World’s First Survey Reveals the Truth About Copywriting for Fundraisers and Non-Profits

World’s First Survey Reveals the Truth About Copywriting for Fundraisers and Non-Profits

Representing 2 percent of North America's Gross National Product, fundraisers and non-profits are big business in the U. S. This niche is also attractive to freelance copywriters, who like the idea of "doing good" while also being paid to help non-profits bring in more funds. Yet non-profit is the most mysterious and misunderstood of the niches open to copywriters. Copyriter Chris Marlow sheds light on the realities of working in this niche via the world's only survey of copyriters working in the niche.

Palm Desert, CA (PRWEB) July 17, 2006

Representing 2 percent of the Gross National Product, non-profits are a huge market in U. S. business. In sharp contrast with other countries, it is well documented that Americans are “givers,” and that U. S. non-profit and fundraising organizations are not only plentiful, but growing at a healthy pace.

New Survey Investigates This Lucrative Market from a Copywriter’s Perspective

Marketing is the driver of commerce in the U. S., as with other countries. As a long-established copywriter for many niche markets, and a copywriter’s coach, Chris Marlow decided to sponsor a survey and interview experts about the true nature of the non-profit world from a freelancer’s perspective.

Says Chris, “As a copywriter’s coach, who coaches corporate and freelance copywriters, I’ve discovered that the niche freelancers are most interested in working in is non-profit.

“But having been there, I know that non-profit is a difficult business to work in from a copywriter’s perspective. Many non-profits have a poverty mindset and pay poorly for important marketing work. Yet there are freelancers who make well over $100,000 per year working in this niche. On the Internet there are information marketers selling courses on non-profit copywriting who play up the ‘big money’ side and play down the ‘low money’ side.

“I set out to uncover the truth by conducting a survey of copywriters who work in the niche, and by interviewing a truly representative sampling of copywriters who work in this niche either full - or part-time. I interviewed the famous dean of non-profit copywriting Jerry Huntsinger, and today’s undisputed guru Mal Warwick.

“But I also interviewed three other copywriters in the niche who offer varying and invaluable insight into the true workings of the industry. And I conducted a survey. The result is the world’s most accurate portrayal of what it’s like to work in non-profit or fundraising — there is a difference between the two — as a copywriter or other marketing consultant. The result is ChrisNotes: The Truth About Copywriting for Non-profits.

The Survey includes five verbatim interviews, 16 survey questions, and nine statistical charts. It provides information on:

Non-profit copywriters’ annual income

Writer marketing methods

Advice on acquiring lucrative clients

Copy “specialties” of non-profit

The various sub-niches of non-profit

The future of U. S. non-profits

The survey also offers industry insights into performance pay conventions such as bonuses and commissions.

Testimonials for this new report are rolling, including this one from Wichita, Kansas copywriting pro Susanna Hutchinson:

“I found that your report gave a good deal of valuable information --- much of it was a total surprise to me. It was very useful to me as a season pro of some forty years. So I'm sure it is a must-read for someone starting out and wondering if non-profit is for them.

“The interviews with the pros who work in non-profit is invaluable information. I highly recommend this to anyone considering going into non-profit copywriting either as part of their practice or as their total practice.”

The 77-page “The Truth About Copywriting for Non-profits, along with the free report Specialty Copywriting: How to Select the Right Niche Market for You” can be found at http://www. ChrisNotesReports. com (http://www. ChrisNotesReports. com).

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News 12 The Bronx Celebrates 10 Years Of Local News Coverage

News 12 The Bronx Celebrates 10 Years Of Local News Coverage

The borough's first and only dedicated news channel marks its 10th year on cable television; The cable-exclusive channel made its debut in 1998 as the first 24-hour local news channel completely dedicated to covering news of the Bronx.

Bronx, NY (PRWEB) June 30, 2008

News 12 the Bronx is celebrating 10 years as the first 24-hour local news channel completely dedicated to covering news of the Bronx. The cable-exclusive channel began bringing local news to the borough of the Bronx in 1998. Ten years later, News 12 continues to serve the Bronx community with its 24-hour news channel, and has expanded to multiple distribution platforms including an on-demand channel (News 12 Interactive, channel 612 on iO TV), a cell phone service (News 12 to Go), and on the world-wide-web (www. news12.com). All services are provided at no additional cost to Cablevision subscribers.

