Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 18:32:03 -0500 From: Jason Riggs Subject: NGLTF Launches Electoral Training Initiative *********************************************** NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE January 28, 1999 Contact: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director 202-332-6483 ext. 3303 800-757-6476 pager tconaty@ngltf.org http://www.ngltf.org 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 *********************************************** TASK FORCE THINK TANK LAUNCHES TRAINING INITIATIVE TO COUNTER RIGHT-WING ELECTORAL ATTACKS; DAVE FLEISCHER TO DIRECT THE PROJECT WASHINGTON, DC- The Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) has launched a new training initiative to strengthen state and local gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender groups and prepare them to participate effectively in the electoral arena. One key goal of the Leadership Training Initiative is to prepare state and local organizations to defeat legislative and ballot-based attacks from anti-gay extremists. In the November 1998 elections, right-wing forces won five out of six anti-gay measures on ballots across the country. In the next 15 months, California and at least six other jurisdictions will face similar anti-gay ballot measures. "We can win these campaigns only if we shift strategies in two critical ways," argued Urvashi Vaid, director of the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. "First, we must realize that campaigns are won by votes, not media advertising. The labor-intensive process of voter identification, constituency organizing, and public education are how we will win. Second, we must be well trained in our work. There is no better trainer in our movement than our new senior fellow, Dave Fleischer." The Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is a think tank dedicated to research, strategic projects, and coalition building to advance the equality and understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. To direct the electoral training initiative, the Policy Institute has named Dave Fleischer to be its second "senior fellow." Fleischer joins Policy Institute founder and senior fellow John D'Emilio. In 1999, Fleischer will design and implement a series of innovative training interventions to address serious electoral weaknesses in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities across the country. The goal of these interventions is to develop electoral organizing models that will be able to be replicated for years to come. Houston, TX; Dade County, FL; Louisville, KY; Columbus, OH; New York State; and California are among the communities with which Fleischer may be working. Fleischer is best known for his work at the Gay and Lesbian Victory Foundation, where he created and ran an effective and highly regarded campaign leadership training program for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community from 1993 through 1998. " Dave Fleischer - with his demonstrated track record of more than 15 years of electoral trainings - is an incredible addition to our Policy Institute," stated Kerry Lobel, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force executive director. "This Leadership Training Initiative will be an invaluable ingredient in our community's efforts to defeat anti-gay initiatives and successfully and proactively organize in the electoral arena," she added. - 30- _____________________________________________________________________ The Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is a think tank dedicated to research, policy analysis, and strategic projects to advance the greater understanding and equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _____________________________________________________________________ Media calls should be directed to NGLTF Media Director, Tracey Conaty at 202-332-6483. This message was issued by Jason Riggs at the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. If you would like to be taken off the Policy Institute email distribution list please respond to jriggs@ngltf.org. If you wish to SUBSCRIBE to NGLTF's regular activist email listserve, please send an email with "SUBSCRIBE ACTIVIST" in the subject and body of your email message to . You may also subscribe by visiting http://www.ngltf.org.