Posted by Laura Calvo on 2nd November 2008
On October 8th, 2008 GLBT Democrats in Marion, Benton, Linn, and Polk Counties organized to form a new regional chapter of the Democratic Party of Oregon Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Caucus.
The newly organized Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats increases the number of local chapters that now serve 15 Oregon counties across the state.
Michael Miles, the President of the Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats, said they were excited to be a part of the statewide effort to work with the local and state Democratic Parties in helping to bring change by supporting the Democratic platform and engaging in electing pro-equality Democratic candidates in this election. Many of the members of the newly formed Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats have been actively involved in a number of activities with many of the campaigns in this election cycle and are looking forward to election night.
After the election, the Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats have plans to be an active part of the local county parties and to support other community organizations in an effort to better the lives of all Oregonians. Planning is underway to seek opportunities to help support various local charitable organizations, building relationships with other progressive organizations, and finding meaningful ways to encourage younger people to become engaged in democratic politics. With Oregon State University, Willamette University, Western Oregon University and Linn-Benton Community College located in the area and a substantially diverse population of GLBT students and allies, Miles said, it is a great opportunity to provide a means to become politically active.
The Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats are planning to meet in January 2009 to plan for the coming year. For more information or questions contact Michael Miles. email: willamette.chair(at)stonewalloregon.org
Anyone interested in joining the Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats or the DPO GLBT Caucus click here.
The Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats are devoted to advancing equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Tags: DPO, gay lesbian bisexual transgender, willamette valley
Posted in Benton County, Events, Marion County, National Stonewall Democrats, Oregon Democrats, Statewide, gay lesbian bisexual transgender | No Comments »
Posted by Laura Calvo on 16th September 2008
Jeff Merkley, Oregon’s U.S. Senate democratic candidate, earned the endorsement of National Stonewall Democrats.
National Stonewall Democrats is a grassroots network connecting LGBT Democratic activists from Seattle, Washington to Austin, Texas to Little Rock, Arkansas to Atlanta, Georgia. With more than 90 chapters across the country, Stonewall is a grassroots force for social change within our movement and within our party. Our members do the hard work of calling voters, putting together campaign mailings, going door-to-door for our fair-minded candidates and having tough conversations with Democratic party officials about why our families need and deserve more support from our party and its elected officials.
Laura Calvo, a member of National Stonewall Democrats board of directors and interim President of the Democratic Party of Oregon GLBT Caucus, said it was her honor to announce the endorsement of Jeff Merkley. Calvo said, “Jeff Merkley has been unequivocal in his support of equality for our entire community and every American family. I think it’s very important to acknowledge Jeff’s significant contributions and leadership in regards to the issues of fair employment opportunities, having the equal right to provide for our families as every other American family has the right to do without question and for all Americans to be treated with dignity. In addition, Jeff Merkley has been an effective voice in the legislature in many other areas. From improving the Oregon economy, to ending predatory pay-day loan practices, to being one of the most effective advocates for public safety and protecting the rights of victims of crime, Jeff Merkley has been an effective leader. ”
Continuing, Calvo also said, ” Jeff Merkely’s record on the issues of what really matters to working Oregoninans is exemplary. To attempt to discredit that record with gutter generated attack ads is a mixture of twisted ethics and desparation unbecoming any sitting elected representative of the people of Oregon, especially a U.S. Senator. All too often GLBT Americans are the victims of violent crime or subjected to abusive slurs and vulgar rumors simply for being who we are. We are pretty good at recognizing smears and twisted outright lies for what they represent. We’ve spent too many years of our lives fighting those kinds of vulgar attacks. When confronted with sleazy attacks and lies we only go to work and fight that much harder to expose the truth. Oregon voters resent lies and aren’t fooled by sleezy campaign smears.”
Tags: Merkley, NSD
Posted in Benton County, Central Oregon, Gordon Smith, Jeff Merkley, Lane County, Marion County, Multnomah County, National Stonewall Democrats, News, Oregon Democrats, Oregon Senate 2008, Statewide, Washington County | 4 Comments »
Posted by Laura Calvo on 26th July 2008
Capitol Pride
Salem Oregon River Front Park
Saturday, August 2, 2008
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From July 18th 2008 issue of Just Out:
“One of the best changes Simpson has experienced has been the increase of political involvement throughout the years. “It has been great to see the Democratic Party, political candidates and even our mayor come out and support our community,”
Chuck Simpson,
Chair of Capitol Pride board and one of the creators of the first Salem Pride
The Marion County Democratic Party and the DPO GLBT Caucus will be there to help celebrate. Come visit the booth at Capitol Pride!
Tags: gay pride, Marion County, Oregon, salem
Posted in Events, Marion County, National Stonewall Democrats, News, Oregon Democrats | No Comments »
