We are less than three weeks away from November 2nd, when mid-term elections will determine whether we can make great strides for equality in next few years or not. My fellow HRC field organizers are scattered around the country in priority states working around the clock to help elect pro-equality candidates and engage HRC members in key campaigns.
Here in Washington, DC, we are doing all that we can to support that work, and we need your help. Over the past two weeks, our dedicated volunteers have called thousands of HRC members in Ohio to ask that they volunteer for pro-equality candidates.
Last night, at HRC’s headquarters at 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, we dialed for equality into New York State and signed up local HRC members to get involved in the Campaign for New York Marriage. Less than a year ago, the New York State Senate narrowly voted down marriage equality. The work we are doing now will help determine whether we can muster the votes for marriage equality in the state Senate next year.
Ten amazing volunteers joined us to support New York marriage, including four members from Howard University’s CASCADE (Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality). Their presence was particularly meaningful because former CASCADE member Aiyisha Hassan, 20, took her own life last week. I extend a very special thank you to the four CASCADE members who joined us to Dial for Equality before attending a candlelight vigil in honor of Aiyisha’s memory. I applaud their efforts to make a difference in the wake of this terrible human tragedy.
We are going to continue to fight from here in D.C. for equality everywhere.
If you live in the D.C. metro area and care about marriage equality, tougher anti-bullying laws, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and full equality for LGBT Americans, then please join us at HRC headquarters on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. We’ll provide a light dinner, a great training and the satisfaction that comes with knowing you made a difference.
