terinoble
07-04-2009, 10:04 PM
As State Coordinator for PFLAG's Oregon State Council, I just sent the following to PFLAG leaders in 15 urban and rural communities around our state. "Equality U" is a masterpiece! It truly sets a gold standard for the dignity, integrity and comittment with which these youth undertook their mission and should be seen by any and every public / civic leader.
With a deep sense of admiration, PFLAG Oregon thanks you for your wonderful work and setting such beautiful example in the pursuit of justice!
Teri Noble, State Coordinator
PFLAG Oregon State Council
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Dearest PFLAGers and Friends;
Today I watched and cheered my neighborhood's little 4th of July parade as seriously ( and goofily, is that a word??) decorated lawnmowers, backhoes, horses, , little redflyer wagons, bikes, trikes and a kid blowing bubbles rolled by the house, ......living on a dead end 1/2 mile long country road, we're a 'homegrown' lot and it was a heartwarming 20 minutes!
It got hot out there so I came in, surfed a bit of TV and came across "Equality U" on Logo.....this may be old news to some but I was knocked out by the story of the SoulForce Equality Ride. 33 beyond incredible LGBT Christian youth toured the country's many Christian Colleges by bus for two months. Utilizing Gandi style, non-violence, honesty and discipline they carried a message of knowledge, justice and hope to LGBT students who attend schools where they must live in the closet or lose everything.
I realize some of you may not have SoulForce.org on your radar as a faith based resource. Taking a wander through their website is a journey filled with information, hope, and jaw dropping inspiration as these young people speak and live their truth . I highly recommend it as a place to refer families, youth, (heck everyone!) who have an interest in understanding faith based concerns and LGBT people.
We will soon be hearing about public education efforts as LGBT organizations utilize time between electoral/legislative seasons to inform, cultivate goodwill and the spirit of justice in the hearts and minds of "undecideds".
SoulForce's public issue responses and style are a model for anyone working to hone their ability to converse with family, friends and co-workers who may be undecided about LGBT issues. I hope that you and your memberships / friends and youth find great value in this site.
Happy Holidays, barbecues and fireworks to you and yours!!
With a deep sense of admiration, PFLAG Oregon thanks you for your wonderful work and setting such beautiful example in the pursuit of justice!
Teri Noble, State Coordinator
PFLAG Oregon State Council
----------------------------
Dearest PFLAGers and Friends;
Today I watched and cheered my neighborhood's little 4th of July parade as seriously ( and goofily, is that a word??) decorated lawnmowers, backhoes, horses, , little redflyer wagons, bikes, trikes and a kid blowing bubbles rolled by the house, ......living on a dead end 1/2 mile long country road, we're a 'homegrown' lot and it was a heartwarming 20 minutes!
It got hot out there so I came in, surfed a bit of TV and came across "Equality U" on Logo.....this may be old news to some but I was knocked out by the story of the SoulForce Equality Ride. 33 beyond incredible LGBT Christian youth toured the country's many Christian Colleges by bus for two months. Utilizing Gandi style, non-violence, honesty and discipline they carried a message of knowledge, justice and hope to LGBT students who attend schools where they must live in the closet or lose everything.
I realize some of you may not have SoulForce.org on your radar as a faith based resource. Taking a wander through their website is a journey filled with information, hope, and jaw dropping inspiration as these young people speak and live their truth . I highly recommend it as a place to refer families, youth, (heck everyone!) who have an interest in understanding faith based concerns and LGBT people.
We will soon be hearing about public education efforts as LGBT organizations utilize time between electoral/legislative seasons to inform, cultivate goodwill and the spirit of justice in the hearts and minds of "undecideds".
SoulForce's public issue responses and style are a model for anyone working to hone their ability to converse with family, friends and co-workers who may be undecided about LGBT issues. I hope that you and your memberships / friends and youth find great value in this site.
Happy Holidays, barbecues and fireworks to you and yours!!