Advocacy

An advocate is someone who speaks out on behalf of others with the aim of influencing public policy be it social, political or economic. The goal of advocacy is to bring to light that which is immoral, unethical or unfair in hopes of positive change for individuals and communities.

Advocacy happens when someone starts a dialogue about an issue or controversy they hold dear to their hearts. It can come in many forms; voting, community outreach, peaceful protest, speaking out, letter writing campaigns - even something as simple as wearing a t-shirt for a human rights organization or a cause that you support.

Its takes a strong voice to speak for those who are not heard and we believe that one voice can change the world.

Hi,

I'm writing to ask for the support of The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh for a petition that calls on the Pittsburgh Steelers to stand up and take action, as other pro teams are doing, and make a brief video for the "It Gets Better" campaign. The campaign is aimed at gay teens who are frequently harassed and are at an ever increasing risk of suicide. I started the petition because I feel strongly that our youth need to know that life is not always as hard and painful as it can be when you are a teen.It does get better and suicide does not need to be an option.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a large powerful franchise and can reach thousands (probably tens of thousands) of young people. Not to mention, they can serve as role models for homophobic fans. This petition is meant to show the Steelers organization that their fans care about the issue and want to see the athletes take a positive stand.

The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh is in a unique position of being able to get word of the petition out to our community and encourage people to take the powerful action of helping to fuel this grassroots movement. Being a lesbian I know that some may be weary to sign a public document about a sensitive issue. However all who sign are able to do so anonymously. The important part isn't who signed but how many people sign.

I am asking the GLCC to spread word of the petition through whatever means they have available. Ideas that I have had include placing a link on your homepage, a post or two on social networking sites, and possibly a post on mailing lists informing members of the petition. This may seem like a lot to ask but I would encourage the GLCC to consider the lives of the gay youth that may be touched through our efforts. For your convenience I have included a copy of the petition letter below by name. The petition can be found online at: http://www.change.org/petitions/pittsburgh-steelers-create-an-it-gets-better-video-and-stand-up-to-homophobia-in-sports

Thank you for taking the time to consider this request. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at this address or call me at 814.573.8151.

Sheila Myers

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1	The National Center for Lesbian Rights The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
2	Equality Pennsylvania Founded 15 years ago as the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights and later growing into Equality Advocates PA, EP is the only organization in the Commonwealth advocating in Harrisburg and across the state, exclusively for the rights of LGBT Pennsylvanians.
3	Lambda Legal Lambda Legal is a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work.
4	It Gets Better Project Many LGBT youth can't picture what their lives might be like as openly gay adults. They can't imagine a future for themselves. So let's show them what our lives are like, let's show them what the future may hold in store for them.
5	National Resource Center on LGBT Aging The National Resource Center on LGBT Aging is the country's first and only technical assistance resource center aimed at improving the quality of services and supports offered to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) older adults.
6	The National Coalition for LGBT Health The Coalition is committed to improving the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals through federal advocacy that is focused on research, policy, education, and training.
7	No on Prop 8 \| Don't Eliminate Marriage for Anyone Proposition 8 is a California ballot measure that eliminated the right to marry for same-sex couples on November 4. Our California Constitution, the law of our land, should guarantee the same freedoms and rights to everyone. No one group should be singled out to be treated differently.
8	GLAD Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is New England’s leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.
9	TransYouth Family Allies TYFA empowers children and families by partnering with educators, service providers and communities, to develop supportive environments in which gender may be expressed and respected
10	Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition is a youth-led organization dedicated to organizing across the Commonwealth on issues relating to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer student youth.