FAQ
Table of Contents
1. What are the benefits
of becoming a member of BRAD?
2. Can I join BRAD
anytime as a member?
3. What does the BRAD
logo represent?
4. Can an "open-minded"
heterosexual person join BRAD?
5. How often are
your social events held and how can I join the social committee to help
plan future social events?
6. How can I become an officer of BRAD?
7. How can I become
a member of BRAD if I live outside of Columbus?
8. There is no
Chapter in my state, but can I become a member of BRAD?
9. Does BRAD offer educational
opportunities for its members?
10. How do I report
the delay of my BRAD Pride News in the mail?
11. How do I report
a residential address and/or e-mail address change?
12. How do I report
a complaint or serious concerns about BRAD?
13. Can BRAD become
the future host of the RAD Conference?
14. How do I make a tax-deductible
contribution to BRAD, as I strongly support the existence of this organization?
What are the benefits of becoming a member of BRAD
As a member of BRAD, you will receive a high quality membership
card bearing your name, which will entitle you to special discounts,
such as discounted admission to BRAD-sponsored social events, discounted
beverage costs, and many other incentives to be developed. You will also
rreceive a free one-year BRAD Pride News subscription and any members-only
notification of various happenings within BRAD. Not only will you be
allowed to vote* at BRAD general meetings, but you will also be allowed
to serve on at least one of the standing committees (i.e., Social Committee
and Law Committee).
*Note: The voting privilege applies only to Active and Associate
Members. Further description can be found in the BRAD Bylaws.
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Can I join BRAD anytime as member?
As we want to give any interested individuals an opportunity to
join BRAD without any restrictions, we are allowing you to join BRAD
anytime by submitting a completed membership application to our Treasurer
along with the appropriate payment for the membership dues*. A few months
before the expiration of your annual membership, you will receive a membership
renewal notice.
*Note: For more information about the membership dues, please visit
the Membership Information page.
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What does the BRAD logo represent?
The shape of the State of Ohio represents the openness of our chapter
to all corners of our state. Although BRAD was found in Columbus, the
capital city of Ohio, our organization is "open" to each and every Ohioan.
In the center lies rainbow-colored Buckeye leaves signifying our gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender pride. The colorful leaves are flanked
by four buckeye balls and each ball features one letter of "BRAD." Below
the logo is the date of our establishment, March, 2000.
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Can an "open-minded"
heterosexual person join BRAD?
BRAD is committed to the creation of a tolerant environment and
the elimination of prejudices that have long existed in our community.
As such, not only do we welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to our organization, but we also welcome
individuals who are heterosexual and supportive of our cause as well. BRAD
also welcomes hearing individuals and any individuals who are not sure
about their sexual orientation because it is an organization for everyone.
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How often are your social events held and how can I join the social
committee to help plan future social events?
BRAD-sponsored social events are held 4 - 6 times a year during
which time no BRAD general meetings are held, but from time to time,
two or more social events may take place in the same month at the discretion
of the Social Committee. As an Active or Associate Member*, you can request
to serve on the Social Committee by contacting the Social Committee Chairperson.
*Note: For more information about becoming an Active or Associate
Member, please check the Membership Information
page.
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How can I become a member of BRAD if I live outside of Columbus?
BRAD is open to everyone who has an interest in our organization
and wishes to be part of our events. Those who reside in Columbus can
become an Active or Associate Member. Those who reside outside of Ohio
can become a Visiting Member. Please check the Membership Information
page for more information about the membership
criteria and dues.
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There is no
Chapter in my state, but can I become a member of BRAD?
If you do not live in the State of Ohio, you can join BRAD as one
of our Visiting Members and will be kept informed about our meetings
and social events through our BRAD Pride News. For more information about
becoming a Visiting Member, please check the Membership
Information page.
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Does BRAD offer educational opportunities for its members?
Not only do we at BRAD offer numerous social opportunities, but
we also provide educational workshops on a wide variety of topics, such
as parliamentary procedures, self-defense, sexually transmitted diseases,
etc. Members are welcome to recommend a topic for a workshop and to offer
your recommendation, please send an e-mail to our Vice President.
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How do I report
the delay of my BRAD Pride News in the mail?
Our newsletter is distributed to our members on a quarterly basis
and if you feel that there is a delay in your BRAD Pride News subscription,
please send an e-mail to BRADcolumbus@aol.com
and we will forward your concerns to the newsletter editor.
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How do I report a residential address and/or e-mail address change?
If you have moved and/or changed your e-mail address, please let
us know right away by sending your new residential address and/or e-mail
address in addition to your previous residential address and/or e-mail
address to BRADcolumbus@aol.com so that your BRAD Pride News and/or e-mail
notification of other events and meetings will not be unnecessarily delayed.
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How do I report
a complaint or serious concerns about BRAD?
You can submit your complaint or concerns by submitting a written
letter to the Executive Board or sending an e-mail to the five officers
who will promptly begin an investigation into your complaint or concern.
You will be notified of the results of the investigation as well as the
proposed steps to resolve your complaint or concern in writing (only if
you provide us with your residential address; otherwise, you will receive
an e-mail) within 30 days.
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Can BRAD become
the future host of the RAD Conference?
Orlando, Florida will be the site of the 2003 RAD Conference. It
is unlikely that BRAD will host the 2005 RAD Conference, as the RAD Bylaws
requires the host chapter to be an "active" chapter for at least four
years at the time of the bid and also, to have at least $2,500.00 in funds
for the conference. The bid for the 2007 RAD Conference must be submitted
at the 2003 RAD Conference in Orlando, Florida.
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How do I make a tax-deductible
contribution to BRAD, as I strongly support the existence of this organization?
Your tax-deductible contribution will allow us to accomplish many
exciting projects as our organization operates solely on membership dues
and funds from our fundraisers. You can submit your contribution to the
President of BRAD at the post office address provided on the "About BRAD"
page. You will receive our letter of gratitude along with our tax ID for
a "tax write off" for your generous contribution to our organization.
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