A group supporting Washington’s expanded gay-rights law has sued the secretary of state in an attempt to keep Referendum 71 from qualifying for the November ballot. Washington Families Standing Together says it’s concerned the Secretary of State’s Office has accepted signatures that should have been rejected for the referendum, which seeks to put the domestic-partnership law up for a public vote.
*Editor’s note: WAFST works to preserve the law for all domestic partners, including heterosexual couples.

Tens of thousands of signatures accepted by elections officials for anti-gay Referendum 71 are invalid and can’t be credited toward qualifying the petition for the November ballot, says a lawsuit filed yesterday against Secretary of State Sam Reed.
*Editor’s note: WAFST works to preserve the law for all domestic partners, including heterosexual couples.

The Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting an economically vital, livable community and promoting Capitol Hill as a unique urban neighborhood that is welcoming to everyone.

Community to Community Development is a women-led, place based, grassroots organization working for a just society and healthy communities. We are committed to systemic change and to creating strategic alliances that strengthen local and global movements towards social, economic and environmental justice.

We respect the referendum process and the public’s right to vote, but we have been increasingly concerned that, along with other issues our observers have noted with signatures being accepted that in the view of observers should have been rejected, the Secretary of State has accepted thousands of signatures that were not in compliance with State laws related to fraud in the signature-gathering process.

Because of the limited number of signatures turned in, failure to enforce these laws could well lead to a measure being qualified for the ballot that should not be, and that measure has the potential to strip away important protections from thousands of families all across the state. There are domestic partners in every county of the state. They are same sex couples and heterosexual couples where one or both partners is 62 years or older. These couples should not have to worry about whether a partner can take sick leave to care for a loved one who is ill.  A firefighter should not have to worry about whether her children will be taken care of if something should happen to her while fighting a fire. These are basic rights and protections that all families should have.  Those trying to qualify Referendum 71 for the ballot do not think that families different than theirs should have these protections, so they are trying to overturn the law.

We expect a strong vote in support of the domestic partnership law if it is on the ballot, but we should not put people through the hardship of a statewide campaign and have them go through months of additional worry needlessly.  Referendum 71 should only be on the ballot if it has qualified based on legally valid signatures. In order to ensure that it is not put on the ballot in error, we needed to file a legal challenge at this point. 

We have waited because we wanted to give the process a chance to work, but we did not want to wait so long as to interfere with the Secretary of State’s ability to produce election materials in a timely manner. This motion will be heard on an expedited basis early next week.  You can read the pleadings online:

http://wei.secstate.wa.gov/osos/en/initiativesReferenda/Pages/R71_Litigation_State.aspx

Meanwhile we need to move full speed ahead with the campaign – the first ballots go out in about 6 weeks! 

-Anne Levinson                                  Chair, WAFST                                      www.approve71.org

When I thought about the experiences and challenges I’d face as your state senator, I didn’t think that in my first year I’d find myself on the front lines of a fight that’s been brewing over the last 40 years.

For a month, rotating teams of gay-rights supporters and opponents have crowded into a basement room, watching as state workers check every signature on a referendum that seeks to overturn the latest expansion of gay rights.

Attend an upcoming Approve 71 Organizing Meeting near you. Click here for the schedule.

Make Phone Calls			Do Outreach
	Phone members of your community directly about the importance of Approving Referendum 71. To phonebank from your own home, e-mail your name, address, and phone number with the subject line “Virtual Phonebanker” to  volunteer@approve71.org			Access Materials for distributing and How-To for gathering Pledges to save our Domestic Partnership Law at our Handout and Take Action Sections.
RSVP for group phonebanks near you.			RSVP
Find an event in your area.

LOGGING INTO THE VIRTUAL PHONE BANK SYSTEM:

1)      Go to www.americavotesvan.com. You will see the image below.

2)      Type in the user name and password provided by our volunteer coordinator and click “Login”.

 Making Calls in VIRTUAL PHONE BANK

• After logging in, you will be at the Main Menu (pictured below)
• Click on “Virtual Phone Bank” 

• You will then be taken to the screen below
• Select the appropriate “Virtual Phone Bank” and click next
• You may be asked to type in your zip code. This is only used to build a list of voters who are within the registered zip code area.
• You are now ready to start making calls.  At the top of the page (pictured below) you will see the person’s name, phone number and other relevant information.
  
