Current TCP Monthly Newsletter
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TCP updates: April 2023Hi friends and supporters! Are you loving this spring weather in Mid-Missouri? Aside from a few storms, so are we! As we look ahead to some exciting events in April, it’s fun to look back on all the great community building events from March. See below for all the latest. Along with our regular programs and resources, here are a few fun things coming up this month …
Hope to see you there! Thanks for your partnership and support! Christi Kelly (she/her) (Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest on all things TCP!) | |
Phone Banking with PROMO | |
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Transgender Missourians’ lives are under attack in Missouri like never before. Bills aiming to revoke access to gender-affirming healthcare, keep kids as young as kindergarten from playing team sports, and ban any mention of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools are progressing in the Missouri legislature. TCP and our friends at PROMO co-hosted a phone bank at the community center on March 23, where volunteers reached out to allies and supporters across our state to ask them to contact their elected officials to VOTE NO on these bills. It was a great opportunity for the community to come together and let our voices be heard! We had over 25 folks join in. Some had experience with TCP; others had experience with PROMO. But many were new faces to both! To everyone who participated, new and familiar, thank you for spending your evening with us standing up for the LGBTQIA+ community. | |
Protest Signs Potluck | |
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On March 27, volunteers made signs for the Protest for Trans Rights held at the Missouri State Capitol on March 29. | |
Our mission is to provide a safe, affirming space to learn, grow, build community, and access support and resources. When legislators attack our community through legislation and hateful rhetoric, we stand up for each other and create those safe spaces to process, speak out, fight for our rights — and just be together. Thanks to all the volunteers who came out to make signs … they looked amazing! We’re so proud of our community and everyone in it. | |
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Businesses | |
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We were so excited to host our first networking event for LGBTQIA+ business owners on March 30! About 12 people from a variety of businesses attended this fun evening, and we look forward to hosting more! Watch the TCP Facebook for updates. Did you know we also have business listings on our website? Visit the LGBTQIA Owned Directory Listing to find local queer-owned businesses and services or to add yours to the directory. | |
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Another way we’re highlighting local queer businesses is through an interview series on Facebook Live, hosted by Board Member Camaron Nielsen. Our latest interview with a business owner was on March 31 with Anna from Pet Wellness Alliance. Check it out on the TCP Facebook page under Videos, where you can find all our previous interviews and catch up on any you might have missed. Pet Wellness Alliance Facebook Live (recording) If you have a queer-owned business and would like to be featured, message us on Facebook or reach out to us at info@thecenterproject.org. | |
Volunteer Opportunities | |
We’re always looking for more volunteers, and right now we have several specific needs — please let us know if you’re interested! Here are some of TCP’s current volunteer opportunities:
If you’re interested in volunteering but aren’t sure what you’d like to do, join us for a volunteer orientation to learn more about TCP and the opportunities currently available. To sign up, search for the “TCP Volunteer Group” on FB or email info@thecenterproject.org. | |
Ways to Support TCP | |
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TCP volunteers with two representatives of Shelter Insurance (far right and far left), who presented a donation at the March board meeting. Thank you Shelter! | |
As a small, all-volunteer nonprofit, we depend on the support and generosity of individuals like you! Whether you’re interested in volunteering and/or want to contribute financially or through donations, there are lots of ways to contribute:
If you’re interested in donating clothes to The Clothing Closet, email us at tcpclothingcloset@thecenterproject.org. If you’d like to donate snacks for Prism or other supplies for the community center, email us at info@thecenterproject.org.
Of course we’re also grateful for all our volunteers! Check out the volunteer section above for more details and current opportunities. | |
Remodel Progress | |
Plans for the garage renovation are moving along, and we expect construction will start this spring! This remodel will give us more usable space, including breakout or overflow space during larger events and room for the youth group to expand. Huge thanks to all our CoMo Gives donors for helping fund this important project! Note: With the community center coming along, we’re opening the space to other groups in the community who need a spacious, comfortable, welcoming place to meet or hold an event. If you’re interested in using the space or would like a tour, please email us at info@thecenterproject.org. | |
News Roundup | |
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Our Mission | |
Our mission at The Center Project is to provide a safe, affirming space to learn, grow, build community, and access support and resources. Historically, our programming has focused on LGBTQIA+ youth, families, and people living in rural areas; as we grow and expand our services and impact, we are committed to equity, justice, inclusion, and representation in our programming and leadership. TCP is an all-volunteer community center focused on serving the needs of LGBTQIA+ people in Columbia throughout Mid-Missouri. Located at 805 Fairview Ave. in Columbia’s beautiful First Ward, we are within walking distance of the bus line, downtown, The Loop, all 3 college campuses, and local food and shelter resources. |
Quarterly Newsletter
TCP Newsletter May 2022
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April 2023 Edition
March 2023 Edition
New Year’s 2023 edition
December 2022 edition
November 2022 updates
October 2022 September
September 2022 August Recap
August 2022 July Recap
July 2022 Pride Month Recap
June 2022 Pride month News from TCP
May 2022 The latest updates from TCP