HRC Back Story

Back Story - Weekend:

Camp Equality, HRC's 2-day interactive training program that combines lectures, discussions, and real-life simulations to help the GLBT community make a significant impact in the 2008 elections, will be held in 13 cities across the country this summer.  This new program from the Human Rights Campaign will help participants learn how to organize a successful grassroots presence in campaigns and teach best practices for becoming valued campaign volunteers. Here's a report we just received from the kickoff Camp Equality that was held in Ft. Lauderdale:

Many progressive groups came together in Ft. Lauderdale, FL this weekend to take part in a historic grassroots training effort.  HRC’s Camp Equality™ brought together the ACLU, Dolphin Democrats, Florida Red and Blue, Equality Florida, the Florida Young Democrats, candidates, and many other progressive groups to get the training needed to affect real political change in Florida.

Florida is not only an important battleground state for Presidential politics, but we are also facing three amendments that could strip away important rights for all Floridians.   One of the motivating factors from all involved was Amendment 2 [link], the so-called “Marriage Protection Amendment,” which would roll back domestic partnerships and rights vital for many families in Florida, especially those in the LGBT community.

Much of the first day dealt with the media and reaching out to constituencies more than just people in the LGBT community, through.  Zoe Stout is a straight woman working with the ACLU who reminded us of the spirit of working together with a  greater community and reaching out to, and speaking to, people who might be outside of our normal base.

Zoe was persuaded by her chapter president to chair the committee that will educate the public on the marriage amendment in Florida and is already working, on the first day of the event, to schedule a town hall meeting in Palm Beach County.  She plans to use the information gained here to start her own blog toward the cause.  In her own words “I understand the impact that this amendment will have on the straight community as well.  It is unfair to everyone, so I had to take action.”

Zoe Stout.

If there was ever a year for the LGBT community and their allies to get involved, it is this year.  Be sure to find out when a Camp Equality™ is coming to your area and learn the skills to make a true difference.

HRC Regional Field Director Sultan Shakir and National Field Director Marty Rouse speak to the participants of HRC's first Camp Equality in Ft. Lauderdale. A group photo with the Ft. Lauderdale Camp Equality participants.

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