Date: Thu, 15 Dec 1994 23:48:28 -0500 From: DavidN1327@aol.com NEWS RELEASE Thursday, December 15, 1994 Contact: Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats Post Office Box 11311 Salt Lake City, Utah 84147-0311 (801)238-2526 metropolitan Salt Lake City telephone number (800)648-9996 national toll-free telephone number Internet: glud@aol.com Tear sheet requested a000 rp ^BC-Gay,441< GLUD plans fifth birthday party and expansion SALT LAKE CITY - Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats leaders announced today their plans for the group's fifth anniversary including a birthday party and an unprecedented expansion of the group's services. The party is planned for January 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. and is free of charge to GLUD supporters. The party will celebrate the beginning of the group's sixth year and will offer complimentary food and choice of beverages. Group leaders said that people interested in attending the party should call the group's InfoLine at (801)238-2526 or (800)648-9996 for more information about the evening, or to reserve attendance. The group's leaders plan to announce several important plans at the party including the expansion of the group's InfoLine which is now accessible through a new local telephone number and a new national toll-free telephone number. The expanded service lets callers choose what information about the group they want by making menu selections which describe specific activities and news. "Our number-one obligation to our supporters is offering them up-to-date information about bisexual, gay and lesbian politics in an easy-to-use format," GLUD Chair Michael Aaron said. "The new InfoLine will be much more user-friendly and informative." But the group's expansion includes more than a better way to communicate with telephone callers, GLUD leaders said. They'll also announce the creation of the GLUD Policy Institute, which will administer the tax-deductible activities of the group such as public education, and the GLUD Victory Fund, which will offer campaign resources such as fund-raising and volunteers only to openly gay and lesbian candidates for appointed and elected public office in Utah. The group leaders say they have no plans to cut back in the group's three primary areas of political action and will continue to serve as a campaign resource, party caucus and legislative lobby. "GLUD will continue the important work of offering campaign resources to our friends who campaign for appointed and elected public office and aren't gay or lesbian," GLUD Founder David Nelson said. "But these projects will help us concentrate more on empowering gay and lesbian people to become viable candidates and informed voters." The new projects will likely also increase the group's fund-raising ability. The group's 1994 budget was almost $19,000 and the group's combined 1995 budget is expected to be at least that much. Board development and stronger cooperation with national groups are other areas where the group leaders are planning to make significant improvements. Democrats who are interested in serving as a GLUD director, may contact the group by writing to: Board of Directors Chair, Gay and Lesbian Utah Democrats, Post Office Box 11311, Salt Lake City, Utah 84147-0311 or calling the InfoLine.