Committees

Bylaws Committee

Co-Chairs: Don Wheaton & Kaylie Straka

The Bylaws committee reviews the Section’s bylaws, policies, and procedures and makes recommendations for appropriate changes to the Council and Section.

The committee typically meets as needed. Contact the Co-Chairs above for meeting information.

Candidate Evaluation Committee

Co-Chairs: Katie Stanley & [OPEN]

More information coming soon.

Communications/Social Media Committee

Co-Chairs: Jessie Thueme & Nick Butkevich

The Communications/Social Media committee oversees the maintenance of the Section's website and other media sources (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Email, etc.) and the distribution of emails from the public to members. This committee works to ensure that the Section's media sources are current and up to date with accurate leadership contact information, event content displayed, and timely information is provided regarding upcoming events.

The committee typically meets quarterly or as needed. Contact the Co-Chairs above for meeting information.

Continuing Legal Education Committee

Co-Chairs: Peter Kulas-Dominguez & S. Kerene Moore

The CLE committee creates and provides educational information and training to the Section and legal community on issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan.

The committee typically meets as needed. Contact the Co-Chairs above for meeting information.

Court Rules & Forms Committee

Co-Chairs: Elizabeth Bransdorfer & Don Wheaton

The Court Rules & Forms committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Council on proposed amendments, changes or additions to the Michigan Court Rules, Michigan Rules of Professional Ethics, and any other body of rules that are likely to impact the LGBTQ+ community in Michigan. 

The committee typically meets quarterly or as needed. Contact the Co-Chairs above for meeting information.

Finance & Fundraising Committee

Co-Chair: John Allen

The Finance & Fundraising committee makes recommendations for budget proposals and fundraising opportunities to the Executive Board and Council and coordinates said projects. 

The committee typically meets as needed. Contact the Co-Chair above for meeting information.

Digital Section Library Committee

Co-Chair: Jessie Thueme

The Digital Library committee maintains the shared digital library (e.g. Google Drive) of information and resources for use by members of the Section. 

The committee typically meets as needed. Contact the Co-Chair above for meeting information.

Journal Committee

Co-Chairs: Peter Kulas-Dominguez & S. Kerene Moore

The Journal committee puts together the Section Journal, Writing on the Stonewall, bi-annually, including article submissions, ads and sponsorships, layout/design, and editorial duties. 

The committee typically meets quarterly or as needed. Contact the Co-Chairs above for meeting information.

Membership Committee

Co-Chairs: Jessie Thueme & [OPEN]

The Membership committee collaborates to encourage new members and help the Section retain current members. The committee maintains and evaluates existing membership services, creates programs to promote membership retention and growth, and makes recommendations for future potential member services to Council for implementation.

The committee typically meets quarterly or as needed. Contact the Co-Chairs above for meeting information.

Public Policy, Legislative, & Amicus Committee

Co-Chairs: Sheena Fioritto & Alena Clark

The PPLAC committee performs the following activities:

• Public Policy - Makes recommendations to the Council in support or opposition to legislation, case law, and other areas of the law, which has potential to impact the Michigan LGBTQ+ community, and coordinates such participation.
• Legislative - Reviews and recommends support or opposition to federal and Michigan legislation of interest to the Section.
• Amicus - Identifies cases in which the Section can participate as amicus curiae and addresses any other response to existing caselaw.  

The PPLAC typically meets monthly via Zoom. Contact the Co-Chairs above for Zoom information/links.

Scholarship Committee

Co-Chairs: Christine Yared & John Casupang

The Scholarship committee maintains the Section Scholarship program. This committee evaluates applications, makes recommendations to Council for award distribution, and coordinates the distribution of awards. 

The committee typically meets quarterly or as needed. Contact the Co-Chairs above for meeting information.

Transgender Issues Committee

Co-Chairs: Katie Stanley & Kaylie Straka

The Transgender Issues committee educates the Section on current events, changes in the law, etc., that are likely to impact the transgender community in Michigan and makes recommendations to Council and other committees for section action.

The committee typically meets as needed. Contact the Co-Chairs above for meeting information.