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Get Engaged – Oregon Can Win the Freedom to Marry
 Are you and your partner excluded from marriage? Do you know someone who wants to be married, but can’t — just because they are gay or lesbian?
Here’s your chance to make your voice count. Your story is the most powerful tool to open up hearts and minds. Your personal, heartfelt words can help us win the freedom to marry.
Get engaged in this public education program. Tell us your story today! |
| A vote on ENDA?
 Word has it that Congress is preparing to vote on the Employment NonDiscrimination Act, which would ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across the country. Have you written your Congreesmember lately? Take action today!
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| Standing Together: People of Color Leadership Program kicks off
 This past Saturday 20 selected activists of color, LGBT and straight allies, convened in Portland to launch the Standing Together leadership program. The leadership program is an ongoing series of skills, and campaign trainings alongside in-depth strategy sessions that will lead participants to develop and lead an education campaign aimed at building a unified movement for social justice in Oregon.
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| Standing Together: LGBT Oregonians, Police Reform and Naming Racial Justice
 At Basic Rights Oregon, we believe that greater police accountability is a crucial issue for all Portlanders, but especially for communities of color, for the LGBT community and LGBT people of color. We know what it means to fear for our safety, the well-being of our families, and the security of our communities.
Join us with our partners in the AMA Coalition for Justice and Police Reform and the Urban League of Portland tomorrow to be part of the conversation on how to analyze and articulate an issue as a matter of racial justice, examine the connection between law enforcement, racial justice and LGBT justice, and how LGBT Portlanders can support efforts for police reform! Register online.
Contact Jessica with any questions: Jessica@basicrights.org, 503-222-6151 x108 |
| 17th Annual Oregonians Against Discrimination Business Leaders Luncheon — The Business of Equality
 Last Wednesday saw the return of the annual Business Leaders Luncheon, which raises funds to support the education work of Basic Rights Oregon. Over 450 Oregon business, community and government leaders gathered at the Oregon Convention Center to learn how they can support Basic Rights Oregon’s education campaigns. Our keynote speaker, Evan Wolfson, founder and Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, called on Oregon’s business community to take a stand to support our current campaign for marriage equality.
The event continues to grow each year as business leaders affirm their commitment to work alongside Basic Rights Oregon to ensure that gay and transgender Oregonians are treated with dignity, fairness and respect. This year’s event is on track to raise just over $100,000 to support our work for equality in 2010. |
Upcoming activities
- Police Accountability workshop
- Our Towns in Lincoln City, Pendleton, St. Helens
- DADT Veterans Lobby Day
 In the next month, community leaders will be kicking off small-town education campaigns in Lincoln City, St. Helens and Pendleton. Get all the details at http://www.basicrights.org/?p=1083. This is part of our long-term partnership with PFLAG, Rural Organizing Project and Community of Welcoming Congregations.
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