Equality Texas e-News Channel http://eqfed.org/eqtx/home.html e-News from Equality Texas Equality Texas © 2007 Equality Texas Join us for Martinis in Dallas and Plano- II! http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/357807681/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-08-06 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Join us! Martini Mixer for Equality Texas! Dear friend, Join us for the Plano Mixer, August 22nd! Click here for details: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/planomixer/details.tcl Join us for the Dallas Mixer, August 23rd! Click here for details: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/dallasmixer/details.tcl Sign up today to become a sponsor or a Civil Rights Hero: As of July 13th the Plano and Dallas Mixers are brought to you by the following hosts, supporters of the important work of Equality Texas: Gold Sponsors: Gayla Holcomb & Michelle Robins, Dawnetta Miller & Blue Martinez, Sean & Karen Fitzgerald Silver sponsors: Steve Atkinson & Ted Kincaid, Dana Cagle, Troy Greenstreet & Brent Willmott, Bob Hopkins & Pam Gerber, Edward Ishmael & Clint Thomson, Michael Kaufman, Ranil Ninala & Craig Clark, Rob Schlein & David Keeton, Ken Stowe & Mark Fultz, JT Williams Bronze Sponsors: Judy Brown, Lorie Burch, Cece Cox, Jay Forte & Eli Duarte, Patti Fink & Erin Moore, Cathy Gonzalez, Pedro Hani, Henry Jimenez & Delfino Rodriguez, Steve Lyle & Dan Kamide, Andy Moulton at Aqua Medical Spa, Lauren Nguyen & Vu Chung, Roger Poindexter, Jane Schmidt-Ahsan & Shawn Ahsan, James Tucker, Ron & Giselle Turner, Don Williams Civil Rights Heroes include: William Barnes, Gail Cronauer, Linda Dowell, Jesse Garcia, Dave & Joyce Gleason, Gene Goodwin, Dan Lents & Clayton Fishbeck, John McClelland, Felicia Miller & Katrina Franklin, Justin Nichols & Tommie Wilson, James Nowlin, John Perez & Jim Hertwig, Jeanne Rubin & Lisa Mashigian Join this great list! SUPPORT OUR STATE LGBT RIGHTS ORGANIZATION Equality Texas and Equality Texas Foundation Friday, August 22, 2008 6:30 to 8:30 pm Home of Gayla Holcomb, 4660 Chapel Creek, Plano Saturday, August, 23, 2008 6:30 to 8:30pm Home of Sean & Karen Fitzgerald, 2814 Canton, Dallas Wine, Spirits, Appetizers, Fun. Come join us to celebrate how we can bring full equality to Texas Sponsorship Levels $ 1000 Platinum $ 400 Gold $ 200 Silver $ 100 Bronze Purchase a $25 ticket and bring 4 people- Civil Rights Hero Level (ticket sales tracked by on-line purchases) Sign up to sponsor this event or become a Civil Rights Hero and donate $25 to Equality Texas and bring 4 friends who are interested in learning about the important work of Equality Texas. RSVP to Plano by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/planomixer/details.tcl. RSVP to Dallas by clicking here:http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/dallasmixer/details.tcl. This event benefits: Equality Texas and Equality Texas Foundation work toward the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression through lobbying, education, and research. Call 512-474-5475 for more information. Equality Texas: ~Defeated legislation to ban gay and lesbian foster parenting for the past 10 years ~Lobbied for the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the Foster Care Bill of Rights in 2007 ~Led the fight to pass the James Byrd, Jr. Hates Crimes Act ~Works to pass safe schools legislation, inclusive health benefits and rights, employment nondiscrimination and more. Equality Texas Foundation: ~Works through its Safe Schools Initiative for inclusive anti-bullying and harassment policies ~Develops collaborations with the Texas faith community through its Pride in Faith program ~Educates LGBT leaders and elected officials through its Equality Project and State of the State Policy Conference.

Join us for the Plano Martini Mixer, August 22nd!
OR
Join us for the Dallas Martini Mixer, August 23rd!

Sign up today to become a sponsor or a Civil Rights Hero:

As of July 13th the Plano and Dallas Mixers are brought to you by the following hosts, supporters of the important work of Equality Texas:
Gold Sponsors:
Gayla Holcomb & Michelle Robins, Dawnetta Miller & Blue Martinez, Sean & Karen Fitzgerald
Silver sponsors:
Steve Atkinson & Ted Kincaid, Dana Cagle, Troy Greenstreet & Brent Willmott, Bob Hopkins & Pam Gerber, Edward Ishmael & Clint Thomson, Michael Kaufman, Ranil Ninala & Craig Clark, Rob Schlein & David Keeton, Ken Stowe & Mark Fultz, JT Williams
Bronze Sponsors:
Judy Brown, Lorie Burch, Cece Cox, Jay Forte & Eli Duarte, Patti Fink & Erin Moore, Cathy Gonzalez, Pedro Hani, Henry Jimenez & Delfino Rodriguez, Steve Lyle & Dan Kamide, Andy Moulton at Aqua Medical Spa, Lauren Nguyen & Vu Chung, Roger Poindexter, Jane Schmidt-Ahsan & Shawn Ahsan, James Tucker, Ron & Giselle Turner, Don Williams
Civil Rights Heroes include:
William Barnes, Gail Cronauer, Linda Dowell, Jesse Garcia, Dave & Joyce Gleason, Gene Goodwin, Dan Lents & Clayton Fishbeck, John McClelland, Felicia Miller & Katrina Franklin, Justin Nichols & Tommie Wilson, James Nowlin, John Perez & Jim Hertwig, Jeanne Rubin & Lisa Mashigian

Sign up to sponsor this event in Plano or in Dallas or to become a Civil Rights Hero and donate $25 to Equality Texas and bring 4 friends who are interested in learning about the important work of Equality Texas.  The Plano event is August 22nd from 630pm to 830pm at the home of Gayla Holcomb, 4660 Chapel Creek in Plano.  The Dallas event is August 23rd from 630pm to 830pm at the home of Sean and Karen Fitzgerald.  Tito's vodka martinis, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served.  RSVP to Plano by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/planomixer/details.tcl.  RSVP to Dallas by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/dallasmixer/details.tcl.

Equality Texas:
~Defeated legislation to ban gay and lesbian foster parenting for the past 10 years
~Lobbied for the inclusion of  sexual orientation and gender identity in the Foster Care Bill of Rights in 2007
~Led the fight to pass the James Byrd, Jr. Hates Crimes Act
~Works to pass safe schools legislation, inclusive health benefits and rights, employment nondiscrimination and more.

Equality Texas Foundation:
~Works through its Safe Schools Initiative for inclusive anti-bullying and harassment policies
~Develops collaborations with the Texas faith community through its Pride in Faith program
~Educates LGBT leaders and elected officials through its Equality Project and State of the State Policy Conference.

