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I watched the live video coverage of the New York Assembly’s debate on the NY Marriage Equality Bill. I’m writing about it because of the way it colors my thoughts and views about PA HB 300. While I am not sure, I’m betting that these NY representatives are somewhat similar to the PA Representatives who sit in Harrisburg and do the same type of thing I’ve been watching on the video feed. These men and women, have been all over the place in terms of their ability to speak and communicate eloquently. They are just real people who are doing service to their state, and to their constituents. But while they may exhibit a wide ability at speaking, they all demonstrate a high degree of passion for what they do, and care for the people they represent. This seems evident.

I’ve been expressing (and will continue to do so) that the best way to help gain state-wide non-discrimination legislation here in Pennsylvania, is for anyone who supports this to go and talk, one-on-one with their representative. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight- doesn’t matter. If you support greater fairness in housing, employment, and public accommodations, let your representative know, by sitting down and having a conversation with them.

Get together!

When I met with Joe Preston last week, he felt it was very important for straight supporters to get their voices in on this issue. Especially with representatives who may not be in favor of HP 300. I’d agree with that, although we know that the easiest way to change minds about this, is when people find out and get to know someone who is GLBTQ. So, get together! when 2 or 3 people sit down with a representative, and there is a diversity around the table of straight and not-straight, that can be powerful!

Attitudes don’t change overnight!

Especially with representatives who are on the fence or opposed to HB 300, it may take more than one 30 minute meeting to get them to support this bill. I don’t think that is a bad thing! I want a house of representatives that cautiously consider everything placed before them. So, issue advocacy has to be seen as an ongoing project. If you meet with your representative this week, find a few other people to go next week, and the week after that, and the week after that. Allow these visits of 3 or 4 people to become an opportunity for more and more people to become involved with their government.

Care about your representative and his/her thoughts and feelings!

Those who are not supporters, or on the fence about HB 300 have their reasons- the way they got to the position that they hold. do you know what it is? It is probably unreasonable to expect them to support the bill unless you can offer them alternative viewpoints that make sense to them or address their concerns. So take the time to understand where they are coming from, and offer your perspective rather than simply confronting them or accusing them of being on the wrong side of an issue. Every side looks like the “right” side of an issue to someone. So, take the time and effort to understand their perspective. Demonstrate mutual respect.

But use this idea even with those representatives that are in favor of the legislation. Don’t be there, just to use them to get the legislation you want. Find out what they feel is important to your area, and what they feel passionate about. Your “partnership” or put another way, your on-going working relationship with your representative needs to be good for you and for your neighbors locally and across the state.

Be personal, but know the facts!

Lastly, be able to talk successfully about HB 300 and the talking points for it, as well as be able to address factually, the common arguments against it. While you are not there to be “an expert” on the issue, at the same time, it isn’t enough to just say, “Vote for this because it is important.” Your conversation will be most successful if you can talk personally about how this bill influences you , your family and loved ones, and your neighbors, and then also talk honestly about the facts concerning this issue.

Need some help?

There are a number of resources to help you! From my blog, you can download a pretty comprehensive instruction and guidelines booklet called “How Average citizens Can change Government Action: Working With Your Elected Officials.” It provides most everything you need to have a successful meeting with your representative. But here are some other sources of assistance. You can contact a local organization or a statewide group. If you aren’t sure where to begin, contact Equality Advocates PA, and they can point you towards a group local to your area