It was only six months ago that this publication gave San Francisco Pride a failing grade on many aspects of its operations, from community relations and board performance to membership process. I want to thank the Bay Area Reporter for providing continuous coverage of Pride's performance before, during, and after the 2013 parade and celebration.
In the last three months, the membership and new board have made remarkable progress to not only right past wrongs, but set a course that will poise the organization for success this year and beyond. Many people have questioned how an esteemed, 43-year-old organization could derail so badly over the last three years. As board president, I've consulted with former SF Pride executive directors and board presidents, as well as other stakeholders. With the help of board and staff, we investigated past problems and set strategy to correct course. Briefly, the agency fell short on proper management, ethics, and transparency. Those days are behind us.
A common complaint about the past management was that the organization was not following its own policies and procedures. I'm committed to make sure we do so moving forward, including a complete review of the governance documents, and making changes where necessary. That will include a more transparent and straightforward grand marshal selection process and annual board election.
The night the new board was seated, we voted to expand the director seats from 10 to 13, quickly surveying skill sets and the diversity of the current board to seek better balance. Until the membership votes were counted, we could not predict the diversity or skill sets lacking. We have several board candidates in the pipeline and are still seeking transgender representation.
The new board immediately began a search for a new executive director (doing away with the former CEO title) and we'll be announcing a very qualified candidate to take the helm in January. This person was the unanimous choice by our board, staff, and contractors and has excellent experience in managing large, outdoor events in San Francisco.
Once the new executive director and board members are oriented, the organization will enter a strategic planning process in the spring. We'll be looking closely at diversifying our funding stream for long-term financial stability, examining our governance structure to best support our organization, and working with the community to make sure our growing event remains safe and relevant to our mission.
Other accomplishments include: returning to easy, online membership applications; using our website to be more transparent with meetings, minutes, IRS Form 990s, bylaws, policies and procedures; holding general member meetings in larger venues while encouraging greater member participation; using public forums to engage the community on issues such as military recruiters' participation in Pride; partnering with other groups to build alliances and revenue such as Parking Panda, Pridestache, and the SF Bulls Hockey team. (See http://www.sfbulls.com/lgbt for tickets to LGBT Pride Night on January 11 at the Cow Palace, which benefits SF Pride.)
Our stakeholders wanted to see major changes in the management of SF Pride and this new board is delivering. Ninety percent of our contractors �" the experts in their fields who manage key parts of the parade and festival �" are back on board for 2014. We signed a two-year contract with Joe Wagenhofer as a part-time consultant to assist the new executive director and continue mentoring key contractors. Wagenhofer has a long history with Pride including service on the board, development, and as the former event manager. Our online "store" where parade entries, vendor and exhibitor applications are processed was set up on time and our revenue is ahead of last year. We've met with key city officials and have heard nothing but positive feedback regarding our changes in leadership, as well as final follow-up to the 2010 city controller's report. And we're excited to participate in the city's upcoming economic impact study for our event so we can garner more support.
Our membership chose the 2014 theme "Color Our World With Pride" and we'll be featuring the best of our Bay Area resources to put on a world-class event, while leveraging opportunities to support our global LGBT sisters and brothers. Also, we'll be revamping all of our signature events, from the media party and annual June fundraiser, to the VIP party and main stage and parade grandstand activities. In every way, we are preparing for the best event ever in 2014.
With 2013 behind us, it's time to set aside internal politics and get our house in order. An event that draws 1.8 million people and 240 parade contingents is a complex, expensive endeavor. Equally important is our responsibility to serve our social mission locally and fulfill our role as a global pacesetter. With growing persecution of LGBT people in Russia, Uganda, Jamaica, and throughout the Middle East, San Francisco's Pride event is a huge platform to fulfill our mission: To educate the world, commemorate our heritage, celebrate our culture, and liberate our people.
When the Dykes on Bikes roar down Market Street to lead 200-plus parade contingents on June 29, know that the original spirit and fight for gay liberation are alive and well. This community, parade, and celebration are moving forward �" join us!
Gary Virginia is the president of the SF Pride board of directors and can be reached at [email protected]. Membership, donor, and volunteer opportunities are at www.sfpride.org.