MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY
A N N U A L
R E P O R T
ANNUAL REPORT
1
ANNUAL REPORT 2019-20
Our story
3
2019-20 activities
6
MBLGTACC 2020
8
Honoring where we came from ANNUAL REPORT Executive Director/ Executive Editor: Justin Drwencke
A focus on defining our organizational philosophy
Director of Marketing & Communications/Editor/ Designer: Nick Pfost
The state of our flagship program
Board Treasurer: Khamille De Lara
ALSO FEATURED
Cover: iStock Photographers: Tyler Williams, Nick Pfost 2
MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY
Financial statements
10
Our team
15
OUR STORY
T
he Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, founded in 2016, builds on the now 28-year legacy of the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference
(MBLGTACC), a space that harnesses the energy, earnestness, and urgency of queer and trans Midwest college students. This recurring space contributes to planting seeds, mobilizing, and motivating students who will have broad influence wherever their post-college pathways take them. Our gathering provides opportunity for others to expand their language and analysis while being exposed to narratives that challenge and contradict one’s pre-existing knowledge and worldviews. The longevity of this gathering speaks directly to the driving power of need—what happens when there is an assumed deficit or scarcity of resources, opportunities, and points of connection for a systemically disenfranchised group. As we expand on the legacy of MBLGTACC, our work is rooted in building community and unlocking the transformative power of establishing coalitions of queer and trans youth. With a focus on college aged youth, we seek to empower students of diverse sexualities and genders to inspire sustainable change and advance knowledge of sexuality and gender through advocacy and expansive programming. We believe our achievements and planned activities will help queer and trans students build connections and develop a toolkit to advance the queer and trans liberation movement. Institutions of higher education have been arenas for liberatory efforts throughout their existence. Today, we see clearly that students on college campuses are intricately involved in broader movement work. By supporting and uplifting these efforts across the Midwest, we are working to dream a new future where the needs and experiences of systemically disadvantaged students are centered, a future which affirms and encourages sexuality and gender diversity.
ANNUAL REPORT
3
MISSION WE EMPOWER STUDENTS OF DIVERSE SEXUALITIES AND GENDERS TO INSPIRE SUSTAINABLE CHANGE; LEAD HIGHER EDUCATION COLLEAGUES IN RELEVANT AND
INCLUSIVE
PRACTICES;
AND
ADVANCE
KNOWLEDGE OF SEXUALITY AND GENDER THROUGH ADVOCACY AND EXPANSIVE PROGRAMMING.
VISION WE
RE-ENVISION
AN
EDUCATIONAL
CLIMATE
THAT CENTERS THE NEEDS AND EXPERIENCES OF
SYSTEMICALLY
DISADVANTAGED
STUDENTS
AND AFFIRMS AND ENCOURAGES SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY.
4
MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY
VALUES OUR CORE VALUES ARE STATEMENTS OF WHO WE 1, 2, 3...
ARE AND HOW WE PRIORITIZE THE WORK THAT WE DO. THEY SHAPE HOW WE OPERATE AS A TEAM AND ORGANIZATION. THEY GROUND US, IN EVERYTHING WE DO, IN OUR VISION, MISSION, AND PURPOSE. ACCESSIBILITY
ADVOCACY
We provide opportunities that are considerate
We uplift the voices of systemically
of varying intellectual, physical, and financial
disadvantaged students and colleagues as well
capacities and levels of college readiness.
as act as accomplices to all those participating in anti-oppression work.
ACCOUNTABILITY
COMMUNITY
We vow transparency in our processes, take
Through intentional collaboration, we liaise for
ownership of our limitations and commit to
various social justice efforts to build sustainable
continuous self-work. Through this modeling, we
coalitions and strengthen relationships across
expect and challenge our colleagues and partners
difference.
to do the same.
EDUCATION
LIBERATION
We emphasize the importance of culturally
We situate ourselves in this work with
relevant academic experiences and expanding
determination to annihilate systemic barriers,
understandings of students’ integration into
combat deeply ingrained beliefs and practices
campus life.
that negatively impact our communities, and conduct our work with urgency toward an inevitable revolution.
ANNUAL REPORT
5
2019-20 ACTIVITIES ORGANIZATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
State of the Region panel, MBLGTACC 2020
#OPE: OUR PARTNERS IN EQUITY In October 2020, we launched the OPE Monthly Giving
In fall 2019, we published our Organizational
Program. A nod to our favorite Midwesternism, we
Philosophy, a statement documenting our origin
established the program to further advance queer
story and the scope of our work. Additionally, our
success in the Midwest.
