National Equality March (NEM) in Washington D.C. Oct. 10-11

Westhampton, MA - September 24, 2009
Richard Ammon - GlobalGayz.com

The National Equality March (NEM) is being organized by Equality Across America (EAA) with one simple demand: full equality for all GLBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. Now.

Events are now taking place in every state as a national call to action to support full equality for GLBT people in all matters governed by civil law in the United States.

Whether you plan to travel to the March or not, San Diego activists can participate in other meaningful ways. The following are ten things that anyone can do in advance of the NEM:

1) Banners and flyers – The National Equality March has promotional materials for downloading and distributing to encourage people to come to Washington, D.C. and support the March. (http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=1867)

2) Friends and word of mouth – Sunday, Oct. 11 is the 21st anniversary of National Coming Out Day. Tell friends about going to Washington, D.C. to demand of full equality under the law – as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.

3) Equality Idol – Produce and submit a three-minute video and win a chance to speak to the crowds at the post-March rally. Winners will receive free airline tickets to the NEM! (http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=1080)

4) Equality song contest – Aspiring songwriters can submit a tune for consideration to be played at the March and Rally. (http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=2406)

5) T-Shirts, etc. – A whole host of NEM products are available online for purchase. The proceeds from these sales go directly back to offset NEM production costs. There are no corporate sponsors for the NEM, therefore every grassroots sale helps. (www.cafepress.com/NtlEQMarch)

6) Busloads – Organize a busload of your friends, family and neighbors to come to D.C.! Visit the NEM website for possible buses in your area. (http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=2935)

7) Fundraisers – Many events and fundraising initiatives are already under way for the NEM. And even those not attending the NEM can support the activists who are! http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=3040

8) Call congressional offices – The purpose of the NEM is to let our leaders know that we are full citizens and demand equal protection in all matters governed by civil law. Let your elected officials know that you support the NEM and full GLBT equality under law.

9) Start a local Facebook group – Stay in touch with NEM organizers and let everyone know what is happening in Washington, D.C. The momentum is growing every day, so make sure everyone is aware of the scope and impact of the March!

10) Donate miles to travelers – Frequent flyers who cannot attend the NEM may want to consider donating miles to activists who may not be able to afford airfare. (http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=1519)

EAA is a network of decentralized organizers in every one of the 435 Congressional districts. These organizers form Congressional District Action Teams (CDATs) that work within their own communities to achieve full equality for GLBT Americans and their families.

The NEM is being organized by EAA to show broad-based support for full equality for GLBT Americans on the doorstep of those who can make that happen – the United States Congress. The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11 in Washington, D.C. Each EAA Congressional District Action Team will mobilize its community to attend the event.

To get in contact with San Diegans who are organizing to participate in the NEM in a variety of ways, e-mail Lisa Kove at eyescu_921165@yahoo.com.

For more information about EAA and the NEM, and for a full list of endorsements, visit www.equalityacrossamerica.org.