"It was a very easy decision to start up a News 12 franchise in the Bronx", said Patrick Dolan, President of News 12 Networks. "It was clear that Bronx residents were interested in news coverage that reflected the borough they were so proud to call their own. Most news coverage in the area up to that point was focused on crime stories. When News 12 the Bronx launched and showed the real people of the Bronx on television - from the teachers to the firemen to the community leaders and more - we were embraced. We're proud of our involvement in this incredible area."

"The Bronx is an interesting place to live and work. It's diverse. It's dynamic. It has a wonderful sense of community," said Leesa Dillon, News Director of News 12 the Bronx. "News 12's commitment is to provide fair and unbiased coverage of the news that the residents of the Bronx need and want to know. It's been so for the last 10 years and will continue to be so into the future "

News 12 the Bronx has resonated with viewers since the beginning, as evident by Nielsen Media Research results. In a phone survey that is conducted bi-annually, News 12 the Bronx has been the viewer's first choice for local news and the place they turn to first when a major local event occurs for all 10 years. During the past decade, News 12 the Bronx has broken new ground with innovative local programming features such as "Ask the Borough President," where viewers can call-in or email questions to Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion. The show, which debuted in 2002, and continues to air monthly, allows residents and politicians to participate in a dialogue that they wouldn't otherwise have. Additionally, News 12 the Bronx gets into the heart of the community with its "On the Road" franchise, which consists of live news programming originating from an area locale, rather than the News 12 the Bronx studio. Such locations have included: Morris Park, Little Italy, Hunt's Point, and on the scene at the Feast of St. Theresa's in Pelham Bay.

News 12 the Bronx has also partnered with local organizations making a difference in the community. For three years it produced and aired a live forum called "DIVA Talk" which addressed the issue of domestic violence in the borough.

News 12 the Bronx was one of the first "green-minded" television stations in the country. In 2004, News 12 the Bronx replaced all of its news crew cars with the then barely-known Toyota Priuses. It was the first television station to go all-hybrid with its fleet of vehicles. The decision was made primarily because of specific environmental concerns regarding the borough. The Bronx is greatly affected by air pollution, and a study at that time conducted by the New York City Health Department indicated that the Bronx has among the highest percentile of asthma rates in the country.

News 12 the Bronx continues to provide Bronx residents the information they need every day to help them stay connected with their communities, plan their days, and keep updated with relevant Bronx happenings. This is done through award-winning reporting, local weather and traffic coverage, local sports information, community event postings, local political coverage, and everything about the people, places, and things that make the Bronx the Bronx.

Many local organizations have recognized News 12 the Bronx as a quality organization that is contributing to the community. Former Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer proclaimed June 22, 1999 "News 12 the Bronx Day" for serving the Bronx Community. Additionally, Adolfo Carrion has given News 12 three proclamations for its anniversary dates and for the "Ask the Borough President" program. News 12 the Bronx has also received industry honors including, a New York Emmy Award, a National Headliner Award, a New York Associated Press honor, a New York Festival award, and a New York Press Club award.

News 12 the Bronx is part of News 12 Networks, a cable exclusive service not available to satellite or phone company TV subscribers. The Network is made up of 7 individual local news channels serving the areas of Long Island, New Jersey, Southwestern Connecticut, Westchester County, the Hudson Valley, Brooklyn, as well as the Bronx. News 12 Networks currently reaches nearly 3.8 million households in the New York market and is the country's first, largest, and most watched 24-hour local television news network.

News 12 Networks is owned and operated by Cablevision Systems Corporation. Cablevision is one of the nation's leading entertainment and telecommunications companies. Its fiber optic network passes more than 4.6 million homes and hundred of thousands of businesses in the New York metropolitan area. In addition to providing cable television, voice and high-speed Internet service, Cablevision owns and operates Madison Square Garden and its sports teams including the Knicks and Rangers. The company also operates New York's famed Radio City Music Hall and owns and operates Clearview Cinemas in the New York metropolitan area.

