Wilson says he’d like to see some of HRC’s funds benefit other local projects. “Here in South Carolina, something as little as $100 will make a huge difference,” he says. “$1,000 could revolutionize a program we run. If the national organizations would toss us a bone, that would feed us.”
Wilson says HRC has nothing to lose and everything to gain from reinvesting the money they raise from local communities and from dinners like the HRC Carolinas Gala. “What would a few hundred or thousand dollars do if reinvested in the communities they take them from,” he asked. “If you send staffers to the ground more often and do the trainings to build the volunteers, that will naturally build more money and membership.”
HRC maintains that their benefit to local communities comes in many forms, from outreach and trainings to the endorsement and D.C. lobbying of a state’s elected officials.
National sponsor and supporter Gold says folks need to be reminded of HRC’s mission when talking about money and local reinvestment. In his opinion, HRC’s “singular goal is to get national legislation passed.”
“HRC is a national lobbying organization,” he says. “Their goal isn’t to get North Carolina laws passed. It isn’t to get North Carolina community centers built in Charlotte or Raleigh. It is important for people not to think negatively of HRC just because they don’t come into North Carolina and do the things North Carolina organizations already do.”
‘Big fat target’
Pam Spaulding, who lives and works in Durham, N.C., and operates the nationally-acclaimed PamsHouseBlend.com, is often painted as a critic of HRC, despite willingly giving the group credit when it is due. In 2007, she was profiled for her new media-journalism work in HRC’s quarterly Equality Magazine.
“They excel in getting messages out when they get behind a cause,” she says. “Because of their connections on the Hill, they’re able to take action and be listened to. That’s a great thing about a big national group and even some of the nay-sayers and critics will admit that that we need a healthy, strong, national organization — HRC is that in many respects.”
In the most recent example of “getting the message out,” HRC reacted swiftly when they learned the anti-gay American Family Association would air a one-hour special on “the homosexual agenda” on a Michigan TV network — the same program had aired on The CW (WJZY) in Charlotte. Hours after an HRC action alert, the station had agreed to move the special from its premier prime time spot.
Pam Spaulding and Mandy Carter
Spaulding says HRC tends to be “the big fat target” of scrutiny and criticism, because of its size and well-known reputation. “It is easy to shoot from the hip when you are sitting there not doing anything,” she says. “The people who are complaining the loudest need to be asked, ‘What have you done for your movement?’”
Mixed within her praise for the group and the good it can do, Spaulding recognizes that a common perception about the group’s affluence and lack of diversity is doing harm.
“There’s a perception — and it’s reinforced at their banquets — that HRC is an organization comprised mostly of white gay men. They have been trying to make in-roads to communities of color, though. HRC was present during the Jena 6 controversy.”
In addition to their work with North Carolina HBCUs, HRC has also organized each year for the past four local “Gospel & Unity” events reaching out to African-American communities of faith.
Spaulding also feels as though there’s a growing “schism” among class lines and that the problem is often color-blind. “There is a big perception that working class LGBTs and low wealth LGBTs don’t have a voice in the national organization at all. A lot of people are loathe to address that.”
To combat the lack of access many lower wealth LGBTs face, HRC often pays for the complete cost of travel and trainings when they host events locally and nationally. At their Carolinas Gala, reduced ticket prices are offered and LGBT youth can apply for free admission.
Moving forward
After the historic election of so many fair-minded officials and the groundbreaking victory of President Barack Obama, HRC is poised to create change like never before.
Soon after Obama’s transition team began work on moving the Obama administration into power, HRC released its “Blueprint for Positive Change.” The plan outlines strategic issue areas the organization intends to address in the first months of the new administration.
In their Blueprint, HRC calls for the passage of hate crimes and civil rights legislation, increases in support for HIV/AIDS prevention and education, a federal workplace free from discrimination and the appointment of fair-minded men and women to the judiciary.
Carter is excited about what possibilities the future holds. “I think we’ve come into an exciting moment,” she says.
Undoubtedly, HRC has been a part of the nation’s exciting change. No matter the criticisms, the group still performs important and vital work at a national level. Some of that change has happened in the Carolinas, too.
“Look at was has happened in this state in the last 20 years,” she says. “We have such a solid, local state infrastructure. That speaks volumes. We need to do more local and state organizing and more partnering with national groups like HRC.”
HRC’s Program Expenses
HRC’s 501(c)4 and 501(c)3 entities operate various programs and services. The group reports the cost of each program service area to the IRS each year. The majority of all contributions is directed toward programs and services directly benefiting members and other HRC constituencies. The approximate expenses are summarized below and are from HRC’s 2006 IRS Form 990 returns.
501(c)4
Programs/Services – Amount (in millions)
Field and federal advocacy – $6.
