Board Nominations Are Open!

It is that time of the year when we’re in need of a few good members to step up and lead the group!

Please consult your peers and nominate those willing and able to represent the LGBT Community at PTO for the next year. Nominations are open here. Those nominated will run for positions on our Board of Directors subject to a majority vote at our Annual Holiday Lunch on December 12.

Movember is coming!

Movember Style GuideMen die on average six years earlier than women. But you can be the difference, and help us change this startling stat. It’s time to join the movement. Get involved with the only global charity focused solely on men’s health, the Movember Foundation.

THE MOUSTACHE IS OUR RIBBON

A little facial hair goes a long way. More than just follicles on your face, your Mo is a ribbon – reminding the people in your life of the importance of men’s health.

Sign up for a Challenge
Instantly connect to people with similar interests – helping you stay motivated throughout the month. We’ve got Banking Challenges, Legal Challenges, Cricket Challenges… the list goes on.

Move for men’s health
Whether you have the ability to Grow a Mo or not, it doesn’t matter. Get involved in Move – and you can raise funds by doing just that. It’s as easy as walking, running, cycling, swimming or rowing towards a distance target. Just log in to set your goal.

Wise-up on fundraising
Our experts have a long list of fundraising tips guaranteed to help anyone go from Mo Novice to Mo Legend. Upload a profile picture to help supporters feel they’re part of your journey. Try a weekly progress update to potential donors. For more, check out the ‘Fundraising tips’ section of your Mo Space.

Get smart (with your smartphone)
With new-and-improved Movember apps on iOS and Android, raising funds to has never been easier. Share your profile, recruit friends, check your tally and more with a tap or two. If you haven’t got it already, go to your app store to download it now.

Take advantage of our downloads
Hit print on posters, donation cards, certificates, calendars and more in the ‘Downloads’ section of your Mo Space. These swanky tools will help you get the message out in your office, at the gym, in school – wherever you Mo.

This Thursday: Wear Purple for #SpiritDay

Download the Spirit day Resource Kit HereSpirit Day is a means of speaking out against LGBTQ bullying and standing with LGBTQ youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment because of their identities. Pledging to “go purple” on Spirit Day is a way for everyone — forward-thinking companies, global leaders, respected celebrities, neighbors, parents, classmates, and friends — to visibly show solidarity with LGBTQ youth and to take part in the largest, most visible anti-bullying campaign in the world.

How can I participate?

  1. Pledge to go purple: Take the Spirit Day pledge right now at glaad.org/spiritday and then wear purple on October 19 in a stand against bullying. Encourage members of your community to do the same.
  2. Go purple online: Turn your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pictures purple. Find out how at glaad.org/spiritday Share your support: Tweet, post media, share GLAAD social media posts, send Snapchats, and take selfies in your Spirit Day purple using #SpiritDay. Suggested tweet: Join me in wearing purple for #SpiritDay on 10/19 to support LGBTQ youth. Go purple here: glaad.org/spiritday
  3. Donate to the Spirit Day fund: By chipping in just $5 or whatever amount is right for you, you’ll be helping to support GLAAD’s year-round efforts to combat bullying, protect LGBTQ youth, and bring Spirit Day to more people
    than ever. Find out how at glaad.org/spiritday?donate

LGBTQI People with Disabilities Meetup

A triangle made up of rainbow colors with the symbol of a person in a wheelchair10/13/2017
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The DC Center

The LGBTQI People with Disabilities Meetup seeks to support, educate, empower and create change for pwd. Discussion would include but not limited to:

* Common intersections between LGBTQIA/ disability.
* Dating/ relationship perspectives
* Creating access/ breaking down barriers in public spaces for LGBTQ PWD’s .

The group facilitator will be Actor/ Disability Advocate Andy Arias – queries can be sent to andyarias09@gmail.com.

Meetings are every second Friday of each month starting at 8:00PM-9:00PM.

Special Guest: October 3rd Coffee Break

Confused about the current legal landscape for LGBTQ people in the workplace?  Wondering if current news headlines mean anything for your employment at USPTO as LGBTQ person?  Jessica Hughes, Supervisory Attorney in the Office of EEO and Diversity, is joining us to discuss recent events and what they mean (or don’t mean) for USPTO employees.  She’ll provide a brief overview of President Trump’s recent directive about transgender people in the military and the Department of Justice’s intervention in Zarda v. Altitude Express and talk about USPTO policies.  Please come and bring your questions about this or other LGBTQ employment rights issues (Note:  Jessica cannot provide any legal advice or counsel.)

 

 

PTAB Oral Hearing by CIPA (Caribbean Intellectual Property Association)

Event linkThu, August 24, 2017 at 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM EDT

USPTO PTAB Hearing Room A, 9th Floor, Madison East, 600 Dulany Street , Alexandria, VA 22314

The Caribbean Intellectual Property Association (CIPA) cordially invite you to attend an Inter-Parte Review hearing at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).

The hearing will be held on Thursday August 24, 2017 and begins at 9:30am sharp. Limited seating will be available and attendees will be selected on a first-come first-serve basis. Further, attendees are required to be present in person at the hearing location (no webEx available) no later than 9:30am. Space is limited so please sign up today as the period to sign up will be closed at noon on Wednesday August 23, 2017. Additional information about the hearing session will be provided once the list of attendees has been confirmed.

Attire is business casual. You will NOT be able to attend if you are wearing jeans, leggings, tennis shoes, sneakers, etc.

No other time will be provided for attending this event. We look forward to your attendance at this exciting event.

Please email us at : CIPA if you have any question.

529 ABLE Accounts financial Seminar

Event flyerAug. 22: Learn About 529 ABLE Savings Plans for Disability-Related Expenses

Do you have a disability or care for someone with a disability? Would you like to learn about a powerful new investment vehicle to help families and individuals pay for disability-related expenses?

If so, come learn about 529 Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts Tuesday, Aug. 22, from noon – 1 p.m. in the Randolph Conference Center or online via WebEx.

ABLE accounts allow qualified people with disabilities to place earnings into special, tax-free accounts that can be used to pay for short- and long-term disability needs. The accounts are made possible by the ABLE Act signed into law in 2014 and function similarly to a 529 college savings account.

In addition to growing your savings, money put toward ABLE accounts does not count toward Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income savings and assets ceilings. A representative from Virginia’s ABLEnow program will explain how funds can be used for a range of needs including housing, mortgage payments, health care, transportation, and education.

Before you attend the presentation, visit the ABLE National Resource Center so you can come prepared with questions. You may also want to read the New York Times article, “A Closer Look at 529 Able Accounts.

ResponsAbility, the USPTO’s affinity group for disability awareness and action, and the Patent and Trademark Office Society (PTOS), are the sponsors of this event. The presentation is part of the 2017 PTOS financial seminar series.
For more information, contact Alex Camarota or Angela Nguyen.