 

 

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/357807681" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=26636296 Register for Camp Equality in Dallas! http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/356782688/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-08-05 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Train at Camp Equality - Work on North Texas Campaigns HELP ELECT PRO-EQUALITY CANDIDATES IN NORTH TEXAS 1. Register and attend HRC's Camp Equality in Dallas 2. Volunteer and work on a pro-equality candidate campaign in North Texas 3. Elect/Re-elect pro-equality lawmakers There are a significant number of strategically-important electoral races coming up in North Texas and it is crucial to have LGBT and allied participation in those campaigns. For this reason, Equality Texas is working with HRC and other organizations listed below to put on Camp Equality and train YOU to help these candidates win. If you have ever thought about volunteering for a campaign, or if you already have experience in campaigns, HRC's Camp Equality offers a training track for you to gain valuable knowledge you can apply to all aspects of campaign operations. The two-day training session to develop and hone campaign skills will be held in Dallas on August 16-17th and space is still available for registration. "Our organizations are working together to make change in Texas. It is imperative that we engage the Texas LGBT community and its allies in what will be an historic election in Texas and across the country. Camp Equality will provide activists the training necessary to work in key Texas campaigns to elect pro-equality legislators and help Equality Texas achieve its legislative objectives," said Paul E. Scott, Equality Texas Executive Director. The skills learned at this workshop are broadly applicable, and we hope that your first application of them will be in North Texas this election cycle. We can and will get LGBT and allied candidates in office with your help! Sign up for Camp Equality here: http://www.hrc.org/laws_and_elections/campequality.htm HRC's Camp Equality partners in North Texas: Equality Texas; Texas Young Democrats; Sierra Club; ACLU of Texas; and Annie's List The Camp Equality in Dallas will offer two training tracks. The Fundamentals Track is designed to provide step-by-step fundamentals necessary to be successful at the grassroots level. Topics include planning, recruitment, volunteer coordinating, event fundraising, earned media, and creating a local activist plan. For our more seasoned activists or campaign professionals, the Advanced Track provides the fundamentals of political campaign management. Topics include fundraising, field organizing, media relations, volunteer coordination, targeting, candidate relations and the latest campaign technology. Scheduled trainers/presenters for Camp Equality in Dallas include: JD Angle, Vice President, The Tyson Organization Karl Bach, Regional Field Organizer, Human Rights Campaign Amy Everhart, Senior Regional Representative, Sierra Club David Hardt, President, Young Democrats of America Renee Hartley, Vice President, Dallas County Young Democrats Anthony Hayes, Regional Field Director, Human Rights Campaign Tracey Hayes, Field Organizer, ACLU of Texas Robert Jones, Political Director, Annie's List Karl-Thomas Mussleman and Matt Glazer, Publisher and Editor, Burnt Orange Report Elisabeth Rutledge, Director, Public Strategies Chuck Smith, Deputy Director, Equality Texas To register for Camp Equality in Dallas, please click here: http://www.hrc.org/laws_and_elections/campequality.htm HELP ELECT PRO-EQUALITY CANDIDATES IN NORTH TEXAS

  1. Register and attend HRC's Camp Equality in Dallas
  2. Volunteer and work on a pro-equality candidate campaign in North Texas
  3. Elect/Re-elect pro-equality lawmakers

There are a significant number of strategically-important electoral races coming up in North Texas, and it is crucial to have LGBT and allied participation in these campaigns.

 

For this reason, Equality Texas is working with HRC and other organizations listed below to put on Camp Equality and train YOU to help these candidates win.

 

If you have ever thought about volunteering for a campaign, or if you already have experience in campaigns, HRC's Camp Equality offers a training track for you to gain valuable knowledge you can apply to all aspects of campaign operations.  

 

The two-day training session to develop and hone campaign skills will be held in Dallas on August 16-17th and space is still available for registration. 

 

"Our organizations are working together to make change in Texas. It is imperative that we engage the Texas LGBT community and its allies in what will be an historic election in Texas and across the country. Camp Equality will provide activists the training necessary to work in key Texas campaigns to elect pro-equality legislators and help Equality Texas achieve its legislative objectives," said Paul E. Scott, Equality Texas Executive Director.

 

The skills learned at this workshop are broadly applicable, and we hope that your first application of them will be in North Texas this election cycle.  We can, and will, get LGBT and allied candidates in office with your help!

 

Sign up for Camp Equality  

 

HRC's Camp Equality partners in North Texas:

 

                 

 

    

 

 

The Camp Equality in Dallas will offer two training tracks:

 

The Fundamentals Track is designed to provide step-by-step fundamentals necessary to be successful at the grassroots level.  Topics include planning, recruitment, volunteer coordinating, event fundraising, earned media, and creating a local activist plan.

 

For our more seasoned activists or campaign professionals, the Advanced Track provides the fundamentals of political campaign management.  Topics include fundraising, field organizing, media relations, volunteer coordination, targeting, candidate relations and the latest campaign technology. 

 

Scheduled trainers/presenters for Camp Equality in Dallas include:

  • JD Angle, Vice President, The Tyson Organization
  • Karl Bach, Regional Field Organizer, Human Rights Campaign
  • Amy Everhart, Senior Regional Representative, Sierra Club
  • David Hardt, President, Young Democrats of America
  • Renee Hartley, Vice President, Dallas County Young Democrats
  • Anthony Hayes, Regional Field Director, Human Rights Campaign
  • Tracey Hayes, Field Organizer, ACLU of Texas
  • Robert Jones, Political Director, Annie's List
  • Karl-Thomas Mussleman and Matt Glazer, Publisher and Editor, Burnt Orange Report
  • Elisabeth Rutledge, Director, Public Strategies
  • Chuck Smith, Deputy Director, Equality Texas 

To register for Camp Equality in Dallas, please click here.

 

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/356782688" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=26592115 2nd Annual Pool Party- III http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/356782689/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-08-05 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Pool party benefit nearly sold out! Dear friend, We write to invite you to great benefit for Equality Texas. Kregg Elsass and Douglas Plummer are back again in 2008 with "Not your grandpa's swim party"! August 16th from 2pm to 10pm at Kregg's home, 2102 Fort View Rd in Austin. This is the 2nd annual pool party, attended by 250 people from Austin! There are 184 tickets sold, 66 more left! Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door! Buy tickets here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/poolparty_aug16/details.tcl Look at our sponsors: $500 Sponsors: Lew Aldridge and Midtown Office of Austin Title Click here to sponsor: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/poolparty_kregg_foundationgifts/details.tcl $200 Hosts: Robert Grunnah & Cody Kinsfather and Castle Hill Investments $100 Hosts: Bob Dailey, Brian Smith, Brian & Jack Brannon, Chris Fabre, Craig Rancourt & Oliver Everette, Danny Ramon, David Smith, Dr. Hans Bengtson, John Livingston & Joe Dickson, Johnny Carino, Lisa (BoBeesa) Scheps, Michael Kramer, Oliver Worthington & Eric Peabody, Paul E. Scott & Scott Simons, Richard Fox & Rick Wooley, Robert Nash, Scott Smidt & Howard Morrison, Tim Frantz, Tom Stevenson & Ricardo Nunez, Wesley Shackleford, and few others who wished to remain nameless! Sign up to sponsor this event for $100 (C-Note Hosts) and attend this event with 5 guests, $200 (The Big One Hosts) and attend with 11 guests; or individual event entries can be purchased at $20 each, $30 at the door. The event is from 2pm to 10pm at the home of Kregg Elsass, 2102 Fort View Road in Austin 78704. Cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served. RSVP by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/poolparty_aug16/details.tcl Volunteer and get into this event for free. Call Marianne at 512-474-5475 to volunteer! Thank you so much!

