From ngltf@aol.com Sun Jul 18 10:58:14 1993 Date: Sat, 17 Jul 93 14:48:37 EDT From: ngltf@aol.com To: disc@vector.intercon.com Subject: Creating an Anti-Violence Project NGLTF Organizing Manual The following is a section on organizing a Local Anti-Violence Project written by Kevin Berrill of NGLTF and includes an NGLTF Anti-Violence Project Publication LIst. For more information about NGLTF's Anti-Violence Project, contact Martin Hiraga at 202-332-6483. --------------------------------------------------- CREATING AN ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECT By Kevin Berrill NGLTF Policy Institute The NGLTF Policy Institute thanks the Threshold Foundation and the Public Welfare Foundation for their generous support of this document and gratefully acknowledges the following individuals for their assistance in preparing this manual: Patti Abbott, Tracey Conaty, Sue Hyde, Margery Mazie, Greg Merrill, and Kris Raab. Individual sections of this document may be adapted or reproduced if credited to the NGLTF Policy Institute. All other rights to this publication are reserved. Copyright 1992, National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute A Microsoft Word version of this document is available for downloading on NGLTF's forum on America Online. ----- TABLE OF CONTENTS NGLTF Anti-Violence Publications Get ting Started Community Meeting Diversity Deciding on Focus and Structure M ission Statement Choosing an Organizational Structure Telephone Hotlines Estab lish a Referral Network Training Victim Advocacy Court Monitoring Publ icizing Your Anti-Violence Project Reaching Out to Underrepresented Groups Keeping Visible Media Advocacy Tips Identify The News Shape the Key Messages Develop a Press Kit and Media Advisory The Press Kit The Media Advis ory Understand the Media Plan the Press Conference and Advance Public Relations The Speakers Panel Control the "Spin" Staged Events Organize Follow Up Dos and Don'ts Direct Action Making Connections: Bu ilding Alliances Fundraising Issues Resources for Organizations and Organizers -- --- NGLTF ANTI-VIOLENCE PUBLICATIONS Established in 1982, NGLTF's Anti-Violence Project works to document, publicize, and counter violence against lesbians and gay men. The following is a list of publications aimed at helping individuals and organizations understand anti-gay violence. Call NGLTF at 202-332-6483 to order. Anti-Gay Violence and Victimization in 1991. A report on anti-gay incidents in 1991. Discusses trends in key cities, highlights noteworthy episodes and governmental response, and offers recommendations for action. (1992; 46 pp.; $7). Other NGLTF annual reports on anti-gay violence dating back to 1985 are available for $5 each. Anti-Gay/Lesbian Victimization. An NGLTF violence survey of more than 2,000 gay men and lesbians in eight U.S. cities. Includes tables, policy recommendations, appendices. (1984; 33 pp.; $5). Dealing With Violence: A Guide for Gay and Lesbian People. A compre-hensive guide that discusses self-defense, getting help, dealing with law enforcement agencies, and community organizing. (1986; 30 pp.; $4). Organizations Working Against Bigotry and Violence. A list of local and national groups working to counter anti-gay violence and other crimes of bias. (1992; 6 pp.; $1). Creating an Anti-Violence Project. A manual on how to organize against anti-gay violence in your community. Includes ideas on how to build an anti-violence project, assist victims, monitor the criminal justice system, and publicize your efforts. (1992; 70 pp.; $7). Making Injustice Visible: Documenting Bias-Motivated Episodes. A comprehensive manual on how to document episodes of bias-motivated violence and discrimination. The manual also provides instructions on how to conduct a community-wide violence and discrimination survey. Includes model reporting forms, standardized criteria for identifying and classifying incidents, and model survey questionnaires. (1992; 62 pp.; $6). Personal and Community Safety. A manual that explores ways to promote safety awareness in the lesbian and gay community. Includes a discussion of whistle campaigns, safety patrols, and self-defense classes. (1992; 35 pp.; $4). Countering Anti-Gay Violence through Legislation. A manual on how to promote laws to count and counter bias crimes. Includes lobbying tips, profiles of hate crime legislative efforts, and copies of selected local and state bias crime bills. (1992; 44 pp.; $5). Working With the Criminal Justice System. A manual on how to advocate for improved relations and communication with police and prosecutors. Includes resource lists and information on promoting bias crime units, police training, and countering police abuse. (1992; 37 pp.; $4). Organizing Against Harassment and Violence on Campus. A manual on how to promote an effective response to acts of bigotry and violence. Includes model policy guidelines, organizing profiles, and a resource list. (1989; 15 pp.; $2.) NGLTF Anti-Violence Organizing Manual. Five anti-violence organizing manuals packaged together for your convenience, including: Creating an Anti-Violence Project, Making Injustice Visible, Personal and Community Safety, Countering Anti-Gay Violence through Legislation, and Working with the Criminal Justice system. Includes at no extra cost, Organizations Working Against Violence. (1992, 251 pp: if purchased separately $27, as a package, $22.) Hate Crimes: Confronting Violence Against Lesbians and Gay Men. An anthology on anti-gay violence co-edited by the Director of N GLTF's Anti-Violence Project. Includes an overview of anti-gay violence and victimization, the social psychology of bigotry and bashing, mental health consequences, treatment and