| 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 Hit the Road campaign virtual rider pages like this one helps to make the Soulforce Equality Ride possible. Visit www.equalityride.com to learn more or set up your own virtual rider page! Apply to Hit The Road here! |
For the past five years the Soulforce Equality Ride has traveled the country visiting institutions of higher learning that discriminate against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people. There are hundreds of schools in this country that still openly discriminate against LGBTQ people. At Soulforce we believe in the principles of non-violence to effect change, including the need to dismantle oppression at its source.
The Soulforce Equality Ride is the most intense mobile justice work happening in our country around LGBTQ inclusion. Through the years we have seen direct results from our efforts. Policies have been changed, student-led support groups have been formed, and most importantly the hearts and minds of people have been forever altered by the personal stories and experiences shared by Equality Riders.
In addition to the hope that the Equality Ride brings to those suffering, there are other benefits. Each year dozens of young adults receive the best training and development possible around issues of oppression and intersectional justice. We have helped in the formation of some of our nation’s most active and effective social justice leaders. Several national and regional programs and initiatives have been started and are currently sustained by past Equality Riders.
One of the unique parts of the Equality Ride is the accessibility we have been able to provide to activists from all economic backgrounds. None of our riders pay for their training, travel, or participation in the Equality Ride program. We are only able to
provide this service because of the generosity of our faithful supporters and donors.
We are now planning our next ride, set to embark in the Spring of 2012.
Do you want to be part of the next Ride?
This year we are excited to announce an initiative called the Hit the Road! Campaign.
We are offering individuals and groups the opportunity to join us on the ride as Virtual Equality Riders. Every year the Equality Riders host what are known as “Rider Pages” on the Soulforce website. These pages provide photos and bios about each rider, and are a method for the riders’ friends and supporters to offer monetary gifts for the journey. Now other individuals and groups will be able to have their own Virtual Rider pages with photos, bios, and a description of why they are supporting the Equality Ride program.
Individuals and groups will be able to sign up as virtual riders with an opening donation of $100. They will then have a rider page to which they can direct friends, group members, congregants, and supporters to donate to this important cause. Virtual riders that raise at least $1,000 by the launch of the 2012 ride will have their name listed on the outside of the actual bus! In addition virtual riders will get exclusive updates and videos from the road and be the first to receive news about the 2012 ride. Upon registering, virtual riders can download a special kit that will help them support their virtual rider page.
This Hit the Road! Campaign kit will include templates for flyers and cards, as well as ideas to help you reach your funding goals as a virtual rider. In addition you will have the support and aid of Soulforce staff to answer all of your questions and help you develop your Virtual Rider Pages.
