Please join PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley on January 14, 2019, when our speaker will be Kado Stewart, Program Director and Camp Director of one•n•ten .  one•n•ten is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to serving and assisting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. It provides youth with tools to improve self-esteem and self-acceptance.

One of the opportunities that one•n•ten provides to LGBTQ youth is Camp OUTdoors!  Founded by Kado in 2008 in Prescott, AZ as a college project, the first year 42 campers attended Camp OUTdoors! It has grown exponentially in the past 10 years and now accommodates over 150 campers per session, with 60 volunteers. It is the largest LGBTQ camp program in the country.  They work with agencies and youth from across the country, Canada, and Mexico. Each year they receive hundreds of applications from youth and volunteers eager to attend camp. In 2019 they will have 2 camps, allowing them to serve 250+ youth at Camp OUTdoors! programs. Tuition for Arizona residents is free, however, there are only 150 spots available to Arizona residents.

In keeping with our commitment to assist organizations aligned with PFLAG’s mission and values, the Board has selected Camp OUTdoors and one•n•ten as the charity that we are supporting for the first quarter of 2019.  Come hear how you can support this terrific organization.

This program will begin at 6:30 pm at The Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive, Sedona and will be followed at approximately 7:35 pm by our regular monthly facilitated support group

Just a reminder that applications for the Jackie “Gringa” Richardson scholarship program are available on our website – pflagsedona.org.  The deadline for submission is February 28, 2019

After a tumultuous year, we can’t think of a better way to end 2018 than with an evening of fun. So, join us on Monday, December 10, 2018, when Jen and Liam will be hosting our meeting through a celebration of dance. Using the Wii platform, everyone can follow short dances on the television screen. You can get up on your feet to follow all the moves or you can comfortably watch and enjoy the music! No experience necessary. Your Board will be providing holiday cookies to keep your energy level up. The meeting will be held at The Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowstring Drive, Sedona, beginning at 6:30 pm.

If you know any local students in need of financial aid, please have them check out the Scholarship tab. We are pleased to announce that for 2019, we will be offering 3 $500 scholarships. The deadline for applying is February 28, 2019

Our annual membership drive is continuing. Funds raised help us maintain our website and maintain a supply of books, pamphlets and other resources, as well as cover other operating expenses. A family membership is $75 and an individual membership is $50.

Please join us at our Monday, September 10, 2018 support meeting of PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Church of the Red Rocks, located at 54 Bowstring Drive in Sedona.

Our speaker on September 10th will be Mr. Donn Ungar. Donn moved to Sedona a year ago after spending about three years living in Jerusalem, Israel. While in Israel, he studied kabala to further his understanding of his place in the world and whether God is a part of it.

Donn was raised in the United States in an orthodox Jewish family whose father was a Rabbi. Strict adherence to the words of the bible were paramount in his upbringing. As one might expect, this interpretation of life simply did not work for him. As Donn grew older, he broke the news to his parents that not only would he not be practicing Judaism, but that he was also gay.

As surprising as the news may have been, Donn continues to have a good relationship with his religious family and friends.

Each quarter, the PFLAG Board of Directors designates a charity or non-profit organization to support. This quarter (August – October), our designated charity is PFLAG Sedona/Verde Valley’s very own Jackie “Gringa” Richardson Scholarship Fund. We have just completed our first year offering the scholarship program to LGBTQ youth and those who are allies of the LGBTQ community. Last May, we awarded three scholarships totaling $1,250. We hope that next year’s scholarship process is as successful as our inaugural year! People wishing to donate to our scholarship fund may do so at the meeting or through our website at pflagsedona.org.

The second hour of our meeting will include our usual support group sharing and discussion session, beginning at 7:35 p.m.