黑料正能量 committees, councils and caucuses represent certain groups of members, work on special projects or issues central to 黑料正能量, or simply advance the business of the union. These groups are essential to the work of the union 鈥 but how much do you know about them, really?鈥鈥&苍产蝉辫;
This is your chance to find out! In the weeks leading up to 黑料正能量鈥檚 2025 Delegate Assembly, 黑料正能量 Reporter will feature a number of these groups to give you a better idea of their work and how you can get involved. This week, we鈥檙e looking at the LGBTQ+ Caucus.鈥鈥&苍产蝉辫;
Name:鈥诹险芰 LGBTQ+ Caucus
搁别辫谤别蝉别苍迟补迟颈辞苍:鈥The caucus is open to members from every region.聽An 黑料正能量 caucus differs from an 黑料正能量 committee. Unlike committees, which can be created through a new business item at Delegate Assembly or by the 黑料正能量 Board of Directors, caucuses are created through member action and are not financially supported by 黑料正能量 dues. Members who join a caucus pay additional fees specifically to the caucus.
Creation and governance: The 黑料正能量 Board of Directors approved the caucus in December 2024, but this year鈥檚 Delegate Assembly will serve as its official debut. Cassie Horner, a member of the Boise Education Association, led the effort to create the caucus.
鈥淚 felt like there was a need in our state for it, especially for students,鈥 Horner said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e constantly under attack at the capitol 鈥 both students and trans and queer folk in general. I want this to be another resource and support for educators.鈥
What the committee does: The caucus will help ensure every educator and student feels safe, respected and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Although the caucus is just getting started, members are already building partnerships with community organizations like Boise Pride to help promote events and provide support for LGBTQ+ students.
How you can get involved: The committee is open to any member interested in participating, including members outside Idaho鈥檚 major cities.
鈥淚鈥檓 hoping to reach out to members in rural communities who might have fewer resources and support,鈥 Horner said.
The new caucus will work closely with the Women and Minorities Caucus, even sharing meeting space at this year鈥檚 Delegate Assembly. The two caucuses have a natural crossover, Horner said.
鈥淲e will probably end up sharing a lot of the same folks,鈥 Horner said. 鈥淎llies are welcome to join 鈥 they don鈥檛 have to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.鈥
To learn more or become a member, email Horner at iealgbtqcaucus@gmail.com. The caucus will also have a booth at Summer Institute where members can join.
