A Message from the Executive Director
Hello All,
I guess my time here at UR Pride is coming to an end. I have had an amazing experience with my time here. I signed on for one year and ended up staying for two because of the amazing opportunities for growth for both me and the organization. Working as UR Pride's fundraiser, lecturer and public speaker, comedian (or at least I think so), secretary, manager, Captain of the ship, general gopher and much more has been pretty exciting at times and I accomplished much more than I could have hoped for in the two years in this position. Thank you all for being my mentor, teacher, friend, and ally and for also kicking me in the butt when I needed it. I believe with the friendships gained and strengthened within the time I have been here, UR Pride will flourish with the next Executive Director.
That being said I would like to announce that Leah Kieser will be the new Executive Director here at UR Pride. Leah has been a huge part of UR Pride in the past and I am sure with her knowledge of UR Pride, Southern Saskatchewan's queer community, non-profit governance and her network of community organizations and friends she will be able to bring UR Pride into the next stage. I am very excited to welcome Leah to this position.
I will be having a come and go, going away 'party' in the UR Pride lounge (RC 225) from 1-3 Wednesday, June 27th if you wish to pop by, I would love to see you before I take off. Also, I am sure the majority of you have my work email so if you would like to keep in touch with me send me an email and I will send you my personal email.
Again, Thank you all for believing in me and UR Pride and for showing me the generosity that this community has to offer.
Take Care,
Lisa Smith
Executive Director
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Update from UR Pride
The last month has been a slow recovery from CUQSC and a wrap up of a couple small projects.
CUQSC
CUQSC went amazingly. We had delegates from Victoria to St. Johns come to Regina to participate in discussions, workshops, lectures, a variety show and much much more. Our morning openers spanned from a panel discussion from prominent queer professors at the University of Regina hosted by URQI, a history of Two-Spirit culture and artist talk by Adrian Stimpson, and an informal discussion of the transgender supports in the Regina Area by TransSask and OneSong. During the day the delegates went to workshops from national speakers and self-led caucus discussion of individual identities. In the evenings the delegates enjoyed numerous events. Wednesday night we hosted a meet and greet social catered by tangerine, fresh and sweet and the copper kettle. That same night there was an art opening of a National Queer themed group show "Alternative to What?" where not only was there amazing art but also Homomonsterous made a musical appearance. Thursday night our Keynote Gary Kinsmen blew us away with his great knowledge and insight of Queer Activism then and now in Canada. Friday folks made there way to the Out of Town show for Mr and Miss Gay Regina step down. And on Saturday, Ian Harvey a transgender comedian and four short videos from Queer City Cinema highlighted the the Mixed Nutz night which was not only hilarious but also insightful, However, the other folks that came out to show their talents was more than we expected. From a contemporary dance that gave me chills, honest and well spoken slam poetry, contemporary digital music performances and much more this was a perfect way to end the conference.
Some Thanks:
The Owl was a huge help from catering, to providing a home base in the multi-purpose room the whole weekend, to moral/volunteer support when the coordinators were burning out. Thank you!
Our Sponsors: We could not have done this without you.The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me. Thank You!
http://cuqsc.org/sponsors.php
Youth Leadership Program
Youth Group is going well. We have a couple of things coming up you might be interested in:
Join us for the Queen City Pride Parade! We will be walking in the parade with our finest hand designed T-shirts!
We will also be having a BBQ in Waterfall Park, July 3rd 5-7pm. RVSP youthgroup@urpride.ca if you would like to come!
Positive Space Network
We have had a slow start to this semester for the Positive Space Network. We will be posting times for July and August workshops soon. Check our Website at www.urpride.ca for more information
Renovations
Lisa went crazy on her vacation and decided to renovate the office. She with the help of Caitlyn, Leah and Karli designed and built new desks in the office. Come check it out!
New Website
We are still adding content but Check It OUT!
www.urpride.ca
Get Involved!
Feel like your life is missing something now that its the summer? Fill that void with UR Pride! check out our postings
http://www.urpride.ca/get-involved/volunteer/ or just come by, there is always something to do!
