National Organizations Co-Lead Grassroots Organizing Training at National Equality March
(Washington, D.C., October 9, 2009) — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)-National are hosting a training on grassroots organizing to pass the Employment Non- Discrimination Act (ENDA) as part of this weekend’s National Equality March in Washington, D.C. ENDA is federal legislation that will ban workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
“Your Role in Passing ENDA: Grassroots Organizing Training” will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon until 2 p.m. at the Center for Community Change, located at 1536 U Street NW. The training will feature experts in lobbying and grassroots organizing. Participants will get an update on ENDA, learn about “local action teams” and how they are critical to passing this legislation, and get the tools necessary to join the grassroots mobilization to pass an inclusive ENDA. Click here for more information.
Quotes from sponsoring organizations:
- “When we mobilize for LGBTQ equality, for racial and economic justice, for a transformed society, and to make our love and lives visible, the Task Force is there. This training stresses the critical importance of grassroots organizing in ensuring that our voices are heard to get Congress to finally pass ENDA. When we come together, we can achieve fundamental employment protections for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.” —National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey
- “Every single day, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people get fired from their jobs simply because of who they are. When employers discriminate, we all lose because hardworking, qualified Americans are out of a job. We need everyone to tell Congress clearly why ENDA needs to pass and pass quickly. The march is a great opportunity for people to get resources and skills to make this happen. Jobs, families, and even lives, are depending on this.” —National Center for Transgender Equality Executive Director Mara Keisling
- “Workplace protections for LGBTQ people are urgently needed and long overdue. The president supports ENDA. All those who care about ending discrimination need to put pressure on Congress to pass ENDA, today.” —National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell
- “I have met countless parents, families and friends of LGBTQ people and have heard too many tragic stories of LGBTQ employees being harassed, fired, not hired, and passed over for advancement without regard to their merit. That treatment would not be permissible if ENDA were law. We urge everyone, LGBTQ people and straight allies alike, to participate in this training so we can effectively push Congress to end this injustice by passing ENDA.” — PFLAG National Executive Director Jody M. Huckaby
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.