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About Us Mission
The Midwest Alternative Family Alliance was organized in 2002 by a small group of people in Kansas City who were concerned that local gay and lesbian parents and prospective parents needed a presence, a voice, and a way to connect with each other. In 2005, MAFA became a 501c3 non-profit organization.
MAFA supports LGBT parents in the greater Kansas City area and beyond to build families and raise children in a community that is respectful, encouraging, and inclusive.
Activities
To date, we have connections with nearly 200 LGBT families and prospective parents in the metro Kansas City area and other locations in Kansas and Missouri. MAFA sponsors two large annual events for families, regular social get-togethers of smaller groups of parents and prospective parents, and workshops/discussion events about topics of interest to the MAFA community.
In addition, we: maintain a network of LGBT parents so that they can mentor and help each other across the family life cycle; offer resource-and-referral information about adoption, parenting, and other issues; provide training and education to LGBT parents, professionals, and community members who have the best interest of alternative families in mind; promote awareness of and respect for LGBT parents and their children to the general public; and advocate for alternative families so that they may participate fully in the larger community without fear of oppression, intimidation, or exclusion.
Volunteers
We have no paid staff or any formal office space. MAFA is an organization run by folks with varied interests, ideas, and talents, including LGBT parents, prospective parents, and supporters (gay and straight) of alternative families.The Board meets on the first Monday of the month to run the organization. Officers are elected every 2 years. Other committees meet as needed, including: Membership, Programs, Activities and Events, Communications, Finance, and Advocacy.
There are lots of ways to get involved. We hope you will join us!
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