Spark Stories
Every other month, we ask one of our volunteers or board members to share with us their "spark story"; what inspired and moved them to volunteer and work on The Center Project. See their inspirational stories below.
Jessica's spark story
Hi, my name is Jessica Johnson. I just turned 30, and I am a college student pursuing a degree in social work. When I first moved to Columbia in 2004 I went exploring at Twilight Festival and found The Center Project. Once I talked to a couple of people and found out the project was for a future community center for the LGBTQQA community, I was shocked! I couldn't believe there wasn't a community center already serving the mid-Missouri community. I had moved from Springfield, Missouri, and even there they have a LGBTQQA community center.
After receiving the e-mail updates from the TCP Yahoo! group for about a year, I finally decided to attend a board meeting in fall 2005. I was pleased to meet such a wonderful, friendly, and motivated group of people. By my second board meeting I was asked if I would like to join the board, and I gladly asked to be considered. Since joining the board, I've helped out with many events - including overseeing our presence at PrideFest - and added some creativity to the appearance of our door prizes at the first Atomic Dance Party.
I feel that my involvement with The Center Project is vital because many people in our community need a place to connect - to feel they belong, and find others struggling with, and hoping for, the same things. I believe this need will be met by a community center. It is my hope that I can contribute in a meaningful way to the success of this project.
Wayne's spark story
My spark story could be very long but I will try to keep it short. My name is Wayne L. Boykin II. I am the youngest TCP board member at the age of 17 (18 after the fourth of Nov.) I go to Columbia College as a freshman triple majoring in Marketing, Management, and Finance. I am a Prism member and treasurer for Horizon GSA (Columbia College Gay/Straight Club).
I have been out to everyone but my high school for two years. Now that I am in college, I am completely out of the closet. I have known about my sexual orientation since I was six but was afraid to come out. When I moved to Missouri, I saw a lot of gay pride and decide it was time to come out and have fun instead of hiding my true feelings. When I started hearing about TCP I was all for it. I meet Becky (Beck, TCP Board Member) and she introduced me to TCP. I went to the Annual Meeting and was voted a board member.
I am proud to serve this community and all of the people in it. I love helping people, I always have. I have served over 1700 hour of volunteer work with various organizations and, I loved every bit of it. I hope I am able to take all of my experience and leadership skill to be able serve as good board member. I also hope to help get teens more involved with TCP. I love TCP and as long I am living here in the area I will be a volunteer. I love you all.
Shawn's spark story-
I was just recently voted on to the board of The Center Project. Over the past year I have really been soul searching and feeling as though I was finally ready to play a more active role in the support of Columbia’s LGBT community. It has been a matter of being in the right place at the right time, I tell you! It was a coming together of being emotionally ready and having the opportunity offered to me. This is how I knew it was time, when these two things happened at once.
I realized that even though it was time that I needed to take, my journey as a transsexual thus far (transitioning from female to male) has been a relatively solitary one. I have made connections with other trans folks, but have not yet taken the step of reaching out to participate in a more widespread support of my trans community. I am excited about the opportunity to help turn up the volume on the trans voice and presence in Columbia.
I am also thrilled to be working with the organization as a whole. Our community is a motivated, intelligent and creative group that is definitely a force to be reckoned with. The Center Project is opening so many doors of opportunity and creating a connection that reaches everyone, no matter where they stand in their own journey.
One thing that tugs very strongly at my heart, and another reason I have become involved with this group, is that I want there to be a time in the near future when folks out there don’t feel alone and is if there is nowhere to turn for support or community. Many of us have spent portions of our lives feeling that way. It would be so wonderful to provide such an outreach opportunity that no one has to feel that way.
I'm happy to be a part of this…and I thank everyone for the vote of confidence!
Dave and Mark's spark story-Dave and I (Mark) are in our late 40s and have been together almost 24 years. Dave grew up in Columbia and I grew up in Southwestern Missouri. Both are from conservative families, which shaped our lives. Due to concern over the fall-out from being gay we never sought out or cultivated friendships, either gay or straight. Hindsight being what it is, we now see the error of this self-imposed isolation. It's only recently that we've really come to terms with who we are, etc.
Mark: In 2003 Dave began having serious kidney problems and with his rapidly declining health, it dawned on me that I had no support group. I was alone and that was a scary feeling. Then, just after Dave received a kidney transplant, the tables were turned and I had to have spine surgery, leaving Dave to do everything. During our recoveries we realized changes were needed. We went to Canada and were married, both of us “came out” at work and we began to work with The Center Project.