Join us for "Not your Grandpa's Swim Party!"
Tickets and Sponsorships on sale now!
$20 per person, ($30 at the door)
$100 for six people
$200 for twelve people
Or $500 sponsorships
184 Tickets Sold, 66 left!


Brought to you by Kregg Elsass and Douglas Plummer and:

$500 Sponsors:

Lew Aldridge



$200 Hosts:
Robert Grunnah & Cody Kinsfather



$100 Hosts:
Bob Dailey, Brian Smith, Brian & Jack Brannon, Chris Fabre, Craig Rancourt & Oliver Everette, Danny Ramon, David Smith, Dr. Hans Bengtson, John Livingston & Joe Dickson, Johnny Carino, Lisa (BoBeesa) Scheps, Michael Kramer, Oliver Worthington & Eric Peabody, Paul E. Scott & Scott Simons, Richard Fox & Rick Wooley, Robert Nash, Scott Smidt & Howard Morrison, Tim Frantz, Tom Stevenson & Ricardo Nunez, Wesley Shackleford, and few others who wished to remain nameless!

Sign up to sponsor this event for $100 (C-Note Hosts) and attend this event with 5 guests, $200 (The Big One Hosts) and attend with 11 guests or event entries can be purchased at $20 each.  The event is from 2pm to 10pm at the home of Kregg Elsass, 2102 Fort View Road in Austin 78704.  Cocktails by Tito's Vodka, Budweiser Beer, Barefooot Wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served.  RSVP by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/poolparty_aug16/details.tcl

Volunteer and get into this event for free. 
Call Marianne at 512-474-5475 to volunteer!

 

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/356782689" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=26584028 Join us for Martinis in Dallas and Plano! http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/344850079/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-07-24 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Learn about Equality Texas over drinks! Dear friend, Join us for the Plano Mixer, August 22nd! Click here for details: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/planomixer/details.tcl Join us for the Dallas Mixer, August 23rd! Click here for details: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/dallasmixer/details.tcl Sign up today to become a sponsor or a Civil Rights Hero: As of July 13th the Plano and Dallas Mixers are brought to you by the following hosts, supporters of the important work of Equality Texas: Gold Sponsors: Gayla Holcomb & Michelle Robins, Dawnetta Miller & Blue Martinez Silver sponsors: Dana Cagle, Ranil Ninala & Craig Clark, Rob Schlein & David Keeton, Ken Stowe & Mark Fultz Bronze Sponsors: Judy Brown, Cece Cox, Jay Forte & Eli Duarte, Cathy Gonzalez, Patti Fink & Erin Moore, Steve Lyle & Dan Kamide, Lauren Nguyen & Vu Chung, Roger Poindexter, Jane Schmidt-Ahsan & Shawn Ahsan, James Tucker, Ron Turner,Don Williams Civil Rights Heroes include: Jesse Garcia, Dave & Joyce Gleason, Gene Goodwin, Dan Lents & Clayton Fishbeck; Felicia Miller & Katrina Franklin, John Perez & Jim Hertwig, Jeanne Rubin & Lisa Mashigian Join this great list! SUPPORT OUR STATE LGBT RIGHTS ORGANIZATION Equality Texas and Equality Texas Foundation Friday, August 22, 2008 6:30 to 8:30 pm Home of Gayla Holcomb, 4660 Chapel Creek, Plano Saturday, August, 23, 2008 6:30 to 8:30pm Home of Sean & Karen Fitzgerald, 2814 Canton, Dallas Wine, Spirits, Appetizers, Fun. Come join us to celebrate how we can bring full equality to Texas Sponsorship Levels $ 1000 Platinum $ 400 Gold $ 200 Silver $ 100 Bronze Purchase a $25 ticket and bring 4 people- Civil Rights Hero Level (ticket sales tracked by on-line purchases) Sign up to sponsor this event or become a Civil Rights Hero and donate $25 to Equality Texas and bring 4 friends who are interested in learning about the important work of Equality Texas. RSVP to Plano by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/planomixer/details.tcl. RSVP to Dallas by clicking here:http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/dallasmixer/details.tcl. This event benefits: Equality Texas and Equality Texas Foundation work toward the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression through lobbying, education, and research. Call 512-474-5475 for more information. Equality Texas: ~Defeated legislation to ban gay and lesbian foster parenting for the past 10 years ~Lobbied for the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the Foster Care Bill of Rights in 2007 ~Led the fight to pass the James Byrd, Jr. Hates Crimes Act ~Works to pass safe schools legislation, inclusive health benefits and rights, employment nondiscrimination and more. Equality Texas Foundation: ~Works through its Safe Schools Initiative for inclusive anti-bullying and harassment policies ~Develops collaborations with the Texas faith community through its Pride in Faith program ~Educates LGBT leaders and elected officials through its Equality Project and State of the State Policy Conference.

Join us for the Plano Martini Mixer, August 22nd!
OR
Join us for the Dallas Martini Mixer, August 23rd!

Sign up today to become a sponsor or a Civil Rights Hero:

As of July 13th the Plano and Dallas Mixers are brought to you by the following hosts, supporters of the important work of Equality Texas:
Gold Sponsors:
Gayla Holcomb & Michelle Robins, Dawnetta Miller & Blue Martinez
Silver sponsors:
Dana Cagle, Ranil Ninala & Craig Clark, Rob Schlein & David Keeton, Ken Stowe & Mark Fultz
Bronze Sponsors:
Judy Brown, Cece Cox, Jay Forte & Eli Duarte, Cathy Gonzalez, Patti Fink & Erin Moore, Steve Lyle & Dan Kamide, Lauren Nguyen & Vu Chung, Roger Poindexter, Jane Schmidt-Ahsan & Shawn Ahsan, James Tucker, Ron Turner, Don Williams
Civil Rights Heroes include:
Jesse Garcia, Dave & Joyce Gleason, Gene Goodwin, Dan Lents & Clayton Fishbeck; Felicia Miller &
Katrina Franklin, John Perez & Jim Hertwig, Jeanne Rubin & Lisa Mashigian

Sign up to sponsor this event in Plano or in Dallas or to become a Civil Rights Hero and donate $25 to Equality Texas and bring 4 friends who are interested in learning about the important work of Equality Texas.  The Plano event is August 22nd from 630pm to 830pm at the home of Gayla Holcomb, 4660 Chapel Creek in Plano.  The Dallas event is August 23rd from 630pm to 830pm at the home of Sean and Karen Fitzgerald.  Tito's vodka martinis, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served.  RSVP to Plano by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/planomixer/details.tcl.  RSVP to Dallas by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/dallasmixer/details.tcl.

Equality Texas:
~Defeated legislation to ban gay and lesbian foster parenting for the past 10 years
~Lobbied for the inclusion of  sexual orientation and gender identity in the Foster Care Bill of Rights in 2007
~Led the fight to pass the James Byrd, Jr. Hates Crimes Act
~Works to pass safe schools legislation, inclusive health benefits and rights, employment nondiscrimination and more.

