OUTreach is a social group that exists to promote positive and inclusive spaces at the University of Alberta, and to promote the queer community both on campus and in the broader Edmonton area.

Meetings and Events

OUTreach has weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 5pm in Athabasca Hall, as well as varied events and functions throughout the year. Our main focuses are our Jasper Trip in February and the University of Alberta Pride Week in the winter semester, which is punctuated by our amazing and long-running amateur Drag Show.

Sign ups for our Jasper Trip start in November. Act fast when they’re posted so you don’t miss out!

For more details about meetings and events, check out our calendar.

Membership

Membership with OUTreach is zero commitment. We only keep membership lists for the purposes of voting, and re-registering our group. Your information is kept confidential. You have the option of adding your name to our voting member list at any time, through any of our forms, at our annual election, or at a bi-election.

Your Executive

OUTreach is run by an executive council of nine elected persons. We work to provide events and programming that you want to see, and will help direct you to the resources you need.

If you’re interested in helping out with OUTreach, sign up to volunteer with us! We’re always looking for help with our many initiatives. You are welcome to run for the executive, too, during our annual election or a by-election. Check out the governance page on elections for more information.

History

OUTreach was founded in 1984 as Gays and Lesbians on Campus (GLOC) to function as a political platform seeking equality for gays and lesbians both on campus and in Alberta in general.

Over the course of GLOC's history they planned protests, wrote letters, and coordinated social gatherings. In the mid ‘90s, GLOC changed its name to OUTreach and shifted from a political focus to more of a social and educational one.

In 2003, at the request of the Students Union, OUTreach created a constitution outlining its goals and operations procedures. More recently, the OUTreach constitution was rewritten to place a greater emphasis on accountability and sustainability. The current version of the OUTreach constitution is available here.

Traditionally, OUTreach hosts an annual fundraiser, marches in the Pride Parade, and provides a safe space for members of the LGBTQ* community on campus. We have continually expanded our programming as our membership has grown, and we look forward to continued growth and change.