Dave: I am excited about the Center Project and the possibility of having “some place to go”. I see the need for fellowship, both within your age group and inter-generational, to be one of the community's greatest needs. I think there are a lot of life experiences to be exchanged to the benefit of everyone. In fact for me it is already working, volunteering with the Center Project has been very rewarding and we have met so many good and interesting people. I look forward to the day we have a building!
Summary: We consider ourselves part of the Invisible People. Within the Columbia LGBT community there are resources for the youth and college age folks. The bars in town provide social settings for adults, however for those like ourselves who do not frequent the bars, there are no services for connecting with others. We suspect Columbia has a significant LGBT population that is disconnected, or Invisible. We look forward to the opportunities The Center Project offer, specifically: 1) a meeting space, 2) a clearing house for information and 3) a resource for connecting with other adults for social events.
Hilary's spark story-
Igniting the Flame
My spark story is really a rekindling story. Years ago, I, newly out and looking to find a place in the LGBT community, attended the very first meetings that led to TCP’s conception. After struggling to find Columbia’s LGBT community and resources, I was thrilled to work toward a community center where information on community groups and LGBT topics will be at our fingertips. I baked cat treats, helped at Twilight Festivals, and religiously attended TCP meetings.
Banking the Flame
Then grad school hit, but the ashes smoldered. I kept on the listserv and watched TCP grow.
The Rekindling the Spark
TCP began talking about gathering library resources, and as a library student, I have happily found ways to combine school projects and my love for TCP. I needed to learn how to catalog books and write library policies, so I cataloged what books TCP had already collected and wrote policies for TCP’s future library.
The Flame
Now TCP’s library is over 300 items strong, and I’ve connected with the community much more than I ever initially dreamed possible. People don’t just give books to our library; they give significant artifacts representing pivotal moments in their lives. Stories of coming out, living in feminist communes, first loves, and loves lost have all been shared at what I originally assumed would simply be book drop offs. Each response to my book drive ad includes stories of hopes for the center, enthusiasm to help, and wishes that there had been a center when they were younger. I can’t wait for us to have a center where these stories can be shared.
My Smoke Signals
If you are behind the TCP cause but find your self too busy to be actively involved right now, stick with the listserv. You never know when you’ll see the perfect spot for your little flame to burn. And if you have books, videos, or other LGBT and social justice materials sitting around that you would like to share with the community, please send them my way before grad school tries to take over again.
Aaron's spark story-
When I heard about TCP through my good friend Pam, I jumped at the opportunity to help wherever and whenever there is a need. I am excited to be associated with this group because it shows that as a community we're working together to achieve great things like the center. I want to be involved with TCP because I care about LGBTQQA issues and feel unity and acceptance for this great and mighty cause. I have totally come out to family and friends. It's been a rough road but I've found that through the coming out process I have gained self acceptance and love. Thank you for all your hard work! Let's rise to success together.
Julie's spark story-
Once upon a time some super community activists thought about creating a physical space to collaborate on the work of social justice organizations before them...it was The Center Project! Although I wasn't there for the great meeting of the minds I have been a part of The Center Project for several years now. As my life has shifted over the years, I have been able to find different ways to be a part of The Center Project. My roles over this time have included: advocate, baker, backup dancer, cheerleader, fundraiser, car washer, printer, to name a few! One of the reasons why I enjoy working on The Center Project is the great ideas and energy put into it. I am really excited about this upcoming year and to see the vision become a reality!
Ron's spark story-
I remember first meeting folks from The Center Project at Twilight Fest. At subsequent Twilight Fests I would stop by and chat (& nibble skittles as well...) One such evening the conversation turned to positions opening up on the Board of Directors, and I was encouraged to volunteer. I felt a strong inner pull to attend the Board meeting. At the meeting I met a group of individuals ultimately working on creating a more unified and loving society. I also observed a group with lots of L, a little G, and pretty much no BTQQA. How could I resist nominating myself for the board?...and I tell you what, I get all warm & fuzzy knowing that I round out a group ultimately working on creating a more unified and loving society. Who wouldn't?
Erica's spark story-
I have been an ally since I was in 8th grade and my best friend came out to me. I remember feeling protective, scared, proud, excited, and sometimes angry as I shared her journey. I remember how hard it was for her to meet potential friends or romantic partners. I remember that there weren’t any visible resources or support people at that time for her (or I for that matter) to access. Growing up in Columbia, I witnessed the struggles of my friend and the broader LGBTQQA community to gather, find resources, and just live without fear.