Equality Texas Foundation:
~Works through its Safe Schools Initiative for inclusive anti-bullying and harassment policies
~Develops collaborations with the Texas faith community through its Pride in Faith program
~Educates LGBT leaders and elected officials through its Equality Project and State of the State Policy Conference.

 

 

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/344850079" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=25845888 It's Time for Summer Camp! http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/344850081/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-07-24 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Last chance for advance tickets to Summer Camp! Last chance for you to purchase advance tickets! $30 in advance available on-line until Friday at 5pm, $35 at the door Buy them now! You are invited to the 6th Annual SUMMER CAMP! "SUMMER CAMP THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE" Benefiting Equality Texas Saturday, July 26, 2008 from 2pm - 6pm At the home of Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp 2401 South Van Buren, Amarillo 79109 $30 in advance - $35 at the door Hosts Club 212 - Kevin Locke & David Torres Marie's Flowers - Rex Lusk RR Bar - Kirby Curry & Ronnie Nanos The UPS Store (Hillside & Bell) - Sheri Sorrell David Allee & Jesus Ramos, Jr. Chuck & Melody Alexander Scott Edwards, Jr. & Jason Joe Diane Farrington-Curtis & Shanna Peoples John Hintz Clay Holcomb & Nelson Williams Jay Kirk Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp Joseph Madrid & Steven McDaniel Holly Mitchell & Jennifer Hinkle Tom Persechino Robert Carr Vincent & Brodey Carter PURCHASE TICKETS http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/summer_camp_2008/details.tcl TELL YOUR FRIENDS http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/summer_camp_2008/tell-a-friend.tcl You are invited to the 6th Annual

SUMMER CAMP!

Last chance for you to purchase advance tickets!

$30 in advance available on-line until Friday at 5pm, $35 at the door

Buy them now!

"SUMMER CAMP THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE"

Benefiting Equality Texas

 

Saturday, July 26, 2008 from 2pm - 6pm

At the home of Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp

2401 South Van Buren, Amarillo 79109

$30 in advance - $35 at the door

 Hosts

  • Club 212 - Kevin Locke & David Torres
  • Marie's Flowers - Rex Lusk
  • RR Bar - Kirby Curry & Ronnie Nanos
  • The UPS Store (Hillside & Bell) - Sheri Sorrell
  • David Allee & Jesus Ramos, Jr.
  • Chuck & Melody Alexander
  • Scott Edwards, Jr. & Jason Joe
  • Diane Farrington-Curtis & Shanna Peoples
  • John Hintz
  • Clay Holcomb & Nelson Williams
  • Jay Kirk
  • Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp
  • Joseph Madrid & Steven McDaniel
  • Holly Mitchell & Jennifer Hinkle
  • Tom Persechino
  • Robert Carr Vincent & Brodey Carter

PURCHASE TICKETS

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/344850081" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=26196104 2nd Annual Pool Party- II http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/342941514/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-07-22 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Join us! Not your grandpa's swim party! Aug 16th! Dear friend, Kregg Elsass and Douglas Plummer are back again in 2008 with "Not your grandpa's swim party"! Look at our sponsors: $500 Sponsors: Lew Aldridge and Midtown Office of Austin Title $200 Hosts: Robert Grunnah & Cody Kinsfather and Castle Hill Investments $100 Hosts: Dr. Hans Bengtson, Johnny Carino, Bob Dailey, Richard Fox & Rick Wooley, Craig Rancourt & Oliver Everett, Scott Smidt & Howard Morrison, Brian Smith, and Tom Stevenson & Ricardo Nunez August 16th from 2pm to 10pm at Kregg's home. This is the 2nd annual pool party, attended by 250 people from Austin! Sign up to sponsor this event for $100 (C-Note Hosts) and attend this event with 5 guests, $200 (The Big One Hosts) and attend with 11 guests; or individual event entries can be purchased at $20 each. The event is from 2pm to 10pm at the home of Kregg Elsass, 2102 Fort View Road in Austin 78704. Cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served. RSVP by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/poolparty_aug16/details.tcl

Tickets and Sponsorships on sale now!

Brought to you by Kregg Elsass and Douglas Plummer and:

$500 Sponsors:
Lew Aldridge



$200 Hosts:
Robert Grunnah & Cody Kinsfather



$100 Hosts:
Dr. Hans Bengtson, Johnny Carino, Bob Dailey, Richard Fox & Rick Wooley, Craig Rancourt & Oliver Everett, Scott Smidt & Howard Morrison, Brian Smith, and Tom Stevenson & Ricardo Nunez

Sign up to sponsor this event for $100 (C-Note Hosts) and attend this event with 5 guests, $200 (The Big One Hosts) and attend with 11 guests or event entries can be purchased at $20 each.  The event is from 2pm to 10pm at the home of Kregg Elsass, 2102 Fort View Road in Austin 78704.  Cocktails by Tito's Vodka, Budweiser Beer, Barefooot Wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served.  RSVP by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/poolparty_aug16/details.tcl

 

 

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/342941514" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=26126957 District Lobbying Toolkit http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/341975156/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-07-21 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Welcome to The Equality Project! Welcome to district lobbying with the Equality Project! You are receiving this message because you recently signed up to receive information about the Equality Project from Equality Texas. Equality Texas is the only statewide organization working to change public policy in order to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Equality Project is Equality Texas' district lobbying program. This electronic toolkit should give you all that you need to know to lobby your legislator at his or her district office, but you are also welcome to contact our Field Associate, Judie Niskala, at any time if you have questions or concerns, or if you are interested in having Equality Texas do an Equality Project training in your area or for your group. District lobbying is very important. Our legislators need to know that they have gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied constituents, and that their job as elected officials is to serve the entire community, including LGBT Texans. District Lobbying is one part of the Equality Project, a 2-part strategy whose mission is to have every member of the Texas Legislature visited by at least one constituent before the 2009 session, and then to continue the dialogue into the session as needs arise. The second part of the Equality Project is Lobby Day. Because so few people participate so actively, your visits have a huge impact on your representative. Many people send emails, and fewer make phone calls, but the fewest actually go to the office-- that's why these visits are so crucial and so valuable! Visiting your legislator is the most powerful way to lobby- it can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Some things you may want to talk about during your visit are: Tell your story. Tell how discrimination affects your life and/or the lives of others. Tell why discrimination is wrong. Tell why equality is right. You'll want to elaborate on each that apply, but don't spend too much time on any single one. It's understandable that legislators may sometimes overlook our concerns-- they are so overtaxed on their time. That's why it's important to let them know how it affects you, their constituent and what they need to do in order to represent you. To prepare for the visit: Review the background information on each of the issues affecting the LGBT community. Familiarize yourself with your representative's background and voting record on these issues(http://eqfed.org/eqtx/smp.html?show_subs=profile). Call your representative's office and make the appointment: be specific about the reason you want to meet. Keep your request for time brief-- 15 minutes is enough. You may speak with a staff member-- that's ok. Let us know what issue(s) you and/or your team would like to bring to your representative so that we can keep track and also provide you with suggestions for the meetings. The day of the meeting is simple. You'll: Dress professionally. Sign in and and ask to speak to Rep. X. Introduce yourself and let them know why you're there. Listen to the Legislator or staffer. Ask questions and provide fact sheets-- we can give you these, if needed. Make a specific request of the Legislator, ie: to support LGBT rights. Send a Thank You note after your meeting. Go online and record your visit & complete the district lobbying survey. You record your visit in your personal record at http://eqfed.org/eqtx/smp.html?show_subs=target%5frel (you'll have to log in). You compete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=401473757029 . It is crucial to this process that we have records of your visit-- please don't forget this important step! You did it! Thank you so much for participating in this project-- We hope you'll make another visit soon and maintain the relationship you've now begun with your legislator. Texas Government 101: Brief Overview of Who Is In The Building: Number of Reps and Senators: These numbers are set in the Texas Constitution and cannot change until the constitution is rewritten. That means that, as the population grows, the numbers of reps and senators does not experience a corresponding growth, and each representative and senator represents a larger number of people. So, each session, they must be accountable to a larger number of people and have a larger base of constituents with whom they must remain in touch. Length of Session: They are under enormous pressure-- they must fit 2 years of work into 5 months, which means those five months are tremendously stressful, and time is valuable. Don't waste their time. No other state the size of Texas has session only every other year. Again, this is set in the state constitution, and believe me the legislators would like to change this if possible. Number of bills: During the session, our bill is one among many that they have only a short time to consider. If you say 'Vote for House Bill 1296,' they aren't going to have a clue what you mean. We have to make things as easy as possible, and assume each time we meet them that they haven't heard of this issue yet. If you have any questions or would like pamphlets or legislative information at any time, please call our office at 512-474-5475 or email info@equalitytexas.org Thanks!  

