NONPROFIT LAND Outright gets its man BY TONY GIAMPETRUZZI

That’s right. For the first time in the organization’s 16-year history, Outright, the Portland-based glbtq (that’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning . . . and, from time to time, some additional letters corresponding to other designations) support and leadership organization has tapped a male to helm its ship.

Ironically, Jan Cline, a 39-year-old native of Ohio, who is actually the first executive director to provide watch over the group in a long time, credits his experience as an Eagle Scout as just one of the many things that will help him to revive Outright.

"I point to my experience with the Boy Scouts because I really wanted to draw a parallel between them and Outright as youth organizations," he says. "One of the main things that makes the Boy Scouts a great organization is their collaboration between adults and youth. Unfortunately, the Scouts’ national organization has really decided to follow the money in their anti-gay policies."

Cline’s experience with youth, and glbtq groups, is certainly farther-reaching than the Scouts. In Cleveland, Ohio, he was involved in the Lesbian/Gay Community Center, the AIDS Task Force, and a handful of other nonprofit organizations. All the while, Cline was honing a skill that should prove helpful at Outright — fundraising.

For months, if not years, rumors have floated that the organization’s resources have slowly shrunk as sizeable grants awarded years ago have dried up.

Cline confirms that raising money is his main priority for the group.

"My analysis is that we’re not completely out of the woods yet. We’re strong enough to continue and, at this point, we’re not at risk of closing, but I think that we’ll bounce back and be stronger than ever," he predicts, adding that Outright’s decision to move to a youth-based organizational paradigm a few years ago continues to be the essence of the organization.

"Yes, we need more community support, but the truth is that, while some experiments fail, this is an experiment that has gone good."

Nonetheless, Cline’s objectives are clear. "(Outright) needs a good fundraising agenda and a good fundraising plan. I’ve had more than six years of experience raising money for nonprofits and I’ve also had a lot of experience in sales," he says. "Raising money for a nonprofit is just like sales with heart. It’s not used cars, but it’s about getting people to support and want something that they believe in."

As for Cline’s distinction as the first male to lead Outright (and, look around . . . there aren’t many guys in charge of national or regional gay organizations) he suggests that men are just starting to catch up.

"There was an entire generation of male leaders who are actually dead. I think that men my age are finally coming to a point where they have the experience to move into leadership positions," he says. "The generation, or half generation, ahead of us were simply not available."

Portland Outright serves over 700 youth annually, and reaches over 2500 youth and adults through community education on topics ranging from glbtq awareness to HIV prevention education. To reach Outright, call (207) 828-6560.