How to lobby

Lobby Day flyer (pdf)

Map to lobby day

>>SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

ATTENTION:

Due to the importance and sensitivity of this day, we ask that those planning to attend reflect their views and opinions in their dialogs with individuals and not with their attire. Items that may be a sign of your status as LGBT or ally could distract from the message of the day. This legislation is for safe schools for all students, including those in our community. Lansing should recognize us as equal residents and not label us as LGBT. We hope that you understand our request and accept that this is not an attempt to censor who we are, but to allow us to be seen as concerned citizens first.

NOTICE: Road closures and detours are going to impact people coming to town >>READ MORE

In March, 2007, Michigan’s House passed Matt’s Safe Schools Law, which mandates that every school district in Michigan create and implement a uniform anti-bullying code.

This coming March 26, you will have the chance to ask your State Senator to join with the State House, Governor Granholm, and more than a dozen organizations across Michigan in support of this important legislation to make our schools safer.

Bullying isn’t just a childhood rite of passage. It is harrowing, it is damaging, and it leads to consequences including suicide and depression as well as skipping and dropping out of school.

The bill is named for Matt Epling, who killed himself at age 14 after being bullied. Matt isn’t the only young person in Michigan who couldn’t face another day in school – read about Kristina Calco and Chrystal Ann Eaton – two girls who also committed suicide because they were bullied one time too many.

After you register with us, make your appointment with your State Senator. Information for making your appointment is here.


Scared Not to be Straight: Harassment of LGBT Teens Prompts Antibullying Initiatives Edutopia

Facts about Matt's Safe School Law - PDF

EVENT SPONSORS:

GLSEN, Mi. Equality, HRC, ACLU Michigan, AFSC LGBT Issues Program, Affirmations, CARE, MI League for Human Services, NOW - Michigan and Triangle Foundation

Affirmations will be chartering a bus from 7:00am-5:00pm with limited seating. We are asking for a donation of $5-$10 to help us cover the costs. Can’t come? Show your support by sponsoring a young person to attend!

Need to talk to someone? Help is available!

If you are being bullied right now, or if you have been bullied and are feeling depressed, anxious, or fearful, free help is available to you right now. The following hotlines are here for you:

The Trevor Project:
1-866-4-U-TREVOR
(1-866-488-7386)
www.thetrevorproject.org

GLBT National Youth Talkline:
1-800-246-PRIDE (7743)
www.glnh.org/talkline/