Communications – $0.7
Membership Services – $7.0
Public Policy, education & training – $4.3
TOTAL: $18.8501(c)3
Programs/Services – Amount (in millions)
Public Policy research, training – $5.1
Communications – $0.3
Advocacy – $0.5
TOTAL: $5.9
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Hi Matt,
Great piece on HRC and I thank you for the balanced points of view. Three quick points:
1. We do have a statewide LGBT political presence via Equality North Carolina PAC which is the direct outgrowth of North Carolina Senate Vote ’90. When that campaign was over we said that it was important to have an ongoing presence in the state precisely because HRC doesn’t do state lobbying work. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of NC Senate Vote ’90 and plans are already underway for a year-long series of events to mark the occasion.
2. What I didn’t see in the story about the annual HRC Carolina’s Gala (that covers North Carolina and South Carolina) is how much money is raised each year that goes to Washington, DC and how much, if any, is given to North Carolina and South Carolina LGBT groups.
3. While I do surely appreciate the efforts of the HBCU program work that HRC does I’m also invested in the in-state, on the ground work of working with our eleven North Carolina HBCU’s via the newly formed statewide North Carolina People Of Color LGBT & Allies Network that I’m honored to be coordinating on a volunteer basis. Interested folks can email me for more information, mandycarter@nc.rr.com. Subject line: NC POC LGBTA Network.
Thanks, Mandy Carter (former HRC Board of Directors, former HRCF/HRC Staffer)
Durham, NC
Comment by Mandy Carter — February 21, 2009 @ 9:00 am
How are the members of the Boards of Directors and Governors elected or selected?
Comment by libhomo — February 21, 2009 @ 8:37 pm
For those who attended the Gala, there was little to no mention of South Carolina during the gala program, much to the disappointment of state leaders from SC in attendance who have put blood, sweat, and tears into the work in our community with no acknowledgement from HRC. Elke Kennedy received mention for her important work on Hate Crimes but she isn’t the only activist in SC and Sean’s Last Wish is part of a network of extremely active SC organizations. Joe Solmonese mentioned the LGBT Center of Charlotte, but failed to mention the now 15 year old Harriet Hancock Community Center in Columbia or the well established Center Project of Myrtle Beach. Joe applauded Equality NC’s work but failed to mention the existence of SC Equality or SC Pride, or our work to pass inclusive bills in 2008 including the City of Columbia Human Rights Ordinance which included Sexual Orientation AND Gender Identity. Additionally, the greetings from politicians only included NC representatives while we know full well that Columbia’s entire City Council and Mayor Bob Coble (who attended several past Gala events) would have sent Greetings, as well as the GLBT supportive Mayor Riley of Charleston. For a “Carolinas” gala, South Carolina was certainly treated like a forgotten black sheep of the family, but some day when SC has surprised the national organizations with our renewed energy and strength, it won’t be so easy to overlook our many and various accomplishments.
For examples of the work being done in SC, visit SCPride.org and download our 2008 Annual Report.
A disillusioned former HRC Intern and very disappointed HRC Carolinas ’07 & ’08 Gala committee member,
Ryan C. Wilson
President, SC Pride Movement
Comment by Ryan Wilson — February 23, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
While hearing and acknowledging the above desire for recognition at this particular event, this year’s program was reasonably heavy on NC as both award winners were from NC and the keynote was an NC Senator.
As mentioned, the SC award winner from last year was mentioned this year by several program speakers. In years past, Columbia’s Mayor was welcomed with applause, whoops, and hollers, by all when he came to the stage promoting Columbia as LGBT-friendly.
However, note that this year’s welcome was shortened to be from Charlotte-Mecklenburg officials (county commissioners, city council members, Charlotte-Meck state reps, and Congressman Mel Watt whose district holds the convention center).
There are many other LGBT-friendly officials in NC and SC that weren’t included in the video welcome. It wasn’t a state issue; it was a host city issue, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Other LGBT-friendly Congress members and mayors from NC weren’t in welcome video portion either. It was just a “host community” welcome with no nefarious intent.
SC can rightfully be proud at the quick progress happening with the hospital protections last year and organizing focusing on the SC legislature.
Further, the entertainer tweaked both NC and SC during her bit and the audience laughed audibly both times. No one was especially targeted for mistreatment or indifference.
@libhomo: Like many organizational governing bodies, HRC’s board of directors are nominated by a committee and elected by the board.
I’m sure HRC would love to have more folks get involved in NC or SC, working their way through the pipeline after demonstrating a commitment to the organization’s mission to become a Governor, then perhaps a Director.
In HRC’s structure, the more work a community (such as the Carolinas region) does on the ground with letter to the editor writing, increasing membership, voter registration, lobbying activiy, etc. the more slots on the Board of Governors they typically receive.
Over time that eventually means more representation on the Board of Directors for your region. It’s an interesting model based on results and sustained regional work.
Comment by appellation — February 23, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
Kudos to Matt for taking on this effort, and thanks to Pam for calling it out on FB. From my limited lens, this writing is mostly and almost on the mark and a good place to launch but not fulfill understanding. I also hope that it might drive some enriching talk and foster more questions. I know all but one of the people quoted here, and I admire them greatly.
