Ask and I'll Tell Campaign

[suenow]

Hi,

My name is Susan J. Waldman and I am an officer of the Morris County (NJ) chapter of the National Organization for Women. In 1998 two of our chapter members had an idea for a consciousness-raising campaign called “Ask and I’ll Tell.” I then designed a 2 1/4" button for the campaign (see picture embedded below).



The premise of the campaign was as follows: “In the struggle to end homophobia and discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered, and Intersexed (LGBTI) people, one finding has been consistent: those who know LGBTI people are more sympathetic to the issues and supportive of the cause. Keeping this in mind, Morris County NOW has launched the “Ask and I’ll Tell” consciousness-raising campaign. The goal is to make sure as many people as possible hear the stories of LGBTI individuals, couples, and families.”



At the time, we concentrated on having straight allies wear the buttons. When asked about the button, they would take the opportunity to talk about an LGBTI friend, child, parent, cousin, sister, co-worker, etc., emphasizing how much like everyone else the person is. Anonymity could be maintained if necessary with an explanation of why it is not safe or comfortable for the LGBTI person to be publicly out.



Although the campaign was well received locally, we never made a big push to get it out to the world at large. After reading about Haven Herrin and the Right to Serve campaign it seemed to me that “Ask and I’ll Tell” would be a perfect fit for that campaign. This time the emphasis could be on LGBTI people wearing the button. The buttons sell individually for $1 each but can be purchased in bulk (50 or more) at a 20% discount (see below). The buttons can be shipped using priority mail boxes. The cost is $8.10 for shipping up to 70 pounds in these flat rate boxes.



MINIMUM ORDER: 50 Buttons



PRICING: Buttons sell for $1.00 each with a 20% bulk discount

50 Buttons $ 40.00

100 Buttons $ 80.00

150 Buttons $120.00

200 Buttons $160.00

250 Buttons $200.00



I hope to hear from you. I can be reached at 973 895 2218 or by email, sueandned@optonline.net. Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information. Thank you.

Copy (2) of ASKAND~1.BMP

[BruceChris]

Hey, It's good to see a fellow N.O.W. activist, out of the closet, and not afraid to use the f-word (No, it's not THAT one, it's feminism) At our local P-FLAG, we have had a similar campaigh going on for almost a year, wearing rainbow bracelets. When people ask, we can tell them about our family, friends, or others we value.

I think I like your idea better, though. A bracelet makes a statement of sorts, but the button actually provides an invitation to start a conversation. I am going to forward your posting to our local N.O.W., P-FLAG, and others. I like it.

Peace, Love, and Sisterhood, BruceChris

[Jennifer5]

Welcome Susan! Glad you're here!

That sounds like a great campaign! I would be great if it could somehow get more tied with soulforce... it sounds like the perfect match!

[Vanessa White]

Hi there Susan: Welcome to the forums. I am very interested in the button idea, and would love to participate in it to initiate many different types of conversations. I am holding onto your contact info for when I may be able to purchase some buttons. I will let you know. Hope to see you around here often. Peace, Vanessa

[Emproph]

Hey Susan,

I like the quip. Inviting yet non-invasive, I appreciate the addition of the "I" as well.

At first I thought that it was in regard to the 'Don't ask don't tell' campaign.

I'll definitely keep it in mind.

Come back and remind us how the campaign's going, it sounds like something that could take root.

-Patrick

[tdogg]

Hi Susan, welcome & Cool button - thanks for the info!