Log Cabin Republicans today announced the addition of six new board members, ranging from a pair of lawyers to the CEO of a technology company and a defense and intelligence expert. Atlantan Jamie Ensley is vice-chairman of the board.
The Log Cabin Republicans is a conservative political organization that advocates LGBT inclusion in the Republican Party.
Jennifer Breitinger, Mitchell Cantor, Bob Kabel, Victoria Kerley, Jo-Anne Prokopowicz Sears and Rich Weissman will join newly elected Chairman Jerry Katlin, Vice-Chairman Jamie Ensley, Treasurer Sarah Longwell and Secretary Thomas Purdy the organization said.
Katlin welcomed the new board members in a prepared statement released to media today.
Gathered around a table at Avondale Pizza, several young people waiting for their food to arrive joked about school, the different haircuts they want and teased some friends who accidentally went to Savage Pizza down the street.
All utilize the services provided by YouthPride and say they are grateful for the agency and do not want it to disappear.
They understand the nonprofit is facing a financial crisis, can’t pay its rent and is dealing with administrative difficulties. Two community volunteer ad-hoc committees have formed to study YouthPride’s financial and programming viability and are scheduled to make a public report to the community on Feb. 8.
“It’s sad but at same time the people would find ways to continue on [if YouthPride] closed,” said Sean Hussey, 24, who identifies as transfeminine and is a computer science major at Georgia Tech.
Two ad-hoc committees of community volunteers will try to assess the current financial and legal status of YouthPride and insure that at least some services for youth continue should Atlanta’s troubled LGBT youth agency close.
YouthPride has received an eviction notice for its current facility in Inman Park, Board Chair Jordan Myers told a group of LGBT leaders and allies who attended a meeting Jan. 25 at AID Atlanta convened by gay teacher Charlie Stadtlander to discuss the YouthPride crisis.
Myers said he could not recall the date the eviction would take place.
YouthPride leases its office from Inman Park United Methodist Church.
Community volunteers organize to save services for LGBT youth