Welcome to the Winter 2008 online edition of The PFLAGpole! This version of our signature publication includes all of the content of the print edition, but in an easy-to-read web-friendly format. You can also download a full copy of this edition of the PFLAGpole as a printer-friendly PDF by clicking here.

The PFLAGpole is only one of the great resources we have online for PFLAG members. Be sure to check out the collection of Chapter Resources on the PFLAG website today.

The start of a new year brings with it the opportunity to reflect back on the previous one and to be hopeful for what lies ahead. We look back proudly at 2007 but acknowledge that none of us can afford to rest for too long. This is 2008, a big election year, and at PFLAG our hopes for this new year are rooted in the knowledge that all of us can make specific goals to help influence the outcome of local, state and national elections as GLBT people become a prominent part of the dialogue leading up to November 4.

Around the country, everyone is entering into a new season - election season! With primaries in full swing, PFLAG is gearing up to play an important and integral part in the 2008 elections. See how your chapter can help get out the vote!

Also check out this related story:

• Get Out the Vote 2008 online trainings now available! >> Read the rest of this edition's cover story.

Have you signed the Straight for Equality Pledge yet? Spent any time checking out the new Straight for Equality website? Know where to find new resources to make your Straight for Equality outreach work? Check out these and many other features now!

From PFLAG youth group facilitator to board member to Board President, Thomas Farmer's work with the Winston- Salem PFLAG ­chapter has helped advance GLBT equality on all levels.

PFLAG San Jose began meeting 26 years ago at Stanford University under the leadership of Verda Keenan and two friends. Since its humble start, the chapter has made several key contributions to PFLAG.

As a supporter of PFLAG National, MetLife has ­ demonstrated ­tremendous ­interest in helping move ­equality forward as it has become one of the most active initial ­ participants in Straight for Equality, hosting more than ten workshops to date around the United States.

Denise Singleton, vice president and chief diversity officer for MetLife, explained why diversity is important to the company and how supporting the work of PFLAG helps their efforts.

Looking for ways to keep connecting with other PFLAG members and develop new skills for your work? Check out one of the upcoming state and regional conferences planned for 2008. Dates are subject to change, so be sure to check with the hosting chapter before making travel plans!

In its fourth year, the PFLAG National Scholarship Program has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to meritorious students. Since its inception, and with the help of our generous sponsors and members, PFLAG scholarships have helped 107 young people achieve their dreams of higher education.

The results are in! Thank you to all of the PFLAG leaders and members who participated in the 2007 PFLAG Chapter Survey. Read on for just a few of the survey findings. Also, be sure to read the upcoming issues of the PFLAG Update to find out how to access additional survey results online.

Join PFLAG National and R Family Vacations as we celebrate family and friends and sail with us on our very first cruise to the Mexican Riviera!

The 2007 PFLAG National Convention was an exciting event, full of memories for everyone that was there. From Bishop V. Gene Robinson and Cyndi Lauper to all of the chapter members, here is one last look back at the Convention.

Also see these related stories:

• Overheard at the Convention...
• Convention Survey Results

Trudy Scanlan works too many hours at the office. When she has time, she wants to go out to dance to the swing music of the 40s, but knows that she will likely be sitting at home, watching movies with her two cats. As Director of Finance & Administration, Trudy talks about how keeping the finances and ­human resources running ­efficiently at PFLAG National is one of the ways she contributes her energy to the fight for GLBT equality.