A message from HRC, and without a request for $$$$

#lgbt #marriageissue #NewYork #hrc

Are you following what's going on in New York?

It's big – and even though you may not be a New Yorker, you can be part of it right now.

Late in 2009, a marriage equality bill was thwarted in the state. But we've got a second chance, and tens of thousands of people are speaking up through HRC's massive "New Yorkers for Marriage Equality" campaign – including three NYC mayors, two U.S. senators, sports stars, actors, President Bill Clinton and even President Bush's daughter, Barbara. We're closer than ever to victory, but it's no sure thing.

What happens in New York doesn't stay in New York. It'll affect the rest of the nation. In concert with our coalition partners, we've put ads on the air. We've put 30 HRC staff on the ground. We just delivered over 25,000 postcards to state senators. And right now we need you.

Please send our new "Everyday New Yorkers" video to every single New York State resident you know. A lot of New Yorkers still don't know the vote is coming so soon – so whether it's family, old friends, or former colleagues, let them know how important their voice is right now.

Copy this sample message into an email to everyone you know in the state of New York:

Hi, Since you're a New Yorker, I wanted you to see this video: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/TakeActionNY As you've probably heard, the New York State Senate will vote very soon on a bill that would allow loving, gay and lesbian couples to marry. There's a lot more momentum now than when the same bill was thwarted late in 2009, but it's going to be a close vote. So check out this video. Then enter your name and address and click "send message" to email your state senator: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/TakeActionNY This issue is incredibly important to me, and it'll have an impact across the country, so I really appreciate it. (Even if your state senator supports marriage equality, it is important that they hear from you that they're doing the right thing – right-wing groups are spending lots of money to convince them otherwise.) If you want to make even more of a difference, you can call your state senator at 518-455-2800. And be sure to forward this to everyone else you know in New York. Thank you so much for your support!

You can also click here to share our "Everyday New Yorkers" video with your friends on Facebook.

The right-wing National Organization for Marriage has already pledged $1.5 million to stop us from passing marriage equality.

We're fighting back by organizing supporters all around the state who have produced 27,000 postcards, 12,000 emails, 9,000 calls, and 3,000 letters to targeted state senators.

And we've organized some of the most prominent names in media, sports, entertainment, and politics to speak out: New York Ranger Sean Avery, Chef Mario Batali, Anna Wintour, Larry King, Joan Rivers, and even Whoopi! Now we need your help to recruit even more New Yorkers for this fight.

We can win this fight if we speak out together. Please, contact everyone you know in New York now.

In the civil rights battle of our generation, no state stands alone.

Warmly,

Joe Solmonese
President