On Thursday, June 14, 2012, HBGC will host its 2012 Day of Awareness and Action at the Massachusetts State House in the Grand Staircase. For the day, community members, advocates, and elected officials will convene at the Massachusetts State House to discuss three key issues that impact communities of color and the LGBTQ community: immigration, the criminal justice system, and youth homelessness.

The day allows community members to gather information and take action on timely social issues that could disproportionately impact our communities. The day will also be used to shed light on current state legislation that could have dire consequences for those who identify as LGBTQ, a person of color, or both. After the event, participants are encouraged to visit their elected officials to continue the conversation. Allies are encouraged to attend and participate.

At this event you will have an opportunity to:
*Participate in a dialogue on each of these topics with elected officials, advocates, and community members.
*Express your support or opposition to pending legislation related to the day's topic
*Meet with elected officials or legislative aides representing your district
*Sign up for phonebanking, canvassing, and get out the vote campaigns supported by HBGC and our event partners
*Register to vote
*Build community and coalitions with social justice organizations across the state

Free and open to the public. Lunch provided.

Event Schedule:

12:00 - 12:15: Welcome

12:15 - 1:00: Immigration & Our Community
With focus on recent S-Comm (Secure Communities) developments and anti-immigrant SB 2061, "An act to enhance community safety." Featuring Representative Jeffrey Sanchez (tentative) and special guests from the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) and the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition.

1:00 - 1:45: The Criminal Justice System & Our Community
With focus on Stand Your Ground and Three Strikes legislation. Featuring Representative Carlos Henriquez and special guests from Boston Branch NAACP, Black & Pink and the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition.

1:45 - 2:30: Homeless Youth & Our Community
With focus on HB 1861 "An act providing housing and support services for unaccompanied homeless youth," and updates around efforts at adopting similar language into this yerar's state budget. Featuring Representative James J. O'Day and special guests from Brookview House, MassEquality, and Boston GLASS.

2:30 - 3:00: Closing & Review of Advocacy Action Items

3:00 - 5:00: Meeting With Legislators & Legislative Aides (Optional)


Media Sponsor: Bay State Banner

Community Partners/Supporters: MassEquality, Brookview House, Black & Pink, Boston Branch NAACP, Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), Boston GLASS, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC), and the office of Representative Liz Malia.

To help us spread the word and join our list of community supporters, please email kgraves@hbgc-boston.org.