• If they do not answer and there is no answering machine, click “not home” at the top of the screen and “save/next” to save the data and move to the next screen.
• In case of voicemail, scroll to the bottom of the page and read the “voicemail script.” Then click “left message” and “save/next” to save the data and move to the next screen.
• If the resident that answers is not the person you were trying to contact, or in the unfortunate case the person is deceased, click “wrong number” and “save/next” to save the data and move to the next screen.
• If the person doesnt speak English, click “other language” and “save/next” to save the data and move to the next screen.  
• If the person hangs up or asks to be taken off the list, click “refused” and “save/next” to save the data and move to the next screen.
• Notice the “Also in Household” section on the right-hand side of the screen.  This should show every other registered voter in the house.  So if the person who you talk to is on the “Also in Household” list, you should click on their name, and fill in the appropriate response for that person
• If someone gives you their email address, type it in under email at the bottom of the page, and be sure to click “Save New Email”

Tips:

• When making calls, don’t feel the need to rush through the script. Take your time and maintain an enthusiastic disposition. It will show through your voice and will help keep the person engaged.
• Speak clearly, enunciate and modulate your voice.
• If you are hung up on, don’t get discouraged!
• Take a break if you feel tired. People can hear it in your voice.
• Remember: the script is just a guid. Make sure you are hitting all of the key points but put your personality into it! We want to be professional and friendly.
• You may have some rough calls. Do not let it discourage you. If you come across any hostility, simply thank them for their time and move on to the next call.

To find phonebanks near you click here.

First of all, THANK YOU very much for taking the time to be a proactive member of your community! The hands on work and support of volunteers such as yourself is vital to achieving LGBT equality in Washington State!

What is Referendum 71, and why is it important to collect pledges?

If Referendum 71 is passed, registered domestic partners all over WA State may lose over 250 rights and responsibilities contained in the domestic partnership expansion bill of 2009 (SB 5688).

Some of the key rights and obligations of this new law include:

• Death benefits for the partners of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty
• Pension benefits for the partners of teachers and other public employees
• Victims’ rights, including the right to receive notifications and benefits allowances
• The right to adopt a partner’s child without paying for a home study

The areas covered by the law include labor and employment law, pensions, survivor, and other public employee benefits, family law, insurance rights, higher education, banks, financial institutions and loan agencies, creditors’ rights and business licenses.

Referendum 71 would ask voters whether SB 5688 should be retained as the law or repealed. We are collecting pledges to inform the public that a vote to “APPROVE” keeps the law on the November Ballot, and ensures the protection of ALL Washington families.  According to recent polls, Washington State residents overwhelmingly support domestic partnerships, which is what this referendum is all about. If asked, it’s very important to distinguish the difference between this domestic partnership law, and marriage. Referendum 71 is about protecting all families equally, it is NOT about marriage.

Getting Started

To collect pledges, you will need the following materials: A clipboard (or two!), a couple of pens, and pledge sheets, which can be found and printed here:

If you don’t have a clipboard, be creative–try cardboard and a rubber band or a book– any hard surface will do!

Additionally, there are other helpful materials available under the Handouts section of www.wafst.org

Where to collect pledges

The highest yield areas to collect pledges are those with lots of foot traffic such as farmers markets, craft fairs, and music festivals; if possible, have several clipboards going at once– people sign when they see other people signing.

Check out our events calendar to find opportunities to collect pledges near you. Bring pledge sheets with you to church and synagogue social hours, community meetings, and civic group meetings. You can also collect them at your own social events– birthday parties, holidays, and summer BBQ’s are all great opportunities to inform your friends about Ref 71. If we are going to succeed in preserving the domestic partnership law, we are going to have to talk to a lot of people!

Talking Points–how to start a conversation

• Approaching people you don’t know, even if you think they support your issue, can be intimidating. Smile and make eye contact, while maintaining an assertive posture.
• A good way to start a conversation is simply to ask, “Have you heard about Referendum 71 yet?” If they say yes, follow up with “Great! Then you know to vote “APPROVE” to retain the domestic partnership law when it comes the ballot in November?” Because the language of this Referendum can be confusing, use this opportunity to ensure that they vote the correct way when it comes to election day.
• Another approach is just to develop a personal asking style about why you are collecting pledges, such as “Would you like to sign a pledge to preserve domestic partnerships in WA state? My daughter is gay and I want her family to have the same legal protections that my husband and I enjoy.” (again, remember to follow up with the “APPROVE” message)