Welcome to district lobbying with the Equality Project!
 
You are receiving this message because you signed up to receive information about the Equality Project from Equality Texas. Equality Texas is the only statewide organization working to change public policy in order to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Equality Project is Equality Texas' district lobbying program. This electronic toolkit should give you all that you need to know to lobby your representative at his or her district office, but you are also welcome to contact our office, at any time if you have questions or concerns, or if you are interested in having Equality Texas do an Equality Project training in your area or for your group. 

 

District lobbying is very important. Our legislators need to know that they have gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied constituents, and that their job as elected officials is to serve the entire community, including LGBT Texans. District Lobbying is one part of the Equality Project, a 2-part strategy whose mission is to have every member of the Texas Legislature visited by at least one constituent before the 2009 session, and then to continue the dialogue into the session as bills and needs arise. The second part of the Equality Project is Lobby Day. Because so few people participate so actively, your visits have a huge impact on your representative. Many people send emails, and fewer make phone calls, but the fewest actually go to the office-- that's why these visits are so crucial and so valuable!

 

Visiting your legislator is the most powerful way to lobby— it can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Some things you may want to talk about during your visit are: 
  • Tell your story.
  • Tell how discrimination affects your life and/or the lives of others.
  • Tell why discrimination is wrong.
  • Tell why equality is right.
You'll want to elaborate on each that apply, but don’t spend too much time on any single one.  It’s understandable that legislators may sometimes overlook our concerns – they are so overtaxed on their time.  That's why it's important to let them know how it affects you, their constituent and what they need to do in order to represent you.
 
To prepare for the visit: 
  • Review the background information on each of the issues affecting the LGBT community.
  • Familiarize yourself with your representative's background and voting record on these issues.
  • Call your representative's office and make the appointment: be specific about the reason you want to meet.
  • Keep your request for time brief-- 15 minutes is enough.
  • You may speak with a staff member-- that's ok.

Let us know what issue(s) you and/or your team would like to bring to your representative so that we can keep track and also provide you with suggestions for the meetings.

The day of the meeting is simple. You'll:

  • Dress professionally.
  • Sign in and and ask to speak to Rep. X.
  • Introduce yourself and let them know why you're there. 
  • Listen to the Legislator or staffer.
  • Ask questions and provide fact sheets-- we can give you these, if needed.
  • Make a specific request of the Legislatorie: to support LGBT rights.
  • Send a Thank You note after your meeting.
  • Go online and record your visit & complete the district lobbying survey. You record your visit in your personal record here (you'll have to log in). You compete the survey here. It is crucial to this process that we have records of your visit-- please don't forget this important step!

You did it! Thank you so much for participating in this project-- We hope you'll make another visit soon and maintain the relationship you've now begun with your legislator.

  

District Lobbying Toolkit:

Texas Government 101:

 

 

Brief Overview of Who Is In The Building:
 
?Number of Reps and Senators:  These numbers are set in the Texas Constitution and cannot change until the constitution is rewritten.  That means that, as the population grows, the numbers of reps and senators does not experience a corresponding growth, and each representative and senator represents a larger number of people.  So, each session, they must be accountable to a larger number of people and have a larger base of constituents with whom they must remain in touch.
 
?Length of Session:  They are under enormous pressure – they must fit 2 years of work into 5 months, which means those five months are tremendously stressful, and time is valuable.  Don’t waste their time.  No other state the size of Texas has session only every other year.  Again, this is set in the state constitution, and believe me the legislators would like to change this if possible.
 
?Number of bills:  During the session, our bill is one among many that they have only a short time to consider.  If you say “Vote for House Bill 1296,” they aren’t going to have a clue what you mean.  We have to make things as easy as possible, and assume each time we meet them that they haven’t heard of this bill yet.

 

 

If you have any questions or would like pamphlets or legislative information at any time, please call our office at 512-474-5475 or email info@equalitytexas.org 

Thanks!

 

 

   
   
