By Laura Oergel
The Diversity Collective is a local, non-profit and volunteer run, organization that was established April 1, 2014 with the intention to advocate and promote diversity, education, mental and physical wellbeing via community outreach to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population, as well as the general public.
It’s the proud parent of AIDS Walk Ventura, coming up on the 5th of March, Ventura County PRIDE, the Diversity Gala, 1st Thursday Gay Professionals Mixer and the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
I talked to the President, Steve Somann, who expressed a deep commitment to the vision of the organization. “I’ve been involved not only with the Diversity Collective Ventura County (DCVC), but with prior organizations who did similar work for the LGBT+ community here in Ventura County. Those organizations have since ceased operations, for many reasons, but mostly due to loss of funding. The original founding members of DCVC felt the urgent need to continue the work and carry on the traditions and services that once were a staple here in Ventura County.
When the seat for President of DCVC became available, the Board felt I was the natural choice to fill the vacancy and I gladly accepted. I’ve lead other teams, companies and organizations to bigger and better places and this is my time to help, along with our current board of directors, to get much needed programs and services back to the LGBT+ community. We are currently working diligently to set up and start comprehensive counselling programs that specialize in the needs of the LGBT+ members of our community. Everyone else will be welcome to take advantage of these services as well.”
The Diversity Collective currently has a treasurer position available that they are actively seeking to fill. Board members are voted on each year with a signed one year commitment, members at large start off as a six month commitment, then the board votes to either have them continue as at large members of become official board members with a one year signed commitment.
If you’re interested in volunteering, or have questions about their events, you can email them at [email protected]. Please include your name, best contact telephone number, email, what time your available, and best time/way to contact you back.
They are happy to provide more information about the opportunities available that day and also for their biggest event, Ventura County PRIDE in August and the Diversity Gala in September/October this year.
I want to congratulate the Board of Directors: Steve Somann – President, Joseph Summers – Vice President, Anne Blakely – Secretary, Luna Sandoval – Entertainment, and 2 members at large – Michael Francis Smith and Ashley Anderson, for their love and commitment to our community.
Phone: 619-5428(LGBT)
Website: diversitycollective.org
Email: [email protected]
facebook.com/diversitycollective
facebook.com/VenturaCountyPride
twitter.com/vcpride
www.vcpride.org
Create momentum. Educate yourself, then educate others.