It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone is going to be as dedicated to LGBT equality as you. Some people will have questions and/or objections. This may feel discouraging at first, but it’s actually a great opportunity to educate and affect the opinions of others. Being prepared for those types of conversations is crucial, so we recommend that you read through the materials under the Handouts section of http://approvereferendum71.org/ and then practice by role-playing potential interactions with a friend. If you ever feel unsure as to how best to answer a question, you can always direct people to our office at 206-324-2570 or to the website at http://approvereferendum71.org/

When you’re done:

Please send the completed signature pledges (as soon as possible!) to:

Washington Families Standing Together
PO Box 12216
Seattle, WA 98102

Please make sure to fill in the event location at the bottom of the form. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at: 206-324-2570

Thanks for all that you do, and good luck!!!  Click here to find events where we need volunteers.

The WSBA is an administrative arm of the Washington State Supreme Court. It administers the admissions, licensing, and discipline functions for the lawyers in Washington. In addition, the WSBA provides many services to its 29,200 members.

Our Mission

Empowering individuals with disabilities by creating opportunities, promoting choice, advancing equal access, educating, and furthering independent living.

Founded in 1886, KCBA is the largest voluntary bar association in the state of Washington, with over 5,000 members including attorneys, judges, and law professors. Our mission is to promote a just, collegial, and accessible legal system and profession; to work with the judiciary to achieve excellence in the administration of justice; and to serve our local community through organized pro bono legal services, judicial candidate ratings, and other public policy initiatives.

The verification process of the more than 137,000 signatures Protect Marriage Washington turned in to the Secretary of State’s office July 25 has now entered its fourth week. The Secretary of State’s initial count is expected by the end of the month….Washington Families Standing Together (WAFST) Chair Anne Levinson spoke with SGN regarding her organization’s views on the signature verification process, as well as the direction WAFST will take should R-71 make the ballot.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.

AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.  By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educational and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance.  In principle and in practice, AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership.  There shall be no barriers to full participation on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or class.

As a congregation of growing faith, called by God, shaped by Christ, and empowered by the Spirit:

We are a people who seek to understand, struggle with and celebrate personal and public life in light of our faith, its scriptures and traditions.

Poverty Action is:

Creating Change – Poverty Action is a statewide network of individuals and organizations pushing for innovative policy solutions. The strength of our organization lies in the size of our membership and our ability to unite individuals to fight for a common cause. We reach out to people in all parts of the state to ensure we represent the diverse concerns of our community.

Speaking Truth – Poverty Action strives to ensure the public, the media and decision makers get the straight story. Through involvement of people with lower incomes, Poverty Action dispels the myths, holds government accountable, and promotes media coverage to forward real solutions.

Reclaiming Democracy – Poverty Action mobilizes its members to come together, get educated and act. Real people working together can make a difference. That’s why we organize people across the state to vote, march on the capitol steps, flood legislators with mail and phone calls, and testify at hearings. Together, we can make sure elected officials work for all Washington families.

We are a welcoming community of unique individuals, coming together on our lifelong spiritual journeys and celebrating the diverse aspects of our free religious faith. We invite newcomers and visitors, members and friends to join with us as we seek truth with love and reason, and work toward a world that is just, compassionate, and beautifully sustained.

Washington state citizens, straight, gay, and in-between or undefined, may decide whether or not gay couples are entitled to equal treatment under the law. Referendum 71, which forces the Legislature to submit the civil rights of Washington’s gay and lesbian citizens to a vote of the people, may shortly qualify for the November ballot. Please remember your gay and lesbian friends and family members as you vote to approve Referendum 71 and affirm the shared humanity and civil rights of your fellow citizens. — Andrew Williams, South Orange, N.J.

The Holocaust Center’s mission is to inspire teaching and learning for humanity
in the schools and communities of this region through study of the Holocaust.

There are a lot of views and information out there in regards to our state’s domestic partnership rules and the fight for Referendum 71, yet I think many people are confused and misinformed. So I thought I’d try to help people understand it: It is not marriage, while people may believe and say it is, it’s not marriage and one can’t go into a church or visit city hall to get a license and have a “legally recognized” ceremony. — Nick Milhoan, Bellingham

Equality Federation will achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in every state and territory by building strong and sustainable statewide organizations in a state-based movement.

Place it in your window at home, in your car, of if you are allowed, in your workspace.  Print it on card stock, and staple it to a paint stirring stick to make a hand-held sign for rallies, parades and events. 

