Recently, President Elect Barack Obama released his Civil Rights Agenda on Change.gov. Whether you agree with his election into office or not, his transparency and eagerness to communicate with the American people is a true testament to his grassroots ideals and fight for change that many voted for. This Civil Rights Agenda includes “Support for the LGBT Community” in the following ways:
- Expand Hate Crimes Statutes
- Fight Workplace Discrimination
- Support FULL Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples (Includes Repealing DOMA)
- Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
- Repeal Don’t Ask-Don’t Tell
- Expand Adoption Rights
- Promote HIV/AIDS Prevention
We are in the eye of this generation’s Civil Rights Movement and we cannot stop this momentum now! Barack Obama has laid out many great promises, but we need to pave the way for him to legislate on our behalf. Even Barack Obama makes promises for votes, so let’s take a moment to remind him of his promises and let him know that we will keep this movement going to hold him to his word and help him along the way. Because of this, while we have many initiatives on the Calendar to keep moving forward and fighting for equality, we want to squeeze something in that we ask for your immediate attention on. We feel that, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, it is time to say “thank you” and let President Elect Barack Obama know that we have read his promises and will do what it takes to help him follow through. As such, JoinTheImpact is teaming up with the Civil Rights Front’s Project Postcard Campaign.
We know that protesting isn’t for everyone and many people want to join this movement in any way they can. As such, the Civil Rights Front came to us with this amazing project and we are getting behind it. Get a postcard from your town and send it to the address provided in the link above. This will go directly to our President Elect and show him that we exist everywhere. Sometimes it’s hard to come out in your rural community, to your family, church, and loved ones. We understand this, because we have all been there, and hope that our movement makes it easier for everyone to feel safe in their surroundings. Here’s your chance to put out your call for change without fear. Let’s show the President Elect that we are everywhere! Saturday’s marches brought this conversation to a national level. Let’s keep it going! Please take some time, some spare change, a pen, and your spirit of hope and tell President Elect Barack Obama “thank you!” along with a gentle reminder that DOMA should be repealed and equal rights legislation must move forward.
The Civil Rights Front offers a great template for you:
Dear President-elect Obama,
Repeal D.O.M.A.! All Americans should have the right to marry. Thank you in advance for advocating for the civil rights of your LGBT citizens.
Once you have sent one postcard, send another, and another. Let’s make an impact in the heart of America’s Most Powerful man. Moving forward, JoinTheImpact will provide you with many opportunities to keep this conversation going, but this is the chance to bring the conversation to our next administration. Let’s get on board, send some postcards, and flood the leader of hope with our own message of hope and change!
CLICK HERE FOR THE ADDRESS TO SEND POSTCARDS TO
To Quote President Elect Barack Obama:
“While we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. It’s about whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect.”
40 Responses
I just designed a postcard for this VERY reason. Please check my blog for the equal postcard
http://magentaraves.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/equal-postcards-print-your-own/
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
You can also send Obama a message via http://my.barackobama.com/whatsnext
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Great idea! We need to a variety of ways to approach this civil rights issue.
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Don’t forget to send a postcard to your Senators and your Congressperson!
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
They say that for each letter or postcard sent the politicians count as representing 1,500 people into that one persons request or concern. So, I think this postcard idea is the most effective impact, because people who take the time to send a handwritten postcard generally are representing a greater number of people since it takes more time and effort by the sender. So, take the time to do the letter, I think it’s very effective.
Posted on November 18th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I am in on this. I will start my postcard today. I will do everything in my power to help this cause/fight.
You guys are awesome!!!!!!
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 2:44 am
An additional idea going forward will be a cross idea of protesting/marching outside City Halls and on the “Day Without a Gay” (where instead of going to work, we volunteer).
How about a National Lobby YOUR City Hall Day. JoinTheImpact could call on people to take a day off from work in order to go speak with their local politicians when they are IN their offices. Protesting at City Halls on the weekends and evenings are wonderfully symbolic, however that evolve right into making everyone their on lobbyist.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 5:20 am
I’m sending a postcard! AND I’m having a post card party and inviting all my friends! What address do we send it to?
