Email Blast — October 17, 2009
Dear Friend,
Following is a listing of upcoming events.
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Sunday, October 18, 2009, 1–5 P.M. — Phone banking for Maine continues at Greg and Mark's house, 2987 Howell Avenue, Santa Clara (ph. 408-398-8615), from 1:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon. Please try to arrive by 1:00 so we can be on the phones by 2:00. Bring your own cell phone and charger; training will be provided. Greg and Mark will provide some snacks and drinks; please feel free to bring your own as well.
Also, we need someone do data entry as we dial; it's pretty easy, and it will help get results posted promptly. Contact Greg if you are interested.
To RSVP, visit the Facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149254640938&ref=nf, or email Greg at greg@belaus.com.
Links:
Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149254640938&ref=nf
Facebook Group Page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=119082237665
Maine Campaign Website: http://mainefreedomtomarry.com/
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Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 6–7 P.M. — Candlelight Vigil for 45,000 Persons Who Die Each Year Due to Lack of Health Care, sponsored by the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
405 South 10th Street (at E. San Salvador), San José
In this time of remembrance and hope as we commit to continue our work for comprehensive and compassionate health care reform. This will be a simple service of candlelight, story sharing, remembering, prayers and song. Everyone is welcome.
Two weeks ago, Harvard University released a report that stunned us all, finding that nearly 45,000 people die each year because they lack insurance that provides access to needed health care. It is the injustice of such tragic and unnecessary deaths in the midst of abundance that compels us to promote a health care reform shaped by the values of our faith and Jesus' call for fullness of life for all.
Stories of those who have died because they did not have needed health care are being gathered, and will be shared at vigils around the nation. Click here to visit a new Health Care Story blog site to tell your story, and invite others to do the same: http://healthcarestories.wordpress.com/
To plan a vigil in your part of Santa Clara County or nearby, contact the Council of Churches at council@councilofchurches-scc.org and we will be happy to help publicize and provide resources.
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Thursday, October 22, 2009, 12:30 P.M. — 2010 Census LGBT Community Roundtable
The US Census Bureau and Equality California will co-host the first roundtable discussion in Northern California focusing on how to reach every member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities with the 2010 Census message. This 2010 Census LGBT Community Roundtable will be on Thursday October 22, at 12:30 P.M. at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street, San Francisco. Participants will include leaders of Bay Area community-based, faith-based and business organizations serving the LGBT residents of this region.
Speakers will include Tim Olson, Assistant Division Chief for the Census Bureau�s Field Division, and an architect of the recent policy change to count same-sex marriages on the 2010 Census, and Gary Gates, Distinguished Scholar with the Williams Institute at UCLA. Other invitees include representatives from the Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Transgender Law Center and local organizations.
For the 2010 Census, in response to the changes in our society and to ensure the best data possible regarding same-sex households, the Census Bureau has expanded its partnership outreach to include the LGBT communities. Our community roundtable on October 22 will be the genesis of a Complete Count Committee that will inform and motivate the LGBT community in Northern California to participate fully in the 2010 Census.
Please forward this announcement to other interested individuals and organizations. To register for the October 22nd Community Roundtable, or for more information, please contact the following LGBT Partnership Specialists for the 2010 Census:
David Lloyd, (415) 320-3844, David.B.Lloyd@census.gov
Ray Mueller, (408) 500-8016, Raymond.C.Mueller@census.gov
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Monday, November 2, 2009, 6–7 P.M. — Interfaith Candlelight Rally to Support Marriage Equality, sponsored by the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County
Meet at First Christian Church, 80 S. Fifth Street, San José; we will march to San José City Hall.
At the one year anniverary of the passage of Proposition 8, we will stand together, not looking back — but moving forward — as part of a movement of faith communities across the state gathering this same evening!
Hear testimony from faith leaders, civic leaders and youth. Through prayers from diverse faith traditions, lively music and sacred scriptures, we will Keep the Faith for equality for all people.
Support friends in Maine and Washington state as they face ballot measures the next day — election day — which would strip same-sex couples of relationship protections.
Please bring candles with glass or plastic protective cups so wax does not spill!
*First Christian Church is between San Fernando and Santa Clara.
Easy VTA access!
Fifth Street garage nearby and parking free after 6pm.
We will be inside the church if it rains.
Council of Churches website: http://www.councilofchurches-scc.org
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Finally, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the effort to get Buju Banton's October 13 concert at the VooDoo Lounge in downtown San José canceled! Our special gratitude goes out to Tony Beers and Dave Powell, owners of the nightclub, for immediately canceling the performance upon learning of Banton's violent and homophobic lyrics.
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Happy Halloween to all!
Marriage Equality Silicon Valley
http://marriageequalitysiliconvalley.org