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First National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis August 19th & 20th in Salt Lake City: Science and Reponse: 2005

First National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis August 19th & 20th in Salt Lake City: Science and Reponse: 2005

With a theme of Science and Response: 2005, this biannual conference has been designed to provide an arena in which our nationÂ’s preeminent scientists, providers and professionals will gather to discuss the intersection between Methamphetamine use, HIV, and Hepatitis, as well as other relevant issues. The conference program is currently being developed and will include plenary sessions, break-out sessions, and opportunities for discussion.

(PRWEB) April 7, 2005

The Harm Reduction Project welcomes prospective attendees to the First National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis. The conference is set to take place August 19-20 in Salt Lake City. As it has become abundantly clear to workers and researchers in the public health, substance abuse treatment and prevention, and criminal justice fields, the specter of methamphetamine use presents a significant challenge to existing philosophies and strategies. The cost of inaction, especially on a matter as serious as the consequences of methamphetamine use, would be too costly to bear.

This biannual conference has been designed to provide an arena in which the nation's preeminent scientists, providers and professionals will gather to discuss the intersection between methamphetamine and our community.

The organizers express their gratitude to those supporting the First National Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis Conference - Science and Response: 2005. It is a unique opportunity for those committed to dealing with theses important issues to share a common platform, highlight the broader community and acknowledge the challenges faced by all in dealing with what is undoubtedly a significant public health crisis.

From The Lancet: Apirl 5th: A nationalconference will be held on the problem later this year. The

Conference, Methamphetamines, HIV and Hepatitis, is being organised by the Harm Reduction Project, a nonprofit group based in Salt Lake City, Utah, dedicated to reaching out to

Marginalised groups to reduce the social and physical harm caused by risk-taking behaviours such as druguse.

According to Harm Reduction Project executive director Luciano Colonna, the conference will bring health workers and researchers from

The public and private sectors together with law enforcement officials to discuss strategies to combatthe rise in metamphetamine use in

Both heterosexual and gay, as well as

Rural and urban communities. “We would like to see education, prevention, treatment, and response, withscience being the guiding light versus judgment or quick fixes”, he said.

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2007 American Velodrome Challenge Attracts Elite Cyclists and Increases Pot to $10,000

2007 American Velodrome Challenge Attracts Elite Cyclists and Increases Pot to $10,000

The Keefe Team Realtors American Velodrome Challenge is pleased to announce commitments from two highly accomplished USA cyclists and an increase in total prizes that sweetens the pot to $10,000. The premier track cycling event will be held at the newly renovated Hellyer Park Velodrome on July 20-21, 2007.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) June 5, 2007

The Keefe Team Realtors American Velodrome Challenge is pleased to announce commitments from two highly accomplished USA cyclists and an increase in total prizes that sweetens the pot to $10,000. The premier track cycling event will be held at the newly renovated Hellyer Park Velodrome on July 20-21, 2007.

The latest cyclists who have committed to racing in the event include Americans Jennie Reed, a 2004 Olympian, and Adam Duvendeck, both of whom recently medaled at the 2007 Pan American Road and Track Championships held in Venezuela. Duvendeck, an upcoming star on the USA Track scene, brought home silver in the team sprint while Reed won multiple medals, including gold in the keirin in which she led spectacularly from start to finish. Commitments from other cyclists include Malaysian star and 2004 Olympian Josiah Ng, 14-time world master champion Kenny Williams, seven-time world master champion Larry Nolan and multiple national champion and a former member of the United States National Team, Bobby Walthour IV.

The increase in the prize money to $10,000 is made possible by a sponsorship from SugarCRM, the leading provider of commercial open source customer relationship management (CRM) software and a company whose customers span the globe but is headquartered in nearby Cupertino. "We believe in supporting the global open source community as well as the Bay Area cycling community though sponsorships of great events like the American Velodrome Challenge," said John Roberts, CEO and co-founder of SugarCRM Inc.

Two additional sponsors have also come onboard. They are Clif Bar, a nationally recognized maker of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition foods and drinks, and TrainingPeaks, the developer of the CyclingPeaks WKO+ software, which interprets data downloaded from powermeters and is regarded as the gold standard in its class.

