Unitarian Universalists of Sterling

from an email announcement to Rev Anya Sammler Michael:

Overview

The call for a national march came from a group called “Equality Across America,” which sees itself as bridge between the various national LGBT groups and the grassroots. While their original plan was to hold a symbolic March in Washington and focus grassroots action, that formula flipped a few weeks ago. They’re now pushing for a BIG March in Washington. The “One Single Demand” is “Equal protection in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 states. “ Read more at http://equalityacrossamerica.org/about.

While the organization and timing isn’t quite what I’d prefer, I am very excited by how the demand is framed. I think a strong, visible grassroots movement lifting up a full equality message is a GREAT complement to the work already happening in specific issues areas (Marriage Equality, ENDA, Hate Crimes, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, etc). The

UUA has officially endorsed the March and Peter Morales will participate.

Here’s what we know so far:

On Sunday, October 11, there will be a March (origin and route unknown) starting at Noon. It will finish at the West Lawn of the US Capitol, where there will be a rally starting at 2:00 PM. We are hoping to get Peter Morales as a speaker but there’s no guarantee.

Peter is preaching at All Souls (services at 9:30 and 11:15) and leading the UU delegation at the Rally. Folks wanting to March can attend the 9:30 service and head down after that.

On Saturday, October 10, there will be an “Open House” at Universalist National Memorial where locals & non-locals can come, meet each other and UUA staff (including Peter), buy/pick-up Standing on the Side of Love Campaign shirts and signs, etc. We’ll also have campaign materials available throughout the previous week at the UUA Washington Center (1100 G Street NW, right at Metro Center. Please come visit!)

We’re labeling the 11th as a National Day of Action (it’s National Coming Out Day). In addition to inviting UUs to attend the March—with specific outreach in the region—we are encouraging congregations everywhere to participate, with observances in worship, religious education, and/or coffee hour, as well as through public visibility events via the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign. 

Roles for You

     * We encourage you to participate in the March and/or Rally, ideally with stole or otherwise recognizable garb. If your congregation would like to endorse the March, visit http://equalityacrossamerica.org/blog/?page_id=59. Several UU congregations have already endorsed. If you are going to participate, please sign up here! Folks who sign up there will receive updates on the events: March route, UU events and meeting places, etc.

    * We hope you will encourage your congregation to participate, whether that’s by passing this info along to key folks/LGBT activists, making announcements yourself, etc. 

Roles for your congregation

    * Participate en masse! Gay and straight, young and old. Even better—wear your new Standing on the Side of Love T-Shirts! Honestly, one of the coolest things about the March for Women’s Lives in 2003 was looking at a sea of UUs in matching T-shirts. Bonus feature: if you’re ever separated from the group, it’s really easy to find again. 

    * Volunteer! The DC host committee for the March, in which Washington Office staffer Orelia Busch participates, is seeking volunteers. Orelia is in the process of contacting the Welcoming and/or BGLT groups in local congregations. If there’s someone in particular you could refer her to, please let us know! Her email is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

    * House! As usual, a national march results in many calls from UUs who want free or inexpensive housing.  For very good reasons, my office adamantly refuses to become a housing bureau. However, we recognize that it’s important so we’re trying to at least coordinate some info. Also, communication between the Washington Office and DC-area congregations may help reduce the number of unsolicited inquiries we all get. So, we’re hoping to establish a list of what each congregation is willing to do.  I hope you will forward this request along to whoever is responsible for these decisions if it’s not you. Thanks!