The TIMING of this item is important because it follows that recent LGBT Exec. Dir. meeting where leading national organizations (large and smaller) talked about collaboration and establishing some level of economies of scale, according to news reports I read about the meeting.
I am not on the inside of ANY group because of my new line of work, yet I have worked with so many national LGBT organizations of many sizes, geographic and ethic/racial focus for decades.
I’m sure I sound like that broken record. I know I repeat this too often, but when I need to do something huge in our community, I need ALL of the groups who are at my avail, not just one. I need each for different expertise areas.
I can’t make soup with only water. I need flavor, spice, stock, meat, veggies and STUFF. Sometimes when belts get tightened, minds get expanded. Necessity is the mother of invention, so I never lose hope. Diego
Comment by Diego Sanchez — February 24, 2009 @ 7:25 am
To appellation:
Having served 2 years on the Gala committee, I have distinct and insider view of the dinner that few in the Carolinas have. I drove the 2 hrs from SC to Charlotte once a month to meet with the Charlotte based dinner committee. Add to that having worked for HRC in DC for 3 months as an Intern, I’ve had many conversations with staff there. The local leaders are great but there is a disconnect between them and the national movers of the organization. If the dinner is the HRC “Charlotte” dinner, I would accept the focus on NC organizations & Charlotte politicians and their work, but to masquerade as 2 statewide event and then omit to recognize only 1/2 of the work being done in those 2 states is insulting to those working in the forgotten state. Being made fun of by the entertainer doesn’t count as being recognized by the HRC’s President in his speech or welcomed to the stage as a presenter. It’s like half of a team getting a gold medal, and the other half being kept off the podium.
There is a larger issue here dealing with 3+ years of SC leaders trying to create an HRC South Carolina committee to be turned down over and over by Nationals for various and seemingly pointless reasons. Frankly SC leaders are tired of being rejected and many of them refused to attend this year for that very reason. In 2007 there were 10 SC tables, this year there was 1… I don’t think this time we can blame the economy. Next year, will any attend in Raleigh? I’m not sure that I will…
Comment by Ryan Wilson — February 24, 2009 @ 8:53 am
Ryan,
Please deal with your real issue you reveal in the first sentence of your second paragraph, and don’t be needlessly divisive here on the ground in the Carolinas. As you well know – and write – your beef is not with the local folks, but national.
You’re not the first region in the country that has tried to start a new HRC dinner or community. As I indicated from my first post (and from my knowledge as former staffer and volunteer for HRC – you ain’t the only one), the national office wants to see sustained numbers of members/letters/activity/support from a region before starting a new “city” dinner to make sure it doesn’t fall flat on its face in the first or second year.
In my humble opinion, it would be great to have both NC and SC regions/dinners/whatever, but that’s not what the infrastructure has demonstrated support for up until this time.
Comment by appellation — February 24, 2009 @ 9:48 am
Here’s something I don’t know about the Human Rights Campaign that I’d like to: what have they actually gotten done? As in, what specific legislation have they gotten passed, stopped from getting passed or otherwise done to further LGBT rights on a federal level?
In the time since they were founded, scores of state groups have gotten pro-LGBT state laws passed (some with an assist from the Task Force) and defeated anti-LGBT legislation. Lambda Legal, GLAD and the ACLU have won lawsuits that have established rights and struck down bad laws (e.g. Lawrence v. Texas). GLAAD has relentlessly defended against homophobia and transphobia in the media. GLSEN has passed state laws protecting LGBT students. I could keep going…
HRC raises more gay dollars than any of these orgs, supposedly to be our representatives in Washington. Well, they’ve got a fancy building in Washington. Have they gotten us any federal rights? Or anything?
I’m still waiting for an answer.
Comment by saguaroson — February 24, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
saguaroson just said what I’ve always heard about the HRC: they take in lots of money, but they don’t seem to do anything for the community with it. Where does it go? What are they doing for us? Why do we never hear about them *except* for their fund-raisers??
Comment by Rebecca P. — February 25, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
appellation: As I thought, the HRC is undemocratic.
Comment by libhomo — February 27, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
HRC raises more gay dollars than any of these orgs, supposedly to be our representatives in Washington. Well, they’ve got a fancy building in Washington. Have they gotten us any federal rights? Or anything?
——————————
1) HRC helped get Senator Kay Hagan elected (something she acknowledged herself) thus getting rid of Dole.
2) Check out for yourself what HRC is doing on YOUR behalf: http://www.hrc.org/laws_and_elections/4732.htm
3) HRC coordinates lobby day once a year so that representatives (all of us volunteers who pay $$ out of our own pockets to help the cause; we are not professional lobbyists)to make a presence on Capito Hill to get these laws passed on YOUR behalf.
Do a little investigating (not opinion blogs, but real facts) and you’ll find out what HRC is doing.
thanks!
Pey (just another non-anglo, non-elitist volunteer who helps HRC not to gain anyone’s thanks, but because it is the right thing to do)
Comment by Pey — October 4, 2009 @ 8:03 pm