BTL staff
FERNDALE –
Affirmations Community Center has announced a collaboration project with Equality Michigan. The two organizations intend to mobilize pro-LGBT communities in southeastern Michigan, fostering civic engagement and momentum crucial for the upcoming election year. The project will be funded by State Voices, a national grassroots network, with a $20k grant lasting through fall.
"Given the hostile legislative environment here in Michigan, it's important now more than ever that we combine resources and work as a united front to achieve equality," said Equality Michigan's Field Director Roland Leggitt. "Pride Action Night is a politically powerful step in the right direction. The voter contacts that we will be making will help ensure the needs of gay and transgender Michigan residents are at the forefront of voters minds come this November. This new partnership is an exciting step but it's just the beginning."
The campaign intends to energize the LGBT and ally population by drafting and implementing non-discrimination ordinances in Jackson and other southeastern Michigan cities, volunteer recruitment for voter a registration drive, Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts and community outreach.
"In light of President Obama's endorsement of same sex marriage, the political climate is changing. It's crucial that we continue to mobilize the LGBT community as well as our allies to stand up for pro-equality issues," said Megh Hollowell, program coordinator at Affirmations. "This means educating Michiganders on who the pro-equality candidates are and helping them get to the polls."
Through this project, Affirmations and Equality Michigan aim to create an even greater LGBT presence in southeast Michigan, working toward full equality for all people, regardless of gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. Pride Action Nights are held every Thursday from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Affirmations beginning July 12. For more information, visit http://www.GoAffirmations.org.