Organizational Philosophy defines our guiding principles:
We know that queer and trans youth in the Midwest
• Opposing oppression
are more likely to experience “biased language,
• Rescripting and challenging higher education
victimization, and anti-LGBTQ discriminatory school
(student-centered) • Adapting to changing contexts and integrating into existing movement work
policies and practices” than in the Northeast or West (2017 GLSEN National School Climate Survey). Our commitment to building connections across the region
• Using expansive and accessible language
and providing a sense of community plays a critical role
• Rejecting disproportionate wealth distribution
in boosting health outcomes for queer and trans youth.
and capitalism The creation of the OPE Monthly Giving Program is This statement sets the context for our approach
a launchpad for new programs and initiatives that
and lens, and guides our programming efforts.
create more opportunities for queer and trans students
Our philosophy was crafted collectively and with
to experience a sense of community, belonging, and
participation from everyone on our team. Read the full
empowerment. Funding received through OPE will
statement at sgdinstitute.org/about/philosophy.
be a vital resource in an underfunded and overlooked region.
6
MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY
TRANS(GENDER) JUSTICE TEACH-IN: THE RISE OF A TRANS ABOLITIONIST VISION Saballos
In November 2020, the Institute partnered with the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Sexuality and Gender Equity Initiatives to host the Trans(Gender) Justice Teach-In. R.B. Brooks, director of programs, facilitated a panel discussion, The Rise of a Trans Abolitionist Vision, featuring four Midwest change makers: AR’TESHA SABALLOS, DOMINIQUE MORGAN, JUSTIN TOLIVER, and QUI ALEXANDER.
Morgan
Reflecting on the conversation, Brooks wrote, “During a year of frenzy and depleted energy, being anchored in a space of necessary reflection on abolitionist practices from these brilliant minds was a welcome rejuvenation.” The program highlighted recurring and emerging themes, including the need to center Black,
Toliver
queer, and trans people in abolitionist envisioning and that there is an abolitionist future because we are in an abolitionist present. A recording of the panel conversation and a detailed written reflection from the
Alexander
conversation are available at sgdinstitute.org/programs/transgender-justice.
STAFF AND BOARD UPDATES We celebrate the promotion of TK Morton to be the Institute’s director of equity and access. Morton previously served as a program coordinator for the Institute and takes on this new role to advance, coordinate, and guide all efforts to define, understand, assess, foster, and cultivate diversity. Additionally, we welcome Stephanie Skora to our board of directors. Skora is the associate executive director of Brave Space Alliance, the first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQ+ Center located on the South Side of Chicago. Skora was elected to serve as the Institute’s board president in March 2020.
ANNUAL REPORT
7
MBLGTACC 2020 Talent show, MBLGTACC 2020
Ulanday Barrett`
28TH ANNUAL MIDWEST BISEXUAL LESBIAN GAY TRANSGENDER ASEXUAL COLLEGE CONFERENCE
Blaque
Western Michigan University (WMU)
panels TRANSPARENCY, ROMEO JACKSON,
students hosted MBLGTACC 2020 on the
and ROBYN OCHS.
WMU campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Approximately 1,200 people convened around
We offer deep appreciation for students
the theme “Envisioning a Future Together,”
AIDEN, AJ, ALEX, AUSTIN, CESAR,
emphasizing our entrance into a new decade.
DANIELLE, ELI, EMILY, JAX, KATHERINE,
Attendees experienced keynotes from KAY
KELSEY, NICK as well as advisor NATHAN
ULUNDAY BARRETT, KAT BLAQUE, and
NGUYEN for their dedication and labor to
SAEED JONES, as well as featured speakers/
make this year’s MBLGTACC an empowering experience.
Saeed
NEW MBLGTACC APP Director of technology ANDY NEWHOUSE developed an MBLGTACC app for iOS and Android that was launched in advance of the 2020 conference. The app allows attendees to view workshop selections, tailor their registration information, and participate in surveys and workshop evaluations. It also allowed us to survey attendees throughout the weekend, make real-time adjustments, and improve the conference experience. We will be increasingly 8
leaning into and refining the app to increase access to MBLGTACC and other programming.
MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY
ADVISOR PROGRAMMING We are committed to building space for those who support Midwest queer & trans college students— advisors, student affairs professionals, faculty and others within a campus setting who ensure that
attendees had access to participating. The Institute is delving further into considerations about host selection processes in the future as we weigh factors such as conference growth and overall accessibility.
MBLGTACC FUTURITY PLAN
students are connected to experiences such as the conference. We are thankful for a continued
In addition to the conference host selection process,
relationship with the CONSORTIUM OF HIGHER
we agreed to pursue creating a MBLGTACC futurity
EDUCATION LGBT RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS to
plan. Since the founding of the Institute in 2016, we
provide tailored programming such as advisor socials,
have been building tools and efficiency for hosting the
discussions, and other meet-ups throughout the
conference. We feel confident that we have simplified
weekend. We had a significant turnout to this year’s
much of the planning and implementation process and
advisor social and with support from Great Lakes and
would like to take an opportunity to envision the future
Midwest regional representatives Jeff and Tegra from
of the conference. We will be examining big picture
the Consortium leadership, advisors were able to
questions about how to sustain the student-for-student
connect with others around comparable experiences in
legacy of the conference while also committing to
their roles and work.
transformations that resonate with our current contexts and the emerging needs of Midwest queer and trans
CONFERENCE HOST SELECTION PROCESS
college students today and future.
