[act-ma] Fw: National Equality March October 10-11

[Keith Rosenthal]

----please forward widely----


>From Don’t Ask Don’t Tell to the Defense of Marriage Act there are several federal barriers that keep Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people from achieving full equality in today’s world. The incredible outpouring of grassroots mobilizing that took place around the country in response to the passing of Prop 8 in California has inspired a new wave of civil rights organizing. It is with this understanding and spirit that Join the Impact Massachusetts (JTI-MA) announces the New England Express bus convoy to organize the largest contingent for the National Equality March in October.
 
All Roads lead to DC!
 
The National Equality March (October 10-11, 2009 in Washington DC) is being organized around one simple demand: Full federal equality for all LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law! JTI-MA has lined up a series of events to help shape and mobilize the largest New England contingent at the march. Why is this two-day event so important? The Harris poll now says that 70 percent of the population has a friend, family member or coworker who is openly gay, and most of them say this has shifted their opinions dramatically. Eighty-nine percent of the population is for ending discrimination against LGBT people in the workplace. The grassroots organizing around LGBT rights today covers every corner of the country and is taking on issues such as marriage equality, workplace discrimination, and bullying in schools. The National Equality March will be an opportunity to join forces, network, and speak out for LGBT equality on a national level and take the
 experience back to our communities. There is no power greater than recognizing that our local efforts are a part of something bigger. A repeal of federal barriers and advancement in LGBT protection under the law has the opportunity to change the shape and character of every future struggle from access to affordable healthcare to economic justice simply because LGBT people come from every walk of life and every occupation. There has never been a better time to demand equal rights for all.
 
For more information about the March visit http://equalityacrossamerica.org/

Join the New England Express facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=128034441809

To reserve your spot on the New England Express visit: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFNaMEs2bnI0dkJGNlp3Y0R0Q0gxZFE6MA

Get Involved!

There are several opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved: 

Spread the word via email or post information about upcoming events at your church, school, workplace, local coffee shop, or community bulletin board.
Attend upcoming events. There are several events scheduled throughout the months of August and September.
Endorse local events including the community organizing meeting specifically addressing the New England Express bus convoy to DC.
Fill a bus on the New England Express bus convoy.
Reserve your spot on the New England Express or make a donation to sponsor someone in financial need.
Host a JTI-MA Dream-in Teach-in at your church, school, or community organizing meeting. JTI-MA has assembled a traveling presentation of all the federal barriers and scheduled legislation to protect LGBT people and provide full equal access to our rights.
Come to the next JTI-MA organizing meeting to share your ideas on how to build the largest contingent at eh National Equality March.
Upcoming Events
JTI-MA organizing meetings are held every Thursday at 8pm in the Bumble Bee Building at the corner of Binney and 6th Street in Cambridge.
  
Saturday, August 15, 2009
1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Great Nationwide Kiss-In (Boston!)
Boston Common, near the Park Street MBTA Station
After recent incidents in El Paso, TX and Salt Lake City, UT - where two different gay couples were harassed or detained by law enforcement or other people for the simple act of kissing in a public place - we need to make a strong statement to everyone everywhere: kissing is not a bad thing, nor has it ever been. We're going to turn this into a nice Saturday afternoon picnic! Bring your towels or blankets to lay out on the grass in the area around where the event will take place, and bring your picnic lunches, and some snacks. We can enjoy the music, maybe do a little dancing, socialize with friends - both old and new, and have a nice lunch in the warm August sun. Don't forget, though: when the clock strikes 2 p.m., there will be some kissing! Get ready! The event is open to everyone, gay or straight - all couples, families, and groups of friends should all come out for the occasion! Get ready to make a serious statement while having a great time!
  
Save the Date!
Sunday, September 20th
Community Organizing Meeting for the New England Express and National Equality March. Time and location TBA.
  
Join the Impact MA is committed to full equality or LGBT and queer identified people. We mobilize individuals and work with existing LGBT groups to maximize our collective impact both locally and nationwide while respecting diversity of opinion and belief. Contact us at info at jointheimpactma.com 
http://www.jointheimpactma.com/
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