We can all make a difference. Even a small
action will help to achieve equality.
GLBT Equality, and Human Equality!
Be an armchair activist!
It is necessary for us all to make a personal effort to reverse discrimination, hate, ignorance, prejudice and to bring about equality for all. Even more this responsibility falls to all members of the GLBT/Queer community. We are responsible for our future and our present. We must emulate the actions of the right wing organizers who have influenced a national election and world politics. Starting in small interest groups and growing into large numbers.
Through grass roots groups and organizations the right has established power and influence in the world of religion and government. They all started with one or two people initiating a gathering of like minds. We can and must do the same. So we have prepared a list of ways in which we each can take personal responsibility and action. In most cases from where you are sitting right now and or from places which you normally, or should visit.
We can not depend on large national special interest groups as evidenced by the 2004 U.S. election. An example of this would be HRC who chose to focus on Oregon for the battle of same-sex marriage. Notice they lost. The other states battling the same fight were ignored. Little to no assistance given. Even prior to the national election individual states like Virginia, Missouri, and Louisiana were enacting legislative discrimination. Where was HRC? No where to be found. They were looking at Oregon. Now HRC may "shift" its focus again. Let HRC be a lobbying group in DC, that is what they do. With your donations and support specify what actions you expect to be taken. Or...withhold your donation, and make that abundantly clear.
The list below will show you ways to take action and make a difference on your own. Of course, if like the right wing organizers, you involve your friends and family the result will be that much stronger and rewarding for all. Think working in groups instead of alone. Think of progress as a social event rather than work or something someone else does. We all have gatherings and parties, share this list. Encourage others to do the same. The best possible action would be to actually work together on projects to strengthen your effort.
Taking Action!
1.) Register to vote!
2.) Vote and take part in your local and national elections.
3.) Encourage voting through conversation. Simple friendly pro voting comments will achieve the most positive results.
4.) Be aware, and involved, in what is happening in your world. Here are a few links to free email "alert" services which will keep you informed in a painless and interesting way. Start out with just a few, don't overload yourself. Read, pick the issues and take action. Usually only requires a few minute of your time to communicate to your elected officials.
Check out this excellent resource toward equality!
The Dallas Principles
ACLU Online: The e-newsletter of the American Civil Liberties Union
Sign up for Alerts here: https://www.aclu.org/team/member.cfm
The Newsletter provides brief news with direct click to broader coverage. Take action links and involvement links. A great place to support free speech and stop censorship!
Sign up for Alerts here: http://www.moveon.org/keepmeposted/
"MoveOn is working to bring ordinary people back into politics. With a system that today revolves around big money and big media, most citizens are left out. When it becomes clear that our "representatives" don't represent the public, the foundations of democracy are in peril. MoveOn is a catalyst for a new kind of grassroots involvement, supporting busy but concerned citizens in finding their political voice. Our nationwide network of more than 2,000,000 online activists is one of the most effective and responsive outlets for democratic participation available today." From the MoveOn.org website.
A great newsletter and take action links. Another fast and painless way to stay informed and involved!Take action center link below.
Sign up for Alerts here: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/actioncenter/home.html
The Action Center provides a good resource for alerts on action specific to GLBT Equality issues.
5. ) As you read the news online respond with your feelings when available to issues which you have a decided opinion. Check the registration processes for required and used information. This way you can be proactive and keep down unwanted spam as well.
6.) Ask your friends and acquaintances for their opinion on social and political issues, then discuss. Draw them out. Conversation is the first step to open doors. Do not attack or negate the responses you receive. Intelligent and sensitive informed conversation will ease any tension and make your point. Help others feel comfortable in discussing these issues.
7.) Be personally involved. Communicate to your elected officials. They will perform their duties with constituents in mind when those constituents communicate regularly. This takes little time today. If you are reading this online then you can via the "Alerts" above email your thoughts many times in an automated format. Very painless and you are taking action!
A little more please......
8.) Get involved with a local group. Can be social, even a group of friends. Suggest small projects for enjoyment and involvement. Your actions can be from making displays for a school gathering on voting or a topic to political action groups. I hear a lot of complaining about the lack of "community" other than bars, in our community. This is a fun and productive way to socialize and be responsible to yourself.
9.) Speaking of bars. These establishments do make a
living from our community, and many times are indeed an actual part of the
community. Suggest a positive and bar supporting idea such as:
Valid Voter Registration card required for specials and or discounts. Simple and
so productive. (Make it a point to note that party affiliation is not an issue
just being a registered voter.)
10.) If you are ready to extend from your armchair even
more.... Contact a local organization. Usually a GLBT Community Center is a
great reference for what types of local activities are available.
Get involved and fight the good fight for real equality!
When we address Human Equality, we address ALL Equality.
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