awareness of the Pride Center and its services. As a starting point, the board commissioned a design artist to develop a new logo for the organization as well as implementing a new website. Staff will work to create informational brochures for immediate disbursement, and the organization will work with its funding partners to develop and implement a strategic marketing and outreach plan over the next 1-2 years.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY:

The Center receives several calls each year from individuals who have been fired from their jobs for being GLBT. On October 9, 2006, the Pride Center officially asked the city council of Colorado Springs to pass a nondiscrimination policy including sexual orientation and gender identity.

Though the process will be long, the Center will continue efforts to see this policy passed until such time as it is implemented.

FULL STAFFING:

In order to provide the best quality of service to our constituents, the board and staff have developed an ideal staffing structure for the Center.

Full-Time Executive Director
Part-Time Program Director
Part-Time Development Director

Having secured funding and hired the Executive and Program Directors, the Center is prioritizing hiring a Development Director to help the Center build and maintain its business and donor relationships.