Action Link: Center Action Network

October is LGBT History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing important moments in the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Encompassing a number of historically important days, this October is set to remind both the LGBT and wider communities of important roles LGBT people have taken in creating the social, legal, and political worlds we live in today.  Check out this list of events...maybe they'll inspire you to get involved at your local community center. -Tanya Witt

National…

#PromoteTheVote:  There are fewer than 60 days until the midterm elections. If we’re going to elect representatives who stand for equality, we need all hands on deck. Volunteer with a campaign. Make sure your family members are registered to vote. Bring a friend with you to the polls.  This year's midterm elections are particularly vital for preserving LGBTQ rights.  Here's a look at some of the major anti-LGBTQ policies we've battled within the last few years.  #RememberInNovember

SNAP and the LGBTQ…

Support Our Veterans:  Did you know that an estimated 150,000 transgender individuals have served in the U.S. armed forces, or are currently on active duty?  In addition, an estimated 134,000 transgender individuals are military veterans.  Recently the American Medical Association affirmed that there is no valid reason to exclude transgender individuals from military service.  The Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) is asking for comments from the general public about whether to provide medically…

2018 LGBT Community Centers Survey Report::  Every two years, Movement Advancement Project and CenterLink complete a survey of LGBT community centers across the United States.  This year, 218 community centers were asked to participate.  We are excited to share the 2018 LGBT Community Center Survey Report.  Especially notable is the extent to which centers engage in advocacy.  93% of LGBT community centers participate in educational outreach and advocacy to influence public policy.  Your local…

LGBTQ Adoption: Last week, 39 Senate Democrats slammed a House Republican proposal passed earlier this month that would allow taxpayer funded adoption and child welfare agencies to refuse to provide services to children and parents on the basis of religion, LGBTQ status, or family structure.  In a letter to Senate appropriators, the senators urged them not to include this dangerous proposal in the upcoming appropriations bill.  Allowing child welfare agencies to close the door to willing and fully…

Midterms Countdown:  There are just 111 days until midterm elections.  Data  proves that elected  officials  respond  to voters' policy  preferences  and  award  a  greater chunk  of  public  resources  to  the  people  who  show  up at  the  polls.  When you cast your ballot, you're exercising your constitutional right, raising your voice, AND supporting  your  local LGBTQ  community  center. Our #PromoteTheVote page and toolkit have everything you need to get yourself, your friends, and your…

CenterLink CEO Lora Tucker Educating Our Military:  On Monday, June 4, CenterLink CEO Lora Tucker was the distinguished speaker at the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, TX. Planned by the LGBTQ committee at the Academy in observance of Pride month and attended by over 900 military personnel, the event began with a history of the Stonewall Riots and Gay Pride.  Lora had the opportunity to share personal stories of serving during "Don’t Ask Don’t Tell". She also emphasized the…

National Foster Care Month: May was National Foster Care Month, and we want to share a touching adoption story with you. The Nabozny family from Minnesota are a perfect example of why fighting discrimination against LGBTQ parents and kids in foster care and adoption is so critical. If Jamie and Bo had lived in a state with a license to discriminate law, they could have been prevented from forming their family simply because they are a same-sex couple. Watch their video here then ask your Members of Congress…

SNAP:  The U.S. House of Representatives will soon be voting on the Agriculture and Nutrition Act (H.R. 2) (the Farm bill), which calls for cutting SNAP benefits and restricting eligibility for the program by imposing time limits and expanding work requirements. These potential cuts will gravely impact those affected by food insecurity, including members of the LGBTQ community.  The Williams Institute found that more than 1 in 4 LGBT adults (27%) – approximately 2.2 million people – experienced a time in…

LGBT Community Survey:  CenterLink invites you to take a new survey about your opinions and preferences, from an LGBTQ perspective. There's power in our Pride! Participating in this study helps open doors-and minds-around the world, and influences positive changes for our community. Previous surveys have yielded 45,000 respondents from 150 countries! You may have seen Community Marketing & Insights quoted in the New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, etc. Click here to start the survey:  

12th…