The inaugural AGM for an emerging body which aims to act as an umbrella organisation for the nation's various queer groups is being held this coming weekend. All are welcome to attend a meeting at the OUTLine offices in Ponsonby at 10am on Saturday morning to establish the board for the Aotearoa Rainbow Alliance, whether they take part in person or online. The group was formed by a small group of volunteers, led by Michael Stevens and Anne Speir, and has become an incorporated society. OUTLine NZ's Symposium on Rainbow Health and Wellbeing in November last year recommended the creation of such an umbrella body, to bring groups together. "While we have necessarily taken these first steps in Auckland, our goal is to strengthen networks and facilitate communication between members across the nation. There will be the ability to participate in the upcoming AGM via Skype for those out of Auckland," the ARA steering group says. "We encourage you to join, membership is open to organisations and individuals who are able to show they align with ARA's goals as outlined on our website – www.rainbowalliance.org.nz "It will take time to build the organisation into a truly national alliance, but we are sure of the benefits to the well-being of our communities by this work." More information is available on ARA's interim webpage, where there is also a constitution document and membership information
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 19th July 2011 - 3:04pm