Print PDF.
Or print out the inksaver version.

Print out a sheet of Approve Ref. 71 stickers. These stickers are sized to fit on an 8 1/2″ standard sheet of 2″ x 4″ mailing labels available at any office supply store (compare to Avery 5163). Use them to identify yourself to fellow volunteers and give them to others at field events.

Here’s a copy of our logo.  Use it to create your own stickers or place it on your signature for your e-mail.

Three Dollar Bill Cinema enriches, strengthens, and connects diverse communities by supporting queer film and by producing the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and other events.

The PRIDE Team of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane serves as a resource for church members and the Spokane community. We plan and oversee the children’s area at the OutSpokane Pride in the Park celebration each summer.

Mainstream Republicans of Washington was founded over 30 years ago to provide a voice for moderation within the Republican Party. We believe in President Ronald Reagan’s inclusive view of the party and work to ensure that both moderates and conservatives have a voice in the Republican Party of Washington State.

Washington Association of Churches (WAC) is a statewide ministry of Christian denominations, congregations, ecumenical ministries, clergy associations, church related ministries, religious orders and Christian colleges, universities and seminaries. United in a common faith, we work to deepen relationships with one another and promote the common good in our communities, state, nation and the world.

Since 1975, WAC has served as a focal point for dialogue, advocacy, action and reflection. Our work is rooted in the conviction that our Christian faith calls us to act with compassion for people and respect the sacredness of life. We feel called to the challenge of unity in our society by addressing the needs of community in our world.

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union representing 600,000 federal and D.C. government workers nationwide and overseas. Workers in virtually all functions of government at every federal agency depend upon AFGE for legal representation, legislative advocacy, technical expertise and informational services.

The Purposes of the Washington State Nurses Association shall be:

• To work for the improvement of health standards and the availability of health care service for all people.
• To foster high standards of nursing.
• To stimulate and promote the professional development of nurses and advance their economic and general welfare.
• These purposes shall be unrestricted by considerations of age, color, creed, disability, gender, health status, life style, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.

The League of Women Voters of Seattle believes that sensible, responsible civil discourse and action based on substance rather than partisanship is essential for civic improvement and that we can help make democracy work through informed participation in government.

The League, while political, is non-partisan and does not support, rate, or endorse candidates. We do, however, sponsor free, non-partisan candidate debates, monthly public forums and ballot issues forums. We also advocate on issues such as education, transportation, land use, ethics and healthcare.

The Washington Secretary of State provides updates and information on the Referendum 71 signature verification process. Check out their site:

• Referendum 71 Latest Updates
• Referendum 71 FAQ
• Secretary of State Blog

…What may be the hottest issue in the November election – if it goes to voters – came before the 34th District Democrats at meeting’s end. State Sen. Joe McDermott (no relation to the congressmember) asked for a “suspension of the rules” to enable an early, unscheduled endorsement of Referendum 71 – if it makes the ballot. A “yes” vote would validate the domestic-partnership rights bill passed by the Legislature. …After agreeing to suspend the rules for this motion, members endorsed the potential “yes on 71″ by a unanimous voice vote.

AFT Seattle, Local 1789 represents the faculty of the Seattle Community Colleges. We are affiliates of the American Federation of Teachers, and the AFL-CIO.

All the democracy you can handle.

WCSAP is a membership agency comprised of individuals and organizations dedicated to ending sexual assault in their communities. WCSAP’s mission is to unite agencies engaged in the elimination of sexual violence through education, advocacy, victim services, and social change. WCSAP is committed to fostering a culture of respect, dignity, and autonomy for all individuals. We recognize that disrespect, ignorance, and the abuse of disparities in power are the roots of sexual violence. To that end, WCSAP endeavors to engage with agencies and individuals who share our commitment.

If individuals or groups don’t like a law that is passed by a legislature or local government in our state, they can collect signatures to try to get it repealed by a public vote on the measure. This is called a referendum. If it is a statewide referendum, then they need to get 4% of the voters in the last general election to sign petitions requesting it be put on the ballot. If they get that number or more of valid registered voter signatures, then the Secretary of State ‘certifies’ the referendum and it is placed on the ballot.

The law does not go into effect while signatures are being collected and then the law is either retained or repealed, based on the outcome of the vote. Different language is used in referenda than in initiatives. For initiatives, voters are asked whether they support or oppose something, so it is a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote. For referenda, voters are asked do they ‘approve’ the law that was passed or do they ‘reject’ it. It’s helpful to get the exact language in front of voters early in the process so they are familiar with what they will be asked on the ballot.

