Action Alert: NJ residents and those that have family/friends in NJ who support same-sex marriage.

[JackBeck]

Today is the the two year anniversary of the passage of the Civil Union law in New Jersey. We know that the law is http://eqfed.org/gse/alert-description.tcl?alert_id=19908429">failing LGBT families because it does not provide the same benefits and protections as marriage. It's up to supporters like us to tell our legislators that we support marriage for same-gender couples so they realize the time for equality is now.

Last night, we phone banked to rally supporters to call their legislators and fill up their voicemail boxes so that when they arrived at work today, they would hear our message. By the end of the evening, Senate President Richard Codey's voicemail was full.

Today, the two year anniversary of the failed Civil Union law, it is crucial that our legislators hear from their constituents so Garden State Equality is asking everyone to take just two minutes to make this crucial call so that the legislators will get all of the messages at once. We currently have a governor that said he would sign into law a same-sex marriage bill, yet his re-election is not guaranteed, which is why it is so important that we do this now.

Here is where you can easily find your elected officials:

http://eqfed.org/gse/home.html

We're asking everyone to leave a message with 3 things:

1. Your name

2. Full address

3. Phone number

And your message can go something like this:

"My name is ________ and I live at _________ and my phone number is _______. I'm a voter in your district and I'm calling on the anniversary of the failed civil union law to urge you to support marriage for same-gender couples."

It will make an even greater impact if everyone calls today during business hours after last night's three hours of phone banking.

Even if you think your legislator already supports same-gender marriage, they still need to hear from us to not only know that we support same-gender marriage, but to encourage them to reach out to colleagues that may be on the fence over whether or not to support same-gender marriage in New Jersey.

Do you have two minutes today to make this call or to call any relatives or friends in New Jersey?

[tabbycat31]

1. I contacted my state assemblywoman and senator (Both GOP)

and I got letters in response thanking them for supporting a ban of gay marriages, including the already approved civil unions.

If anyone else wants to contact them, I can give you their names and contact info. I'll post my zipcode (07720) if anyone wants to get in touch wtih anyone in NJ.

In the mean time, I will forward this to all my local Obama mailing lists.

[JackBeck]

2. Thank you for forwarding this to your list.

This is what is grassroots movement is all about. And it's better to be proactive now, rather than reactive if this doesn't pass.

[tabbycat31]

4. just forwarded it, and told them to forward this to others.

I want the netroots to succeed again.

[JackBeck]

6. The first phone bank I attended last week had 5 people.

Last night there were over 30! Garden State Equality has some upcoming events as well, if you're interested.

In North Jersey, there's an Action Fair this Sunday in Montclair (2-5pm) where we'll be writing letters, calling our legislators, and brainstorming on what we can do as a community to put more pressure on the Legislature. Thursday, Feb. 26th more phone banking from 6:30-9:30pm. And on Sunday, March 1 from 11-2 a faith outreach action.

We also have events in Central and South Jersey if you know anyone that would be interested in those.

If you could share this with your group that would be super, as well. :)

:pals: :hug:

[smokey nj]

3. Will do, Jack Beck!

[JackBeck]

5. Thank you, my friend.

:pals:

[JackBeck]

7. Kicking for final hour offices are open today.