NWA Equality and The Equality Crew announce plans to unite youth programming

Northwest Arkansas Equality and The Equality Crew today announced plans to unite their youth and family programming by integrating The Equality Crew's programs into NWA Equality. The organizations have begun developing an integration plan to ensure continued growth, long-term sustainability, and support for LGBTQ youth and families across the region.

Founded in 2021, The Equality Crew has built trusted, youth-centered programming that has created meaningful spaces for LGBTQ youth and their families in Northwest Arkansas. Under the proposed integration, those programs would continue within NWA Equality's organizational structure, expanding access to resources, support, and community connections.

"For years, The Equality Crew has created spaces where LGBTQ youth can feel seen, supported, and connected," said Sara Sorrell, president of The Equality Crew's board of directors. "By uniting this work with NWA Equality, we believe it can continue growing and reach more young people and families across our region."

NWA Equality, a nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ community in Northwest Arkansas for more than 20 years through programming, education, and advocacy, would integrate The Equality Crew's youth programming alongside its existing services for individuals and families. Uniting this work within a broader, established framework would support its long-term impact and expanded reach.

"This proposed integration brings together the strengths of both organizations, allowing us to build on what's already working and expand what's possible together," said Jafet Malavé, chair of NWA Equality's board of directors. "Our goal is to ensure that youth and family programming remains a strong, supported, and lasting part of our work moving forward."

The boards of directors of both organizations have approved proceeding with integration planning following several months of collaborative discussions. The organizations expect to finalize an agreement after completing the remaining planning and community engagement.

Under the proposed integration:
1. Youth programs and events would continue under NWA Equality.

 2. A Youth and Family Programs Committee would be established to steer existing and new youth and family programs.

 3. The organizations would prioritize continuity for participants, families, and volunteers.

If the integration is finalized, The Equality Crew would undertake a structured wind-down process in coordination with NWA Equality to support the responsible transfer of programs, resources, and community relationships.

The proposed integration also marks a broader milestone in NWA Equality's continued growth. By uniting the organizations' programming, NWA Equality would encompass more than a dozen program areas and produce more than 100 annual community events and program activations across Northwest Arkansas.

As part of this next chapter, NWA Equality will launch a search for a chief executive officer to guide the strategic direction of its expanding programs and initiatives. The role is central to unifying the organization's programs, initiatives, and public presence under a single organizational vision, creating a cohesive organization for the community, volunteers, partners, and supporters while strengthening NWA Equality's ability to serve the LGBTQ community across Northwest Arkansas.

To help introduce this next chapter and celebrate The Equality Crew's impact, the organizations will host a Community Town Hall and Volunteer Appreciation Gathering from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Handshake in the Fayetteville Public Library. The event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the proposed integration, ask questions, share feedback about the planning process, celebrate The Equality Crew's accomplishments, and explore opportunities to remain involved. Feedback gathered during the event will help inform integration planning as the organizations work toward a final agreement. Additional event details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Both organizations will continue to share updates with participants, families, volunteers, and supporters throughout the planning and integration process.

More information about upcoming programs, the Sept. 20 community gathering, and opportunities to get involved will be available at TheEqualityCrew.org and through both organizations' social media channels.

NWA Equality is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, connecting, and empowering LGBTQ people across Northwest Arkansas. Through advocacy, education, health initiatives, community engagement, and social activities, the organization supports and connects thousands of individuals and families each year, including NWA Pride Weekend, one of the largest LGBTQ Pride celebrations in the South.

The Equality Crew is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive community where LGBTQ youth and allies can connect, participate, and be themselves.

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