The domestic partnership law protects thousands of gay and lesbian and senior families across the state, many with children, serving our communities in such roles as firefighters, police officers, teachers or nursing home workers. By trying to get Referendum 71 on the ballot, conservative groups opposed to domestic partnerships are hoping to roll back the law, eliminate those protections, and hurt these families. If it is on the ballot, they will be working to get a majority of voters to vote to ‘reject’ the domestic partnership law. Those who support the law will have to vote to ‘approve’ it. We don’t vote for or against the idea of the referendum or for or against the supporters of the referendum. We will be voting for or against keeping the domestic partnership law. To keep the law, we have to vote ‘Approved’. A vote to approve is a vote to preserve, retain, keep the domestic partnership law. A vote to reject is a vote to repeal, end, roll back the law.

Here is what the R 71 ballot will say:

REFERENDUM 71 Ballot TitleStatement of Subject: The legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 5688 concerning rights and responsibilities of state-registered domestic partners [and voters have filed a sufficient referendum petition on this bill].
Concise Description: This bill would expand the rights, responsibilities, and obligations accorded state-registered same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses, except that a domestic partnership is not a marriage.

Should this bill be:
Approved ___ Rejected __

1  League of Women Voters of Washington
2  Washington Association of Churches
3  Washington State Council of Fire Fighters
4  Washington State Nurses Association
5  Washington State Bar Association
6  Washington State Psychological Association
7  Washington Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
8  Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
9  Washington Education Association
10  Washington State Senior Citizens’ Lobby
11  Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans Senior Services
12  Washington Women Lawyers
13  Washington State Democrats
14  Mainstream Republicans of Washington
15  Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
16  Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
17  Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN)
18  Minority Executive Directors Coalition
19  Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce
20  Seattle Police Officers’ Guild
21  Pierce County Human Services Coalition
22  Puget Sound Alliance for Retired Americans
23  NAACP – King County Chapter
24  Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services Seattle/King County
25  Childhaven
26  Children’s Alliance
27  Children’s Home Society of Washington
28  Children’s Campaign Fund
29  Seattle Fire Fighters Union Local 27
30  Vancouver Firefighters Union IAFF Local 425
31  Associated Ministries of Pierce County
32  Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
33  Downtown Seattle Association
34  Asian and Pacific Islander Women and Family Safety Center
35  King County Bar Association
36  American Federation of Teachers of Washington
37  League of Education Voters
38  Lake Washington Educational Association
39  King County Medical Society
40  King County Coalition Against Domestic Violence
41  Women’s Funding Alliance
42  Clark County Democratic Central Committee
43  Young Democrats of Washington
44  Snohomish County Democrats
45  Washington State Stonewall Democrats
46  Metropolitan Democratic Club
47  Libertarian Party of Washington
48  Log Cabin Republicans
49  Washington State Nurses Association
50  Senior Services
51  Puget Sound Alliance for Retired Americans
52  Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans
53  Log Cabin Republicans
54  Radical Women
55  Planned Parenthood Votes! Washington
56  NARAL Pro-Choice Washington
57  Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood
58  American Association of University Women — Washington State
59  National Organization for Women – Seattle Chapter
60  National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington
61  League of Women Voters of Kitsap County
62  National Council of Jewish Women
63  Entre Hermanos
64  Organization of Chinese Americans of Greater Seattle
65  Latino Political Action Committee
66  El Centro de la Raza
67  CASA Latina
68  Japanese American Citizens League
69  Asian Pacific Islander Community Leadership Foundation (ACLF)
70  National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum
71  Asian Pacific Directors Coalition
72  Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of King County
73  Raising Our Asian Pacific American Representation
74  Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance
75  National Association of Social Workers—Washington State Chapter
76  Society of Social Work Leadership in Health Care
77  Equal Rights Washington
78  American Civil Liberties Union
79  Legal Voice (formerly Northwest Women’s Law Center)
80  Equity Foundation
81  GayLawNet
82  Pride Foundation
83  Greater Seattle Business Association
84  Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of Washington State
85  Friends Committee on Washington Public Policy
86  American Friends Service Committee
87  Fuse
88  Anti-Defamation League
89  Church Council of Greater Seattle
90  American Jewish Committee
91  Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle
92  Jewish Family Service
93  Families Like Ours
94  Common Ministry at Washington State University
95  Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church
96  Kirkland Congregational Church – United Church of Christ
97  Alki Congregational United Church of Christ
98  Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Church
99  Langley United Methodist Church
100  First United Methodist Church of Seattle
101  Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation
102  Woodland Park United Methodist Church
103  Westminster United Church of Christ
104  University Christian Church
