Campus Pride looks to future and transitions to fully digital operation

Campus Pride looks to the future and transitions to fully digital operation 

“This year has changed all of us. We decided to listen and allow it to change us for the better.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 21, 2020) – Today, Campus Pride is announcing that it has permanently taken its operations fully online to virtually meet the needs of LGBTQ college students across the country. The decision comes after the national nonprofit, which is dedicated to building future LGBTQ leaders and creating safer college communities for LGBTQ people, adapted its staffing model and all in-person programming during the summer and fall to an online format. 

“Campus Pride, since it was founded, has always embraced the use of technology to mobilize communities and create safer spaces,” said Campus Pride Executive Director, Shane Windmeyer. “This latest move to go completely digital is a throwback of sorts to the way we started out, with staff and volunteers working together remotely and without a physical space to call our own for several years. The decision is also consistent with our brand, which has always been able to adapt nimbly to meet the changing needs of LGBTQ young people.”

This summer, Campus Pride adapted it’s annual social justice and leadership development academy Camp Pride, to a multi-day virtual camp that had over 100 registrants for each day. The organization also shifted it’s programming around students by organizing digital events, like Lavender Graduation, Back to School activities, job fairs and social events that allow LGBTQ young people to connect with others in their community during the pandemic. Additionally, Campus Pride terminated the lease for its office and instituted a new, remote internship program. 

“Today’s announcement is a preview into the many exciting developments that are to come for Campus Pride as we enter into our 20th year in 2021,” said Tom Elliott, Chair of the Board for Campus Pride. “We have started to imagine what things will look like post-pandemic, and we believe there will be a growing need for connecting with LGBTQ college students virtually. Campus Pride remains steadfast in our mission to build future leaders and create safer communities, and this decision to go digital is the best way to accomplish this.”

Campus Pride will continue to offer in-person programs and services when it makes sense to do so financially and safely. However, until then, the organization plans to leverage its existing online resources and programs like the Campus Pride Index, Historically Black College & University LGBTQ Database, Trans Policy Clearinghouse and Campus Pride Sports Index. In addition, the organization has online expansion plans for new digital training and programs to respond to the present challenges faced by LGBTQ and ally youth.

“This year has changed all of us. We decided to listen and allow it to change us for the better,” said Windmeyer. “When faced with a challenge, you adapt and create new opportunities.”

Learn more about Campus Pride’s response to COVID-19 and current programs online at CampusPride.org.  Any questions, please email info@campuspride.org

About Campus Pride

Campus Pride is the leading national educational organization for LGBTQ and ally college students, as well as campus groups building future leaders and safer, more LGBTQ-friendly colleges and universities. The organization provides resources and services to thousands of college students and nearly 1,400 campuses annually.