Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1998 09:23:52 -1000 From: Mia H H Lam Subject: Fwd: MATTHEW'S WISDOM (fwd) hey brothers and sisters, I got a lot of response to yesterdays wisdom re: Matthew Shepard. Several people wanted to know what they could do in response to this violence. My friend Jeff send me the following. I hope it helps. (1) Attend a vigil or rally in your community ................................................................... Contact your local anti-violence project, community center, or political group to find out what is happening in your area. If you are in the Washington, D.C. area, come out for the NATIONAL VIGIL on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 at 7PM. We will gather on the west steps of the US CAPITOL. Join the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and other national organizations. Many entertainment figures will also attend, including Helen Hunt, Ellen DeGeneres, Anne Heche, Betty DeGeneres, Kristen Johnston and others. ................................................................... (2) Press Congress to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act ................................................................... The Hate Crimes Prevention Act (H.R. 3081/S. 1529) would permit federal prosecution for anti-GLBT violence and enhance sentencing for offenders. It is currently awaiting passage. Call Sen. Orrin Hatch's office - (202) 224-5251 and urge him to pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act Call your federal representatives and urge them to pass this measure. Get your Congressperson and Senator's names, numbers, and email address at Project Vote Smart: www.vote-smart.org by entering your zip code. ................................................................... (3) Donate money to the Fort Collins, CO ballot measure campaign ................................................................... Right wing forces put ordinances 21 and 22 on the November 3 ballot. These Ordinances would amend the city human rights code to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Fort Collins is only an hour away from Laramie, WY where the murder occured. Send campaign contributions to: Fort Collins Citizens for Human Rights 305 W. Magnolia #123 Fort Collins, CO 80521 http://www.choice-city.com ................................................................... (4) Donate money to help Matt's parents defray medical costs. ................................................................... Send funds to: Fund for Matthew Shepard Account #1926083 c/o First National Bank PO Box 578 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Darren Main Castro Yoga 4450 18th Street San Francisco, CA 94114 415-807-3947 djmyogi@castroyoga.com http://home.earthlink.net/~djmyogi/ http://www.castroyoga.com