Let Us Continue to Honor All Our Dignity & Respect Champions!

We will soon be announcing this winner of July’s Dignity & Respect Champions Award!  

But there is still time to nominate your candidate for August: We invite everybody to go to the Dignity & Respect Campaign’s website and nominate a person who you believe best promotes inclusion, dignity and respect in your community. And in the upcoming weeks, we would like to take time out to remember some of our past champions as well.

Last July, Linda Demoise was awarded this honor for her daily work with students as the academic support coordinator for Investing Now, an engineering tutoring program at the University of Pittsburgh for high school students as well as college students in Pittsburgh. Linda Demoise said her job is the perfect opportunity to give back, challenge young people, and help them shape successful futures for themselves in exciting fields.

Demoise works directly with Hands-On-Science programs for pre-college students, where children get a chance to visit universities and learn more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Nominated by her colleague, Terri Kennelly-Cook, Demoise demonstrates her belief in treating all people with dignity and respect every day as she helps children to realize their potential, no matter their situation.

2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games

 

The 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games are coming to Pittsburgh August 1-6, 2011!

This event showcases the athletic abilities of more than 550 wheelchair-bound veterans in 17 different events. It is the largest sporting event of its kind dedicated to showcasing the strengths of veterans who use wheelchairs due to spinal cord injuries, amputations and neurological diseases. The provide opportunities for both world-class champions and newly disabled Veterans to gain sports skills and be exposed to other wheelchair athletes.

But the Games need your help. Get involved now! Thousands of volunteers are needed so Volunteer for the 2011 Wheelchair Games here courtesy of our partners in dignity and respect Pittsburgh Cares. Or come to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on August 1^st at 6pm for the Opening Ceremonies and show your support for these American heroes! And check out the Games’ website for a full schedule of events.

A Celebration of Authentic Self

 

Pittsburgh Black Pride will host a Celebration of Authentic Self from July 28^th until the 31^st. The event kicks off at 5:30pm at the August Wilson Center when Board Members of Pittsburgh Black Pride will host an open meet and greet featuring refreshments, live acts and special guest speakers.

The fun and festivities will continue all weekend long and feature the The Aggressive One & Ms. Fem Pageant at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, a picnic in Highland Park, The Domination Ball, and so much more! Events will be occurring all over the Pittsburgh area so be sure to check out Pittsburgh Black Pride’s website for a full schedule of events. A full access pass an be purchased through the website for only $50 so be sure to register today!

Dreams of Hope’s Summer Qamp!

 

Every young person needs a place where they can be themselves and share their real experiences and stories. For LGBTA teens and tweens, Dreams of Hope, our partners in dignity and respect, provides just this sort of safe space.

Dreams of Hope will host an overnight “Summer Qamp” from August 16 - 20th for LGBTA youth ages 13-17 at the Emma Kaufmann Camp on Cheat Lake near Morganton, West Virginia. Campers will have the opportunity to share stories and express their unique viewpoints through art and music. Camp activities focus on growing each camper’s artistic talents while exploring issues LGBTA young people encounter in their day-today lives and learning how to combat these obstacles.

Registration is still open and need-based scholarships are available. And if you would like to sponsor a camper and this fantastic cause, Dreams of Hope welcomes you to make a donation through their website, because every child deserves a chance to have their voice heard!