]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/341975156" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=26080670 Welcome to the Action Center http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/341975158/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-07-21 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Welcome to the Equality Texas Action Center! Welcome to the Equality Texas Action Center! You are receiving this message because you recently signed up to receive correspondence from Equality Texas, the only statewide organization working to change public policy in order to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Now that you are a member of our Action Center, there are many opportunities available to you to be a part of the change we are working for in Texas. First, unless you created your own account online and have already done so, you will want to create a password for your account. Your login is the email address at which you've received this message. Your password is blank until you create one. Also, please mark the domain '@equalitytexas.org' as safe in your email program so that you are assured of getting our messages. Next you will want to make sure that your personal profile information is complete and kept up-to-date. Your address, in particular, is important because we use it to determine your precinct and send you targetted emails when your representative needs correspondence from his or her district. Then, you will want to update your subscriptions, using the check boxes, to match your needs and the kinds of messages you'd like to receive. Your choices are: Action Alerts- We send out Action Alerts when we're asking constituents to participate in a campaign of immediate concern by either sending an email or fax, making a phone call, or sometimes writing a letter. The email and fax campaigns are already set up with your personal information so that all you have to do to participate is click a button. The targets of these campaigns are often representatives but can be anyone who we as an organization believe should here from the people of Texas. Sometimes we'll send Action Alerts to everyone in the state, and sometimes we'll send them only to people in a particular district. Updates- This selection will provide you with as-needed press releases and updates to Action Alerts. E-newsletter- This is an perfect way to stay informed of programs, events, and news from the organization. We generally send 2 per month. Events- This subscription focuses on information regarding upcoming events specific to your area. This includes house parties, special events, Pride events, and others. Equality Texas events are fun and a great way to support the organization. Volunteer Opportunities- Those subscribed to the this list will receive email calls for help. These calls range from help around the office to working at an event to specific projects, including mailings and phone banks. We have several more specific delineations of our volunteer list, so if you're interested in more than just receiving these general emails, please contact info@equalitytexas.org. We have Community Crews, Equality Leaders and project-specific volunteer positions available. Next, you will want to update your 'Areas of Interest' so that you can receive messages specific to you. In addition to the programmatic interests that we have listed in this section, we have check boxes for 'Lobby at the District Level' and 'Host a House Party'. If you would like to learn more about either of these opportunities, just check the box and within a few weeks you'll receive a toolkit with specifics about how to get started. You might notice that you have other tabs available in your account such as 'To Do' which lists current advocacy campaigns that you can participate in and 'Personal Profile' which contains your personal information. Please do your best to keep this profile tab updated so that we can get in touch with you when we need to and so that we can correctly send you district-specific information. You'll have a 'Scheduled Contributions' tab if you are part of our monthly giving program, and this is where you can manage those gifts. The 'Activity History' tab lets you know what you've done with us, events, advocacy campaigns, etc. And finally, the 'Contacts with Legislators' tab is the place where you can record any contacts or visits you've had with Texas legislators so that we can keep track as an organization. This tab is particularly important if you?re participating in our Equality Project. Other things that you can do! Make a donation- Join the Texas Cabinet as a monthly donor or with a one-time gift of $240 or more or make a smaller one-time gift. We rely on donations from constituents like you to operate. In fact, over 85% of our budge is comprised of constituent contributions. It's simple, we cannot function without donations. Host a House Party- by subscribing to the 'Host a House Party' box in the 'Areas of Interest' section, you'll be sent a House Party Toolkit. This toolkit will give you all of the information you need to hose a fun, educational, and financially productive event. House Parties are a great way to let people know about Equality Texas and there are unlimited possibilities as to what kind of event it can be. The only rule is that the hosts cover the expenses so that guests know that every dollar raised goes directly to Equality Texas. We've had people throw BBQs, pot-lucks, wine-tastings, movie nights, and pool parties, just to name a few. Lobby at the district level- participating in the Equality Project, which is our district lobbying project, is a great way to learn about the legislative process and have your voice heard. It is absolutely crucial to the work of Equality Texas that EVERY legislator in Texas knows that he or she has LGBT and allied constituents and that it is his or her responsibility to represent those voices. For more information about this, or to sign up, you can click the box that says 'Lobby at the District Level' in the 'Areas of Interest' section, or you can email info@equalitytexas.org. Finally, you can spread the word about Equality Texas to anyone who you think will listen and be interested. Use the 'Tell-a-Friend' mechanism on our emails to forward them to people you know. Invite friends and family to our events. Host a House Party. Do a presentation at your office or book club. Make sure people understand how important this is and how important it is to you! And get them involved! And, if you have any questions or would like pamphlets or legislative information at any time, please call our office at 512-474-5475 or email info@equalitytexas.org Thanks!  

Welcome to the Equality Texas Action Center!
 
You are receiving this message because you recently signed up to receive correspondence from Equality Texas, the only statewide organization working to change public policy in order to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Now that you are a member of our Action Center, there are many opportunities available to you to be a part of the change we are working for in Texas.

 

First, unless you created your own account online and have already done so, you will want to create a password for your account. Your login is the email address at which you’ve received this message. Your password is blank until you create one. You can click here to do that.

Also, please mark the domain ‘@equalitytexas.org’ as safe in your email program so that you are assured of getting our messages.

 

Next, you will want to make sure that your personal profile information is complete and kept up-to-date. Your address, in particular, is important because we use it to determine your precinct and send you targetted emails when your representative needs correspondence from his or her district.

 

Then, you will want to update your subscriptions, using the check boxes, to match your needs and the kinds of messages you’d like to receive. Your choices are: 

 

Action Alerts— We send out Action Alerts when we’re asking constituents to participate in a campaign of immediate concern by either sending an email or fax, making a phone call, or sometimes writing a letter. The email and fax campaigns are already set up with your personal information so that all you have to do to participate is click a button. The targets of these campaigns are often representatives but can be anyone who we as an organization believe should here from the people of Texas. Sometimes we’ll send Action Alerts to everyone in the state, and sometimes we’ll send them only to people in a particular district.

 

Updates— This selection will provide you with as-needed press releases and updates to Action Alerts.

 

E-newsletter— This is an perfect way to stay informed of programs, events, and news from the organization. We generally send 2 per month.

 

Events— This subscription focuses on information regarding upcoming events specific to your area. This includes house parties, special events, Pride events, and others. Equality Texas events are fun and a great way to support the organization.

 

Volunteer Opportunities— Those subscribed to the this list will receive email calls for help. These calls range from help around the office to working at an event to specific projects, including mailings and phone banks. We have several more specific delineations of our volunteer list, so if you’re interested in more than just receiving these general emails, please contact info@equalitytexas.org. We have Community Crews, Equality Leaders and project-specific volunteer positions available.

 

Next, you will want to update your ‘Areas of Interest’ so that you can receive messages specific to you. In addition to the programmatic interests that we have listed in this section, we have check boxes for ‘Lobby at the District Level’ and ‘Host a House Party’. If you would like to learn more about either of these opportunities, just check the box and within a few weeks you’ll receive a toolkit with specifics about how to get started.

 

You might notice that you have other tabs available in your account such as ‘To Do’ which lists current advocacy campaigns that you can participate in and ‘Personal Profile’ which contains your personal information. Please do your best to keep this profile tab updated so that we can get in touch with you when we need to and so that we can correctly send you district-specific information. You’ll have a ‘Scheduled Contributions’ tab if you are part of our monthly giving program, and this is where you can manage those gifts. The ‘Activity History’ tab lets you know what you’ve done with us, events, advocacy campaigns, etc. And finally, the ‘Contacts with Legislators’ tab is the place where you can record any contacts or visits you’ve had with Texas legislators so that we can keep track as an organization. This tab is particularly important if you’re participating in our Equality Project.

 

Personalizing Your Action Center:

 

Other things that you can do!

 

Make a donation— Join the Texas Cabinet as a monthly donor or with a one-time gift of $240 or more or make a smaller one-time gift. We rely on donations from constituents like you to operate. In fact, over 85% of our budge is comprised of constituent contributions. It’s simple, we cannot function without donations.

 

Host a House Party—by subscribing to the “Host a House Party’ box in the ‘Areas of Interest’ section, you’ll be sent a House Party Toolkit. This toolkit will give you all of the information you need to hose a fun, educational, and financially productive event. House Parties are a great way to let people know about Equality Texas and there are unlimited possibilities as to what kind of event it can be. The only rule is that the hosts cover the expenses so that guests know that every dollar raised goes directly to Equality Texas. We’ve had people throw BBQs, pot-lucks, wine-tastings, movie nights, and pool parties, just to name a few.