105  Secular Jewish Circle of Puget Sound
106  East Shore Unitarian Church
107  Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
108  First United Methodist Church of Tacoma
109  Friends Committee on Washington Public Policy
110  Immanuel Presbyterian
111  Lutheran Public Policy Network of Washington State
112  Monroe Congregational Church of Christ
113  Vancouver United Church of Christ
114  Temple Beth Am
115  Seattle First Baptist Church
116  Temple Beth Or
117  Open Arms Community Church
118  Temple B’nai Torah
119  All Souls Universalists Community
120  Dignity/Seattle
121  Temple De Hirsch Sinai
122  Congregation Kol Ami
123  Pacific Northwest Reconciling Ministries Network
124  Richmond Beach United Church of Christ
125  Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church
126  Suquamish United Church of Christ
127  Unitarian Universalist Church of Spokane – Pride Team
128  University Congregational United Church of Christ
129  Wallingford United Methodist Church
130  Woodland Park United Methodist Church
131  University Unitarian Church
132  Congregational Council and Pastors of Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC
133  Metropolitan Community Church Seattle
134  Washington State Holocaust Education Resource Center
135  Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, Social Justice Committee
136  Rainier Valley Unitarian Universalist Social Justice Committee
137  Religious Coalition for Equality
138  Phinney Ridge Gospel Choir
139  SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
140  SEIU Healthcare Local 775NW
141  UAW Local 4121
142  Unite Here Local 8
143  Teamsters Local 11746
144  UFCW Local 21
145  American Federation of Government Employees -
146  Washington chapter of Federation of State Employees — AFSCME Council 28
147  AFT Seattle Community Colleges, Local 178
148  Eastern Washington Voters
149  People For the American Way
150  Loren Miller Bar Association
151  Filipino Lawyers of Washington
152  Northwest Indian Bar Association
153  South Asian Bar Association of Washington (SABAW)
154  Korean American Bar Association of Washington (KABA)
155  Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington
156  Latina/o Bar Association of Washington
157  Vietnamese American Bar Association of WA
158  QLaw
159  Equality Federation
160  PFLAG National
161  PFLAG Bellevue/Eastside
162  PFLAG Bellingham
163  PFLAG Everett/Snohomish
164  PFLAG Friday Harbor
165  PFLAG Kitsap
166  PFLAG Lower Columbia
167  PFLAG Tacoma
168  PFLAG Olympia
169  PFLAG Seattle
170  PFLAG Skagit/Sedro-Woolley
171  PFLAG Southwest Washington
172  PFLAG Spokane
173  PFLAG Walla Walla
174  GLAAD — Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
175  Human Rights Campaign
176  Lambda Legal
177  BiNet Seattle
178  Freely Speaking Toastmasters
179  National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
180  National Center for Lesbian Rights
181  Kol HaNeshamah
182  One America
183  Democratic Advancement Political Action Committee
184  Economic Opportunity Institute
185  Central Washington Progress
186  YWCA Clark County
187  YWCA Kitsap County
188  YWCA Pierce County
189  Group Health
190  disAbility Resources of Southwest Washington
191  Sea Mar Community Health Centers
192  Washington Chapter — American Academy of Pediatrics
193  Compassion and Choices
194  Community to Community Development
195  Evergreen Fellowship Board of Trustees
196  Gay City Health Project
197  New Americans Action Fund
198  Safe Schools Coalition
199  Sahngnoksoo
200   ACORN
201  Inland Northwest Business Alliance
202  Micah Project – Tacoma
203  Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce
204  Seattle Men’s Chorus
205  Seattle Women’s Chorus
206  Seattle University Outlaws
207  Cedar River Clinics
208  Inland Northwest LGBT Center
209  People for Peace, Justice, and Healing
210  Pride at Work
211  Lesbian and Gay Child Care Task Force
212  Blue Mountain Heart to Heart
213  Inlaws & Outlaws
214  Queer Kidz
215  Tacoma Rainbow Center
216  Cascades RainBow Community Center
217  Queer Foundation
218  Queer Sounds
219  CREDO Mobile
220  Morningside Academy
221  Olympia Food Co-op
222  Out In Tacoma
223  Tacoma Lesbian Concern
224  Inland Oasis
225  Puget Sound Chapter, OLOC
226  Ingersoll Gender Center
227  Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane
228  Seattle Out and Proud/Seattle Pride
229  Whatcom Human Rights Task Force
230  Seattle Metropolitan Elections Committee
231  Lifelong AIDS Alliance
232  Art With Heart
233  Kitsap County HIV AIDS Foundation
234  Organization for Research and Learning
235  Pinay Sa Seattle
236  Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
237  Washington Community Action Network
238  Join the Impact
239  Tacoma United for Fairness
240  Tacoma Social Justice
241  Washington Bus
242  Vista Youth Center
243  Seattle Gay News
244  Hour Forum
245  Three Dollar Bill Cinema
246  Pierce County AIDS Foundation
247  Green River Community College GSA
248  Washington Gender Alliance
249  Spokane GLBT Film Festival
250  Absentee College Democrats of King County
251  Statewide Poverty Action Network
252  1st District Democrats
253  2nd District Democrats
254  3rd District Democrats
255  5th District Democrats
256  6th District Democrats
257  10th District Democrats
258  11th District Democrats
259  14th LD Democrats
260  21st LD Democrats
261  22nd LD Democrats
262  23rd LD Democrats
263  30th District Democrats
264  32nd District Democrats
265  34th District Democrats
266  36th District Democrats
267  37th District Democrats
268  38th District Democrats
269  40th District Democrat
270  41st District Democrat
271  42nd District Democrat
272  43rd District Democrat
273  44th District Democrat
274  45th District Democrats
275  46th District Democrats
276  47th District Democrats
277  48th District Democrats
278  49th District Democrats
279  Skagit County Democrats
280  King County Democrats
281  Thurston County Democrats
282  Young Democrats of Skagit County

