I volunteered for the Human Rights Campaign
Last Thursday I attended my first Human Rights Campaign social event Club Blue. I’ve been contemplating the idea of getting more involved with HRC for a while but after attending the Fort Lauderdale Pride Fest 3 weeks ago, I’ve decided to take the plunge and inform myself on the issues my community is facing now and how I can actively get involved and contribute.
HRC South Florida Steering Committee is amazing group of volunteers (thanks Tony!) that organize events and meetings that are design to bring out community together and inform we all of what’s the latest in the fight for LGBT rights. Personally, it was a huge wake up call for me. I had no idea how off I was of everything that is going on right now, especially in this election year. I don’t vote. I’m not American. But I am gay and this is my cause.
I signed up to be a HRC volunteer and I have not doubt this was the best decision I made this year. I can’t wait to start, make a different and meet all those awesome super gay people of South Florida!
“Equality is in the heart of everything HRC stands for – an equal opportunity to share in the rights and responsibilities of out society … an equal hope of living free from threat of discrimination”
To know more about HRC work, go to the Human Rights Campaign website
Tags: Human Rights Campaign, LGBT rights
May 4, 2008 @ 10:34 am
Congrats for getting in involved with HRC in South Florida. I am a former HRC Board Member and at one time not all that long ago I was heavily invested in the organization. Not anymore.
I think the thing I’d highly recommend is to separate your work with HRC as a social thing from work you do in terms of advocacy. In your post you quote that “Equality is in the heart of everything HRC stands for.” I wish I could still believe that.
HRC is like a company with shareholders (major donors), political connections, and a pressure to deliver. Recent events around the Employment Non-Discrimination Act exposed the fact that HRC, in fact, does not support Equality for all. I resigned over it because the high ideals and principles of “Equality for All” cannot be compromised, especially not for political convenience or personal legacy.
I do believe that local steering committees are still wonderful ways to get involved, and in a way I absolve them from some of the responsibility that their leadership bears. But I strongly urge you to get involved with your eyes open. All is not always as it appears.
May 8, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
Donna,
Thanks for the heads up. Obviously I’m completely thrilled to be part of the HRC as a volunteer and I will try to keep this blog updated with the work that I’m gonna be involved on with the South Florida Steering Committee. I will definitely keep my eyes and ears open as I get to know the details of their work. I would like to keep in contact with you if you still not completely fed up of them! I can understand your frustration. Social causes sometimes are not immune of power play.
Talk to you soon!