In previous years, a small subgroup of attendees were selected through State Meet-Ups to represent their state on an Oversight Committee. One responsibility of this group was to view presentations from prospective host schools and determine who would host the conference two years later. Since our founding, we have absorbed many of the responsibilities previously fulfilled by the Oversight Committee such as conference budget management and tax filings. In an effort to maintain student participation in determining future conference locations, we modified the host selection process. Using the MBLGTACC app and a poster display at the exhibitor fair, information was provided to all attendees to review proposals and submit input on where the conference should be held in 2022. Prospective hosts submitted information to be included in a poster template designed to highlight information relevant to student attendees such as location, theme, and content ideas. Candidates also provided a more detailed packet of information that the Institute further assessed for size of intended space, transportation and lodging capacity, and other logistics. This multifaceted process allowed for a more transparent experience in which all
“ ...being able to be in a space, surrounded by others, it’s just very powerful.” Eli Percich, MBLGTACC 2020 volunteer, to WWMT Newschannel 3.
ANNUAL REPORT
9
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FY 2020 & 2020-B
We adjusted our fiscal year to now align with the calendar year, and these statements reflect both FY 2020 and FY 2020-B. With the shift to the fall for MBLGTACC, the change will allow financial statements to more accurately reflect expenses related to a single conference year, rather than two straddling the fiscal year. This year we also contracted The HMHF Group, Inc. to conduct an audit of our financial staements through May 31, 2020. That report was delivered in December 2020 and found that our financial statements were presented fairly and in accordance with accounting standards.
FIND THE AUDIT ONLINE SGDINSTITUTE.ORG/ABOUT/TRANSPARENCY
10
MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY
FY 2020
JUNE 1, 2019 - MAY 31, 2020
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES PROGRAMS Revenue
Expenses
Program registration fees Program sponsorship TOTAL PROGRAM REVENUE
$ 97,985.00
Program production
$ 27,670.00
Advertising and marketing
$ 3.17
$90,209.42
Program, travel, lodging, and meals
$ 7,796.51
Credit card processing - programs
$ 3,093.67
PROGRAM PROFIT (LOSS): $16,722.94
TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES
$ 98,038.71
$ 108,932.06
FUNDRAISING Revenue
Expenses
Unrestricted donations
$ 5,289.46
Donor thank you gift expense
$ 796.95
Restricted donations
$-
Credit card processing - donations
$ 27.80
Gross fundraiser income
$ 575.00
Less direct fundraiser expenses TOTAL FUNDRAISING REVENUE
TOTAL FUNDRAISING EXPENSES
$ 824.75
$ (177.27) $ 5,687.19
FUNDRAISING PROFIT (LOSS): $4,862.44
MANAGEMENT & GENERAL Revenue
Expenses
Operating grants
$-
Office
$ 245.12
Interest/dividend income
$ 107.03
Advertising and marketing
$-
$ 6.04
Technology
$ 842.67
$ 113.07
Financial operations
$ 2,678.00
Training
$-
Miscellaneous
$-
Charitable contributions
$-
Cash back on credit purchases PROGRAM INCOME TOTAL
MGMT/GEN PROFIT (LOSS): ($3,652.72)
GRAND TOTAL REVENUE
$131,455.26
TOTAL MGMT/GEN EXPENSES
$ 3,765.79
GRAND TOTAL EXPENSE
$113,522.60
NET PROFIT (LOSS): $17,932.66
ANNUAL REPORT
11
FY 2020 CONTINUED
FINANCIAL POSITION
CASH FLOWS
Assets
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
Current assets
$ 17,995.50
$ 35,962.12
Cash
$ 35,962.12
Accounts receiveable
$-
Fixed assets TOTAL ASSETS
Cash flow from operating activities
$-
Net income
$ 14,962.66
$ 35,962.12
Adjustments from net income to cash
$-
Less increase(decrease) in accounts receivable
$-
Plus increase(decrease) in accounts payable
$-
Liabilities Current liabilities
$ 33.96
Accounts payable
$-
Uncashed checks
$-
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$-
TOTAL CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
$ 17,932.66
Cash flow from investing activities Fixed assets
$-
TOTAL CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net Assets Assets without donor restrictions
$ 35,928.16
Assets with donor restrictions
$-
TOTAL NET ASSETS
$ 35,928.16
Cash flow from financing activities Increase (decrease) in credit accounts