Temple Beth Or is a warm, compassionate, vibrant, spirited, inclusive and participatory Reform Jewish community.  We are religiously and geographically diverse, serving the northern Puget Sound region of Washington State.

ACORN is the nation’s largest grassroots community organization of low- and moderate-income people with over 400,000 member families organized into more than 1,200 neighborhood chapters in 110 cities across the country.  Since 1970, ACORN has been building community organizations that are committed to social and economic justice, and won victories on thousands of issues of concern to our members, through direct action, negotiation, legislative advocacy and voter participation.  ACORN helps those who have historically been locked out become powerful players in our democratic system.

I’m getting tired of people making unfair comparisons. — Brecia V. Rife, Vancouver

12 HR Notice is a collective public performance group in Capitol Hill, Seattle who have weekly free events.

The mission of the Young Democrats of Washington is to stimulate in young people an active interest in governmental affairs and promote their involvement in the political process through our objectives of: training activists, working with campaigns, issue and policy work, community and public service, lobbying, and involvement in all levels of the Democratic party. YDWA is committed to promoting Democratic values and ensuring young voters have a voice in and access to the political process and to promote the principles of justice and social welfare.

We seek to create a Kehillat Kedosha — a Holy Community.

This diverse and unique Temple family embodies the values of Jewish tradition balanced judiciously with the sensibilities of contemporary culture. Through our epic journey as a people, we have been bound together by a Brit or covenant — an enduring relationship with God, affirmed in community. This covenant provides us with much: friendship, love and care, meaning, study and a link to the transcendent. But for our Covenant Community to flourish and grow, there must be a sacred reciprocity. Our members must give of themselves, making an emotional, spiritual and financial investment in the whole.

I am one of those straight people who opposes* Referendum 71, which would repeal a bill extending rights to gays and lesbians. God did not leave me in charge of hate and discontent and decisions to make other human beings unhappy. Every human deserves the right to be happy. — Connie Smith, Vancouver
*Ed.: Supporters of the Domestic Partnership law must vote to APPROVE the law, should the question make it to the ballot.

It is sad to see so many of fellow citizens’ lives mired in fear and a cramped, anti-Christian attitude. I refer to those working to overturn Washington state’s new domestic partnership law. The new law extends to gay and lesbian families more of the rights currently enjoyed by the rest of us. In addition to hospital visitation and inheritance rights, several economic rights are included, such as worker’s compensation, legal signing rights, sick leave to care for a spouse and inheritance. — Chris Langlois, Vancouver