ELECTION ACTION GUIDE: Lesbigay groups


Our voices count!

   Our lesbigay communities can have a powerful impact on the
outcome of the election right across Canada, if we are well-
informed and mobilized to act.
   In any given town or city, community groups can take action in
many ways to ensure that our voice is heard loud and clear.


* Prepare your election strategy: Ensure your group discusses its
involvement in the election to determine a strategy for your
community. Consider the priority issues you want to raise and
whether you want to endorse or oppose particular candidates.

* Form an election action coalition: In cities with more than one
lesbigay group, you should initiate discussions as soon as possible
with the other groups to forge an election action coalition. This
will ensure our efforts our maximized in each community without
duplication of effort. And don't overlook AIDS groups and other
equality-seeking organizations.

* Organize a candidates meeting: Invite all the candidates to your
own community debate. Start planning as soon as possible, and make
sure to advertise. Issue a press release and follow up by telephone
with local media. Have your own recorder at the meeting and
publicize the results as widely as possible.

* Attend candidates meetings and ask questions: Attend as many
meetings as possible, in as many ridings as you can. Always assert
your sexual orientation.

* Keep members of your group informed: Make sure they have
information on the issues and campaign events. Make them feel a
part of the process.

* Conduct a survey of candidates: Write to all the candidates with
your own questions, or use questions from the EGALE questionnaire.
Keep it brief, and send it as early as possible. Let the candidates
know your deadline, follow up with a phone call, then publicize the
results with special letters, newsletters, or a press release.
(While you're at it, send EGALE a copy for our records.)

* Distribute this InfoEGALE: You can insert this InfoEGALE in your
own newspaper or newsletter, send a copy to members, and distribute
it at the various places where queers congregate in your community.
   You can order more copies by calling EGALE at 1-613-230-1043,
and leaving your order on our answering machine. (Please leave your
address and an evening telephone number.) We can provide you with
articles on diskette, or as many copies as you need, at cost. This
issue of InfoEGALE is not copyrighted -- we encourage you to
reproduce any article. We ask only that you credit EGALE.
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