The caliber of competitors and corporate backers is an indicator of how the Keefe Team Realtors American Velodrome Challenge intends to put San Jose on the cycling map. "We're bringing on quality riders and sponsors and taking this race to the next level," said Robin Horwitz, the race's director. "There is a decidedly new flavor being introduced to the local track racing scene."

The Keefe Team Realtors American Veldodrome Challenge will feature several races over two days, ranging from sprints to endurance rides, and will be supported by the Northern California Velodrome Association and ThresholdPower. com. Registration information and schedule details are available at http://www. sportsbaseonline. com/Item. aspx? item_id=1749 (http://www. sportsbaseonline. com/Item. aspx? item_id=1749).

About SugarCRM
SugarCRM is the world's leading provider of commercial open source customer relationship management (CRM) software for companies of all sizes. Sugar easily adapts to any business environment by offering a more flexible, cost-effective alternative than proprietary applications. SugarCRM's open source architecture allows companies to more easily customize and integrate customer-facing business processes in order to build and maintain more profitable relationships. SugarCRM offers several deployment options, including on-demand, on-premise and appliance-based solutions to suit customers' security, integration and configuration needs. For more information, call (408) 454-6900 or 1 87 SUGARCRM toll free in the US, email contact@sugarcrm. com, or visit http://www. sugarcrm. com (http://www. sugarcrm. com).

About TrainingPeaks
TrainingPeaks is a line of endurance training and analysis products developed by Peaksware, the parent company. WKO+ was developed by Hunter Allen and Andy Coggin under the original brand name of CyclingPeaks and is regarded as the ultimate data analysis tool in the endurance sports market. Peaksware develops software systems to help motivated individuals and professionals achieve health, fitness and peak performance.

About Clif Bar
Clif Bar & Co. is a leading maker of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition foods and drinks, including the organic certified CLIF® BAR energy bar delivering nutrition for sustained energy and LUNA®, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women®. Committed to sustainability, Clif Bar & Co. works consistently to reduce its footprint on the planet from the field to the final product.

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Indie Filmmaker Exposes the Inside World of Pro Beach Volleyball

Indie Filmmaker Exposes the Inside World of Pro Beach Volleyball

Joseph Barmettler Produces First Pro Beach Volleyball Film Since "Side Out" (1990)

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 15, 2009

Producer Joseph "J. J." Barmettler, is best known for his role as supervising writer, producer and director of the successful TNT action/comedy series, "L. A. HEAT," for his work on several Discovery Channel documentaries, for "Alien Secrets" (Warner Home Entertainment), and for the cult-classic "The Silencers" (1996). Barmettler brings a slice of something different to audiences once again, this time exposing the subcultures of professional beach volleyball in the movie, Beach Kings (previously released internationally as "Green Flash").

The film, premiering on DVD July 14 from MGM Home Entertainment, stars David Charvet ("Baywatch," "Melrose Place") and Torrey DeVitto ("One Tree Hill"), and was written and directed by Paul Nihipali Jr. It follows a struggling athlete (Charvet) through his triumphant rise and journey of self-discovery on the competitive pro beach volleyball circuit. It's an underdog story about getting a second chance that captures the American dream of "greatness is possible." Beach Kings is the first film to uncover the real world inside pro beach volleyball since "Side Out" (TriStar Pictures) produced by Gary Foster (Ghost Rider).
"I'm looking to do much more of this kind of work," said Barmettler, "I wanted to produce a movie that truly got inside the world of pro beach volleyball, and I think we accomplished that. We worked with some of pro volleyball's greatest athletes like Phil Dalhuasser, Todd Rogers, Misty May-Treanor, and so many more, in order to get a true sense of what goes on behind the scenes. They [and many other athletes] even appeared in the film.

Writer/Director Paul Nihipali created a piece from his personal experiences as a Pro Beach Volleyball Player and we trusted that."

"Statistics show that the Beach Volleyball fan base increased 48% during 2004-2005 after the '04 Summer Olympics, and we hope to see that enthusiasm in the marketplace this year," says Barmettler. 

