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NEAT is Helping Folks Count in the 2020 Census

4/24/2020

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by Jeff B White
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The National Equality Action Team (NEAT) wants to make sure you are counted! In cooperation with the National LGBTQ+ Task Force and others in the LGBTQ+ and social justice movements, NEAT is activating its national remote phone bank infrastructure and volunteers to call hard to reach counties in the U.S. to help people - especially people of color - complete their census.

Unfortunately, the US Census doesn’t count everyone. Every decade hundreds of untold numbers of marginalized people are left out of the count. This includes low-income people, people of color, LGBTQ+, and children, while rich and white communities are overcounted. The purpose of the Census is to count every single person living in the country in order to allocate funds for programs such as Medicaid, public housing, and food stamps, as well as to make sure our elected officials are representing the same number of people.

“We’re excited to partner with NEAT so Queer the Census coalition volunteers can help bring funding, decision making power, political representation, and civil rights enforcement back into our local communities, especially during this pandemic. It’s especially important now to remind folks that the Census helps to fund programs like Medicaid and determine where hospitals are built,” said Victoria Kim from the National LGBTQ+ Task Force.

“This is such an exciting partnership,” exclaimed Brian Silva, Founder and Executive Director of NEAT. “Expanding to do Census work really shows that the opportunities for our “Bank Program” (phone bank) and Field Collaborative are endless!”

We need to be counted in order for our communities to get access to federal funds for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and public housing, have representation in our state, local, and federal government, and to better enforce our civil rights. You can join this campaign today and volunteer to make calls from home at www.theNEAT.org/Census

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NEAT to Host Virtual Rally and Town Hall on #DecisionDay

4/18/2020

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Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court heard three cases that could either take away existing LGBTQ+ employment protections or affirm that existing federal law does protect LGBTQ+ people. We know this is both a pivotal moment for our community, as well as a difficult environment for everyone. So we’re inviting you to join us (and almost 100 other organizations) on #DecisionDay for both our Virtual National Rally, followed by our Virtual Town Hall. 

We have organized a Virtual National Rally with LGBTQ+ leaders from across the country and those who led the fight for these cases. Let's come together, lift each other up during difficult times, and give thanks to those who fought this case for our community. No matter what the decision, we know the fight continues!

Our Virtual Town Hall will feature a panel of experts discussing the court's opinion, giving analysis of its potential effects, and what our community can do to respond and fight for full LGBTQ+ protections including the federal Equality Act. Participants will have time for Q&A and a recording will be provided for all who sign up.

The US Supreme Court does not give advance notice on decisions, so we will not have information until that morning. Stay tuned for an email alert from NEAT. As well, if you are interested in hosting your own virtual event locally on #DecisionDay, sign up here.

The Court must affirm that all LGBTQ+ people should be able to work hard and support themselves and their families without fear of discrimination at work — protections already affirmed by multiple federal courts and agencies for many years. We will also need to continue our work for full federal nondiscrimination protections. So RSVP, and let’s come together as a virtual community for #DecisionDay!

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Volunteer Spotlight: Jeff

4/13/2020

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Volunteer Spotlight showcases the work of NEAT's volunteers who are the backbone of what we do every day for LGBTQ+ Justice.

Name: Jeff
Pronouns: He, him, his
Age: 38
City & State: New York, NY

Tell us about yourself outside of NEAT volunteering! (e.g. work, family, hobbies)
I am originally from MIssissippi, and although have lived all over the US and traveled the world, New York is the home that was waiting for me. I now live in Manhattan with my kitten Lilian. I study Religious Theory at Harvard University.

What's your connection to LGBTQ+ justice work?
I faced quite a bit of adversity after coming out as gay in my small Southern town at the age of 14 years old. Of course, the regular bullying took place, along with sexual, verbal, and physical abuse from various areas of life. It was through the strength and courage that I found in activism and advocacy by sharing my story, living my truth, and helping others do the same, that I have been able to help myself not only overcome events in my past but help ensure that others do not face the same issues as I have. Outside of NEAT, I’ve worked in LGBTQ+ justice for the past 10 years working on numerous campaigns such as a worldwide anti-suicide campaign, marriage equality, the founding of the first LGBTQ+ community center in MIssissippi, as well as assisting on and even leading campaigns on local, regional, and statewide levels throughout the South.

A night out after a full day of phone banking
What is your volunteer role(s) at NEAT? What inspired you to get involved?
I was involved with Marriage Equality USA through other organizations that I worked for, and through that built a relationship with Brian Silva that allowed me to become part of NEAT.  I have been a member of the Core team at NEAT since 2015. I make calls and speak directly with voters around the country about issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community. I’ve helped train new volunteers and even worked with activists visiting as part of the international fellowship program. 

Recently, I have begun managing our Communications Team where we write and edit the blog section of our website. I also oversee our monthly newsletter. 
As for why I am inspired to do this work, I remember a time when we had zero rights and acceptance of our community was nonexistent. It took years of hard work and dedication for us to get where we are today, and I feel it is up to me and my friends to ensure things get better not only for us, but for everyone. As long as NEAT celebrates and supports that concept, I’m down for this all the way.

Share a memory from volunteering that sticks out in your mind.
I have made so many wonderful memories throughout my time volunteering at NEAT, but what stands out the most for me is more personal than it is volunteer related. This organization has changed my life many times over. It gave me purpose, responsibility, and direction when I needed it most. The relationships I have with the team are invaluable to me. NEAT even made it possible for me to relocate to NYC permanently. So the best memory I have from this whole adventure is the day I was asked to sign up for my first shift. 

What would you say to anyone considering volunteering with NEAT?
To quote Scream Queen Julie James in the 90's cult hit I Know What You Did Last Summer, "What are you waiting for?!"
---> www.theneat.org/volunteer <---

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