services interventions, and public policy responses. Available from Sage Publications, 2455 Teller Road, Newbury Park, CA, 91320-2218; Telephone: 805/499-0721; Fax: 805/499-0871. (1992; 320 pp.; $18.95). ----- GETTING STARTED People often join together to organize against anti-gay violence in a time of crisis: Someone has been murdered. An institution has been vandalized or firebombed. There has been a rash of attacks in a particular neighborhood. Unfortunately, it usually takes a serious incident or series of incidents before people are able to overcome their denial about the problem, experience their anger and fear, and take constructive action. The challenge for organizers is to help people become aware that anti-gay violence is a systemic problem, to give them hope that it can be successfully countered, and to channel their concern into constructive action. A first step in meeting the challenge of violence is to bring together those who are deeply concerned about this issue. Plan to have an informal discussion to identify the problem, brainstorm solutions, and set an agenda and a date for a meeting open to the entire community. Community Meeting A community meeting is an excellent way to inform, inspire, and involve a large number of people. Such an event allows participants to vent their feelings about the problem and to share their own experiences of victimization. It also provides them an opportunity to explore and develop a commitment to creating solutions. When planning this and other events, remember that inclusiveness from the outset will avoid exclusiveness in the future. To broaden participation, involve a wide array of organizations. Ask them to co-sponsor the event, to assist in planning it, and to send representatives. Ask non-gay, allied groups for endorsements as well. Publicize the forum in the gay and mainstream media, and post signs and flyers in bars, bookstores, parks, and other places where lesbians and gay men gather. Choose a site for your community meeting that is accessible to any existing public transportation and to people with disabilities. Possible locations include public buildings, a local college or university, churches, synagogues, and community centers. If possible, invite a dynamic speaker to explain the reasons for holding the community meeting and to encourage those present to get involved in future organizing efforts. You also may want to invite a survivor of anti-gay violence who can share his or her experience. Always keep diversity in mind when selecting who will speak. During the meeting, allow participants to introduce themselves and to share their feelings, experiences, and ideas for action. Choose a few individuals with experience leading discussions to keep the meeting moving and to write down people's comments and suggestions. Record these contributions on poster paper or a chalk board so that participants can see and refer to them. Discussions of violence and victimization can sometimes trigger overwhelming fear and pain in survivors. Invite one or more people with counseling skills who can provide support if it is needed. Identify these individuals at the beginning of the meeting. Come into the meeting with a date and location for your next meeting. Circulate a sign-in sheet, so tha t attendees can be contacted in the future. Don't forget to circulate a collections basket- you will need the money. A good time to take up a collection is after your most inspiring speaker. Avoid waiting until the end, when some people have already left or are on their way out the door. Diversity If your anti-violence project is to reflect the composition of your community in terms of race, gender, class, ability, and other factors, you must make a commitment to diversity. Involve different gr oups at the beginning-before making decisions about agendas and structures. Typically, all white or male-dominated groups invite people of color and women after they have already set the organiza tion's goals and rules for operation. When diversity is an afterthought, it is not surprising th at such "outreach" is unsuccessful. A commitment to diversity means that you individually and collectively are willing to struggle with differences, biases, and cultural barriers. It means that the leadership and membership of the organization reflect diverse identities, abilities, and backgrounds. It also means that you confront and challenge expressions of bias, domination, and abuse. When you meet the challenge of diversity, the rewards are enormous. Your group will be stronger, more vital, and more representative of the community of which you are a part. Your efforts will have greater visibility, credibility, and support than you ever could have imagined. ----- DECIDING ON FOCUS AND STRUCTURE There are many different types of projects that an anti-violence organization can undertake, including: >> Violence documentation (e.g., a twenty-four-hour hotline or a victimization survey) >> Victim advocacy and assistance (e.g., police and court accompaniment) >> Police liaison and training >> Legislative advocacy (e.g., promoting hate crime laws) >> Safety and self-defense education >> Street patrols >> Anti-violence media campaign >> Direct action (e.g., rallies or civil disobedience) Deciding on your focus will be one of your biggest challenges. Before you develop a plan to counter anti-gay violence, take time to research the problem: Where are the attacks happening? Who is affected? Who are the perpetrators? You can obtain this information by talking to individuals and groups, or distributing questionnaires at bars, group meetings, and other settings. (For help developing a research strategy, see NGL TF's manual, Making Injustice Visible: Documenting Bias-motivated Incidents.) In addition to examining the problem, investigate what, if anything, is already being done to counter it. Are there gay and lesbian groups in your community doing anti-violence work? If so, explore how your efforts can complement theirs. If there are local organizations dealing with other types of bias violence, meet with them to find out what they do and how their work and yours might dovetail. By taking the time to learn about the work other groups are doing, you can benefit from their expertise, avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts, and build relationships that may become strong alliances. You also may discover that it is more advantageous to do your work within an already existing organization than to establish a separate anti-violence project. In addition to reaching out to organizations in your community, contact anti- violence projects in other areas of the country. (See NGLTF's resource list, Organizations Working Against Bigotry and Violence.) You can learn a tremendous amount by asking them how they achieved their successes and what they learned from their failures. Ask for copies of their grant proposals, publicity and training materials, and other information. Mission Statement Once you have investigated the problem and possible responses to it, develop a mission statement. This process will help you to decide collectively your purpose, objectives, and priorities. Your written statement also will be useful for orienting newcomers to your group. In addition, it can serve as a basis for funding proposals. Choosing an Organizational Structure Deciding the structure and process of your group is as important as choosing the tasks you will undertake. Therefore, it is advisable to take time to research and reflect on how you want to function as an organization. There are many different ways to structure and operate a group. Common structures include collectives, steering committees, and corporations. A collective structure is one in which there are no elected officers or steering committee members. Responsibility for organizing and conducting meetings passes from member to member, with decisions made by consensus, or failing consensus, majority or two-thirds vote. The collective structure requires a commitment to achieving consensus, as well as consistency and continuity in meeting attendance by the members. Individual members have a high level of responsibility for keeping the organization functioning by completing their assumed tasks. This structure can be augmented with work groups or standing committees with ongoing project responsibilities. While not particularly streamlined, the collective structure is highly democratic and flexible, and can be responsive to community needs, so long as the individual members share information and fulfill their obligations to the group. A steering committee structure is one in which a standing steering committee sets the meeting agendas, makes most decisions concerning the overall direction and focus of the group, manages finances, and takes responsibility for much of the work. Usually, the steering committee includes an executive committee consisting of a president (or chairperson), vice-president (or vice-chair), secretary, and treasurer. The membership elects the steering committee which, in turn, elects the executive committee. All meetings are conducted by the president or chair, unless otherwise specified. This structure places a large amount of responsibility on a few individuals who must motivate and delegate tasks to the membership. Because much of the decision making is assigned to the steering committee, this structure does not require that each member consistently attend meetings. Work groups with specific project assignments are usually established by the steering committee. Each project should be represented on the committee in order to report on their progress. A corporate structure is one in which the voting membership elects a board of directors. The board makes all decisions concerning the overall direction, focus, and financial management of the group. Corporate boards assume varying degrees of responsibility for getting the work done. Work groups with specific project assignments are often an integral part of this structure. This structure places a great deal of responsibility on a few individuals. Sources containing more information on organizational structures, including variations on and alternatives to the ones described above, are listed in the "Resources for Organizati ons and Organizers" section, below. ----- TELEPHONE HOTLINES Telephone hotlines are one of the most common and useful vehicles for documenting anti-gay incidents. Your group may want to start its own reporting line or ask an existing hotline to receive reports. If you choose to work with an existing hotline, be prepared to engage in a thorough discussion of your needs with the hotline operators. Involvement with an anti-gay violence reporting line includes training for staffers, the development of referral resources, and the careful completion of reporting forms. If the hotline cannot do the job to meet your needs, start a telephone line of your own. If a victim calls to make a report and the line is closed, he or she may never call back. You can keep your line open twenty-four hours a day by installing a phone answering machine. Encourage callers to record their report on the machine or to leave a number where they can be contacted by your volunteers or staff. Some gay and lesbian victim assistance programs hire answering services so that callers may speak to someone in person at all times. If a victim calls in crisis, the service reaches a