BLOOMINGTON - One of the more surprising facts about Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance Cos.' lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered employee resource group is that most of its members are not lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered.

"I think it's outstanding that the majority of our members are allies of the LGBT community," said Tannea Gustine, one of the group's 60 members. "These are people who volunteer their efforts to promote awareness of these issues."

The State Farm resource group is called PRIDE, or Promoting Respect through Inclusion in Diversity Efforts. PRIDE was formed as an outlet for members to discuss issues in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community both inside and outside of the work environment says State Farm spokeswoman Missy Lundberg.

"It serves a purpose for members to gather information and discuss topics of importance to them," Lundberg said. "We have about 10 resource groups available so that employees with similar interests can meet and discuss those interests."

Other State Farm resource groups include African American Forum, Women's Networking Group and AsiaNet. The employee-driven groups create opportunities for networking and mentoring and assist the company by providing valuable insights into the marketplace, said Barb McShane, manager of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The groups file regular reports with the diversity office and share knowledge from their meetings and activities in an effort to provide assistance for any potential problems.

"At one time, many of these groups met informally and we encouraged that," McShane said. "We went a step further and officially organized them and ask them to assist us with recruiting and retention of our employees in return. It's a connecting point for our employees who share the same issues so they can network and have access to employees with something in common."

Another objective of PRIDE is to promote education and awareness of the LGBT community, says Gustine.

"We do things in the building and outside of the building as well," she said. "There are no dues and no requirements. We meet quarterly to discuss different topics or hold functions to promote education and awareness."

Most recently, the group discussed new developments in legalizing gay marriage.

"We will hold discussions and if there is an issue that everyone agrees with and feels strongly about, we will organize petition drives or visit politicians to get our feelings across," said group member Laurie Shepard. "I think one of our main objectives is to be out in the community and represent State Farm in a positive manner and help the youth in our community who may be searching for answers."

Many PRIDE members also participate in panel discussions or meet and greet opportunities at local LGBT events. Last month, several PRIDE members volunteered at the Open Door Youth Center's 12th annual alternative prom at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington-Normal.

In March, the group co-sponsored a visit from Judy Shepard, the mother of a gay man who was killed in 1998. Matthew Shepard, no relation to Laurie Shepard, was fatally attacked near Laramie, Wyoming and his death focused national attention on the issue of hate crime legislation.

"It was a very emotional presentation," Gustine said. "She is a great motivational speaker and an inspiration. I thought it was terrific that PRIDE had a part in that."

With a work force of more than 14,000 employees at State Farm, groups such as PRIDE can also be an opportunity for networking opportunities, she added.

"During orientation for new employees, they are given information about some of the opportunities that are available and there are a variety of resource groups and it certainly makes the job opportunity more attractive," Gustine said.