By Lei Rowan
MIDDLEBURGH– On Tuesday, SchoCo Pride had a second meeting to discuss a modified consensus vote, 501C3 plans, and decide on a preliminary board. With turnout more than double the first meeting, a good variety of input and different opinions were able to be incorporated into decisions.
SchoCo Pride aims to provide education, wellness, resources, acceptance, visibility, and empowerment. It’s a non-political not-for-profit organization in the works. They strive to not alienate other marginalized groups and embrace intersectionality, but still have the main focus on the Queer community. “We’ve been queer, and we’ve survived here together,” Krissy Traver told the group.
A provisional board of five members was created, with roles being internal chair, external chair, program chair, treasury, and secretary. Plans made include five committees to come together monthly on top of the meetings all of SchoCo Pride have set. The in-the-works non-profit decided to be member based, with a vote to elect board members into staggered terms.
Eligibility to be members is still up in the air, with the general consensus leaning towards any adult in New York state can be a member, but only people within a certain radius of Schoharie county being able to be a board member. Those 17 and under can still attend meetings, but cannot become a member until they’re at least 18 years old. There was a brief discussion of members having a fee, but the set amount has not been decided. All members are able to vote in SchoCo Pride decisions.
There are also plans to have a 501C3 to be filed with the state and federal governments by January 1, 2026. By the next monthly meeting, the five committees must produce a charter, responsibilities, authority, deliverables, and a 30, 60, and 90 day plan on how to make SchoCo Pride Fest 2026 happen effectively. There is possibly going to be a pledge drive coming up to get an idea of initial funding once the 501C3 is established.
If you’d like to join future meetings, mailing lists, or Discord, contact schoharielgbtqia@gmail.com or schocopride@gmail.com for more information.
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