The movie is also produced by Cameron Dieterich, Paul Nihipali Jr. and Bob Smiland for Zep Tepi Entertainment. It is distributed by MGM/Fox domestically (all media). The official movie website is www. beachkingsdvd. com (Google key words: "Beach Kings DVD"). Joseph John Barmettler's website is www. jjbarmettler. com.

About Joseph John Barmettler
Joseph John Barmettler's screenwriting credits include the HBO World premiere of "RAGE", and the Universal Music & Home Video DVD releases of the sci-fi film "SILENCERS" and urban action thriller "RIOT". Other films include the sci-fi "TIMELOCK" and the dark comedy "PURE DANGER", starring C. Thomas Howell and Marcus Chong. J. J. Produced, Directed and Wrote the feature film "ALIEN SECRETS" distributed by Warner Home Entertainment. As both staff and freelance writer for P. M. Entertainment (run by veteran producers Joseph Merhi, Richard Pepin and George Shamieh), Mr. Barmettler was involved in scripting and development of a dozen feature films produced for foreign and domestic markets. The company was considered one of the more successful independent producers of film and television product. J. J.'s Producing credits include doc-reality series like the Daytime Emmy Award winning series "Adoption Stories" on Discovery Health Channel, "Dude Room" on Discovery Channel, TLC's "A Personal Story" and "Making It Home: Greensburg" hosted by Trading Space's Faber Dewar and Doug Wilson. His current doc-reality project as Producer/Director is a 1 hour special on Outlaw Bikers for the upcoming American Gangs series on Discovery Channel. For more information visit his professional website at www. jjbarmettler. com, or contact him through Jey Associates, Marketing & PR, 310.551.2961 (visit the "contact us" link at www. jey-associates. com).

About Beach Kings
Beach Kings takes you inside the world of professional beach volleyball. David Charvet stars as Cameron Day, a former college basketball star with one last shot at greatness--the professional beach volleyball tour. Athletically gifted and hungry to learn, Cameron has his eyes on the championship--and on a sexy, elusive beauty (Torrey DeVitto). But first, Cameron must face the demons of his troubled past. With pro beach volleyball athlete appearances, Beach Kings offers a true behind the scenes look into this fascinating sport.

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The Elliot Tomlin Foundation June 2005 Economic Empowerment Month Kick-off a Huge Success

The Elliot Tomlin Foundation June 2005 Economic Empowerment Month Kick-off a Huge Success

The Elliot Tomlin Foundation June 2005 Economic Empowerment Month Kick-off a Huge Success. Black Business Circle will be marks its second year of hosting Black Economic Empowerment Month with a number of activities planned during the month of June to gather Black-owned small business to network, learn and share ideas.

(PRWEB) June 3, 2005

The Elliot Tomlin Foundation and Black Business Circle's June 2005 Economic Empowerement Month Kick-off After-work Networking Social Mixer kick-off was a huge success. The Economic Kick-off was at the Trey Whitefield School located at 48-60 Williams Ave. Brooklyn, New York.

The After-work social included reception, networking, cocktail, presentations, food, and raffle drawing.

The Elliot Tomlin Foundation is a non-for-profit 501(c) 3 Corporation established to commemorate the life and vision of Elliot Tomlin through empowering the abilities of children, youth, and communities to accomplish their goals and vision.

The foundation strives to provide educational scholarships to inner-city youth which would financially assist their goals and pursuits. The foundation also provides mentorship programs and health screening programs to inner-city children and community residents.

Based in East New York, Brooklyn, our goal is to reach the community with the help of Public and Private funding to provide an array of social and community programs.

Proceeds of the Economic Empowerment Kick-off supported the programs of "The Elliott Tomlin Foundation.

Black Business Circle will be marks its second year of hosting Black Economic Empowerment Month with a number of activities planned during the month of June to gather Black-owned small business to network, learn and share ideas.

Black Business Circle is based in Brooklyn, Economic Empowerment Month has drawn a number of partnerships, including SCORE, the business counseling agency which works under the Small Business Administration, The Local Development Corporation of East New York, Project Enterprise, and the US Small Business Administration.

Addtional June 2005 Economic Empowerment Events include:

Saturday, June 4, 2005 - Power Up! - The Women's Empowerment Conference & Pampering with Warm Spirit will take place at GBLBC located at 1320 Sutter Ave., Brookln, New York. Power Up - will begin at 11:45 am and end at 4:00 pm. Topic: "Total Empowerment Fitness for Today's Women".

