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Philosophical Goals:
SAGE/Milwaukee is a self-help advocacy group established for mature gay, lesbian and bi-sexual citizens of Southeast Wisconsin. Its goals are:
To provide support to mature gays, lesbians, and bi-sexuals who are coping with adjustments caused by age, lifestyle, and loss of significant others and/or peers.
To advocate for a system of psycho-social living and social services in the community which will adequately provide a pathway toward wellness and maintenance of quality of life.
To secure increased support for research from local, state, federal, and private sources toward eradicating the stigma associated with age and lifestyle.
To educate the lesbian and gay community, as well as the general public, about the lives of, and issues concerning older lesbians and gay men and to help mental health and medical professionals understand the needs faced by mature persons living alternative lifestyles.
To attain a firm commitment to the innate dignity for this maturing group of productive citizens and/or their rights to a maximum possible participation in society .
1994--After an organizational meeting in December of 1993, SAGE/Milwaukee was formed and had its first public event on January 8, 1994. The first year was devoted to establishing a strong organizational structure, selecting qualified board members and officers, getting incorporated as a non-profit Wisconsin corporation, establishing a bank account and a post office box and filing for a federal tax exempt status (501.c.3). We did, however, manage to have seventeen events including our first half-day training session for professionals who work with the elderly on the special needs of older LGBT persons. At the end of the year we had 100 paid-up charter members and we had mailed twelve monthly newsletters.
1995---On January 12, 1995 the Internal Revenue Service granted a 501.c.3 non-profit tax exempt status to SAGE/Milwaukee and we immediately filed for and received a non-profit bulk postal mailing permit. We received a major grant of $4,265 from The Challenging Party. A lot of time was spent on locating a suitable place to rent as a SAGE Center, but the project fell through at the last minute. We sponsored nineteen events during the year and did several speaking engagements, appearing on radio and television. The newsletter continued to be mailed monthly to members and others who indicated an interest.
1996---SAGE/Milwaukee founder and board chairperson, Eldon E. Murray, was appointed to serve as an unpaid volunteer on the prestigious Board of Advisors to the Commissioners of the Milwaukee County Department on Aging. Two board members along with eight other gay and lesbian community leaders participated in
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