Dear Family Equality and COLAGE stakeholders,
As most of you know, COLAGE and Family Equality have a rich history in common, and since the separation of the two organizations in the late 1990s, they have worked together to provide comprehensive services to members of LGBTQ+ families nationwide.
Over those decades of collaboration, the idea of merging the organizations has been proposed and explored, most recently and most productively during a year-long merger trial period in 2019. During this trial period both organizations grew closer in both collaboration and friendship; however, as the year closed we realized the independence required to fulfill the “by COLAGErs for COLAGErs” cornerstone of the COLAGE mission made a merger untenable.
Although 2020 will not witness a merged organization for COLAGE and Family Equality, we have learned a lot over the last year about how to better serve and support children, youth and adults in LGBTQ+ families, and you will see these new lessons reflected at Family Week 2020 and at other key moments in the years ahead.
As always, we appreciate your patience and support as both organizations move forward at this critical time for LGBTQ+ families. If you have questions or concerns about the steps taken and the lessons learned, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Family Equality and COLAGE Board or staff members.
As always, we remain grateful for your friendship and support of LGBTQ+ family members nationwide,
The Boards and staffs of COLAGE and Family Equality