Date: Fri, 04 Oct 1996 19:03:06 -0700 From: James Waite Subject: Gay Youth Lobby Day September 27, 1996 Dear Friend, The time has come again for LIFE's Lobby Day for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth! This incredible event was so successful last year that we have made it annual event. Our goals remain the same: to educate young people about the issues that affect their lives, the political process, and avenues for effecting change; to educate the California State Legislature about our community (that we exist!) and our needs; and to have a great time, make new friends, and experience being the majority! We've added one new goal: to form a statewide youth advocacy network. This network would update youth across the state on issues throughout the year. Afternoon workshops will allow participants to begin a dialogue about how this network will take shape. Speaking of workshops... we're also looking to provide more workshops and caucuses in the afternoon. Last year we had an African-American Caucus, a Latina/Latino Caucus, an Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, and an Education Committee Caucus. In 1997 we will expand our afternoon activities to include a Lesbian Caucus, a Transgender Caucus, a Bi-racial Caucus, and a Bisexual Caucus. Other activities will include possible presentations from the California State Legislature's Black Caucus and Latino Caucus; workshops will include issues of substance abuse, safer sex, the state of HIV/AIDS in the youth community, exploring gender issues, and queer advocacy and activism. Of course we will continue with the most important part of the Lobby Day: legislative visits, happening throughout the afternoon. All visits, caucuses and workshops are open to all participants. We are very interested in your input for workshops, caucuses and speakers - if you have ideas for afternoon activities please send recommendations to the LIFE Lobby office (c/o Ellen McCormick). The Lobby Day would not be complete without our regular activities - all of which will be bigger and better: the morning legislative briefing, the rally at noon, and a party in the evening. All in all, the 1997 Youth Lobby Day promises to be another great event - and just think - you're actually getting this information before December! Please get the word out to all youth: lesbian, bi, trans, gay, queer, questioning, and straight, who would be interested in participating in this special day. We are currently working on travel arrangements. At present we estimate that travel costs to participants will be the same as last year: $20-40 sliding scale for air travel (Southern California participants) and $0-10 sliding scale for bus travel (Northern California participants). Actual travel information will be mailed to individual participants after we receive their registration form. If your organization is able to arrange for participant travel without our assistance please let me know - this is always helpful. As always - the Lobby Day itself is free! We look forward to your organization's participation at LIFE's Second Annual Youth Lobby Day! If you would like further info please contact Ellen McCormick at: ellen.mccormick@lifelobby.com All my best, Ellen McCormick Legislative Advocate LIFE: California's Lesbian/GAY and AIDS Lobby 926 J Street, Suite 522, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 444-0424, fax (916) 444-3059