Getting involved

[SEGrether]

I only became aware of Soulforce a month or so ago and just realizing it existed satisfied this kind of emptiness and concern in my conscious. But now... probably because I'm giving 40 hrs a week of my time to a conservative think-tank... I just don't know if I can sit on the sidelines. How can an 18-year old college freshman get involved in soulforce? Those equality rides are phenominal, but sadly, I don't think there's a way I'll be able to do it for at least four years b/c of school.

Any ideas? I need to satisfy this itch. And nothing moves me to my feet more than this.

[u-dog]

Originally Posted by SEGrether

I only became aware of Soulforce a month or so ago and just realizing it existed satisfied this kind of emptiness and concern in my conscious. But now... probably because I'm giving 40 hrs a week of my time to a conservative think-tank... I just don't know if I can sit on the sidelines. How can an 18-year old college freshman get involved in soulforce? Those equality rides are phenominal, but sadly, I don't think there's a way I'll be able to do it for at least four years b/c of school.

Any ideas? I need to satisfy this itch. And nothing moves me to my feet more than this.

HRC (Human Rights Campaign) is a good place to start. They send out a lot of legislative alerts about which you can lobby your legislators. Keep your eyes on what is going on locally also and get involved where you can. Most efforts have "out front" jobs that need doing and lots of "behind the scenes" things if you need to be discrete about your participation.

Just posting here is important! Keep your eye on how many people are lurking on the sight at any given time. An otherwise conservative but self-affirming gay person like yourself can really blow people's stereotypes away in ways that an old liberal like myself can only fantasize about!

[Zerbie]

Groups like HRC often have calls for volunteers, for everything from planning bowling parties and proms, to lobbying your congressional representative. I would sign up for their email alerts. HRC.org
They also have lots of statewide committees.

You might also do a search, use google, or your local gay press, on what other LGBT organizations are around your area. There might be one or more that appeal to you.

[BrentRichards]

I'm sure there are mixed feelings here about these folks (as there are about most Conservative groups), but as a fellow out conservative, you might want to check out Log Cabin Republicans ... they are working for fairness and inclusion from within the Republican party ... I'm a member, and get their news and action alerts. Check them out at www.logcabin.org

[progressive4christ]

Most states have their own Equality site. Like mine is www.equalitytexas.org. Your local PFLAG has alerts.

[progressive4christ]

http://www.ethonline.org/

[BrianB]

Originally Posted by BrentRichards

I'm sure there are mixed feelings here about these folks (as there are about most Conservative groups), but as a fellow out conservative, you might want to check out Log Cabin Republicans ... they are working for fairness and inclusion from within the Republican party ... I'm a member, and get their news and action alerts. Check them out at www.logcabin.org

Brent, I used to be very republican...voted straight ticket every year. Do you remember the campaign promise of the republican "wide tent"? When President Bush pushed for an marriage amendment to the constitution that was the day I had enough of the republican "wide tent". Sometimes I still vote for a republican but only if the other candidates are wildly liberal. I think the LCR have an extremely uphill battle to change the republican party from within. The religious right have a strangle hold on the party.

[BrentRichards]

Originally Posted by BrianB

Brent, I used to be very republican...voted straight ticket every year. Do you remember the campaign promise of the republican "wide tent"? When President Bush pushed for an marriage amendment to the constitution that was the day I had enough of the republican "wide tent". Sometimes I still vote for a republican but only if the other candidates are wildly liberal. I think the LCR have an extremely uphill battle to change the republican party from within. The religious right have a strangle hold on the party.

No argument from me, it is an uphill battle. I've never been a straight-ticket voter (pun apt), but I haven't given up entirely yet.