From: HRCFCOMM@aol.com Date: Tue, 6 Jun 1995 15:50:37 -0400 Subject: HRCF LAUNCHES MASSIVE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE ***************************************************************** PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND The Nation's Largest Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Political Group ***************************************************************** To contact the HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND, please call us at (202)628-4160, fax us at (202) 347-5323 or write to us at PO Box 1396 Washington, DC 20013. WE CANNOT RESPOND TO E-MAIL. ***************************************************************** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1995 HRCF LAUNCHES MASSIVE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Nation's Largest Gay Political Organization Still Dwarfed by Radical Right Groups WASHINGTON -- The nation's largest lesbian and gay political organization has launched a massive membership drive to counter the growth of extreme anti-gay groups that threaten the rights, health and safety of lesbian and gay Americans. The Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF) -- which has gained 20,000 new members since the November elections -- is still dwarfed by the largest anti-gay group, Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition. HRCF currently has 100,000 members, while Robertson's group claims more than 1.5 million. HRCF will be signing up members at Pride events in more than 100 cities from June through October. More than 500 HRCF volunteers will fan out across 47 states, armed with clipboards and wearing HRCF t-shirts, to sign up new members in the fight for equal rights. Candace Gingrich, sister of House Speaker Newt Gingrich, has also joined the effort with a tour of 48 cities promoting the National Coming Out Project. Candace is urging people to come out and get involved in the movement for equal rights. "Our membership is increasing because people care about what's happening in Congress, and they want to get involved. Even so, the largest right-wing group has ten times as many members as the largest organization fighting for gay and lesbian equality," said Canvass Manager Brian Albert, who is coordinating HRCF's national membership drive. "To secure our rights, we need to increase our numbers. The more people who come out for equal rights and join HRCF, the better we'll be able to fight the battles ahead." An HRCF membership costs $20. Members receive the following: opportunities to get involved in HRCF's "Speak Out" program, which sends messages in their name to their elected representatives; "Action Alerts" on pressing issues before Congress; free subscriptions to a glossy new political magazine, HRCF Quarterly; and invitations to special events in Washington and across the country. "Our movement faces enormous challenges in the new political climate," said Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. "Radical right groups have undue influence in the political process, and their numbers are growing. We need to tap into the enormous potential of millions of gay and lesbian people across the country -- and their millions of friends and family members. Everyone has something to offer the movement for equal rights." The Human Rights Campaign Fund (HRCF), the nation's largest lesbian and gay political organization, works to end discrimination, secure equal rights, and protect the health and safety of all Americans. With a national staff, and volunteers and members throughout the country, HRCF lobbies the federal government on lesbian, gay, and HIV/AIDS issues; educates the general public; participates in election campaigns; organizes volunteers; and provides expertise and training at the state and local level. -30- 1101 14th Street, NW Suite 200 Washington, DC 20005 phone:(202)628-4160 fax:(202) 347-5323