One of the best ways to get involved and expand your network is through committees. We work together to solve problems and impact change in our community from advocating business policies to events and so much more!
Committees and their composition and areas of responsibilities are listed below.
ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE
ADVOCACY
This committee researches ordinances, regulations, and propositions at the local, state, and national levels that will impact the LGBTQ business community.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Federal Advocacy
We support the following:
- Increasing diversity and inclusion for LGBT owned businesses.
- Promote International Trade and broad based economic advancement and empowerment of the global LGBT community.
- Implementation of pro-business, LGBT-inclusive policies at all levels of government.
- Study and distribution of LGBT Data and our community’s impact to the economy.
- Develop Workforce and Leadership of LGBT Employees.
State Advocacy
On the state level:
- We formed a coalition with the other LGBT Chambers of Commerce in Texas (North Texas, Houston, and San Antonio)
- Partnered with the Texas Association of Business on many initiatives in order to defeat the discriminatory and anti-business bathroom bill during the 2017 Legislature.
- Austin LGBT Chamber 87th Legislative Priorities
Local Advocacy
Areas of interest:
- We are working to secure a land development code rewrite that allows for multiple housing types across the city.
- We are supportive of transit options that reduce single occupancy vehicle use and move people through the city efficiently.
- In 2019, we were supportive of the recent unanimous Council action on an expanded convention center that also creates a funding mechanism for homelessness services.
AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE
Ambassadors
Ambassadors are Austin LGBT Chamber Members committed to welcoming new members and strengthening the bonds of membership! They attend orientations, ribbon cuttings, and mixers. Our Ambassadors let people know about our programs and resources, and act as mentors for new members, reaching out to the new member, personally inviting them to any upcoming events, and introducing them to other members.
ART COMMITTEE
Art
The Art Committee is focused on supporting the creative economy here in Austin. This committee steers the planning and production of our Pride in Local Music Series as well other smaller events focused on bringing local artists together.
This committee meets quarterly. Check out the calendar for details on our next one! Interested in joining this committee?
Contact membership@austinlgbtchamber.com for more information today.
Chair: Todd Hogan
HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE
Health & Wellness
This committee will map out strategies to convene healthcare providers to impact the health and wellness of LGBT Austin. We focus on employee wellness and healthcare advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. We act as a resource and neutral forum for the entire community, both patients and providers, through advocacy, education, and connections.
ERG Committee
ERG Roundtable
The Chamber acts as a convener of existing and new ERG groups to provide a forum for education and awareness supporting the professional growth of LGBT individuals by fostering a safe environment within their companies/businesses for individuals to be authentic in the workplace.
