"We are very excited to move through this process, which will help us plan for our future programmatically, operationally, structurally, and financially," said Trevor Ankeny, chair of the Board of Directors. "This process will also help us answer some questions we have about the direction of our organization, and the best way to take the GLCCB to the next level. A good process and plan will help guide us in that direction."

"The process begins this April, with our consultant conducting confidential interviews and focus groups to capture information such as perceptions of the GLCCB, and opportunities we should be aware of," said Gary Wolnitzek, director of the GLCCB. "This is information we really need to make great decisions. I am looking forward to learning and growing with this process."

Odette Ramos, president and CEO of Strategic Management Consulting, LLC, will be facilitating this planning process. The first step in the process is collecting information through interviews with key constituency groups and stakeholders, surveys, and research on national models.

Gay Life readers can be involved in this process. A questionnaire is available on GLCCB.org where community members are invited to express confidential opinions about the GLCCB and what it should be doing moving forward, as well as visions for what the LGBT community in Baltimore should be and where the GLCCB fits in.

Ramos will also be at the Pride Festival (Sunday, June 17), so readers can express confidential opinions there as well.

The steps after this critical information gathering phase are as follows: (a) Ramos will share the summary results of the information gathering with the GLCCB Board of Directors, (b) the Board of Directors will make strategic decisions about the direction of the GLCCB, results and goals, and then (c) work with more specific goals and objectives, timelines and accountability. Ramos will then draft the plan and, once approved by the Board of Directors, the plan will be placed on GLCCB.org. Ramos will also help implement the plan, a process anticipated to last through October.

"We look forward to celebrating our history, accomplishments, and what works, and building on these things to help plan for our future. Your help is really appreciated. Please participate in the survey, at the Pride Festival, or in any interviews where Ms. Ramos needs you. Your input is critical to the success of this, and we look forward to understanding what the LGBT community thinks we should be doing," emphasized Ankeny.

Gay Life readers will remain updated and informed on the process as it moves forward. ■

Interested in providing your ideas and suggestions to help inform the GLCCB's strategic planning process? Please visit SurveyMonkey.com/s/W89XZKT and tell us what you think about the GLCCB.