The Legal Services Commission would like someone from LAGLA to participate in this workshop. If you are interested, please register with them and let us know. Of course you cannot speak on behalf of LAGLA as a whole at the workshop, although that is, it seems, not their aim.

There was a navy H&M jumper left at the Edge last night. The owner should telephone the Edge on 020 7439 1313 as soon as possible to collect it.

Our members directory – visible only to other members – is a great way to make sure you find those again you have talked to at the last do etc. Remember, to be included you will need to:

• choose a profile name (which should really be your full name unless you want to stay anonymous – only this will be shown);
• tick the box to show your profile (see below);
• preferably upload a photograph (so others can recognise you.

Here is how to do it:

• Click “View Profile” on the top right;
• Click “My directory profile” then the “Edit profile” button and then “Privacy”
• You can now tick the box so that your profile is shown at all other members. You can also you can change individual settings. 

Individual profiles will never be shown on the public part of our website (other than for Committee members), but please note that since membership is free, anyone can sign up.

We have been able to work with WildApricot this week and tweaked the website further. Amongst other things you can now find a Help/FAQs page in the Members-only section of the website.

We have also trialled various event sign-ups. Some further trials are necessary and we then hope we will be able to go live with the WildApricot website next week.

We changed the page name for the one on which you join as a member from "Membership Application" to "Join". Please let us know whether this is more obvious and easier to find, as some of you said. We have now gone through the first phase of our beta testing. Please let us have any feedback so we can further improve the site before rolling it out to all members. Please contact Andrea Woelke, Chairman with any feedback.

The AGM last night approved a new constitution which now means we can move on to a web-based membership system. This also allows us to have free membership for 2010.

 

We hope that the loss in revenue from membership contributions will be met through other ways including donations from members (some may leave their standing orders in place), corporate membership and sponsorship.

Today an article in City AM “Even in 2010, some gay lawyers say coming out can damage your career” by Jon Robins included an interview with Andrea Woelke, LAGLA Chairman, of Alternative Family Law.