Sunday, June 12, 2005 - Economic Empowerment Day will be featured at the Brooklyn Christian Center with Rev. Dennis Dillion, who will host the day and the "Power Worship Celebration Economic Empowerment Series. Economic Empowerment Day will begin at 2:00 (sharp). The Brooklyn Christian Center is located at 1061 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, New York. For more information on the Worship Celebration contact 718.638.5483.

Friday, June 17, 05 - Black Economic Empowerment Banquet Reception will feature the awards presentations. The reception will be held at Lorraine's Place 8 Howard Ave. Brooklyn, New York. The Economic Empowrment Reception will begin at 5:45 pm sharp. For more information call 718.277.5588.

Saturday, June 25, 05 - Black Business Conference - "Black Dollar Power - Revisited". The conference will be held a the Brooklyn Christian Center located at 1061 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, New York. The conference will begin at 9:00 am and end at 3:00 pm. For more information please call 718.638.5483.

Saturday, June 25, 2005 - VIP Networking Social Mixer with buffet dinner, drinks, music, open mic and fun. The VIP Social Mixer will be held at the Jazzpel Restaurant located at 1061 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, New York. For more information please call 718.638.5483.

To register today for June 2005 Economic Empowerment Month events log on to our web site and register via the EZ online registration at www. blackbusinesscircle. com. For email inquiries, email us at blackbusinesscircle. com. You may also call us today at 718.277.5588 for advance registration.

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Boston is site for International Gathering of Gay and Lesbian Athletes

Boston is site for International Gathering of Gay and Lesbian Athletes

The Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation is hosting their second annual conference at MIT in Boston on March 26th-28th. The conference, titled "Taking on the Challenge," is designed to create networking opportunities, give space for discussion, and to create action plans for recreational, high school, collegiate, professional, and Olympic athletic communities. The three-day event will feature a day-long Sport Leadership Congress for sport leaders and those interested in starting a league; panels and discussions; a Health and Wellness Expo with demos; an Sports trivia game; a fundraising banquet; and a casino night. Content Sponsors include the NCAA, NAGWS, AAPHERD, CLAGS, WSF, and NCLR.

BOSTON, MA (PRWEB) March 12, 2004 -

– On March 26-28, 2004, the Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation (GLAF) will present their second annual conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered enthusiasts. Last year they hosted their first conference called the National Gay & Lesbian Athletics Conference at MIT. They will be returning to MIT to host the conference, but have added “International” to the title of the conference and packed the schedule with three full days of events. Registration and a preliminary program are available on the website www. GLAF. org.

Last year’s conference was well attended and sparked the cohesion of the LGBT athletic community. According to Mac Chinsomboon, Executive Director of the Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation, the conference was “vital in working to dispel the myth that gays and sports don’t mix and to foster an understanding between people who share a love of the game that transcends sexual orientation.” He feels that last year’s conference was successful in “providing a place where athletes, educators and spectators alike had the opportunity to explore how to achieve this effectively through creating a network and a community.”

This year, the focus of the conference is aptly summed up in it’s title “Taking on the Challenge.” Rob Jagnow, Content Director for the conference says, “Last year we had everyone that supports LGBT athletes involved in identifying and discussing the obstacles to eliminating homophobia in athletics. This year the content is focused on how to best address those issues and how to take action as a community.”

This year’s focus and intent in direction is shown in the increase in information and activities at the conference. Jagnow explained that, “last year we had several round table discussions on Friday evening for sport leaders, the majority of our panels occurred Saturday, and only one keynote and athletic event were held on Sunday. This year the round table congress will take up a full day on Friday, and the panels and keynotes will fill Saturday and Sunday.” In addition, Outsports. com announced that they are hosting a sports game show at the conference.

Chinsomboon believes the full schedule is what’s attracting people to attend the conference; “We’re expecting over 500 attendees from around the world.”

The push for leadership, networking, and action will kick-off with the Friday Sports Leadership Congress, a sub-component of the conference, and the sporting groups represented will have meetings on the day prior, Thursday.