volunteer or staff member who is on call. Establish a Referral Network Even if you don't advertise your hotline as a victim assistance resource, you should be pre pared to receive calls from victims who expect-and urgently need-legal, medical, and emotional help. Expect calls from victims of hate crimes, domestic violence, and crimes unrelated to sexual orientation. You also may receive calls from people who are severely depressed or suicidal. Whether or not you provide direct services, it is important that you have a good network of referrals, including victim service and rape crisis agencies. Maintain a list of gay-sensitive lawyers, doctors, and mental health professionals, including some who are willing to work on a sliding fee scale. Carefully investigate any person or agency that you intend to list as a referral resource. Do they have experience dealing with lesbian, gay, or bisexual clients? Does their staff receive training on these issues? By looking for indications of prejudice or insensitivity, you may be able to prevent victims from being revictimized. If individuals or agencies lack experience dealing with lesbian and gay crime victims, you may want to off er training on these issues. (For victim assistance resources, see NGLTF's Bibliography on Violence Against Lesbians and Gay Men and Organizations Working Against Bigotry and Violence.) Training Most victims who will call your reporting line have been through an ordeal of some kind. They may be in a variety of emotional states, ranging from calm and collected to angry, terrified, and out of control. Some may be in actual physical danger. Individuals who handle calls from victims need to know how to deal safely and sensitively with the aftermath of victimization. This requires training. Contact your local rape crisis center, victim service agency, or mental health center for help preparing and conducting a training program. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual mental health or victim service professionals also may be willing to assist you. Even with training, not everyone has the skills to work with victims. D irect those who don't to other project activities. (For additional information, see "Gu idelines for Handling Calls" in NGLTF's manual Documenting Bias-Motivated Episodes. See also NG LTF's list, Organizations Working Against Bigotry and Violence.) Make it a practice to thank those who make a report to your hotline. If you have permission to write them, send them a note of thanks, a f lyer, or a booklet on dealing with the victimization. It's a small but appreciated way of letting them know you care and that you appreciate the call. VICTIM ADVOCACY Under the best of circumstances, the criminal justice system is a complicated, insensitive, and intimidating institution. For lesbians, gay men, and other disenfranchised groups, these problems are compounded. Victims of anti-gay violence who step forward risk public disclosure of their sexuality, and frequently encounter indifference, hostility, discrimination, and blame. In many communities, police view lesbians and gay men as unworthy of protection and fail to vigorously investigate and respond to anti-gay crimes. When bashers are arrested, they are frequently acquitted or receive a slap on the wrist. Given these realities, it is not surprising that most lesbian and gay crime victims never make a report to the police. Despite these obstacles, an ever greater number of gay victims are reporting crimes and pursuing criminal prosecution. Victims choose to report for a variety of reasons: They wish to see the perpetrator caught and punished. They want to prevent further attacks on lesbians and gay men. They believe that the system should work to protect them. Whatever the reason, when lesbians and gay men choose to make a report, they need support and advocacy. Some lesbian and gay anti-violence projects have paid and volunteer advocates to provide support to victims in dealing with the aftermath of violence. The advocate explains to victims how the police and court systems work, answers any related questions the victim might have, and supports victims in the decisions they make. If the victims desire, advocates will accompany them to the hospital, the police, court hearings, and meetings with prosecutors. Because the advocate knows how the system is supposed to work, he or she can work to ensure that the case is handled competently and sensitively. The presence of the advocate serves as a signal to law enforcement officials that their actions are being monitored. In addition to working with law enforcement agencies, some advocacy programs target businesses and individuals. For example, an advocate may request that bar owners take action against attacks near their establishments (such as assigning someone to stand outside or watch the door, distributing whistles, posting anti-violence project signs, and notifying the anti-violence project and police when attacks occur). If a gay person complains of abuse by security guards in a particular store, an advocate can write a letter requesting that the offender be appropriately disciplined and that staff receive sensitivity training. When a victim records the license plate number of a motorist who engages in harassment, an advocate can contact the car owner to make a complaint and warn against future harassment. Advocates should never take these actions unless victims give their permission. If you decide to provide advocacy to victims, schedule a meeting with high ranking officials in local law enforcement agencies (for instance, the police chief or district attorney) to introduce yourselves and inform them of your program. Explain your goals and ask any questions you have about how the system works and how you can assist them. Taking these steps will help to build trust and communication with police and prosecutors, aiding your efforts on behalf of victims. Your program will be most effective if advocates understand the workings of the criminal and civil justice systems, including police and court procedures, the rights of victims and defendants, and financial compensation available to victims. By sharing this information with victims, advocates will enable them to decide whether and how to report to the police and pursue a case through the courts. You can obtain information about the criminal justice system by contacting your local police, prosecutor's office, or victim service agency, or by contacting national victim organizations. (See Organizations Working Again st Bigotry and Violence. See also Chapter 6 of NGLTF's publication, Dealing with Violence: A Guide for Gay and Lesbian People.) The effectiveness and reputation of your program will depend upon the knowledge, maturity, and sensitivity of your advocates. Advocates must be calm when victims are feeling upset or out of control. They must be able to be assertive with officials, but also tactful and diplomatic . Above all, they must be able to put aside their personal agendas and show respect for victims ' wishes and decisions. Emphasize the need for these qualities when you select and train your volunteers and staff. Victim advocacy can be demanding and challenging work. To avoid burn-out or other problems, provide advocates with professional supervision and support. Regular one-on-one supervision and group meetings can allow them to share their victories, vent their frustrations or disappointments, and receive feedback. Court Monitoring Court monitoring is a highly effective means of influencing a system that has often been unfair and unfriendly to gay and lesbian victims. Volunteers who participate in court monitoring programs identify and track cases involving gay and lesbian victims. With victim s' permission, court monitors attend criminal proceedings and write to the judges and prosecutors involved to make them aware of the serious nature and alarming extent of anti-gay violence and oth er hate crimes. By "packing the courtroom" and writing letters, court monitors put prosecutors, judges, and jurors on notice that their actions are being watched by a concerned community. They signal to perpetrators that the community is united in its resolve to see them prosecuted and appropriately sentenced. Court watch programs also let victims know that they are not alone. Court monitors assert that their efforts have helped to sensitize criminal justice personnel to gay and lesbian concerns. In Ne w York City, for example, the local court watch group's advocacy has led to more vigorous prosecution of anti-gay violence cases and less lenient sentences for convicted bashers. Court monitoring groups can find out dates and times of hearings by contacting their local prosecuting attorney's office. Because these proceedings usually take place during the day and are subject to constant postponements, it is sometimes very difficult to find volunteers who can attend them. To encourage attendance, on e court monitoring group regularly reported on cases in progress in a column called "The Ju ry Box" in a local gay newspaper. The column also listed the dates and times of upcoming hearings. ----- PUBLICIZING YOUR ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECT When you are ready to initiate your anti-violence project, do it with a splash. Inform the gay and mainstream media. Ask other lesbian, gay, and bisexual groups to announce your hotline number at their meetings and to publish it in their newsletters. If your community has lesbian/gay/bisexual pride events, send a contingent from your group. In addition, develop good publicity materials. Print brochures and wallet-size cards with your hotline number and safety information. Distribute the cards at gay social and political events, bars, and other establishments. Put a fishbowl of cards in local bars and bookstores. Wheat paste posters around the community. Print stickers in bright neon colors and plaster them around town, particularly in cruising areas, public bathrooms, telephone booths, and outside bars. Reaching Out to Underrepresented Groups When publicizing your reporting line, keep in mind that certain lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations may be reluctant to make a report. For example, some lesbians may not report incidents because they perceive the reporting line to be a resource for men only. Lesbians also may have difficulty knowing whether an incident was motivated by sexism, heterosexism, or both. Likewise, gay and lesbian people of color may encounter prejudice and violence because of their race as well as their sexual orientation. They, too, may decline to make a report, especially if the reporting line is perceived to be a largely white institution. Lesbian and gay people who are hearing impaired may not make a report if your line does not have a TTY machine. To encourage reporting, identify different groups in your publicity materials. For example, lesbians are more likely to report if your publicity is lesbian-specific and is distributed at lesbian establishmen ts and women's events. Encourage gay and lesbian people to report incidents that involve elements of gender, racial, and religious prejudice as well as anti-gay prejudice. You may be surprised at how many incidents involve multiple types of bias. Finally, overlooked and underserved groups are also more likely to report if they are represented among your staff and volunteers. Keeping Visible Once you