It was in college, however, that I became a conscious ally and realized that I could and should take action on my beliefs and values. I was privileged to know an amazing group of people who were “out and proud”—who challenged and changed the world view of many students and faculty. They supported and pushed me to grow in my understanding of gender and sexual orientation. They encouraged me to begin to see the connections among issues of oppression and to see myself as an agent of change. They helped me to get connected to the Women’s Center, the Safe Space Program, the LGBT Resource Center, and Prism. I believe strongly that allies have a responsibility in advocating for and supporting the community—because this strengthens all of us. Through the amazing examples of friends and colleagues, I try to learn, stay open, and speak out both professionally and personally.
I first became involved with the Center Project Working Group in 2003(?). For two years prior, I had been a board member of Prism, Mid Missouri’s gay-straight youth alliance, and experienced the struggle of maintaining a space for the youth members to meet. Thus, the Center Project’s mission to create a permanent physical space for members of the LGBTQQA community in Mid Missouri seemed a logical and very exciting idea for me. I believe it is critical to have a safe, visible, consistent place where folks can gather, share resources, have fun, educate themselves and others, and just BE. I believe that the center will help the entire Mid Missouri community—a community that I love and want so much to see evolve. My work as a volunteer for the Center Project is one way that I am trying to contribute to that evolution.
By the way, the Center Project group of board members and volunteers is amazing! It’s unbelievable how much work they’ve done in the past several years and the goals they have for the coming year!
Shari's spark story-
I was enjoying a beautiful Earth Day in Peace Park when I came upon an information booth about an organization of people working to develop a community center for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and allied friends. As a professional in the field of Parks and Recreation I had worked at community centers for senior adults, at-risk youth and for the public in general but never thought there could be such a place for people like me:
- A place where, as a lesbian, I could be myself and be welcomed and accepted;
- A place where, as a new person in town, I could meet friends and connect with my new community; and
- A place where, as a person with needs, I could find the resources I was looking for.
This group rocked. I could tell they were movers and shakers that were bound and determined to get things done and I was impelled to be a part of it. As a member of the Board of Directors, my enthusiasm is bolstered by all the exciting plans on the horizon. I strongly encourage others to jump on board and contribute in any way possible. Only by our community working together can we realize this dream for Central Missouri.
Stacy's spark story-
I anxiously await the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new community center for many reasons. First on my list are resources for LGBTQA families with children or those planning to have or adopt children. The joys and stresses of adding children to any family are special and even more so when a gay family makes that amazing decision. From the decision-making stage to lifelong support as the family grows up together, I envision the center as a reliable place for resource materials and networking opportunities.
I also am excited about the community having one central place to visit for information about the many wonderful LGBTQA groups and organizations in the area. So whether those groups are meeting in the new meeting rooms the center will provide or just making their materials available to visitors, the center will be a one-stop-shop for information and volunteer opportunities.
I hope the Center also serves guests and travelers in the area who are looking for LGBT-owned and friendly activities and businesses, resources and connections. How wonderful it will be to someday see a listing in the phone book for such a center!
Mid-Missouri has a large, vibrant and well-intentioned community of LGBTQA folks. We all have varied interests and goals in life. But we can ALL benefit from the resources provided by a community center. I hope you join me and the rest of the board of directors and members in making a community center a reality in the next few years!
Becky's spark story-
Hello, my name is Becky Beck and I am The Center Project's (TCP) board president. I want to share with everyone a little about why I got involved with TCP. I have been involved since the first formal meeting of the minds. I primarily became involved because I believe that everyone in the GLBTQQ community deserves to have a safe environment, free from judgment, in which they can get information or meet new friends. This is particularly important for GLBTQQ youth because of the intense pressure from the outside world to conform to the status quo. I also believe that the center will serve as a place that unifies our community by providing a space for other groups to meet and share ideas. The Center Project will also serve to educate the community at large in an effort to reduce homophobia and negative stereotypes that others may have of GLBTQQ persons.
The impact of having a center could be very profound to our community. I like the idea of becoming involved with something that will have long-lasting effects for the people TCP will serve. I believe that one of the most altruistic things I can do is to give back to others. Being involved with TCP has given me this opportunity and I am honored to be involved with something that will have such a strong impact for many years to come.
