In the name of Equality, get OUT and do something great!

A participant in Equality NC's Transgender Policy Summit in November mentioned that she believes she does more to increase awareness of transgender issues when she volunteers with community clean-up efforts than any other time. While we at ENC obviously place great value on traditional advocacy efforts, if there aren't people like that Summit participant making personal connections across the state with those we may otherwise not take opportunities to meet, our movement toward equality is slowed.  Two weeks from today, people from all walks of life will be volunteering across the country for a massive day of service. The LGBT community and allies need to be "Out" there doing the same as a reminder that we are valuable and compassionate members of our communities, invested in issues beyond traditional LGBT rights.

Monday, January 19th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day to commemorate a great civil rights leader by helping others. This year's King Day of Service is gearing up to be the largest since its inception in 1994, in large part due to President-elect Barack Obama's call to action as part his inauguration celebration.  This year, more than ever, is the time to make MLK Jr. Day a day ON rather than a day off.

Equality NC encourages you to volunteer in your community on the King Day of Service. Use it as an opportunity to try something new, to learn more about an issue you care about through doing direct service, and to forge new friendships and alliances! Call up the animal shelter you pass on the way home from work every day to see if they could use your help, or the free clinic you keep meaning to send a donation to.  Get your hands dirty planting a garden at the local senior center, or get them clean to serve Meals on Wheels. Check out www.mlkday.gov, the MLK Jr. Day of Service website, for more information and for a list of volunteer opportunities in your area.  If you don't see one that suits you, create your own project! And tell 'em ENC sent you!