The Sports Leadership Congress last year was heavily attended. “There was standing room only; the discussion had an incredible energy” said Ross, a conference attendee. This year’s full-day Congress will serve as a precursor for the Conference. The Congress is designed to be a support network and information session for those involved with running and starting a sport league; it serves as an effective forum for sports leaders to learn from each other.

The panels cover topics of interest for all the groups involved in the athletics community. One panel, sponsored by National Association for Girls & Women in Sport (NAGWS), a division of the American Alliance for Health and Physical Education Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), will cover the physical and sociological benefits to coming out. A similarly minded academia panel with a presentation of papers will be sponsored by the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies (CLAGS). The WomenÂ’s Sports Foundation (WSF) is co-sponsoring a panel on diversity in sport with the Northeastern UniversityÂ’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society. The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) is the content sponsor for a panel for those involved with collegiate athletics. High school athletes and their issues addressing homophobia in sports will be addressed on a similar panel. Appropriately enough, in the current political climate, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) will be sponsoring the panel on LGBT legal rights. Finally, GLAF themselves are bringing back last yearÂ’s popular Olympics athletes panel that will feature several out, Olympic medalists and spokespeople from the US Olympic Committee.

GLAF is also bringing back the popular Health and Wellness Expo. Doctors David Chen and Lee Wolfer, GLAF Medical Directors, are working to greatly expand the health, wellness, and sports clinics designed for everyone from ‘weekend warriors’ to athletic pros. Last year, GLAF offered complimentary massages and acupuncture. This year the Expo will be sponsored by Fenway Community Health and the Boston University Center for Athletics Enhancement. The Expo will run concurrently with the conference and feature sports clinics, professional demonstrations, and sponsor tables that still have a few openings.

The conference hopes to address the interests of all the different groups involved with athletics. “Homophobia in sports doesn’t just affect athletes,” states Chinsomboon, “It also affects coaches, administrators, trainers, parents, and doctors; governing sport groups, professional leagues and the media have a big part in directing those effects.”

Chinsomboon goes on to add, “The conference is not just about fulfilling the needs of gay athletes. It’s also about fostering leadership and positive role models for youth.”

This year’s conference follows on the heels of what was “universally hailed as a stunning success last year.” The event was covered by a number of media groups, including ESPN, Sports Illustrated, HBO Real Sports, Boston Globe, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and other notable LGBT and mainstream press. During the weekend of pending war with Iraq, the event still attracted over 300 attendees from the recreational, Olympic, international, professional, high school, and collegiate communities, with more than 20 colleges, over 27 states, and 5 countries represented (GLAF expects over 500 this year). GLAF announced post-conference that, “We have received feedback from the attendees complimenting the professionalism and attention to detail, the content, the food, the committees, and the diversity.”

Chinsomboon says that he hopes the conference will continue to attract a diverse group of attendees through the panel topics and noteworthy speakers. All of these components promise to add up to a lively conference with excellent discussions as well as progress in the issues that concern LGBT members of sport communities and impact society as a whole.

If you are interested in registering for the Conference, supporting and/or learning more about the Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation, you can check the website for pictures, a press kit that includes past articles and press releases, and sign up for information: www. GLAF. org.

RESOURCES:

Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation, March 26-28, 2004

Http://www. GLAF. org (http://www. GLAF. org) - info@gayconference. org

National Association for Girls & Women in Sport American Alliance for Health and Physical Education Recreation and Dance www. AAHPERD. org

Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies http://web. gc. cuny. edu/clags/index. html (http://web. gc. cuny. edu/clags/index. html)

Outsports. com

Fenway Community Health www. fenwayhealth. org

Boston University Center for Athletics Enhancement www. bu. edu/cae (http://www. bu. edu/cae )

WomenÂ’s Sports Foundation www. WomensSportsFoundation. org

National Collegiate Athletics Association www. ncaa. org

Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society www. sportinsociety. org

National Center for Lesbian Rights www. NCLRights. org

CONTACTS

National Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation

Monica VanBuskirk

Media Director

PO Box 425034

Cambridge, MA 02142

(617) 588-0600

Media@gayconference. org

Www. GLAF. org