Vision

Cougar Pride Center aims to build a vibrant, inclusive future where queer people, especially college students, feel valued, supported, and empowered. We envision a brick and mortar home base near campus that serves as a visible place of safety, so students know where to turn when support is needed. We see a future where we are better able to connect students to opportunities and resources such that they can live fulfilling and supported lives. We hope our programs will continue to be guided by research on the needs and challenges faced by queer students at BYU, which informs dialogue with the university and supports efforts toward greater joy and acceptance. We encourage leaders at BYU and in the community to advance equality and strengthen support for queer students, and we work with partners who choose to act toward shared goals. From resources to events, this mission guides our work as we strengthen community and move toward a more inclusive future.

Goals

1. 1.We have decided that our core programs should be prioritized since we have limited funding and manpower. Those core programs are: trans grants, minigrants, the safe housing project, the gender affirming open closet, snack time, the Pattirini Pageant, and Pride in Progress. That way we can maximize our impact with sustainable planning.
2. 2.We hope to increase access through our outreach, especially to college freshman, who, according to our research and anecdotal studies, have the highest need.
3. 3.Another goal we have is in governance of the organization. Instead of a corporate top down approach, we have switched to a cooperative bottom up approach. We hope to engage more people and reinforce our network of mutual aid and community involvement.