Join neighbours, nonprofits and faith groups on 5 October for a lively Community Conversation in Erie , a chance to share ideas, spot collaboration opportunities and strengthen local support for LGBTQ+ people across the region. The event runs 5:30–7:30pm at Temple Anshe Hesed and is open to anyone with a program, project or passion to contribute.

Essential Takeaways

  • When and where: October 5, 5:30–7:30pm at Temple Anshe Hesed, 5401 Old Zuck Road , easy to find and welcoming.
  • Who should come: Nonprofits, businesses, faith communities, grassroots groups and community members who work with or for LGBTQ+ people.
  • Format and tone: Conversation-led, participant-informed agenda , practical, collaborative and low-pressure.
  • Featured speaker: Erie City Council President Dr Tyler Titus will present and share insights as the mayoral liaison for community affairs.
  • What to expect: Networking, idea exchange, potential partnerships and practical next steps for local projects.

Why these Community Conversations matter now

There’s a quietly powerful feeling when local groups get together in the same room, and this series taps into that. The LGBT Fund of The Erie Community Foundation organises the gatherings but leaves the agenda to those who show up, so conversations tend to be relevant and energising. Expect a warm, purposeful evening with a tangible payoff , new contacts, fresh ideas and a clearer sense of who’s doing what in town.

Who’s behind it and what they want to achieve

According to the LGBT Fund, the aim is simple: deepen connections and spark collaboration among people helping LGBTQ+ residents in Erie. The Fund’s role is to convene and provide space; hosts like Temple Anshe Hesed and the Episcopal Cathedral of Saint Paul have stepped up to offer venues. That local buy-in matters , it signals the conversations are owned by the community, not just another top-down meeting.

What Dr Tyler Titus brings to the table

Dr Tyler Titus, who serves as Erie City Council President and liaison to the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, will be among the presenters. They also run Compton’s Table, an initiative focused on creating safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Expect practical perspectives on city-level support, youth outreach and how civic and grassroots efforts can align. It’s a chance to hear about where municipal priorities meet grassroots needs.

How to make the most of the evening

Come prepared with a short description of your project or event , organisers welcome people with programmes, ideas or simple curiosity. Bring business cards, flyers or a one-liner about what collaboration would look like for you. If you’re nervous about speaking, arrive early to meet a few people one-on-one; these gatherings are designed to be conversational, not formal.

The bigger picture: building a more connected community

These conversations aren’t just about networking. They’re a practical step toward a more resilient, visible and collaborative support system for LGBTQ+ people in the Erie region. When organisations talk openly about needs and resources, duplication drops and impact grows. And for smaller groups or newcomers, it’s an easy way to plug into an established network.

It's a small change that can make every connection count.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: