From: Hrccomm@aol.com Date: Tue, 5 Mar 1996 17:59:24 -0500 Subject: Largest National Gay/Lesbian Group Seeks Young Activists ________________________________________________________ NEWS from the Human Rights Campaign 1101 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20005 email: communications@hrcusa.org WWW: http://www.hrcusa.org ________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, February 29, 1996 LARGEST NATIONAL GAY/LESBIAN GROUP SEEKS YOUNG ACTIVISTS HRC Launches First Youth College for Campaign Training FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO OUR WEBSITE http://www.hrcusa.org Washington -- The Human Rights Campaign is launching a Youth College for Campaign Training, a skills-building program that will equip 26 young equal rights activists to work in political campaigns this fall. HRC is seeking applications from people age 18-24 to participate in the Youth College this August through November, said Gary Schiff, the Youth College coordinator. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and heterosexual young people who have demonstrated their commitment to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation are strongly encouraged to apply. "The Youth College will train 26 young people to provide a boost to campaigns across the country and work for the defeat of anti-gay initiatives and the election of a fair-minded Congress," Schiff said. "After the elections, these young leaders will continue to provide vision and energy in the fight for lesbian, gay and bisexual equal rights for years to come." The Youth College will begin in Chicago with six days of intensive workshops, teaching the essentials of winning campaigns. From Aug. 13-18, participants will learn about campaign management, fund-raising, media use and get-out-the-vote skills. The week ends with Youth College members participating in OutVote 96, HRC's first national political convention, which is expected to draw 1,000 activists to Chicago one week before the Democratic National Convention. Youth College graduates will then be placed in teams of two in a dozen target states where they will work for three months as campaign staff members. As full-time campaign workers, Youth College participants will receive a weekly stipend of $150 for 13 weeks. If they are placed in campaigns away from home, HRC will provide them with housing. After the elections, HRC will fly all Youth College participants to Washington for a retreat, including discussion of how to continue using their new campaign experiences and skills. The application deadline is April 30. Application forms may be obtained by contacting the Human Rights Campaign, 1101 14th St., N.W., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005, or by e-mail to YouthCollege@hrcusa.org. For more information, contact Gary Schiff at 1-800-866-6263 or 202-628-4160 ext. 8501. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian and gay Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. - 30 - ________________________________________________________