Out In Africa is now the first LGBTI project to be included in the Woolworths MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme. This is an exciting development and could ensure the longevity of this almost-20 year old NGO that has done so much to promote the visibility and voice of the LGBTI community in South Africa.

Money’s too tight to mention

OIA has been innovative in devising alternative sources to donor funding, which is even more difficult to come by in this economic climate. The 8333 campaign has brought in small but significant funds. And now OIA will be listed as a MySchool beneficiary – a simple way for the LGBTI community (and all their straight family and friends) to donate to OIA – at no further cost to the individual.

3 minutes of your time

Of course there is the initial effort of filling in a form – to either apply for a MySchool card, or to list OIA as the beneficiary on an existing Woolworths or MySchool card. This is a 3 minute process.

First 500

OIA must collect 500 completed, signed forms before it will be listed on the MySchool website. So, please assist us in achieving that number, fill in and sign the attached form, scan and email it back to info@oia.co.za. If that’s not within your means, please post it to us – archaic, we know, but it will reach us at PO Box 15707, Vlaeberg 8018.

Among other stores, your card is valid at:

Please support Out In Africa and assist us in helping others. The Film Festival is a platform that brings together LGBTI peoples across South Africa, and distributes important information on behalf of other LGBTI rights and health organisations . The draw is the movies, but the activism runs deeper as OIA trains and assists emerging LGBTI organisations in the process of registration as an NGO, in developing funding proposals and budgets, and in creating events that include many of the most marginalised and disregarded peoples in the country.

The Out In Africa Film Festivals take place regularly in: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Ermelo, Mafikeng, Kimberley, East London and Port Elizabeth. With your assistance through the MySchool initiative OIA will be able extend its reach to other cities, towns, and villages – to find and empower that only queer… OIA also plans to ensure the presence and representation of LGBTI people at every major arts event in the country. But we can only do this with your MySchool assistance.

OIA will share in a later letter the news of its filmmaking initiatives – lobbying the National Lottery to process its April 2011 proposal for a feature film, and the Sundance screenwriter’s workshop.

Thank you for your support!