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
$-
$ 33.96
TOTAL CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
$ 33.96
Net increase (decrease)
$ 17,966.62
$35,962.12
CASH AT END OF PERIOD
$35,962.12
12
MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY
FY 2020-B
JUNE 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2020
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES PROGRAMS Program revenue
Program expenses
Program registration fees Program sponsorship TOTAL PROGRAM REVENUE
$ 1,750.00
Program production
$ 4,525.00
$ 5,045.00
Advertising and marketing
$ 0.52
$ 6,795.00
Program, travel, lodging, and meals
$-
Credit card processing - programs
$ 95.92
PROGRAM PROFIT (LOSS): $2,173.56
TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENSES
$ 4,621.44
FUNDRAISING Fundraising revenue
Fundraising expenses
Unrestricted donations
$ 4,093.84
Donor thank you gift expense
$-
Restricted donations
$-
Credit card processing - donations
$ 39.91
Gross fundraiser income
$-
Less direct fundraiser expenses TOTAL FUNDRAISING REVENUE
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 39.91
$$ 4,093.84
FUNDRAISING PROFIT (LOSS): $4,053.93
MANAGEMENT & GENERAL Management and general revenue
Management and general expenses
Operating grants
$-
Office
$ 129.00
Interest/dividend income
$ 8.36
Advertising and marketing
$ 0.34
$ 26.85
Technology
$ 477.30
$ 35.21
Financial operations
$ 20.00
Training
$-
Miscellaneous
$-
Charitable contributions
$ 185.00
Cash back on credit purchases PROGRAM INCOME TOTAL
MGMT/GEN PROFIT (LOSS): ($776.43)
GRAND TOTAL REVENUE
$10,924.05
TOTAL MGMT/GEN EXPENSES
$ 811.64
GRAND TOTAL EXPENSE
NET PROFIT (LOSS): $5,451.06
$5,472.99
ANNUAL REPORT
13
FY 2021 CONTINUED
FINANCIAL POSITION
CASH FLOWS
Assets
Cash at beginning of period
Current assets
$ 35,962.12
$ 42,382.21
Cash
$ 37,707.21
Accounts receiveable
$ 4,675.00
Fixed assets TOTAL ASSETS
Net income
$ 42,382.21
Adjustments from net income to cash
Liabilities Current liabilities
$ 2.99
Accounts payable
$-
Uncashed checks
$ 1,000.00
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Cash flow from operating activities
$-
$ 5,451.06
Less increase(decrease) in accounts receivable
$ 4,675.00
Plus increase(decrease) in accounts payable
$ 1,000.00
TOTAL CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
$ 1,776.06
$Cash flow from investing activities Fixed assets
$-
TOTAL CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net Assets Assets without donor restrictions
$ 41,379.22
Assets with donor restrictions
$-
TOTAL NET ASSETS
$ 35,928.16
Cash flow from financing activities Increase (decrease) in credit accounts
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
$-
($ 30.97)
TOTAL CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
$42,382.21
Net increase (decrease)
$ 1,745.09
CASH AT END OF PERIOD
$37,707.21
14
MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY
OUR TEAM VOLUNTEER STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JUSTIN DRWENCKE Executive Director
STEPHANIE SKORA President
ROZE R.B. BROOKS Director of Operations
KHAMILLE DE LARA Director of Finance
T.K. MORTON Director of Equity & Access
MATTHEW ANDERSON, ESQ. Secretary
ANDY SWICK Director of Technology
LEE DYER Member at Large
NICK PFOST Director of Marketing & Communications
MICHELLE WALTERS Executive Coordinator
DANIELLE KROPVELD Fundraising Coordinator
MAI JAKUBOWSKI Climate Assessment Coordinator
CONTACT INFORMATION General inquiries: hello@sgdinstitute.org Collaborations: justin@sgdinstitute.org
NOAH BARTH Historian
Historical archives: noah@sgdinstitute.org MBLGTACC: rb@sgdinstitute.org Press or media: marketing@sgdinstitute.org
ROBERT ALBERTS Program Coordinator
Sponsorships & giving: justin@sgdinstitute.org Website comments: webmaster@sgdinstitute.org
ANNUAL REPORT
15
STAY CONNECTED Follow us on social media and get the latest updates. @SGDINSTITUTE
SUPPORT THE INSTITUTE You can fuel powerful college experiences, catalyze game-changing advocacy, and transform the climate of our campuses. With your support, students and young leaders from the Midwest and beyond will have access to these valuable opportunities and resources regardless of their financial means. Give today: sgdinstitute.org/giving
© 2021 Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity P.O. Box 1053 | East Lansing, MI 48826 | sgdinstitute.org 16
MIDWEST INSTITUTE FOR SEXUALITY AND GENDER DIVERSITY