 

Lobby at the district level—participating in the Equality Project, which is our district lobbying project, is a great way to learn about the legislative process and have your voice heard. It is absolutely crucial to the work of Equality Texas that EVERY legislator in Texas knows that he or she has LGBT and allied constituents and that it is his or her responsibility to represent those voices. For more information about this, or to sign up, you can click the box that says ‘Lobby at the District Level’ in the ‘Areas of Interest’ section, or you can email info@equalitytexas.org.

 

Finally, you can spread the word about Equality Texas to anyone who you think will listen and be interested. Use the ‘Tell-a-Friend’ mechanism on our emails to forward them to people you know. Invite friends and family to our events. Host a House Party. Do a presentation at your office or book club. Make sure people understand how important this is and how important it is to you! And get them involved!

 

And, if you have any questions or would like pamphlets or legislative information at any time, please call our office at 512-474-5475 or email info@equalitytexas.org

 

Thanks!

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/341975158" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=26080429 It's Time for Summer Camp! http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/339357045/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-07-18 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org It's time for Summer Camp! You are invited to the 6th Annual SUMMER CAMP! "SUMMER CAMP THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE" Benefiting Equality Texas Saturday, July 26, 2008 from 2pm - 6pm At the home of Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp 2401 South Van Buren, Amarillo 79109 $30 in advance - $35 at the door Hosts Club 212 - Kevin Locke & David Torres Marie's Flowers - Rex Lusk RR Bar - Kirby Curry & Ronnie Nanos The UPS Store (Hillside & Bell) - Sheri Sorrell David Allee & Jesus Ramos, Jr. Chuck & Melody Alexander Scott Edwards, Jr. & Jason Joe Diane Farrington-Curtis & Shanna Peoples John Hintz Clay Holcomb & Nelson Williams Jay Kirk Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp Joseph Madrid & Steven McDaniel Holly Mitchell & Jennifer Hinkle Tom Persechino Robert Carr Vincent & Brodey Carter PURCHASE TICKETS http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/summer_camp_2008/details.tcl TELL YOUR FRIENDS http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/summer_camp_2008/tell-a-friend.tcl  

You are invited to the 6th Annual

SUMMER CAMP!

"SUMMER CAMP THE WAY IT WAS MEANT TO BE"

Benefiting Equality Texas

 

Saturday, July 26, 2008 from 2pm - 6pm

At the home of Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp

2401 South Van Buren, Amarillo 79109

$30 in advance - $35 at the door

 

Hosts

  • Club 212 - Kevin Locke & David Torres
  • Marie's Flowers - Rex Lusk
  • RR Bar - Kirby Curry & Ronnie Nanos
  • The UPS Store (Hillside & Bell) - Sheri Sorrell
  • David Allee & Jesus Ramos, Jr.
  • Chuck & Melody Alexander
  • Scott Edwards, Jr. & Jason Joe
  • Diane Farrington-Curtis & Shanna Peoples
  • John Hintz
  • Clay Holcomb & Nelson Williams
  • Jay Kirk
  • Whitney Kelly & Jim Kemp
  • Joseph Madrid & Steven McDaniel
  • Holly Mitchell & Jennifer Hinkle
  • Tom Persechino
  • Robert Carr Vincent & Brodey Carter

PURCHASE TICKETS

TELL YOUR FRIENDS

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/339357045" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=25990436 For The Bible Tells Me So in Amarillo http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/329069605/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-07-07 Equality Texas Foundation Info@equalitytexas.org "For the Bible Tells Me So" Amarillo screening Equality Texas Foundation, OUTstanding Amarillo and Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship are proud to present: "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO" Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 4901 Cornell St Amarillo, TX 79109 Panel discussion follows the screening Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to RSVP, go to: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/ftbtms_amarillo/details.tcl Or contact Chuck at 512-474-5475. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible. As the film notes, most Christians live their lives today without feeling obliged to kill anyone who works on the Sabbath or eats shrimp (as a literal reading of scripture dictates). Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, "FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO" offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity. You are receiving this e-mail from Equality Texas because you have previously subscribed to our event e-mail list. If you feel you have received this e-mail in error, you can modify your e-mail subscriptions, or remove yourself entirely from our Action Center, by clicking on the links at the bottom of this message.

Equality Texas Foundation, OUTstanding Amarillo and Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship are proud to present:

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO 

Thursday, July 10, 2008
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Amarillo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
4901 Cornell St
Amarillo, TX 79109

Panel discussion follows the screening

 

Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information or to RSVP, please click here, or contact Chuck (512-474-5475).

 

  

Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Seattle International Film Festival, Dan Karslake's provocative, entertaining documentary brilliantly reconciles homosexuality and Biblical scripture, and in the process reveals that Church-sanctioned anti-gay bias is based almost solely upon a significant (and often malicious) misinterpretation of the Bible. As the film notes, most Christians live their lives today without feeling obliged to kill anyone who works on the Sabbath or eats shrimp (as a literal reading of scripture dictates).

 

Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families -- including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopalian Bishop Gene Robinson -- we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard's Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.

 

Let us know you're coming.

You are receiving this e-mail from Equality Texas because you have previously subscribed to our event e-mail list. If you feel you have received this e-mail in error, you can modify your e-mail subscriptions, or remove yourself entirely from our Action Center, by clicking on the links at the bottom of this message. Read Equality Texas's Privacy Policy.

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/329069605" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=25684147 2nd Annual Pool Party- Save the Date http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/325025410/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-07-02 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Not your grandpa's pool party! Aug 16th, home of Kregg Elsass! Dear friend, Kregg Elsass and Douglas Plummer are back again in 2008 with "Not your grandpa's swim party"! August 16th from 2pm to 10pm at Kregg's home. This is the 2nd annual pool party, attended by 250 people from Austin! Sign up to sponsor this event for $100 (C-Note Hosts) and attend this event with 5 guests, $200 (The Big One Hosts) and attend with 11 guests; or individual event entries can be purchased at $20 each. The event is from 2pm to 10pm at the home of Kregg Elsass, 2102 Fort View Road in Austin 78704. Cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served. RSVP by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/poolparty_aug16/details.tcl

Tickets and Sponsorships on sale now!


Sign up to sponsor this event for $100 (C-Note Hosts) and attend this event with 5 guests, $200 (The Big One Hosts) and attend with 11 guests or event entries can be purchased at $20 each.  The event is from 2pm to 10pm at the home of Kregg Elsass, 2102 Fort View Road in Austin 78704.  Cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and appetizers will be served.  RSVP by clicking here: http://eqfed.org/eqtx/events/poolparty_aug16/details.tcl

 

 

 

