What exactly do we want individuals to actively do? Look below and let us know where your strengths lie (when you go to "sign up" at the top right corner of the site) and we will make sure to get you involved. (If you go to the Resources - Toolkits/PDF's section, you can print out an Allied for Equality handout in English and Spanish.)
LEGISLATIVE: getting postcards or petitions signed, calling or emailing your legislator on a pertinent LGBT topic, or participating in lobby days
THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAS APPROVED CIVIL UNIONS! Governor Quinn signed the bill on January 31, 2011. Couples will be able to enter into a civil union starting June 1, 2011.
For more information on the civil union bill please go the Equality Illinois website.
SB 3266 (Anti Bullying Bill) PASSED OUT OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE, 108-0 (It has already passed out of the Senate and will go on to the Governor to sign!) UPDATE! Governor Quinn signed the bill on June 27, 2010 at Nettlehorst Elementary - click here for coverage of the event.
If you want to help on national level:
IMPORTANT! Contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators to voice your support for the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA) / H.R. 1397. ENDA would extend the existing federal law prohibiting employment discrimination to protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. (FYI: The state of Illinois passed similar legislation including LGB and T in 2005.) Would you talk to five people and ask them to send an email to their legislator in support of ENDA? Don't forget to send one yourself!
Support the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) and The Reuniting Families Act is urgently needed in Illinois. These bills would end discrimination in our Immigration law by allowing LGBT American citizens to sponsor their partners, the same way it currently allows straight American citizens to do. Would you talk to five people and ask them to send an email to their legislator in support of UAFA? Don't forget to send one yourself! PLEASE NOTE: For more information on asylum please download this flyer from the Heartland Alliance in English or Spanish.
Yes! The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate voted to authorize the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (S. 4023). Thanks goes out to the members of Congress who voted to end this arcane rule! Passing this legislation is a great step forward for equality.
GREAT NEWS - the U.S. Senate passed the Hate Crimes Bill (Matthew Shepard Act) by a vote of 68 to 29, and the President signed the bill into LAW on October 28, 2009! This law added sexual orientation, gender identity, gender and disability to the categories included in existing federal hate crimes law.
***Of course with any of the national issues, you can call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
CREATIVE: writing letters to the editor, sharing your story, monitoring news pundits, or guest blogging
SOCIAL: making a list of your friends and family and inviting them to be a part of Allied for Equality, volunteering at LGBT festivals or events, help with phone banking, help with canvassing, participate in voter registration drives, hosting a host party, coming to rallies, or wearing an Allied for Equality button to get the conversation started (see picture)
SPIRITUAL: reaching out to your faith community to get the dialogue concerning LGBT rights started, ask your faith community to get involved or ask your congregation to invite us to come and speak in order to reach out to more people
COMMUNITY: reaching out to organizations that are supportive and ask them to start a partnership with Allied for Equality, signing up people in your community group who are interested or ask the organization to invite us to come and speak