Lobby Day 2009

Calling All Supporters of Equality!


Equality Maryland Lobby Day
Monday, Feb. 2, 2009
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Annapolis


FEATURED SPEAKERS

Bishop Gene Robinson

EQMD Executive Diretor Kate Runyon

Lisa Polyak and Gita Deane

Sandy Rawls, Trans United
We have the chance to make history in Maryland and we need you to be a part of it.

Maryland remains one of the handful of states that has the opportunity to end marriage discrimination against same-sex couples in the near future. In 2008 we introduced The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act with an impressive 49 cosponsors and lots of positive attentions. We need to continue this momentum in 2009 by increasing the number of state legislators who sign on to cosponsor this landmark piece of legislation. They won't sign on unless they are asked, and the best people to ask are the voters who live in their district – that would be you!

We are also focusing on adding gender identity and expression to the state's non-discrimination laws. We need you to urge your legislator to pass this common-sense measure once and for all. Please think about giving these important issues a few hours of your time on Feb. 2, 2009 when Equality Maryland holds its annual Lobby Day in Annapolis. This year we are honored to have Bishop Gene Robinson as our special guest. Sign up today!

Once you sign up, our district coordinators will schedule your meetings with your elected officials, group you with other constituents in your district to accompany you on your visits, and provide you with legislators' voting records, talking points, and other important information before the date.  We will also conduct a training on the lobbying process and the issues on Lobby Day before legislator meetings begin.  Email mary@equalitymaryland.org with any questions.

The rally will be interpreted in ASL. Deaf/blind interpreters will be available also. Lobbying will be interpreted upon request.

Interested in serving as a district coordinator? Click here to find out what's involved, and if you'd like to apply, click here. If you have any questions at all, just email Mary.

Why is it important for me to attend Lobby Day?


There is one thing that will affect legislators more than anything else – hearing from constituents! Legislators like to know they have the support of their constituents to act progressively and, in most cases, they are interested in hearing constituents' personal stories. As a "citizen lobbyist," you're not expected to know the ins and outs of a particular bill; you're just expected to speak from your heart. Don't forget how much media attention is paid to this day as well. We need to make sure Marylanders and our elected officials see our strength in numbers!

LOBBY DAY 2009: