The Ally Coalition Representative Program!

Hi! I'm back with some awesome news! Anyone who was bummed about not being part of ABT or just wants to be more involved with The Ally Coalition should check out this amazing opportunity! From The Ally Coalition website:

Deadline: 11/29/2013

As The Ally Coalition is growing, and conversations on equality are progressing across the country, we are happy to announce our new representative program. This team of representatives will be instrumental in helping both The Ally Coalition (TAC), and the organizations we partner with.

For the inaugural TAC representative program, we are looking for 2 dedicated people in each of 12 cities. Representatives will be facilitating grassroots projects, organizing local events, and activating your own online social circles.

Representatives are unpaid, but possible internship credit is available.

The spring 2014 program runs from January-May 2014.

Cities:

• Boston, MA
• Charleston, SC
• Detroit, MI
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• Nashville, TN
• New York City, NY
• Orlando, FL
• Portland, OR
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington DC

What representatives will do:

• Organize, promote, and run Ally Coalition events your area
• Provide consistent feedback and communication with TAC offices in Boston & Portland
• Build relationships and foster conversations with local businesses, local organizations, and schools on behalf of TAC to better form a working network of resources
• Write blog posts and share relevant local news on behalf of TAC
• Participate in biweekly conference calls with all representatives

We’re looking for:

• Aged 18+
• 5-10 hours available per week
• Ability to travel to area events
• Experience in activism and volunteer work
• Demonstrated passion for LGBTQ activism
• Interest in pop culture
• Social media savvy
• Proficient in Google docs and Microsoft Office Programs
• Access to a photo-capable smart phone

How awesome does that sound?! Make sure you head over HERE to apply!

A short update on the Holland Election

For anyone local, you likely heard about the election for the open board seats that took place this past Tuesday.

I'm sorry to report that all open seats have now been filled by individuals who do not support protecting LGBTQ individuals from discrimination.

Watching the election coverage when I got to work Tuesday night was very disheartening. My reaction was disappointment and rage.

But the fight will never be over.

No matter where you are, continue to educate your city/state/national representatives on why LGBTQ individuals deserve protection from discrimination.

I'm having a hard time saying much more tonight. I'm just at a loss for words.

Keep fighting the good fight, readers.

Update since I've been home from ABT

So, no surprise to anyone but I'm still greatly missing my ABT friends and the incredible experience I had.

That being said, I've been making slow progress on some of my post-ABT goals! If you've been reading the blog, you'll know that one of my goals revolved around having an LGBTQ resource binder for my work. I work with individuals struggling with mental health issues and we sadly have very few resources for clients who identify as LGBTQ.

I've begun working on the binder and I can't wait to finish it! It's been slow progress since I generally only have time to work on it while I'm already at work and I can't make any phone calls because I work night shift hours. I'm hoping to be on day shift soon so I can begin gathering more resources by calling organizations during the day.

I'll be sure to post a picture of the binder once it's complete.

Another piece of news that is kinda-sorta related is that my Internship Application is due next week! WOW! That came a lot faster than I was expecting. As a masters student, I'm required to complete 3 semesters of internship to get my degree. They have us fill out skill/interest profiles and then place us in area agencies. I'm hoping that I'll have the opportunity to work with some of the local LGBTQ organizations. The disappointing part is that we're not allowed to request placements by name; we simply fill out a form stating what we're interested in and they place us.

I should find out my placement in January so fingers crossed! I would love to get some more experience so that I can hopefully use my degree to work in that sector of social work.

Alright, that's all for now. Updating will probably be sporadic now that ABT is over, but I will continue to do my best to update this blog whenever possible. Thanks for reading!

Reflection

Well, I've been home for two days and I'm already getting back into the swing of 'normal' life. Can't say I like it compared to how I spent last week. I'm listening to fun. right now and my phone has been going off like crazy all day from the group text all the ABTers have been talking on since the trip started. It makes me miss them a ton, and miss all the experiences we had together.

I spent last night having a glass of wine with a friend and talking about how the trip went. It was hard to really put it into words other than 'awesome'. We talked a lot about what I learned from the organizations I went to and how it can be applied to our jobs (she works at the crisis center with me) and how we can continue that type of work even though ABT is over.

One of the other ABTers applied for a job after returning home with an organization that works with individuals with AIDS and I'm so proud and excited for her! I'm also very inspired by her.

Basically what I'm saying is, I'm more than ready to continue service here in Michigan. My first project is going to be pulling together the LGBTQ resource binder at work. I'm on-call this weekend so if something comes up, I may be able to start on it sooner rather than later - otherwise I'm hoping to start on Monday. I've already done a little research from home - especially networking with the LGBT Resource Center at my University as well as checking out a list of internship sites from the Social Work program.

Additionally, I'm still blown away by the commitment and passion demonstrated by each of our service partners. It stirred something in me that is manifesting very emotionally. It also is a stark realization of how much better things could be if everyone just took a second to care. You don't have to spend five days of your life on a tour bus volunteering to make a difference. I can already list five local organizations that could use some volunteer help/donations to keep programming running right now.

If you're in the Michigan region, check these out! The Network, RED Project GR, Holland Is Ready, GVSU LGBT Resource Center, and fun.'s Detroit service partner the Ruth Ellis Center!

It really doesn't take much to get out there and do something. Let others know you are an ally and be a source of information for future allies. Speak up when someone uses derogatory language and amplify the voices of those who are silenced. Contact your local LGBT resource center and find out what they need most. Host a supply drive at your school or work. Put a TAC or HRC sticker on your notebook, car, water bottle, or phone case. Use it as a conversation starter. Most importantly, be a role model for others and show them that anyone can be an ally.

Hoping to continue to update this blog as I work on some of my goals from ABT. Thank you all for supporting me and thank you to the 11 incredible friends I have made - you all mean more than you know.

Atlanta

Today was a really wonderful day that is quite difficult for me to put into words, but for the sake of this blog, I'm going to try.

We began the morning in Atlanta at Georgia State University where we met up with Terrence, the representative for Youth Pride. YP is an organization that provides several types of services to LGBTQ individuals aged 13-24 in the Atlanta area. And when I say several, I mean it. Here are just a few that I can think of now:

Counseling

24/7 Helpline

Health clinic

HIV testing

Groups

Recreation

Movie night

And the best part is that all of those services are free for the youth accessing them. Terrence told us today that in the last year, Youth Pride has directly prevented 22 suicides. There are 22 individuals living well in Atlanta due to the incredible efforts of YP staff. Allow me to mention again the feeling I've been getting when meeting individuals from these organizations. I am completely blown away by their passion, talent, and dedication to what they do. 

We spent the morning with Youth Pride handing out cards and spreading awareness for YP and the services offered. Several of the students were very receptive to our message and it felt great to point them in the direction of great resources. 

After service, we returned to the bus and had a conversation that became really important and really drove home the point of what we were all doing on ABT. The work we've done this week wasn't necessarily directly with clients or individuals utilizing the services at these non-profits and sometimes that can make you feel like you aren't making a difference. But that is definitely not true! Everything we did this week, from painting, to cleaning a community center, to tabling made a HUGE difference for these organizations. Non-profits rely on volunteers to do the work that they may not have the funding or the time for. So take the time to drop off some donations, paint a wall, or clean an office. Help fill the gap that so many non-profits struggle to fill! 

We had some down time this afternoon before heading to the concert venue for our last Equality Village. Those of you following the hashtag may have seen the new ink that some of the ABTers got this afternoon...how cool is that? We've bonded intensely over this trip. I will likely never have another experience like this one.

And Equality Village rocked tonight. Being our second show, we were old pros at running all the moving parts involved in what you see when you visit. We had fun doing it and I think every one of us experienced something special.

