The Operation is doing the work while working to standardize processes in case of future escalations in other states.
On April 13, Operation Lifeboat issued its latest situation update for Trans Kansans and what is being done by the Operation to assist them.
According to the release, the past week prior to April 13 had been spent with a “measurable progress on internal infrastructure: finance tracking systems are being finalized, the program-level SOP is moving from first draft to approval process, and the functional resource list is being deployed and integrated into operational workflows. The volunteer pipeline continues to develop with an emphasis on readiness for deployment when there are ground needs that require it."
Disclaimer: Jane and Artemis are also involved with Operation Lifeboat in a public information capacity. See more on the partnership HERE.
Operation Lifeboat is an initiative by trans people and our cis allies to get trans people to safe havens, on our own terms. They help with the logistics, organization, and money. Trans people are in charge of the course of the operation and their own destinations.
According to the report, their highest needs remain securing additional funds in order to help additional trans people get safe.
“This operation is funded by donations and volunteer effort. Every complex case we take on has real costs: transportation, temporary housing, moving assistance, legal support, and direct financial aid to individuals in crisis. Demand is already high and we project will only increase. Contributions are needed now to keep us meeting needs in the field. There’s a lot of things more important than money, but they all cost money."
For Operation Lifeboat, the goal is– and has been– getting trans people safe. The number of volunteers, and that of people requesting assistance, are both growing steadily.
As of the latest update, the Operation has 162 registered volunteers, with 52 community requests for assistance, of which they consider 48 as active cases.
According to the report, people can continue to get involved– whether to request or offer help, and the Operation needs to continue to fundraise in order to meet the needs of trans people in Kansas.
Getting trans people safe on our own terms is not the only way that Operation Lifeboat– a project of Trans Liberty (501c4) is working to promote trans lives and trans rights, but it is possibly the most directly, immediately easy to see impact of the Operation and its organization.
Another way that the people involved in Lifeboat are fighting back can be seen in how Trans Liberty's Executive Director, Samantha Boucher, is willing to commit civil disobedience.
Jane Migliara Brigham
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Anyone can learn how to get involved with Operation Lifeboat by reading their website, which is frequently updated. It is available HERE.