The Seattle Times mentions just the “battle” for some reason. The Senate version of full Domestic Partnership Benefits passed in the Senate yesterday.
Thursday March 12, 2009 is Equality Day in Olympia and here are the details from Equal Rights Washington:
Where should I park at the Capitol?
There are seven parking lots available to the public, as well as limited street parking. Please check it out at the Legislature website.
What should I wear?
Wear green for equality! If you are participating in meetings with elected officials, please wear business attire (or business casual), but please still wear green!
Who will I be meeting with?
With any luck, you’ll be meeting with your actual legislators. March 12th is, however, committee cutoff and therefore a very busy day at the Capitol. There is a very good chance you will be meeting with legislative aides. Don’t worry, aides are very influential; they will collect materials and deliver your message to your elected officials.
What will I be eating?
Remember to pack a lunch, or be prepared to buy food at/around the Capitol. We will provide a list of nearby restaurants, and there are two cafes on the Capitol campus. We’ll have some treats at registration.
What’s the schedule?
Thursday March 12th 9:00am-9:45am Registration: tents on the lawn in front of Capital Stairs. If you are late you can register at your advocacy workshop and if you are not able to join us for the morning registration will remain open throughout the day in front of the Capitol stairs.
10:00am-11:15am Advocacy Workshops:
The location of your advocacy workshop depends on your district.
The following districts will meet in GA Auditorium: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, 35, 36, 39, 42, 44, 47
The following districts will meet in OB2 Auditorium: 1, 3, 11, 22, 23, 27, 29, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 40, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48, 49
11:15am-12:00pm Lunch Break: lunch will NOT be provided, we suggest you pack a lunch or visit food locations on or near campus.
12:00pm-12:45pm Rally: Capital Stairs. Even if you can’t make anything else on Equality Day, please consider joining us for the rally (and make signs–nice respectful signs)!
1:00pm-3:30pm Legislator Meetings: times and locations will be available at registration, advocacy workshops, and the rally. All meetings are between 1pm and 3:30.
How will I find out what to lobby on and how to talk to legislators?
We will supply you with information on your legislators, the issues we are lobbying on, talking points, and tips for talking to legislators. The advocacy workshops will also cover a lot of this. Don’t be nervous – the most important thing you can do is be yourself!
Where should I check in?
We will have tents outside of the Capitol steps. You can also check in at the advocacy workshops or the rally!
Where will I get more information?
When you check in, you will get a packet with all the information of the day, as well as what to do after Equality Day. We’ll also have staff and volunteers available to answer all your questions.
Is there anything to do in the evening on Equality Day?
Yes! Everyone is invited to a “Debrief and dinner” with the Stonewall Youth of Olympia. It will be held at 3:30pm at 12th & Jefferson (just east of capital campus). Also, at 8pm, “For My Wife” is having an Equality Day after-party! If you are in the Seattle area, please join the folks from “For My Wife” at the Elite! We hope to see you there!
My friends can’t come, how can they help?
Ask them to participate in Virtual Lobby Day!
If you have any last minute questions before Thursday, please call Equal Rights Washington at 206-324-2570.
Thank you so much, we can’t wait to see you on Thursday!
Beth Richer
Equality Day Organizer
Equal Rights Washington
PS- Please make a donation to help us continue this work!
To register for Equality Day and more info go here.