announce the opening of your violence documentation hotline, don't expect the phone to consistently ring off the hook. Indeed, after an initial flurry of calls you may find that the line is relatively quiet. This may reflect a decrease in incidents or, more likely, a decline in awareness about the existence of your hotline. It will take months or years of publicity before your reporting line will be widely used in your community. One way to keep your project visible is through the news media. Develop ongoing relationships with radio, TV, and newspaper reporters. Keep them informed of your activities and of incidents that come to your attention. Give them suggestions for news stories. Issue periodic press releases or hold press conferences to announce your statistics, highlight trends, or publicizea a serious incident. (See "Media Advocacy Tips," below). In Washington, D.C. the local lesbian and gay newspaper publishes a weekly or biweekly "Hate Crimes Blotter" which summarizes anti-gay incidents reported to the local anti-violence project. According to the project, this column has encouraged many victims to make reports to its hotline. An annual opportunity to highlight the problem occurs when NGLTF and numerous local anti-violence projects hold press conferences announcing their statistical tallies for the previous year. Because local and national press events are coordinated, they usually generate a flood of media coverage. If your group would like to participate in this annual event, contact NGLTF. The time and energy you invest in educating and cultivating the media will lead to significantly increased public awareness of your project and the issue of anti-gay violence. Such publicity will establish your organization as an important resource for victims and as a source of information on this issue. Media Advocacy Tips This section presents tips, in outline form, for developing and conducting an effective media campaign around hate crimes. Use these tips when planning press visibility for your anti-violence report. For in-depth training in media relations, attend NGLTF's Creating Change Conference media advocacy workshops (call NGLTF at 202/332-6483 for more information). Identify The News For example: >> Hate crime report released >> Dramatic Increase in bashings, other incidents >> Initiative announced to combat anti-gay violence >> Local or state hate crimes law passed >> Vigorous official response (from mayor, governor, etc.) to hate crimes demanded >> Whistle/self-defense campaign announced >> Gay anti-violence documentation project unveiled Shape the Key Messages Shape your news into three or four key messages. Refine and distill the overarching news themes into concise, essential messages. Return to and emphasize the key messages over and over during interviews and in press releases. For example, a hate crimes news story might have the following key messages: >> Violence and harassment against gay men and lesbians is pervasive and increasing in our community. There is a shocking and dramatic surge in anti-gay violence. The violence is occurring in the context of rising attacks against Jews, women, and people of color. All people, gays and lesbians included, have the right to live in society free from violence and victimization. >> We need a strong, official respo nse to hate violencexthe silence must stop! We advocate: 1) Tougher laws against anti-gay violence 2) Recognition, condemnation, and response by civic, political, academic, religious, and other leaders 3) Official monitoring of hate violence (for instance, local and state implementation of the Federal Hate Crimes Act) >> The gay and lesbian community is resisting violence. We are defending ourselves by: (announce your plans). Develop a Press Kit and Media Advisory The Press Kit The press kit should contain: >> Press Release including who, what, where, when, and why (also known as the Five W's) plus pithy quotes. Summarize the issue for reporters in the press release and write it just as if it were going to be printed verbatim. (It won't be, but a well-written release will impress reporters.) >> Fact Sheet on the issue, with gee-whiz numbers and data. >> Fact Sheet on your organization and its programs. >> National perspective to support local issue. >> Background Sheet on state or local legislative efforts, pending or passed laws, history of issue, etc. >> Contact names and numbers of other sources/groups (for instance, hotline numbers, agencies, supportive public officials, etc.). >> Press clips from previous newspaper stories. >> Statements of support from allied groups or officials. Hand out the press kit to reporters at your media event. Deliver the kit to keys reporters before the event so they are familiar with the issue-but get them to promise they won't "scoop" the news before it happens. Courier the kits to no-show reporters. Keep extra kits on file for future use. Update stockpiled kits with new information. The Media Advisory If you are doing a press conference or visibility event (for instance, a demonstration or candlelight vigil), send a media advisory to invite reporters. Your advisory should inform reporters and assignment editors of the time, place, purpose, and participants in the event. Mail or fax the media advisory to reporte rs, producers, editors, assignment desks, wire service managers, "daybooks" for local Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI), and other media sources at least one week prior to the event. Understand the Media >> Identify key reporters, editors, producers, assignment editors, beat reporters, and editorial writers in your area. >> Make a list and update it frequently. Keep a rolodex or computerized database with mailing