NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/soc/motss/54183

Internet Message Format | 1992-12-30 | 5.3 KB

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From: [e-mail] (Emily Rizzo)
Newsgroups: soc.motss
Subject: Update from Colorado Groups
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 30 Dec 92 21:05:48 GMT
Sender: [e-mail] (Notes Person)
Organization: New York University
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Nntp-Posting-Host: rm706.econ.nyu.edu

Right after Measure 2 passed in Colorado, I sent off two checks to
EPOColorado and Colorado Legal Initiatives Project, in response to
a posting on soc.motss.  In the last week I've received letters from
both organizations explaining what they have done and why they need
more money.  Since some of you may be wondering what exactly is going
on inside Colorado, I've  typed in some paragraphs from each letter.

EPOColorado sent me a four page letter.  I am intrigued that they are now
soliciting contributions on behalf of other organizations including P-FLAG.

December 7, 1992
    [opening stuff deleted]
   The key to change, then, is education.
   While the work of of EPOColorado campaign committee is done,
   the coalition that came together when Amendment 2 reared its
   ugly head is strong and moving ahead.  It has reorganized,
   taken on new leadership, a new mission and a new name.  As
   "Equality Colorado", the coalition will employ grassroots
   organizing and communication expertise to reach out across
   our state to help the public understand the travesty of
   Amendment 2.

   We can start doing this immediately.  through the nearly 200
   business, religious, political and human rights organizations
   that joined to oppose discrimination in Colorado.  Through over
   400 clergy who gathered to denounce bigotry and ignorance.  Through
   hundreds of local government leaders.  And through people like you,
   who are part of a 23,000-person network of fair-minded people who
   know that Amendment 2 can only hurt Colorado.

   Only when more people understand this will we be successful in our
   efforts to un-do 2.  In addition to the Equality Colorado's plans,
   we want to tell you about other groups that are hard at work.  These
   groups worked alongside the campaign, with enhanced public awareness
   and education as their objectives.  And they worked with smaller
   budgets because much of our friends' money was going by necessity
   to the campaign.  So now they need our help.

   The campaign succeeded in expanding the population base from which
   to draw support to further the cause of civil rights for everybody, and
   thousands gave to try to defeat the passage of the amendment.  To ensure
   continued progress in our fight, Equality Colorado is working closely
   with these key organizations in our community.  We urge you to help
   them too.  These groups are:

   * The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Colorado.  The Community Center
     offers many support programs to help combat the effects of homophobic
     ignorance and discrimination.  Two in particular are the Youth Services
     Program and the Anti-Violence Project. [details deleted]

   * Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).  PFLAG is devoted
     to helping families gain knowledge about gay and lesbain issues,
     empowering them as messengers in the cause of equal protection.
     A new activity, "Creating Change," will develop parent contact
     teams to meet with community leaders with a goal of common
     understanding.  PFLAG maintains a 24-hour hotline staffed by
     confidentials, knowledgeable members.  Supporting PFLAG keeps some
     of our best messengers at work.

   * Equality Colorado.  Equality Colorado has deep roots in the fight
     for equal rights in colorado.  This group begain when the co-authors
     of Denver's comprehensive anti-discrimination ordinance sat as a kitchen
     table one night in 1987 and envisioned a fairer city for all of Denver's
     residents.  Today, Equality Colorado continues its work to bring people
     together from all over the state in the name of equal rights.  Equality
     Colorado is dedicated to providing education and outreach with the
     intent to: Increase awareness of the gay/lesbian/bisexual experience
     in Colorado and the ramifications of Amendment 3 on them; highlight
     the dangers inherent in the radical right's "stealth" campaign tactics
     and their long-term agenda; explain the difference between civil rights
     and the radical right's "special rights" campaign slogan; un-do
     Amendment 2; and strive for equal rights for all Coloradans.

Along with this letter is a contribution card soliciting funds for these three
organizations.

In response to a separate contribution to the Colorado Legal Initiatives
Project, I received a brief thank you letter including a brief description
of the lawsuit filed and a request for more money:

   At this time, the services of all the attorneys in the lawsuit are being
   donated.  There are, however, many other costs associated with litigation,
   including depositions, expert witnesses, and office expenses.  These costs
   may run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Your donation will be used
   to defray these expenses, as well as to fund other activities of CLIP
   directed toward overturning Amendment 2.