We are HRC Columbus!

With our first annual dinner in 1983, Columbus became one of the leaders of the then-recently formed Human Rights Campaign. In the four decades since, a dedicated and evolving team of volunteers has carried that torch and kept HRC Columbus on the forefront of advocating for rights for LGBTQ+ Ohioans. Today our local volunteer team focuses on creating impactful change by providing advocacy for HRC’s mission and work on the ground.

HRC Columbus does its work through a steering committee of local volunteers who work throughout the year on efforts such as:

• Advocating for pro-equality political candidates and issues, including lobbying Ohio's Congressional delegation and state legislature, campaigning for HRC-endorsed candidates, and raising awareness of political issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
• Hosting community events, such as our annual gala dinner, our annual bowling event, forums and discussions, Pride booths, and many others. (Check out some of our past events on our Past Events page.)
• Building relationships with Central Ohio businesses and organizations that support our goals of a better world for all LGBTQ+ people.
• Helping raise funds for the critical work that HRC does in Ohio and nationally.

Volunteers work in six committees: dinner committee, political action and community engagement, Federal Club committee, membership outreach, volunteer engagement, and digital engagement.

Through these committees, volunteers not only help us move the needle for LGBTQ+ Ohioans but also build skills in relationship-building, public speaking, strategic planning, volunteer management, stewarding donors, lobbying, event-planning and social media communications. We accomplish our work plans by working closely with HRC staff partners, who provide volunteers with expertise, training, and leadership development.

We hope you will join us on our journey in advocating for LGBTQ+ Ohioans. Feel free to take a look at what we do on this site and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We hope to see you at an event or out on the front lines canvassing or testifying at the Statehouse!