Tonight I was selling raffle tickets when I was approached by a woman who wanted to buy 6 of them (!). She told me that her son had come out to her a few years ago and that she was completely accepting of him and only wished that he had told her sooner so he wouldn't have had to struggle alone. She said she wanted so badly to live in a world where anyone can come out and immediately be accepted for who they are and that's why she was so excited about The Ally Coalition. The conversation was incredibly moving. I hardly knew how to reply. Allies: Be loud and proud. Let others know that you support and accept them regardless. And keep your eyes on the prize: a world where LGBTQ individuals can live without fear.

Like always, the ABTers had a wonderful time at the fun. concert. Afterwards, we all met up and went backstage for some ice cream and a chat with the guys (Thanks Ben & Jerry's!). We talked at length about how our service projects went, how Equality Village went, and how to best serve non-profits. Nate, Andrew, and Jack are so so passionate about the cause and miss being able to check in with the Equality Village. They also mentioned wanting to work again with the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, MI as they are hoping to expand their available space to serve more youth at once. (Visit their website if you'd like to help! www.ruthelliscenter.org) I can't say enough about how wonderful the guys are and how honored I am to have been chosen for this trip.

 Tonight was when it really hit us that we're going home tomorrow. We chatted with Mike and Paul, thanked them for their help with everything, and reflected a little on the experience. There were some tearful eyes on the bus this evening. I'm completely serious when I say it feels like we've known each other forever. We've become a family. 

So tomorrow we head home. Can't say I'm happy about it. I'm going to miss my friends, the bus, the service, and of course, fun. But I suppose everything must come to an end sometime.

Finally a day in NOLA!

It was a bit difficult getting up this morning after the late night last night but we were all up and ready to go at 9am. Our service site today was Project Lazarus in New Orleans, LA. We had an opportunity to get to know a little bit about the program from various staff there. The program opened in the 80s to serve as transitional housing for individuals with HIV. The program currently houses 23 residents and provides support, education, and resources.

Today we assisted with cleaning up a community area. The staff plans to rent the area out regularly to help bring in some funds for the program. Anyone who knows non-profits know how difficult it is to find funding that doesn't come with strings attached. The extra revenue will allow staff to provide for the residents in a way that will benefit them most.

We also had the opportunity too speak with some of the residents as well. It was a strange experience - they thanked us for volunteering and helping them out but all I could think was that we should be thanking them. The experience was an emotional one and I am so appreciative of them for welcoming us with open arms. It's also so refreshing to hear about the program and how much the staff cares about making their program the best it can be. 

After the service project we spent some time sitting down and talking about our personal and group goals for after we return home. My goals were:

1) Set up an LGBTQ resource binder at work.

2) Continue to network with new organizations and volunteer at least once every 6 months.

We then did some Gender 101 and talked about stereotypes for males and females and how no one actually fits into just one category based on those stereotypes. It created an interesting 'constellation' type visual as we drew lines between stereotypes we fit. 

Due to there being no concert tonight, we had the remainder of the night to talk about our goals, get dinner together, and spend some time in this incredible city. It was a perfect end to a perfect day. 

We're making our way to Atlanta now on the bus. I'm exhausted so I expect sleep to come easily. If you're coming out to the show tomorrow night, I'll see you there! 

Our First Regular Day of Service

So short version (since I didn't totally explain it yet), Tropical Storm Karen forced fun. to cancel their concert in New Orleans last night. That resulted in us being rushed off to Houston a day early.

We spent yesterday bonding on the bus and talking about what it means to be an ally and how our personal story can speak to others on a deeper level. It was really profound to listen to everyone talk and share so much about themselves when we'd only known each other for a few hours. And talking about what it means to be an ally came incredibly easy to us as a group - we were a really efficient think tank. 

This morning we woke up bright and early and headed over to The Montrose Center in Houston to lend a hand with painting some murals and touching up some walls in one of their community rooms. Immediate upon arriving, we were greeted with a box of doughnuts and a 'thank you'. We hadn't even done anything yet and we were already appreciated - what an incredible feeling. 

Painting was so much fun. Another thing I like about this group is how well we mix together. We break up in smaller groups often, but they're always different and no matter who is in it, you can bet it's going to be a great time. And the individuals from The Montrose Center were right there with us helping. What an incredible experience!

It only got better from that point. We went to the concert venue, met Mike White (Ally Coalition extraordinaire), got a tour of backstage, and learned about what we would be doing as Ally Coalition volunteers and why it was so important. We had a short break and then got to work!

It was a busy night in the equality village. We raised a ton of money for the local organizations we partnered with and took lots of photos of people coming out as allies! Watching people get excited about a cause that means so much to me just made me happier. It was a natural high that carried me all through the concert and after. The ABTers matched Nate, Andrew, and Jack's energy - maybe even exceeded it! We had a great time dancing and singing like maniacs. (Whoever had a hand in picking this group - top notch. We are awesome!) 

After the concert, we had the pleasure of meeting the band. They are great guys. They thanked us for the work we're doing and talked about how incredible it is.

The funny thing is, it's not that incredible; anyone can do it. I think we tend to forget that as we get wrapped up in our own lives. We think we need an event or something directly in front of us to lend a hand. I challenge everyone reading this blog to go into the community and look for organizations that serve the LGBTQ population - ask them what they need most and how you can help. You'd be surprised how easy it is.

That's about it for tonight. We're back on the bus, about to head back to New Orleans to work with Project Lazarus. 

Keep an eye on the #AllyCoalitionABT hashtag and my twitter and Instagram to keep updated with all the goings on in the ABT! 

Thanks everyone!

Air Blogging!

Hello there! Happy to say I am writing this blog post from the comfort of my seat on my flight to New Orleans. We left a few minutes late, but they're anticipating an on time arrival which is great news.

There should be a couple of other ABTers at the airport when I get there, or arriving shortly after. I can't wait to meet them all in person. They're wonderful people with big hearts and a passion for lgbtq activism. We're going to be doing some seriously big things down south this weekend/week. 

As things progress, I'll be giving you all details on the organizations we're working with. 

To wrap this up, I want to give a heads up to everyone in the Holland, MI area:

The deadline to register to vote in this year' election is TODAY. If you're not registered, hurry up! If you are, it might be a good idea to check with Secretary of State to find out where your polling place is. Why am I telling you this? Because your vote is going to help decide whether we have city council members who support expanding the non-discrimination to lgbtq individuals! Five of the nine seats are on the ballot this year so get out there and show them that Holland wants protection for ALL people!

That's it for now. I'll be blogging more as the trip progresses. Thanks for reading and thank you for your support!

Tomorrow, We Ride

Good evening readers, friends, family, etc (Not sure what would go in the etc category....lurkers?)

Hope your weekend has started off well! Mine is sure to be something incredible.

That's right, tomorrow (in 7 hours!) I'll be on a plane headed for New Orleans, LA! There have been a few changes to the schedule, but if all goes as planned, I should be there by late morning. (BY late morning, YOU GOT THAT KAREN?) Ah yes. Tropical Storm Karen apparently can't just tell when it's raining (with her '5th sense'), she's the one doing it.

But the bags are packed. I'm exhausted. And I'm more than ready to get some sleep so I'll be ready for the start of a pretty great adventure tomorrow.

I'm hoping that I'll be able to learn some new things about LGBTQ issues, make some new connections with organizations, and be able to bring all of that back here to Michigan.

Be sure to keep up with my Instagram and Twitter (both @Liz_Burgess). I'll be updating those periodically, as well as this blog. Also check out our ABT partners: The Ally Coalition, Calling All Crows, and PFLAG (Links to the right!)

With love and sleepy eyes,

Liz

Counting Down!

Welcome back everyone. And welcome all newcomers to the page!

We're getting ever closer to ABT and, that being said, I'd like to get a few things out of the way.

First: We're entering into the FINAL push to reach my $800 fundraising goal. I've still got a fair amount to go and I have until THIS MONDAY, September 30 to reach it. If you're able to help, please visit my Fundraising Page and donate!

Second: For friends and family from the lakeshore area in Michigan, I'd like to take a minute to highlight TWO organizations that you can get involved in to make a difference in our community.

The first is Holland Is Ready. Their general mission is: "To work for the safety, rights, and inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families in the greater Holland area." More recently, they've been tasked with fighting for LGBT individuals to be included in the Anti-discrimination ordinance and policies. The Holland City Council rejected this measure in June 2011. HIR is always looking for financial support as well as volunteers. Visit their website to learn more about how to get involved and follow them on Facebook/Twitter.

The second organization, which I've mentioned once previously, is PFLAG. The wonderful individuals there have a Holland/Lakeshore Chapter that meets once a month. Additionally, if you're not from the lakeshore area, visit PFLAG's website to find a chapter near you!

Finally, Straight For Equality has a super cool page set up just for the ABT! There you can learn more about the organizations we're working with, as well as the other volunteers I'll be traveling with. I'll also be highlighting each organization as I blog from the road.

With those details out of the way, let's move on to a real update!

This one will be a little shorter, but there are some important things to update you all on. My flight to New Orleans leaves one week from today! Can you believe it's almost here? I've begun final preparations on a few things, including verifying my vacation dates at work and getting ahead on homework. The homework part hasn't been nearly as exciting as everything else - I'm turning in two different assignments a week early due to my absences. But doing so is completely worth it!

One of the individuals I'll be volunteering with has set up an ABT specific Instagram account: @abtwithfun You'll be able to follow our adventures there as well as on my Instagram: @Liz_Burgess

Also, as you'll read from the Straight for Equality page, the official hashtag for the trip is #AllyCoalitionABT. You'll be able to search that hashtag on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to find updates from all of the volunteers, as well as the organizations we're working with. Feel free to share those posts with everyone on your social networks!

We also have our final conference call this week to hammer out the last of the details for the trip. I'll be passing some of those on to you in my final update before the trip.

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave it in the comments, or contact me via social media.

Thanks for reading!

Touring for Equality's 1st Post!

Hey everyone!

If you've been directed here, I'm guessing it's safe to assume you're interested in learning about me, my Alternative Break Tour trip, and the fight for equality. If not, well, that's what you'll be getting.

First, let me start by giving you a little background on the trip for those of you that are unfamiliar.

Calling All Crows was founded about five years ago as a way to combine music and activism. The unique thing about this incredible organization is that they do not focus on one single issue. Rather, they complete service projects that involve many different types of issues like education, environmental policy, women's empowerment, and (my ABT focus) LGBTQ rights/marriage equality.

The Ally Coalition was founded just over a year ago by the band fun. and Rachel Antonoff. It raises awareness for LGBTQ equality by working with various individuals in the music, entertainment, and fashion world.

For their 10th Alternative Break Tour, CAC has partnered with fun., The Ally Coalition, and PFLAG to send 10 fans on tour with the band for five days where we will connect with local LGBTQ organizations, complete service projects, and participate in concert outreach. We'll be doing projects in New Orleans, LA, Houston, TX, and Atlanta, GA. Additionally, we'll be volunteering in TAC's Equality Village at each concert, and then get to enjoy the concert as fans.

I am very honored to have been chosen for this opportunity and I am very excited to get started. The trip begins two weeks from today in New Orleans, LA. If you're interested in helping to make this trip a possibility, I encourage you to visit my StayClassy page and donate to CAC. Every dollar donated will go towards our work on tour. My goal is to reach $800 by September 30, of which I've already made it a fair amount of the way thanks to some very generous friends and family.

Now that the essentials are out of the way, let's move on. I shall be updating this blog on a semi-regular basis before, during, and after the trip. I encourage you to check it out and/or sign up for email updates so you don't miss a thing! Also, I will be updating with more details on the trip as it gets closer, but if you have any questions about the trip, LGBTQ issues, or the involved organizations, leave them in the comments section and I'll get back to you!

Lastly, THANK YOU for joining me on this incredible ride. It is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.

Actual last thing: I besides the linkies in this post, I have linked to the various related websites on the sidebar. Feel free to check those out to find out how YOU can get involved in your own town! Additionally, there are links to my Twitter and Instagram where you can follow my trip in real time!

Til next time,

Liz