3794
(1 vote, average 5.00 out of 5)
Written by Lisa Neff, Staff writer
Oct 24, 2011
Jason R. Rae is offering an investment opportunity. He’s hoping that people buy into the concept of Young LGBT Professionals of Milwaukee, a new organization.
"We really want this to be something organic that people can invest in and feel ownership (of)," said Rae, who works in public affairs, serves on the Fair Wisconsin board and serves an a member of the Democratic National Committee.
Rae and other founders will launch the new group with a party at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Vino 100 in the Third Ward. In recent weeks, they’ve sprinkled news of the group’s formation on Facebook and Twitter, and they are hoping to capitalize on the might of social media to build membership and encourage participation.
"We know that the overwhelming majority of those under 40 access most of their information via the Internet and through their phones, so it only makes sense that this is our primary means of communication – and it is cheap for a fledgling organization," Rae said.
WiG recently connected with Rae – to ask about the new organization, its purpose and its founders.
WiG: Tell me about your background. What’s on your resume?
Jason R. Rae: I moved to Milwaukee in 2005, when I started at Marquette University, and decided after graduation a few years ago that Milwaukee really felt like home. Milwaukee is a small big city that has many of the amenities of a big city while not being too overwhelming and I love it. … I work at Nation Consulting, a public affairs consulting firm in Milwaukee, doing a variety of work with corporate, nonprofit and political clients.
Why did you decide to form a young LGBT professionals group?
I’ve always believed in building stronger communities. I have felt for some time that the LGBT community of Milwaukee could become more closely knit. I know a number of young LGBT professionals on an individual basis, but it seems that most are not connected to one other in a more professional setting. I brought my idea to some friends – one with a background similar to my own in politics and nonprofit organizations and one with a marketing and business background – and the three of us started planning and organizing what might this group look like.
This is a difficult time for young professionals, especially the youngest ones — those just of out college. Do you see LGBT Young Professionals of Milwaukee as a way to help them find jobs or advance in their careers?
Certainly, I think this will be a great opportunity for folks to network in their respective fields, make connections and create ties across professions. We see this group forming from the ground up, where individuals shape the direction of the activities. … I also see this as a way we can simply build a stronger, more connected community. To me that is goal No. 1. I want young LGBT professionals to feel a broader sense of community in Milwaukee and to feel connected to one another.
Why do you, as a young professional, need an LGBT young professionals group?
I think for me, as is the case with others, we want to simply build a stronger and broader community here. … I think we wield a great amount of potential influence and power in this city, and I am hoping that this is yet another step in bringing us together and to really unite.
