Message from the President
Autumn 2000 - Samara Community Report

Last year it was easy to focus our collective sight on November and no further. It felt as though there was so much at stake in the political elections - state and federal. And of course, there was work to be done and money to donate. We are all doing as much as we can to insure that fair leaders are elected to govern.

However, in the midst of all the concern and activity, it is important to remember that the needs of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities will never be met by government. No matter what happens in November, health and youth services aimed at our specific communities, media services that connect us to one another, organizations that promote our civil rights, that educate and celebrate us, will all still be needed. The people who have already taken on this important work will still be doing it. And they will be looking to all of us for support.

The Samara Foundation will be here. We will continue making real the dreams of our founding benefactors and organizers to support and strengthen Vermont's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered communities today build and endowment for tomorrow.

This year we increased the number of grants given to community organizations to twelve and we awarded our first Samara scholarships.

Keep the big picture in mind. With your help we will take Vermont forward.

Linda E. Markin, President
Samara Foundation of Vermont