San Francisco's Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative (TEEI), the nation's only collaborative program helping transgender people find jobs, is once again facing elimination. TEEI has helped place transgender people in over 130 jobs in less than three years.

Mayor Newsom's current budget, released late Tuesday afternoon, eliminated funding for TEEI. The Mayor's budget will be considered by the Board of Supervisors' Budget and Finance Committee and then it will go to the full Board for approval. Unless you take action now, we will lose TEEI.

Here's what you can do to help reinstate this crucial program!

1)      Contact the Mayor's office to tell him how important TEEI is to San Francisco.  You can reach his office at (415) 554-6141 or gavin.newsom@sfgov.org.

2)      Contact the Members of the Board of Supervisors and let them know why we need TEEI. Visit their website for a complete list of phone numbers and email addresses. www.sfbos.org.

3)      Attend the upcoming budget hearing to show solidarity (date to be announced).

4)      Check back in at www.teeisf.org to stay up to date on upcoming hearings and other developments.

About TEEI: TEEI prioritizes community empowerment and includes comprehensive job search support, mentoring, and legal services and education. TEEI also works with employers to ensure workplaces are free of gender identity bias. TEEI is made up of three partner agencies: Transgender Law Center, the SF LGBT Community Center, and Jewish Vocational Service. 

Cost for Our Communities: Across California, transgender people experience unemployment and poverty at twice the statewide average. This economic injustice cannot be undone without comprehensive employment services addressing the unique needs of transgender job seekers.  TEEI is at the forefront of ensuring the economic health of transgender San Franciscans, and is a model to communities across the county.  San Francisco cannot afford to lose TEEI! Please show your support!

If you are a TEEI participant, visit our website for updated information about the future of the program.  If you have questions or want to learn more about how you can help, please contact TEEI Staff:

Davey Shlasko, Jewish Vocational Service, 415-782-6268

Clair Farley, SF LGBT Center, 415-865-5632

Kristina Wertz, Transgender Law Center, 415-865-0176

 

Sample phone message: 

My name is ___________and I am a resident of ___[City]____.  I am saddened to hear that the Mayor's proposed budget cuts the Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative.  TEEI addresses the unique needs of transgender job seekers, a crucial service in these tough times.  San Francisco cannot afford to lose TEEI.  Please support TEEI and make sure the program continues.

Sample email:

My name is ___________and I am a resident of ___[City]____.  I am saddened to hear that the Mayor's proposed budget cuts the Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative.  TEEI addresses the unique needs of transgender job seekers, a crucial service in these tough times.  San Francisco cannot afford to lose TEEI.  Please support TEEI and make sure the program continues.

TEEI prioritizes community empowerment and includes comprehensive job search support, mentoring, and legal services and education. TEEI also works with employers to ensure workplaces are free of gender identity bias. TEEI is made up of three partner agencies: Transgender Law Center, the SF LGBT Community Center, and Jewish Vocational Service. 

Across California, transgender people experience unemployment and poverty at twice the statewide average. This economic injustice cannot be undone without comprehensive employment services addressing the unique needs of transgender job seekers.  TEEI is at the forefront of ensuring the economic health of transgender San Franciscans, and is a model to communities across the county.  San Francisco cannot afford to lose TEEI! Please help save this crucial program.