History
The Oberlin Lambda Alumni was chartered in 1989 as the Oberlin Gay and Lesbian Alumni (OGLA) after a long process of lobbying the Executive Board of the Oberlin Alumni Association for inclusion and recognition. On May 20, 1990, the group's Steering Committee adopted the name Oberlin Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alumni (OLGBA) under which it operated until early 1997. The name Oberlin Lambda Alumni was adopted to recognize emerging movements/identities and to be explicitly inclusive of members who are transsexual, transgender, opposed to labeling themselves, or heterosexual while supportive of sexual minority/LGBT people and issues.

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Organization
OLA is directed by a ten-member Steering Committee composed of a diverse group of alumni. The Steering Committee convenes twice a year in Oberlin, usually in September and in midwinter. During these weekend-long sessions, the Committee meets with students, faculty, and staff members of the College and Conservatory to discuss and mediate a wide range of LGBT-related concerns and to initiate and plan various projects. The Steering Committee also coordinates alumni activities, including regional events, on-campus reunions, and an annual Commencement reception for alumni and students.

Between meetings, Steering Committee members accomplish a variety of tasks related to OLA issues and projects. A number of Advisory Members also assist in the organization's work.

OLA By-Laws

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Guiding Principles
Vision
Provide a venue in which gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, intersexed, queer and questioning (Lambda) alumni feel their particular needs are of primary focus; foster the relationship among Lambda alumni and between alumni and the College; and increase the visibility of Lambda concerns in the life of the College.

Key Goals
Broad Goals by Theme of the Alumni Association Strategic Plan.

• OLA is a partner in setting Oberlin College policy
  • Meet annually with the College President and other Administrative and Staff members as well as with current students
  • Consult with College policy makers about academic, social and service-related needs particular to the Lambda community
• OLA facilitates alumni involvement in College Activities
  • Serve as a resource and support for current Lambda students
  • Organize a Commencement reception for returning Lambda alumni
  • Work with the various student groups to bring alumni back to campus for informal discussions over the academic year
  • Develop winter term projects and housing for Lambda students
• OLA encourages its members to provide financial support to the College
  • Establish grants and funds that appeal to OLA alumni
  • Provide an opportunity to contribute to the College through our communications network
  • Encourage increased support through unique incentives
• OLA provides lifelong support to alumni
  • Host regional activities that appeal to different interests
  • Provide access to an "out" list to promote communication and community support, to encourage mentoring opportunities, and to facilitate contacts for various personal and professional benefits
• OLA continually communicates with alumni to inform them of activities and services and to assess changing needs of the alumni community
  • Maintain a website that highlights the groups accomplishments and provides a venue for communicating with the Steering Committee
  • Host a listserv community for ongoing group dialogue
  • Create and distribute a regular newsletter describing our activities and soliciting feedback

OLA's Accomplishments

• Organizes a bi-annual on-campus reunion for LGBT alumni.
  
  
• Planned a full-day training session with the staff of the College's Counseling Center in an effort to foster greater sensitivity towards LGBT students' issues.
  
  
• Lobbied for the preservation and expansion of the Multicultural Resource Center's LGBT intern position when that division faced severe budget cuts and structural reorganizations.
  
  
• Mediated between the Admissions Office and LGBT students in a conflict regarding sidewalk chalkings.
  
  
• Effectively encouraged the Admissions Office to view the strong LGBT presence at Oberlin as a strength and not a liability when it comes to attracting prospective students.
  
  
• Advised student groups with regard to chartering and other organizational issues.
  
  
• Supported the faculty and staff in their efforts towards achieving domestic partnership rights.
  
  
• Worked with alumni and the staff of Mudd Library to build the College's collection of LGBT-related titles.
  
  
• Successfully lobbied for a visible LGBT student presence in the Admissions Office's Viewbook for prospective students.
  
  
• Examined the availability of financial aid resources for students whose parents have financially cut them off as a result of their coming out. OLA subsequently received a generous donation from one of our alumni members for this purpose.
  
  

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Current Projects

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