Equality Works is the coalition working to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the Municipality of Anchorage. We are grateful for your support and hope that we can work together to bring equality to Anchorage in the upcoming year.

February was a busy month for our coalition:

* We held a well-attended Town Hall meeting on February 12 to spread the word about Equality Works and recruit volunteers.

* We added five new organizations to our coalition: Alaska Women’s Lobby, Anchorage Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network [GLSEN], Parents, Friends, & Families of Lesbians and Gays [PFLAG], and Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest … Bringing our total to 15 coalition organizations.

* And we tripled our contact list!

Thanks to all the people who helped to make February a success, including Steve, who is responsible for those nifty neon-colored Equality Works buttons, Mia, who moderated the Town Hall meeting, and Jackie, who helped to gain the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship’s support for Equality Works. Our work will not be successful without people willing to volunteer and speak up for our cause, and in the following months we’re going to need you even more.

Here Are More Ways You Can Help:

If you’re interested in raising money for our cause and helping to spread the news about our efforts to your friends and associates, we encourage you to host a party for Equality Works! You can host your party at home, work, church, or wherever you can secure a good amount of space. If you are worried about turnout, consider co-hosting a party with friends. We will provide you with any resources and volunteers you might need to make your party a success. Email Equality Works for the house party kit and guidelines.

Equality Works is looking for two well-connected, organized, outgoing people who know how to put the “fun” in fundraising to head up our Finance Committee. You should be energetic, aggressive, and like asking people to donate to a good cause. Fundraising and/or event-planning experience is ideal. You will not serve as the Treasurer (but you might help us recruit one.) If this description sounds like you or someone you know, please send a note of interest or referral to Equality Works.

Equality Works needs your help recruiting community councils to join our coalition! Do you live or own a business in any of the communities listed below? Do you want to help Equality Works while getting to know some of your neighbors? Do you enjoy working with a team? Are you ready to speak up for equality in Anchorage? 

If so, please sign up to become a neighborhood ambassador in one of the following communities:

Airport Heights, Bear Valley, Downtown, Fairview, Girdwood, Glen Alps, Government Hill, Hillside East, North Star, Portage Valley, Rogers Park, Spenard, Tudor, Turnagain, University Area.

Help us double the number of people in our network during the month of March! Do you have friends or family members who should know about Equality Works? Have you been looking for an easy way to get them connected and involved? Encourage them to sign up for email updates on the Equality Works newsletter sign up page.  You can also join Equality Works on Facebook and invite your friends to join as well. 

Our Story Gathering Committee is looking for stories of discrimination or harassment. If you’re interested in sharing yours, please contact Equality Works, attention Melinda.

Thanks, again!

Tiffany McClain

ACLU of Alaska

Equality Works