GLAD's Community Service

GLAD is involved in the greater Decatur, IL community.

Since December of 1993, GLAD members have donate toys for kids and kid's outerwear each year to various community organizations.

GLAD participates in the Decatur Adopt-A-Street program.

Volunteers pick up trash four times a year along a seven block section on Monroe Street between Eldorado and Decatur Streets. Signs at each end of the area credit GLAD members.

GLAD donates school supplies and canned foods.

GLAD donates a car load of school supplies to needy children at the beginning of each school year, and distributes canned goods and other food items each Thanksgiving to those in the community who would otherwise go without a special Thanksgiving meal.

GLAD and Health

GLAD believes the health of everyone is important, including LGBTI [i.e., gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transvestites, transgendered, transsexual and intersex persons]. GLAD works to provide information to its members, both through the GLAD newsletter and at the monthly social functions. GLAD supports other agencies which promote the health of LGBTI.

The GLAD newsletter includes information about local events involving HIV and AIDS prevention. It emphasizes safer sex practices among LGBTI. GLAD also provides information on sexually transmitted diseases other than AIDS.

GLAD and Politics

While GLAD is not a political organization, some GLAD members meet with local community leaders to discuss issues of concern to our community. Meetings have been held on a regular basis with our U.S. representative, state senator, state representatives, mayor, state's attorney, sheriff and local police officials.

GLAD works closely with Equality Illinois, Illinois' statewide gay rights group. GLAD was instrumental in getting legislation which added sexual orientation to the state's existing Human Rights Act. In addition, GLAD members helped the City of Decatur enact civil rights laws protecting individuals based on their sexual orientation in housing, banking and employment.