Educate to Activate! Exciting Opportunties at the 2009 Equality Conference and Gala

While we focus on statewide LGBT issues, we're also involved in conversations and coalitions at the federal level. Our Equality Conference keynote speaker will be Brian Bond, the White House's Deputy Director of Public Engagement and LGBT Liaison.

He's a key figure in the current executive administration of our country - this is a unique opportunity for you to directly interact with a member of the staff of the President of the United States.

For information you can directly apply, we're offering several cutting-edge, information-filled, skills-building workshops that will put us all in the best possible position for the upcoming legislative session.

• We know that opposition groups are taking aim at adoption, so we will have a workshop on the implications of recent North Carolina legal cases for same-sex parents.
• Smart coalition-building and the sharing of personal stories were key in winning the School Violence Prevention Act, so there will be workshops focused on building strong alliances outside of our community and effective storytelling. (As well as next steps for the aforementioned SVPA.)
• You can't shape the future without learning from the past, so we're going back in time with workshops on the history of oppression and on what we can learn from social justice movements over the years.
• Legislators and coalition partners are sometimes stumped when it comes to trans issues. A representative from the Movement Advancement Project will equip us with the necessary know-how to talk with folks in persuasive, plain language about the obstacles that transgender North Carolinians face, and what can be done to get rid of those obstacles.
  

These are just a few examples. You can check out the full lineup here.

We'll also be debuting a new grassroots initiative that will build throughout the next year. Through the simple device of photos and "I WANT" signs - e.g., I WANT ... to feel safe at work, I WANT ... to marry, I WANT ... to protect my kids - you can help educate the state about equality issues and show legislators the importance of civil fairness and justice.

The Equality Gala brings people from across the state to celebrate all that we've accomplished together, and this is our biggest year yet! Equality NC Foundation's signature annual event, it provides critical operating funds to help us keep working for change in the Tar Heel State.

This year Equality NC Foundation will be honoring Sen. Julia Boseman for her courageous leadership in getting the School Violence Prevention Act passed. Special recognition will also be given to Winston-Salem's young Kate Mabe for drawing statewide media attention to how it feels to be bullied and to the strength of character our young people need to move forward in a tough world.

Plus we'll have a special presentation by Lennie Gerber. She and her partner Pearl Berlin are currently gracing billboards in Greensboro, the latest campaign by Triad Equality Alliance to show through pictures that we're just like everyone else. Click here to see the beautiful photo of Lennie and Pearl.

Entertainment will include the fabulous cabaret duo of Kevin and Greg. Kevin and Greg are well known for their hilarious renditions of show tunes and popular music, and they'll provide fun, light-hearted, and energetic interludes during our celebration.

LGBT equality is an issue across the country, and we want to ensure that North Carolina continues to be a leader in the South. Join your fellow activists and business leaders as we work to shape a positive future for all. Register now.