label printout capability. Your list should include the name, phone number, fax number, and address of: > Major daily newspapers (local, state, metro, lifestyle, and national sections) > Television network affiliates (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, PBS) > Cable television programming > Radio news programs and interview shows > Gay and lesbian press, i ncluding cable > Campus media (university newspaper and radio) > "Neighborhood" mini-papers; alternative press > Specialty media (African-Americans, women, health, legal, etc.) >> Develop good working relationships with media: This Is Key! Plan the Press Conference and Advance Public Relations Schedule your press conference for around 10 or 11 a.m., early or mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday). Avoid Monday, Friday, or on a weekend (bad news days). The room should be large enough to accommodate reporters, microphones, and T.V. cameras, as well as a speakers' table. Set up the table at the front, then rows of chairs for reporters. Leave space at the back for cameras. Have a media sign-in table and log at the front door. Hand out press kits. The Speakers Panel >> Remembe r diversity. Present lesbians and people of color. >> Pick articulate, "telegenic," media-savvy spokespersons best qualified to speak on the issue. >> Include non-gay authorities from other communities (religious, civil rights, academic, law enforcement). >> If you invite a politician, she or he must me given an opportunity to speak, usually near the beginning. >> To present human interest in the story, include a survivor of an anti-gay attack, or a victim of discrimination, or a perso n with AIDS, to either speak or be on hand for reporters' questions. Manage this so it does n't become an exploitative sideshow. Reporters are usually sensitive and responsible around victims. >> Ask reporters to hold questions for the end. >> Opening speaker should present news and key messages. >> Identify speakers. Include a list of speakers and their titles in the press kit. >> Keep s tatements very brief. Five minutes should be the maximum. Give lots of pithy, quotable "so undbites." For example, "The gay and lesbian community is under siege, battling an epidemic of hatred and violence." >> Deliver your key messages over and over. Decorate the press conference w ith your banner behind the speakers' table or a podium logo in front of the lectern. Use visual aids such as charts, maps, figure blow-ups, etc., but don't let them dominate the press conference. Do advance work. Book spokespersons in advance on radio and T.V. talk shows. Try to get articles t o appear before the actual event. If it's a public event or demonstration, don't forget the newspaper calendar sections. Place editorials or opinion pieces. Control the "Spin" Spin means shaping and influencing the news coverage after the event. How do you want the story to play out in the media? In what direction is it headed? Suggest story angles to reporters; gently push them and the story in your direction. Work those reporters with your key messages! Staged Events >> Staged events are the same as a press conference, but more dramatic, visual, and creative. Have a microphone ready for speakers and a press sign area. >> Stage the photo opportunity with good visuals in mind. For ex ample: candlelight vigils, body outlines on the sidewalk ("A gay man/lesbian was attacked he re"), or a giant whistle. >> Counsel reporters on covering the diversity and balance of the crowd. (Some reporters have a tendency to focus on just the extravagant elements of our community or on the three anti-gay counter-demonstrators versus the 300 activists). Organize Follow Up >> Clip and videotape your coverage. >> Follow up to thank reporters or correct inaccuracies. >> Send clips with cover letters to local and state elected officials. Lobby them with the media coverage. Turn the pressure on with media advocacy! Dos and Don'ts >> Never lie to or mislead a reporter. Never give out false or inaccurate information to reporters. Never wing it. If you do not know an answer to a question, find out and then get back to the reporter by deadline. They will respect you for this. >> Media advocacy requires a compulsive attention to details. >> Stick to your key messages. >> Call NGLTF 's Media Director for more information. >> Do shape and influence public opinion about gay people. DIRECT ACTION Staging direct actions (for example, demonstrations, civil disobedience, rallies, or vigils) can be an effective strategy for countering violence. Such tactics can raise public awareness about the problem and pressure indifferent public officials to take action. For example, after an anti-gay murder in Houston in 1991, Queer Nation sponsored a demonstration to protest the violence and the poor police response. The event was covered extensively by the media and helped persuade local police to take stronger measures, one of which included the launching of a decoy operation that led to the arrest of several bashers. In some communities, activists have demonstrated in front of the homes and businesses of alleged bashers, or rallied to protest police abuse. If you decide to sponsor a direct action, identify who you want to reach (for instance, the mayor, police chief, or the media) and choose an action that fits your resources and objectives. Mail and fax a media advisory that explains the where, when, why, who, how of your action. Make signs with pithy slogans. Develop a flyer that clearly and concisely explains the reasons for your action and that lists your demands. Distribute the flyer at your event and to the media. If your action violates the law, inform those who plan to participate