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Is anyone else having trouble getting to the address for the post cards, if someone knows what it is that would be great
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I think that President Obama is someone who would take in to consideration every letter he received, even if he doesn’t get a chance to read all of them. I think that everyone that has a story to tell should go to his website and share their story in support of Gay Marriage. I think if he got enough of these letters, it would have an impact. You can can even leave a picture, I would imagine showing pictures of YOUR family and sharing sentiments of compassion and love would hit home the hardest:
http://www.change.gov/page/s/yourstory
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Heads up!!! Today I recieved an email from Obama Campaign manager David Plouffe with a request to take a survey. if you are on the Obama email list you likley recieved this same email. I used the survey to convey in no uncertain terms that cal prop 8 and the DOMA must both be overturned and civil rights granted to all Americans. I don’t think civil unions are an accatable substitution for non hetrosexual couples at all and I want to see Obama make a real stand on this issue right now and in no uncertain terms. please take a few minutes to respond to this survey and skeak up on this issue, they are asking us for direction and priorities for thier administration, let them know civil rights for ALL Americans is our priorty! oh yeah and I’ll send a postcard as well
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I will send as many postcards as I can find! The link doesn’t work for me. What is the address? Thanks!
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 11:28 am
The link http://www.civilrightsfront.com/ does not seem to work. Not clear where the postcard needs to be addressed to.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Please be precise with your language. Barrack Obama will be the chief executor, and will have no legislative powers and therefore, we cannot
“…pave the way for him to legislate on our behalf”. Also, Obama cannot “repeal DOMA”. The executive branch has no powers to repeal any legislation. Instead, he has authority to suspend enforcement of DOMA, and he certainly has the right to go before Congress and demand legislation on our behalf. I really believe that this website is stirring up a movement, and millions are turning to these pages for guidance. It is essential that everything you publish is surgically accurate. If you would like the assistance of a copy editor, please contact me, and I wil help in any way possible. Thank you for everything that you’re doing.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I think this is a great idea. Also, the “postcard party” idea is fantastic. Each handwritten letter is seen as representing 1500 voters. Doing this now, while the media focus is on us will have a significant impact. Also remember, while Obama did not support Prop 8 he stated days before the election on MTV that he was personally against same sex marriage because “God is in the mix”. This is disturbing as I find it difficult to understand how a Harvard educated Constitutional law scholar does not understand the concepts of 1) equal protection and 2) the ruling in Brown v. Board of Education stating that seperate but equal is NOT equal. We need to communicate to Mr. Obama that his statement amounts to seeing LGBT people as 3/4 citizens, and that as tax paying citizens deserve full representation under the law.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
The website was down this morning, but it is back up and running. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Marc,
Thanks for the comment. I think you’re right that we need to be more accurate and specific with our language. Instead of “Repeal DOMA!”, I should change it to “Ask Congress to Repeal DOMA!” Or do you have another suggestion?
Matt
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I’m a supporter of LGBT rights but think that the movement is barking up the wrong tree with the whole “same sex marriage” thing; what we should be fighting for is the seperation of church and state (bible thumpers are the ones against gay marriage) and remove “traditional marriage” which is defined via the bible, from government jurisdiction and instute statutes which make it so that the state/federal governments only recognize civil unions. Marriage should be conducted via the church and have absolutely no impact on how the government treats you. Civil unions should be all that the governement observes and are open to everyone.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Hate to be the one to break this to everyone, but Obama is on record several times as being AGAINST Same Sex Marriage.
Being against a Constitutional Ammendment for the Constitution of the United States IS NOT the same as being FOR Same Sex Marriage, nor is it the same thing as becoming involved in individual States Rights issues, such as the individual states ability to ammend their own Constitutions or getting involved in legally held Democratic Elections such as what is GUARANTEED in the Constitution, REGARDLESS of Obamas other stated desire to go AGAINST the Constitution or his stated aversion to the fact the Constitution says what Government CAN’T do to people instead of telling Government what it CAN do.
People are going to be in for a big surprise as well as big disappointments when the REAL Obama rears his ugly little head.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Address it to:
President Elect Obama, Presidential Transition Office, Kluzynski Federal Building, 230 South Dearborn Street, 38th Floor, Chicage Ill 60604
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Today I bought postcards, put postage on them and addressed them, then asked people at work (whom I know share my values) to take the postcards. Most of them were taken and I have more to give out tomorrow. I bought SuperHero postcards at the post office and people loved them. I told them that anyone who advocates for the rights of others is a Super Hero. They were quibbling over which SuperHero they wanted to be.
