CIVIL RIGHTS, BABY: COMPLACENT NO MORE

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

In light of the (likely unconstitutional) removal of civil rights for a single class of individuals passed as Proposition (h)8 in California, Join The Impact has hit the ground running, stomping, and doing high-kicks. Their mission statement includes : "Our mission is to encourage our community to engage our opposition in a conversation about full equality and to do this with respect, dignity, and an attitude of outreach and education. JoinTheImpact, as an entity, will not encourage divisiveness, violence, or disrespect of others and we do not approve of this."

You've likely seen the Marc Shaiman video they're promoting, "Prop 8: The Musical", which has a star-studded cast including Jack Black, Allison Janney (get yer CJ fix here), Margaret Cho, Neil Patrick Harris, Maya Rudolph, John C. Reilly, Kathy Najimy, Andy Richter, Rashida Jones, Craig Robinson, Lake Bell, Sarah Chalke, Jenifer Lewis, and Nicole Parker. (Embedded above.)


Join The Impact has also joined forces with Day Without A Gay, a nationwide strike and economic boycott by all gays and lesbians and their allies scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, 2008. The plan is to:

STRIKE: call in gay, shut down your business, or just take the day off.

BOYCOTT: don't buy anything, spend money or support the economy.

PARTICIPATE: Volunteer and/or organize a protest in your area.

Their press release states: "Our community contributes $700 billion a year to this economy (the same amount as the bailout), yet we are not given equal protections under the law that every citizen deserves. As such, it is time we make a stand. During the largest shopping season of the year, we ask that you do one very important thing: Don't Buy Anything! What would happen to this world if the LGBTQ community didn't exist? Why is it that we continue to contribute to an economy and government that does not contribute to us? Let's answer these questions on December 10th."

Join The Impact is likewise organizing Light Up The Night For Equality on December 20, 2008. Their call to action states "On December 20th, we ask that you join us again for a nation-wide demonstration that will make an impact on the private sector. Candlelight vigils will be held at commercial centers in cities across the country in remembrance of the rights that once were for 18,000 marriages, and in honor of the rights that one day will be again - for EVERYONE."

HOW DOES IT WORK?
** Please take to your local commercial district -- be it a shopping mall, outdoor financial center, you name it. Check your city page for the time and location of your event.
** This will be a peaceful demonstration in the spirit of the holidays.
** Dress alike. Wear the same t-shirts or signs pinned to your coats. You can make or buy a "2nd Class Citizen" t-shirt, but the message is optional.
** This will be the culmination of our National Food Drive for Equality. (Through this event, we will work to reach out not only to those who have worked alongside us, but to organizations and individuals that fear us and oppose our cause by donating to faith based food pantries.)

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING?
** Hosting peaceful candlelight vigils
** We will stay silent unless asked a question, we will not yell, instigate, or bear signs. Instead, we will let our shirts do the talking and our candles pay our respects. Bring candles (battery powered if you'll be huddling inside).
** Singing and/or silence encouraged...chanting is not....keep it peaceful and in the holiday spirit.

HOW DO I FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MY CITY?
Find a LUTN event in your city.


[Cross-posted at Group News Blog.]