The District 202 board announced on Friday that executive director Curt Prins has stepped down. District 202 has been undergoing a period of transition with the loss of its physical space and loss of funding during the recession, and Prins had become a target of community opposition in recent days. His resignation comes as a strongly worded and anonymous letter criticizing Prins and calling for his resignation had been circulating among local LGBT nonprofits. The board says Prins told the board on Oct. 24 of his intent to step down and his resignation became effective on Nov. 8.

The anonymous letter was distributed on Nov. 4 and resulted in a petition with over 150 names.

The board released this press statement:

Recent changes in leadership as well as an effort to examine how to fulfill the organization’s mission provide exciting times at District 202.
St. Paul, MN, November 11, 2010:
District 202 announces today the resignation and departure of Executive Director Curt Prins effective November 8, 2010. This move was resolved with board approval on October 24th, 2010 and is being formally announced today. Curt has been very helpful to District 202 over the past year of major transition, and the board remains excited about the reframing of the organization to become not only lean, but relevant and responsive to the needs of LGBTQ2A youth.
For 18 years, District 202 has served LGBTQ2A youth ages 13 to 21 within the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The mission of District 202 has been and continues to be:

“Through youth/adult partnerships, District 202’s mission is to create safe spaces for LGBT youth and their allied friends. Spaces where they can build self-confidence, self-expression and the skills and resources they need to be successful by affirming their identities, amplifying their voices and assembling community.”

To better focus the mission, three key strategic areas have been identified:

* Reduce the isolation of LGBTQ2A youth
* Address the changing demographics and needs of LGBTQ2A youth as they come out
* Empower youth and encourage self expression – ensuring healthy, happy, and engaged youth

Through the end of the year, this strategic planning team of the Board, Staff, and Carol Jean Peterson, pro bono organizational strategist, will continue to engage District 202 Stakeholders, Partners, Funders, Youth, and Community Members from all areas of the metro Twin Cities, and continue to build on the Mission and Strategic Focus areas by creating an organizational plan for the next eighteen months, three years and five years.
The fast-paced rate of change in our society requires District 202, and all forward-thinking non-profits, to re-frame its position within our larger LGBTQ2A community and to ensure its services are relevant to the current needs of our LGBTQ2A youth. Some of those changing demographics that District 202 has seen in its years has been the average coming out age – moving from 17 years old a decade ago to now well under 13 years of age. Another change that drastically impacts the organization’s ability to serve its youth is the manner in which technology shapes their lives. Most teens have many preferred modes of communication and methods of gathering information.
Through this time of change at District 202, Staff, Interns, and Volunteers are excited to work on programming for youth. Such programming includes:

* Monthly Dances beginning in December
* Hip Hop School – First Segment: “Partnerz In Rhyme” – Emceeing 101 with Alicia Leafgreen
* Stitch-n-Bitch! – Casual bi-weekly Gab Fests located in four areas in the Twin Cities Metro
* Cooking Classes – John Michael Lerma and a former District 202 youth staffer
* Service Projects
* Youth Events during Creating Change Conference

We extend our thanks and appreciation to all who have worked in the past and will work in the future to help District 202 to improve the quality of life for LGBT youth.
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