of the possible consequences. Identify people who can act as legal observers or as support people for those arrested, and make sure you have bail money. For more information on staging direct actions, contact your local Queer Nation or ACT-UP chapter, or other gay or non-gay direct action organizations (for example, peace, feminist, or environmental groups). ----- MAKING CONNECTIONS: BUILDING ALLIANCES Anti-gay violence occurs in the context of rising violence against a wide array of different groups. In recent years, advocacy groups and police departments have documented thousands of racist, sexist, and anti-Semitic attacks, including murder, arson, bombings, assault, rape, cross burnings, vandalism, and harassment. Many of the perpetrators of these crimes are also involved in attacks upon gay men and lesbians. For example, members of a neo-Nazi group that firebombed a Jewish Community Center in Indiana also torched a gay church in Missouri. A white supremacist group that attempted to bomb a gay disco in Seattle also targeted Black, Jewish, and Korean institutions. The Klansman who lynched Michael Donald, a Black heterosexual man in Alabama, had previously kidnapped and beaten a gay man. Despite the similarities between anti-gay violence and other crimes of bias, it is not uncommon for gay and lesbian organizations to work in relative isolation. Sometimes gay groups work alone because their overtures to other groups are rebuffed, ignored, or shunted aside, or because they fear they will encounter hostility or indifference. At other times, their isolation is due to bias within their organizations or a lack of understanding of othe r groups' concerns. When gay and lesbian organizations reach out and build alliances with organizations representing other groups, the result can be enormously rewarding. At their best, coalitions can accomplish much more than any single group. Working together with other groups not only increases collective power, it creates goodwill and solidarity. By working with and standing up for each other, coalition partners may eventually become friends who are deeply committed to each others' issues. To build good relationships with other communities, begin by asking how you can be helpful without asking for anything in return. When a bias incident occurs in your community, let the target group know that you care. If appropriate, issue a statement condemning the attack. Show your solidarity by showing up at rallies against racism, anti-Semitism, or violence against women. Make connections to other types of crime motivated by bigotry when you talk about anti-gay violence to the media. When releasing your annual violence statistics, include data on other types of hate crimes in your press materials and public remarks. Once you have established dialogue and trust, you can explore ways to work together to combat a broad spectrum of bigotry and violence. You may even want to institutionalize your relationship by forming a task force on bias incidents. Among the projects to consider are working with police to document and counter hate crimes, promoting multicultural education in the schools, establishing services for victims of hate crimes, or developing a public education campaign on hate crimes. ----- FUNDRAISING ISSUES None of your ideas and plans will be realized without resources to carry them out. It takes money to fulfill your program's goals, to run a hotline, or to take out an advertisement. In fact, it takes money to do just about anything. Initially, you may be able to get along on d onated services, materials, and a nominal membership fee structure. But, eventually, you'll want to do more and you'll need more. Plan for the future by establishing a fundraising committee. The committee should set a goal for itself and try to meet it. This encourages deliberate and thorough planning and helps other working committees assess how much funding will be at their disposal. In addition to raising money, fundraising events are a good way to make your group and its goals more visible. At some point you may want to apply for grants from foundations, government agencies, and other sources. Usually funding agencies require grant recipients to be legally incorporated, with non-profit, 501(c)3 status. If you do not wish to incorporate, you may be able to apply for a grant under the auspices of an already existing non-profit group. If your organization provides services to lesbian, gay, or bisexual victims, or wishes to provide services, apply for funding from your local and state government. At the present time, gay and lesbian organizations in at least six U.S. cities (Boston, New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, and San Francisco) receive federal funding (channeled through state government) to provide counseling and advocacy to lesbian and gay crime victims. If your organization wishes to apply for government funding, identify which agency in your state is responsible for dispersing money to victim assistance agencies. Find out whether the agency will consider an application from your group. If you decide to apply, identify public officials who would support and lobby for your proposal. If your organization does not wish to be involved in victim services to the gay community, you may want to encourage your local victim service agency or gay counseling center to apply for a grant to do this work. For further information and to obtain sample grant proposals, contact NGLTF. ----- RESOURCES FOR ORGANIZATIONS AND ORGANIZERS This section contains sample materials from gay and lesbian anit-violence projects around the country that can't be reproduced in this upload. For more information, call NGLTF at 202-332-6483.