So we had fun with this too.
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
National March on Washington organized by Join The Impact?
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Blog about the NYC Protests with a few pictures.
http://thefreedomdispatch.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/on-location-the-h8-protest-in-new-york-city/
Posted on November 19th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Umm..where are these postcards being addressed to??
Posted on November 20th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Americablog has made some excellent points regarding using the boycott approach.
How dare anyone tell me that I do not have the right to not financially support those who take my money and use it to take away my rights. Boycotts, especially in times of extreme economic uncertainty, have a great impact. Remember, the anti-gay industry is just that, an industry. Boycott an industry and you starve it economically. Just look at the FOTF layoffs.
Let’s take a multi-pronged approach.
Posted on November 20th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
I will send a postcard from France , your fight is our fight .
Same sex marriage everywhere in the world .
a gay french citizen .
Posted on November 20th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas for a postcard campaign. I will begin a postcard campaign for Christmas to President elect Obama to support DOMA. 37 states have constitutional amendments or laws that don’t allow gay marriage. I believe he will take this into consideration as that is what the majority of the people asked for. If you think that we’re just going to runaway because of all your screaming, your wrong. We will fight you and we have the resources and will to do it.
Posted on November 20th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Erk,
You are welcome. I have a feeling that President Elect Barack Obama will stick to the promises that he has already made our community as he also views this as a Civil Rights Issue. He is also schooled in constitutional law and has pointed to the illegalities of DOMA in our constitution. Finally, I appreciate your will to fight as we are eager to keep this country’s eye on the conversation of full equality and your attention to it only helps our cause. In the end, this is a fight for Civil Rights under a government that was formed to provide equal protections under the law with a separation of church and state for all. Because of this, I know that this fight will end with full equality for all and look forward to shaking your hand at the finish line… after I legally marry my wife of course.
Posted on November 20th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
If you are going to make your own postcard, here is the information you need.
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE
First-Class Mail - Postcard
Stamp: $0.27
Requirements:
Rectangular
At least 3-1/2” high x 5” long x 0.007” thick (index card thickness)
No more than 4-1/4” high x 6” long x 0.016” thick
Posted on November 21st, 2008 at 10:45 am
As Donovan mentioned a few posts up, here’s the link to Obama’s “Share your feedback: Help shape this movement” survey.
Posted on November 21st, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Sorry, try this link for the official Obama survey:
Obama’s “Share Your Feedback: Help Shape this Movement” survey
Posted on November 21st, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Obama opposes gay marriage. How helpful is he really going to be?
Posted on November 21st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I can’t wait to get my postcards tomorrow (1 a day until Thanksgiving) and post photos on the wiki!
Posted on November 22nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
you really need to advertise this on Facebook.
Posted on November 23rd, 2008 at 11:32 pm
[...] Project Postcard. [...]
Posted on November 24th, 2008 at 2:25 am
[...] Project Postcard. Keep sending out your postcards! This is now more important than ever as Barack Obama’s people just announced that he plans on delaying the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. Let’s remind President Elect Barack Obama of the promises that he made to our community and remind him that we are citizens of the United States of America too! [...]
Posted on November 24th, 2008 at 8:52 am
[...] http://jointheimpact.com/2008/11/project-postcard-in-the-spirit-of-thanksgiving/ Recently, President Elect Barack Obama released his Civil Rights Agenda on Change.gov. Whether you agree with his election into office or not, his transparency and eagerness to communicate with the American people is a true testament to his grassroots ideals and fight for change that many voted for. This Civil Rights Agenda includes “Support for the LGBT Community” in the following ways: [...]
Posted on November 24th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
The other shoe dropped at Citigroup, and it was a big one. The banking giant said it is cutting another 52,000 jobs, on top of the roughly 23,000 in reductions made earlier this year. In a town hall meeting Monday with employees, however,
Posted on November 29th, 2008 at 2:33 am
After many many weeks my postcard in an envelope with an AIDS ribbon address label came back to me. Return to sender. Thanks Obama.
Posted on February 9th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
[...] http://jointheimpact.com/2008/11/project-postcard-in-the-spirit-of-thanksgiving/ [...]
Posted on March 2nd, 2009 at 6:12 am
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