PrideVA
Assistance Establishing 501c(3) for LGBTQ+ Federal Employee Resource Group
Assist a new (and the first!) LGBTQ+ ERG recognized by the VA to establish 501c(3) status
Posted June 10, 2022
Background & Context
PrideVA is the first LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), and in fact the very first ERG ever, officially recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)! Our vision is for VA’s policies and programs to meet the diverse needs of all VA employees and Veterans. As members of communities affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and related discriminatory policies, we have a special responsibility to ensure our nation’s heroes and those who serve them as VA employees encounter a VA that is welcoming, inclusive, and fair for all.
We came together to support the LGBTQ+ community, and are focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within VA. We also focus on promoting awareness of issues affecting LGBTQ+ employees and Veterans, and providing mentorship, community, advocacy, and service opportunities for our members. We are headquartered in Washington DC, but aim to have VA-wide reach by facilitating the formation of local chapters.
Immediate Problem
As a new ERG with very little internal guidance yet available, we need assistance to officially & legally establish our ERG as the 501c(3) entity it needs to be in order to support our mission and vision.
Work & Deliverables
Help establish official 501c(3) status for a newly founded LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Preparation Phase
- Schedule introductory call with volunteer
Collaboration Phase
- Coordinate with ERG Board / Rep regarding specific needs, requirements, etc.
- Provide guidance on legal requirements, deadlines, expectations, etc.
- Assist with drafting / filing required legal documentation
Wrap Up
- Discuss continuing maintenance and annual requirements to maintain 501c(3) status
PrideVA
PrideVA is the first official, recognized Employee Resource Group (ERG) for the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). First, we are a group of VA employees, contractors, retirees, and volunteers coming together to support the LGBTQ+ community. Second, we are focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within VA; promoting awareness of issues affecting LGBTQ+ employees and Veterans; and providing mentorship, community, advocacy, and service opportunities for our members. Our vision is for VA’s policies and programs to meet the diverse needs of all VA employees and Veterans. As members of communities affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and related discriminatory policies, we have a special responsibility to ensure our nation’s heroes and those who serve them as VA employees encounter a VA that is welcoming, inclusive, and fair for all. To that end, we partner with VA, its Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI), and other stakeholders to encourage, support, and lead robust dialogues and initiatives within VA concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility with a special emphasis on issues affecting gender and sexual minorities. We aim to have VA-wide reach by facilitating the formation of local chapters.
PrideVA
PrideVA is the first official, recognized Employee Resource Group (ERG) for the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). First, we are a group of VA employees, contractors, retirees, and volunteers coming together to support the LGBTQ+ community. Second, we are focused on advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within VA; promoting awareness of issues affecting LGBTQ+ employees and Veterans; and providing mentorship, community, advocacy, and service opportunities for our members. Our vision is for VA’s policies and programs to meet the diverse needs of all VA employees and Veterans. As members of communities affected by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and related discriminatory policies, we have a special responsibility to ensure our nation’s heroes and those who serve them as VA employees encounter a VA that is welcoming, inclusive, and fair for all. To that end, we partner with VA, its Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI), and other stakeholders to encourage, support, and lead robust dialogues and initiatives within VA concerning diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility with a special emphasis on issues affecting gender and sexual minorities. We aim to have VA-wide reach by facilitating the formation of local chapters.