12 Action Ideas To Promote "Marriage Equality Week"

Use "Marriage Equality Week" as an effective way to educate your members -- and to reach out to the larger community.

Adapt the sample news release to highlight your observance of "Marriage Equality Week" and send it to both mainline and GLBT media in your area.

Use "Marriage Equality Week" as an opportunity to network with GLBT groups in your area and to build solidarity in your community.

Write a letter to the editor to your GLBT newspaper or magazine in support of same-sex marriage. Remind our community of the importance of taking a stand on this issue.

Join our community by signing a petition a petition in support of marriage at www.dontamend.com

Ask your pastor to address same-sex marriage during services on either October 12 or October 19, and invite other enlightened faith communities to do so.

Use this week to build support for MCC's Valentine's Day actions.

Call, write and/or e-mail your Representative and your two U.S. Senators. Ask them to support marriage equality for gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender persons. Tell them you support same-sex marriage rights

-- Phone: You can reach your Representative and Senators by calling 1-202-224-3121

-- E-mail: E-mail your Congressperson at www.house.gov and your Senators at www.senate.gov 

-- Postal Mail:
   You can write your Representative at House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515 and your Senators at U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510.

Encourage community groups, social justice organizations and other faith communities to hold a public rally in support of same-sex marriage during the week of October 12-19.

Call-in to talk radio shows during October 12-19. Tell your story and explain why you support same-sex marriage.

Write a letter to the editor of your local mainline newspaper in support of marriage. Emphasize the themes of equality, justice and love.

Visit the recommended websites for additional resources, information, and media talking points.

NOTE:
These materials have been designed for U.S.-based activists as a positive countervoice to a right-wing attack on same-sex marriage scheduled for mid-October. These materials may be easily adapted for use in other countries and cultures.