]]> <img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~4/325025410" height="1" width="1"/>http://eqfed.org/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=25613897 District Lobbying Toolkit http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EqualityTexasE-newsChannel/~3/321620400/notice-description.tcl newsletter 2008-06-27 Equality Texas Info@EqualityTexas.org Welcome to The Equality Project! Welcome to district lobbying with the Equality Project! You are receiving this message because you recently signed up to receive information about the Equality Project from Equality Texas. Equality Texas is the only statewide organization working to change public policy in order to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Equality Project is Equality Texas' district lobbying program. This electronic toolkit should give you all that you need to know to lobby your legislator at his or her district office, but you are also welcome to contact our Field Associate, Judie Niskala, at any time if you have questions or concerns, or if you are interested in having Equality Texas do an Equality Project training in your area or for your group. District lobbying is very important. Our legislators need to know that they have gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied constituents, and that their job as elected officials is to serve the entire community, including LGBT Texans. District Lobbying is one part of the Equality Project, a 2-part strategy whose mission is to have every member of the Texas Legislature visited by at least one constituent before the 2009 session, and then to continue the dialogue into the session as needs arise. The second part of the Equality Project is Lobby Day. Because so few people participate so actively, your visits have a huge impact on your representative. Many people send emails, and fewer make phone calls, but the fewest actually go to the office-- that's why these visits are so crucial and so valuable! Visiting your legislator is the most powerful way to lobby- it can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Some things you may want to talk about during your visit are: Tell your story. Tell how discrimination affects your life and/or the lives of others. Tell why discrimination is wrong. Tell why equality is right. You'll want to elaborate on each that apply, but don't spend too much time on any single one. It's understandable that legislators may sometimes overlook our concerns-- they are so overtaxed on their time. That's why it's important to let them know how it affects you, their constituent and what they need to do in order to represent you. To prepare for the visit: Review the background information on each of the issues affecting the LGBT community. Familiarize yourself with your representative's background and voting record on these issues(http://eqfed.org/eqtx/smp.html?show_subs=profile). Call your representative's office and make the appointment: be specific about the reason you want to meet. Keep your request for time brief-- 15 minutes is enough. You may speak with a staff member-- that's ok. Let us know what issue(s) you and/or your team would like to bring to your representative so that we can keep track and also provide you with suggestions for the meetings. The day of the meeting is simple. You'll: Dress professionally. Sign in and and ask to speak to Rep. X. Introduce yourself and let them know why you're there. Listen to the Legislator or staffer. Ask questions and provide fact sheets-- we can give you these, if needed. Make a specific request of the Legislator, ie: to support LGBT rights. Send a Thank You note after your meeting. Go online and record your visit & complete the district lobbying survey. You record your visit in your personal record at http://eqfed.org/eqtx/smp.html?show_subs=target%5frel (you'll have to log in). You compete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=401473757029 . It is crucial to this process that we have records of your visit-- please don't forget this important step! You did it! Thank you so much for participating in this project-- We hope you'll make another visit soon and maintain the relationship you've now begun with your legislator. Texas Government 101: Brief Overview of Who Is In The Building: Number of Reps and Senators: These numbers are set in the Texas Constitution and cannot change until the constitution is rewritten. That means that, as the population grows, the numbers of reps and senators does not experience a corresponding growth, and each representative and senator represents a larger number of people. So, each session, they must be accountable to a larger number of people and have a larger base of constituents with whom they must remain in touch. Length of Session: They are under enormous pressure-- they must fit 2 years of work into 5 months, which means those five months are tremendously stressful, and time is valuable. Don't waste their time. No other state the size of Texas has session only every other year. Again, this is set in the state constitution, and believe me the legislators would like to change this if possible. Number of bills: During the session, our bill is one among many that they have only a short time to consider. If you say 'Vote for House Bill 1296,' they aren't going to have a clue what you mean. We have to make things as easy as possible, and assume each time we meet them that they haven't heard of this issue yet. If you have any questions or would like pamphlets or legislative information at any time, please call our office at 512-474-5475 or email info@equalitytexas.org Thanks!  

Welcome to district lobbying with the Equality Project!
 
You are receiving this message because you signed up to receive information about the Equality Project from Equality Texas. Equality Texas is the only statewide organization working to change public policy in order to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Equality Project is Equality Texas' district lobbying program. This electronic toolkit should give you all that you need to know to lobby your representative at his or her district office, but you are also welcome to contact our office, at any time if you have questions or concerns, or if you are interested in having Equality Texas do an Equality Project training in your area or for your group. 

 

District lobbying is very important. Our legislators need to know that they have gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied constituents, and that their job as elected officials is to serve the entire community, including LGBT Texans. District Lobbying is one part of the Equality Project, a 2-part strategy whose mission is to have every member of the Texas Legislature visited by at least one constituent before the 2009 session, and then to continue the dialogue into the session as bills and needs arise. The second part of the Equality Project is Lobby Day. Because so few people participate so actively, your visits have a huge impact on your representative. Many people send emails, and fewer make phone calls, but the fewest actually go to the office-- that's why these visits are so crucial and so valuable!

 

Visiting your legislator is the most powerful way to lobby— it can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
Some things you may want to talk about during your visit are: 
  • Tell your story.
  • Tell how discrimination affects your life and/or the lives of others.
  • Tell why discrimination is wrong.
  • Tell why equality is right.
You'll want to elaborate on each that apply, but don’t spend too much time on any single one.  It’s understandable that legislators may sometimes overlook our concerns – they are so overtaxed on their time.  That's why it's important to let them know how it affects you, their constituent and what they need to do in order to represent you.
 
To prepare for the visit: 
  • Review the background information on each of the issues affecting the LGBT community.
  • Familiarize yourself with your representative's background and voting record on these issues.
  • Call your representative's office and make the appointment: be specific about the reason you want to meet.
  • Keep your request for time brief-- 15 minutes is enough.
  • You may speak with a staff member-- that's ok.

Let us know what issue(s) you and/or your team would like to bring to your representative so that we can keep track and also provide you with suggestions for the meetings.

The day of the meeting is simple. You'll:

  • Dress professionally.
  • Sign in and and ask to speak to Rep. X.
  • Introduce yourself and let them know why you're there. 
  • Listen to the Legislator or staffer.
  • Ask questions and provide fact sheets-- we can give you these, if needed.
  • Make a specific request of the Legislatorie: to support LGBT rights.
  • Send a Thank You note after your meeting.
  • Go online and record your visit & complete the district lobbying survey. You record your visit in your personal record here (you'll have to log in). You compete the survey here. It is crucial to this process that we have records of your visit-- please don't forget this important step!

You did it! Thank you so much for participating in this project-- We hope you'll make another visit soon and maintain the relationship you've now begun with your legislator.

  

District Lobbying Toolkit:

Texas Government 101:

 

 

Brief Overview of Who Is In The Building:
 
?Number of Reps and Senators:  These numbers are set in the Texas Constitution and cannot change until the constitution is rewritten.  That means that, as the population grows, the numbers of reps and senators does not experience a corresponding growth, and each representative and senator represents a larger number of people.  So, each session, they must be accountable to a larger number of people and have a larger base of constituents with whom they must remain in touch.
 
?Length of Session:  They are under enormous pressure – they must fit 2 years of work into 5 months, which means those five months are tremendously stressful, and time is valuable.  Don’t waste their time.  No other state the size of Texas has session only every other year.  Again, this is set in the state constitution, and believe me the legislators would like to change this if possible.
 
?Number of bills:  During the session, our bill is one among many that they have only a short time to consider.  If you say “Vote for House Bill 1296,” they aren’t going to have a clue what you mean.  We have to make things as easy as possible, and assume each time we meet them that they haven’t heard of this bill yet.

 

 

If you have any questions or would like pamphlets or legislative information at any time, please call our office at 512-474-5475 or email info@equalitytexas.org