Posted on September 4, 2019 at 9:00 AM by Guest Writer Guest Writer
Written By: nicci port and Joel Hochstein
Ames Pride serves the community through the creation of opportunities for visibility and community for LGBTQIA+ adults and youth. We strive to create spaces that are inclusive of all and work to live out the interconnection of identities in our work. One of the ways our non-profit organization strives to do this is through Ames Pridefest. This is the only festival in Ames that specifically celebrates the lives and contributions of LGBTQIA+ citizens in our community and takes place on Saturday, September 7, 2019 in Downtown Ames.
Visibility is important for members of sexual and gender diverse communities and our families, especially our queer and trans youth. It is also important to see those that support us. Are you a supporter of making Ames a more inclusive community? Interested in showing your support for our LGBTQIA+ communities? Does your business support the Chamber’s initiatives in generating a more diverse workforce in Ames and Story County? It’s not too late to be present and involved in our festival. Sponsor Ames Pridefest and advertise to your employees and customers that you support these efforts or apply as a vendor if that makes sense, too.
At minimum, consider engaging with Ames Pride, our vendors, and our attendees in order to make connections. Use those connections to collaborate around diversity and inclusion efforts. As you connect with our community, build relationships, and create trust you will learn that there is much to accomplish in our community for LGBTQIA+ employees and customers. Through that ongoing relationship and work, you will learn what needs to happen in order to effect real change in your business practices, your employee relations/retention, and in creating a more inclusive community and workforce.
If Ames Pride can help you, your employees, or your business, please reach out.
Categories: Enhancing Community
