| The weekend of September
17-20 has been chosen by the Human Rights Campaign for its presentation
of OutVote '98, its second national political convention, and the Second
Annual HRC National Dinner.
OutVote '98 is expected to
draw 1,000 lesbian and gay activists to Washington for what the organization
calls “ the most cutting-edge political training available.” The two-day
convention culminates with the Second Annual National Dinner September
19.
Among the dinner speakers
will be the world-renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou. HRC will also present
its first National Family Civil Rights Award to rocker Melissa Etheridge,
her partner, actress/model Julie Cypher and their daughter.
"These two events are extraordinarily
important for the lesbian and gay political community because of the caliber
of trainers and speakers participating in both," said HRC Executive Director
Elizabeth Birch. "Putting them together in the same weekend was a logical
combination."
OutVote '98 will offer the
most cutting-edge political training for HRC members and allies. More than
20 workshops will be divided into four tracks: candidate/electoral grassroots
activism workplace issues youth/campus issues People who complete
three sessions in a track will receive a certificate of completion from
HRC.
"If people wish to concentrate
on a particular area, the certificate recognizes that they've obtained
the entire skills set," says Kim Mills, HRC's education director and OutVote
program chair. "But there will be plenty of variety for everyone and attendees
are free to pick and choose from a giant menu of options."
The candidate/electoral track
will consist of workshops that train people in the fundamentals of working
in campaigns, from message creation to fund raising to getting out the
vote, and workshops for people who plan to run for office themselves. People
concentrating in this track can round out their experience with one or
more of the "universal electives" such as public presentations and speech
making; how, when and why to talk to the media; framing the issues; and
an update on legal issues/legislation.
The workplace track will
zero in on the skills and information people need to go back to their employer
and make the best possible cases for a non-discrimination policy covering
sexual orientation and/or domestic partner benefits.
The activist track will offer
workshops on working in coalitions; mobilizing communities of faith; lobbying;
state and federal issues; and much more.
And the youth track will
help participants learn more about organizing on campus and in the community;
on planning and executing successful National Coming Out Day events; and
on the role of young activists in political campaigns.
"OutVote `98 will take place
the same weekend as the Christian Coalition's Road to Victory conference
which gives us the opportunity to contrast our messages with the extremist
messages of the Christian Coalition," said HRC communications director
and senior strategist David M. Smith.
The weekend will begin early
for dedicated activists, who are invited to Washington on Thursday, Sept.
17, to lobby their senators and members of Congress.
"We encourage everyone who
can spare the time to come to Washington that day and visit their elected
representatives," says Winnie Stachelberg, HRC's political director. "Get
in touch with us and we'll help you coordinate these visits and provide
whatever background materials you might need to talk to your congress people
about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, hate crimes, lesbian health,
HIV and AIDS or other subjects."
The Second Annual National
Dinner (black tie) promises, say HRC officials, to be as exciting as the
first. HRC has developed a special pricing schedule for people who
register early for OutVote and for those who wish to purchase combination
tickets to OutVote and the National Dinner. For registration and pricing
information, call Box Office Tickets at 1-800-494-8497.
Early Registration (Before
August, 1), $105
Registration (After August,
1), $135
Onsite Registration, $150
OutVote `98 National Dinner
Package (Until August, 1), $299
Travel-On is HRC's official
travel agency for the weekend. The organization urges you to make your
airline through them at 800/333-1225 or 301/495-5990, account #410.
Updates on OutVote '98 and
the Second Annual National Dinner:
HRC web site: http://www.hrc.org.
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