| The Soulforce Equality Ride is a two month social justice bus tour that confronts political and spiritual oppression of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people. The ride began in 2006 and has visited hundreds of cities, colleges, universities, and other institutions. The 2012 ride will be the fifth tour. This year a large emphasis is being placed on intersectional justice (or the desire to practice social justice in a way that ends all oppression against all people) and community involvement. The participants of the Equality Ride are provided top notch training, transportation, housing, and food throughout the tour. Support from rider pages like this one helps to make the Soulforce Equality Ride possible. Visit www.equalityride.com to learn more! |
Cole’s Fundraising Total
$3,927
Spread the word:
Lauren Cole Parke
Harrisonburg, VA
After spending many years working to serve, support, and empower homeless youth, Lauren Parke (known by most as Cole) is currently pursuing a Master’s in Conflict Transformation at Eastern Mennonite University’s Center for Justice & Peacebuilding in Harrisonburg, VA. Raised in the Episcopal Church, educated by Lutherans, influenced by Thich Nhat Hanh, and inspired by countless others, Cole is primarily dedicated to the work of creating relationship and building community in unexpected places with unexpected people. Through these efforts Cole seeks to help build a world where diversity is celebrated, oppression is eliminated, bike lanes are everywhere, and [consensual] hugs are commonplace.
A 2008 Equality Ride alum, Cole is thrilled for the opportunity to participate in this life-changing project once again, serving as the Community Developer for the 2012 Ride.
In Lauren Cole’s own words
I was born in New Hampshire, where the state motto boldly demands, “Live free or die.” My father’s career in the U.S. Air Force would ultimately take our family all over the world, but the defiant grittiness of my birthplace has stuck with me ever since. Over time, my understanding of what it means to be free has changed and evolved. Living, learning, and listening has taught me that injustice, in all its forms, is something that binds us together because we are all inhibited by the oppression of others. Injustice strips us of our freedom. Fortunately, love also binds us together, and it is infinitely more powerful. Love sets us free, and for me, the Equality Ride is an opportunity to work toward a world where all are free. Thank you for your support!
Support Lauren Cole by donating to Equality Ride »
| Name | Location | Amount | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Savin | Pennsylvania | $25 | Lauren Cole Parke is an inspiration. Keep up the terrific work! |
| Kathleen Temple | Virginia | $30 | We are very proud to support the Equality Rides with which Lauren Cole Parke is involved. |
| Rachel Sacco | New York | $75 | Have a great ride and congrats on almost finishing with school! You’re amazing! |
| Joyce Jauer | Texas | $10 | Yo, I’m earning rupees now, so I’m really donating Rs.500 (which is a lot for my budget  Happy riding, and happy to support, even though I’d be considered on welfare in America! Haha. |
| Virginia Leavell | District of Columbia | $50 | On behalf of Cole! |
| Bill Carpenter | Florida | $100 | YAY Cole! Your note made my day! I am SO excited for you and the entire band of Equality Riders! You bring your unique and brilliant self to a unique and brilliant program…what could be more exciting! Have fun…pace yourself…and trust your instincts! LOTS of Love – Bill |
| Carol Potter | California | $50 | In honor of Lauren Cole’s dedication. |
| Sean Marusia | Washington | $50 | On behalf of Jeff Caswell. |
| Sean Marusia | Washington | $50 | On behalf of Lucy Caswell. |
| Abigail Reikow | Louisiana | $50 | To one of the most inspiring people in my life. Wish it could be more. |
| Marina Siegrist | Switzerland | $50 | |
| Janet Kramer | California | $40 | On behalf of California. |
| Emily Van Kley | Washington | $25 | Go get em, Cole! And let us know when you’re in the Northwest! |
| Camilla Brannstrom | California | $25 | Go Lauren Cole, go! Keep up the great work. xoxo |
| Sarah Nolan | California | $25 | Let us know when you’re in cali! |
