Membership in Q Street

 

Membership in Q Street

 

FAQ’s

Membership in Q Street

What is Q Street and how is Q Street structured?

We are a professional association of LGBTQ lobbyists and public policy advocates who share a commitment to LGBTQ equality and community. We are led by a seven-member, all-volunteer Board of Directors, with three officers – President, Treasurer, and Secretary – and four at-large members. We are registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the District of Columbia as a registered 501(c)(6), which means we are a nonprofit, but unfortunately, contributions to Q Street are not tax-deductible.

Who are the members?

To be a Member of Q Street, one must be employed as a federal lobbyist or public policy advocate who is committed to furthering the mission of the organization. We’ll double-check your eligibility when you register to join. Unfortunately, Government employees, congressional staff, and those not working in the field of public policy are not eligible for membership.

I’m not eligible to be a Q Street Member. Can I still join your list and attend your events?

Absolutely! All are welcome to subscribe to our distribution list and attend our events. We take steps to ensure our events comply with House and Senate ethics restrictions; and if you work in the Executive Branch, we urge you to check with your agency’s ethics office for any restrictions that may apply.

Why be a Member? What does Q Street do?

The chief benefit of membership in Q Street is an ever-growing network of friends and colleagues, whom you will meet and interact with in the context of fun, educational, and inspiring get-togethers. Our primary activity is hosting nearly 25 receptions, lunch discussions, and professional development events – serving a variety of purposes and subsets of members – every year.

Also: Only Members may vote in our annual Board of Director elections and occasional advisory referenda on issues such as changes in our bylaws or new initiatives.

Are there Member dues?

Q Street is generously supported by our sponsors so, fortunately, we do not require membership dues, and most of our events are free to all attendees. The chief exception is our monthly luncheon, which is $25 including tax and tip. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we offer a lunch scholarship.

Who are the sponsors? How can I become a sponsor?

Q Street offers sponsorship opportunities at several levels of investment, with corresponding levels of benefits. Our current sponsors are listed here, and a signup form for becoming a sponsor is here.

How often are members of the Board elected?

Elections are held annually in November/December, with one-half of the Board up each year. Directors are elected at-large, and Officers (President/Treasurer/Secretary) are elected by the Board in December. An individual may indicate the Officer position they intend to seek during their election.

What do I need to do to be in good standing to run/vote in Q Street elections?

To be considered a Member in good standing for purposes of running for a board position or to vote in our elections and referenda, you must meet the definition of Member listed above and have a current email address listed on our Q Street mailing list. You can sign up here.

I'm interested in running for the Board. Are there financial obligations?

Street is an all-volunteer organization, with a volunteer Board of Directors tasked with coordinating and carrying out our activities. While we are not a “give or get” board, the Board members do commit their time and resources to help ensure our programming runs smoothly. This may include soliciting sponsors, arranging speakers, leading discussions, managing logistics, assisting with communications, and similar activities. By seeking a Board position, you are acknowledging that Q Street requires time and commitment and you will make your best efforts to help make Q Street programs successful.

FAQ’s

Membership in Q Street

What is Q Street and how is Q Street structured?

We are a professional association of LGBTQ lobbyists and public policy advocates who share a commitment to LGBTQ equality and community. We are led by a seven-member, all-volunteer Board of Directors, with three officers – President, Treasurer, and Secretary – and four at-large members. We are registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the District of Columbia as a registered 501(c)(6), which means we are a nonprofit, but unfortunately, contributions to Q Street are not tax-deductible.

Who are the members?

To be a Member of Q Street, one must be employed as a federal lobbyist or public policy advocate who is committed to furthering the mission of the organization. We’ll double-check your eligibility when you register to join. Unfortunately, Government employees, congressional staff, and those not working in the field of public policy are not eligible for membership.

I’m not eligible to be a Q Street Member. Can I still join your list and attend your events?

Absolutely! All are welcome to subscribe to our distribution list and attend our events. We take steps to ensure our events comply with House and Senate ethics restrictions; and if you work in the Executive Branch, we urge you to check with your agency’s ethics office for any restrictions that may apply.

Why be a Member? What does Q Street do?

The chief benefit of membership in Q Street is an ever-growing network of friends and colleagues, whom you will meet and interact with in the context of fun, educational, and inspiring get-togethers. Our primary activity is hosting nearly 25 receptions, lunch discussions, and professional development events – serving a variety of purposes and subsets of members – every year.

Also: Only Members may vote in our annual Board of Director elections and occasional advisory referenda on issues such as changes in our bylaws or new initiatives.

Are there Member dues?

Q Street is generously supported by our sponsors so, fortunately, we do not require membership dues, and most of our events are free to all attendees. The chief exception is our monthly luncheon, which is $25 including tax and tip. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we offer a lunch scholarship.

Who are the sponsors? How can I become a sponsor?

Q Street offers sponsorship opportunities at several levels of investment, with corresponding levels of benefits. Our current sponsors are listed here, and a signup form for becoming a sponsor is here.

How often are members of the Board elected?

Elections are held annually in November/December, with one-half of the Board up each year. Directors are elected at-large, and Officers (President/Treasurer/Secretary) are elected by the Board in December. An individual may indicate the Officer position they intend to seek during their election.

What do I need to do to be in good standing to run/vote in Q Street elections?

To be considered a Member in good standing for purposes of running for a board position or to vote in our elections and referenda, you must meet the definition of Member listed above and have a current email address listed on our Q Street mailing list. You can sign up here.

I'm interested in running for the Board. Are there financial obligations?

Street is an all-volunteer organization, with a volunteer Board of Directors tasked with coordinating and carrying out our activities. While we are not a “give or get” board, the Board members do commit their time and resources to help ensure our programming runs smoothly. This may include soliciting sponsors, arranging speakers, leading discussions, managing logistics, assisting with communications, and similar activities. By seeking a Board position, you are acknowledging that Q Street requires time and commitment and you will make your best efforts to help make Q Street programs successful.

JOIN

Q Street

All are welcome to join Q Street’s distribution list for updates on events and activities.