The Promise of 2010

From Equality Florida:

Just last month, we asked you to help us start off 2010 in the strongest financial position possible and set an ambitious goal of $10,000.

Thanks to your generosity, we surpassed our target and raised $11,200.

We want to say "Thank You" for your overwhelming response and also let you know how we have already begun putting your donations to work for equality in Florida.

In 2010, every statewide seat will change hands making this an historic election year.

Because of your support we're ready with a team on the ground in Tallahassee to fight for full equality and our army of volunteers statewide is ready to work hard for pro-equality candidates!

Exciting Opportunities for 2010

Florida Competitive Workforce Act – This bill would add “sexual orientation and gender identity” to Florida’s existing anti-discrimination laws. In order for Florida to be its most competitive in attracting new business and talented individuals, we must ensure that employees are judged on merit, not prejudged by bigotry. The majority of the top companies in the country have adopted these protections. Cities and counties across our state include this language. It is time for equality to be the law. Ending discrimination is the right thing to do and the economically smart thing to do in our state.

On March 15 Floridians from all across the state will come to Tallahassee to ask their legislators to support this important legislation. Click here to join us.

Making Fair Adoption a Reality in Florida – Last year, two groundbreaking court decisions weakened Florida’s discriminatory ban on adoption by gay people. These victories did not go unnoticed by radical right extremists who believe that the definition of “family” should never include gay parents. We must prepare now to protect a successful outcome in the courts or continue our efforts to pursue a legislative repeal of the ban. We have spent more than a decade educating Florida voters on the harm inflicted by this hateful ban and polling shows our efforts are working. We must also work to ensure that the far right cannot use another Florida ballot measure to add this hateful ban to our constitution.

A New Political Landscape in Our Capitol – Over the next 12 months Florida will vote to replace our Governor, our Chief Financial Officier, our Attorney General, and every member of the Florida Senate and the Florida House. Equality Florida will lead the way, as we’ve done for over a decade, in surveying every candidate and informing you where they stand on issues important to you.

As always, Equality Florida keeps a full-time lobbyist in Tallahassee throughout the legislative session and our comprehensive Voter Guide tells you where all of the candidates stand on LGBT issues so you can make informed choices.

We are winning in Florida, year by year, because of the strong commitment of our members as donors and volunteers and pro-equality ambassadors across the state. Because members like you consistently respond when we call on you to do phoning, lobbying, rallying, donating, tabling, blogging and speaking up for equality in your schools, families, workplaces and with elected officials.

Like our past successes, our future victories will not come easily. They will result from our commitment to building and carrying out long-term plans and making significant investments in grassroots organizing.

Thank you for your continued support for equality in Florida. Here's to more victories ahead!

With sincere appreciation,

Nadine Smith

PS – We have a limited number of internships for the Spring 2010 semester
in the following areas: Communications, Public Policy, Development/Event Planning and with our Gay-Straight Alliance Network. We are also seeking a graduate student for our Research Fellowship.