Allied for Equality—New Illinois Initiative
Allied for Equality is a joint program between Equality Illinois (EQIL) and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). The goal of this program is to create an allied network of advocates across the state of Illinois who will work with the LGBT community toward achieving equality for all people. We are specifically targeting straight allies and asking them to speak up, to get on board, and to become active. Why? Because no American citizen should have to face discriminatory practices at home, work, or school—so, straight citizens need to be involved and in the forefront in the struggle for LGBT rights.
There are many ways to become involved with Allied for Equality, and we are looking for volunteers in the following areas:
• Legislative (getting postcards signed, calling or e-mailing legislators, lobby days)
• Creative (writing letters to the editor, sharing your story, monitoring news pundits)
• Social (hosting a house party or volunteering at a festival or other events)
• Spiritual (reaching out to your faith community, if you have one, and trying to get it more involved)
• Community (reaching out to organizations that you may already be involved with to start a partnership)
In the end, we want to have action groups set up across the state of Illinois, ready to take on any struggle in the fight for LGBT equality.
If you are interested in becoming involved with Allied for Equality, please contact Caroline Staerk, Field Director of Allied for Equality, at 773-477-7173 or send e-mail to cstaerk@eqil.org.