| Lauren Rigsby | Texas | $25 | Have a great ride and let me know when y’all stop in Nashville! |
| Anonymous | Pennsylvania | $50 | Because Cole has lots of great work to do in the world – also because Cole’s awesome and competent! |
| Don Hadfield | New Hampshire | $100 | |
| Anonymous | Virginia | $25 | This check is to support the work of Lauren C. Parke, whom I look forward to supporting on an annual basis to the best of my ability. |
| Piper Kamins | California | $10 | I’ll be rooting for you! |
| Beth Graham | Massachusetts | $25 | I’m always happy to support and old roommate in such a worthy cause. Way to go, Cole! |
| Mellena Arnold | Texas | $50 | In honor of Mary McKenna |
| Soula Pefkaros | Virginia | $15 | Dear, dear Cole. You are a powerful and inspiring force to be reckoned with! Will miss you… |
| Anna Kirey | North Carolina | $25 | Go Cole, Go! Glad to see 2008 Rider coming back. Looking forward to following your journey and count on me for anything. Good luck! |
| Beverly Parke | Massachusetts | $1,000 | On behalf of Lauren Parke. We are so very proud of you. Good luck on the ride….hope you won’t need bail money!!!! Love, Mom and Dad |
| Anonymous | Massachusetts | $100 | For postcards and soap. |
| Molly Shea | Oregon | $10 | glad to support you and the equality ride, cole! |
| Linda Royster | Virginia | $100 | There are not many chances left for me to resist, so I will think of this donation as if I were with you all in some small way. Never forget that there is a solid band of old ones who’ve got your back. In love and struggle, Linda |
| Bill Wade | Massachusetts | $50 | Lauren, We are happy to support your work for LGBT equality and justice. Bill and Tom |
| Daniel Roberts | Illinois | $25 | Keep on being a force for good in the world. I’m so lucky to know you, and so proud of you! |
| Miriam Samuelson | Minnesota | $40 | |
| Doreen Hughes | Massachusetts | $25 | Lauren Your Mom is doing a good job of spreading the word about this wonderful project. My prayers will be with you. |
| Promeet Singh | Virginia | $25 | Good luck Cole, look forward to connecting with you again soon. |
| Don & Tammy Blackwell | Massachusetts | $25 | Tammy and I are very proud of Lauren’s commitment. |
| Christopher Babcock | Massachusetts | $100 | |
| Bill Carpenter | Florida | $50 | YAY Cole! I am SO happy about you being on the 2012 Ride! You bring a gentleness of spirit and a determination that will serve you and the Ride well! And, in the midst of everything that’s going on around you (you know what I mean)…don’t forget to laugh! Peace and Love – Bill |
| Sue Klassen | Virginia | $25 | Thanks for the bread! Blessing to all on this journey. |
| Constance and Alan Andrews | Massachusetts | $50 | |
| Susan Reid | Massachusetts | $50 | |
| Elizabeth Falcon | District of Columbia | $100 | Have an awesome ride! I can’t wait to hear all about it! |
| Jacob Sperati | Washington | $110 | As promised! Best wishes and Good luck! |
| Naomi Campa | Texas | $25 | Get er done, friend. |
| Kelsey Hudson | Washington | $50 | YEAH COLE!!!! I’ll be thinking of you all each day! |
| DeMecia Casimir | Washington | $25 | miss you friend! |
| Mary Slenski | Ohio | $250 | Blessings on your work, Lauren! |
| Kenneth Hancock | Pennsylvania | $25 | On behalf of Kenneth Hancock |
| Steve McIntyre and Chuck Phelan | California | $50 | |
| Jennifer and Xavier Gonzalez | Texas | $50 | So proud of you, and so thankful for the Equality Ride and it’s dedicated riders! We love you! |
| Kevin West | New Hampshire | $100 | For all the right reasons. I couldn’t be more proud. Love ya, Uncle Kevin |
| Lisa Nowlin | District of Columbia | $50 | Sorry this is so late in the game! Thinking of you and all the Riders! Love, Lisa. |
| Caroline Borden | Virginia | $12 | Thank you, Cole. |
| Sybi Besheer | Washington | $75 | |
| Brendan Flynn | Virginia | $25 | Thanks for continuing to do all the good that you do. I know you’re out there changing people’s hearts. Murphy ’06 for life! |
| Robert Skaggs | Louisiana | $200 | Wishing you success in changing hearts and minds from your friends at MCC New Orleans. |
| Veronica Laveta | Colorado | $25 | Excellent cause! You rock Cole  |
| Billy Bradford | California | $100 | I met Cole last night at the SF LGBT center and was impressed with her dedication and spirit. Ride on Soulforce! |
