Georgia has been on the mind of so many across the nation. The 2021 Senate and Georgia Public Service Commission runoffs were historic.  For months, Georgia Equality staff have been strategically planning outreach efforts and setting goals to reach all pro-equality voters in hopes that every state resident would be able to exercise their right on election day. We believe that the recent election results are a great step towards equality for those who identify as LGBTQ on the state level. Our efforts were made possible by supporters of Georgia equality, partners of the Equality Foundation, and volunteers from across the United States. But it was the voice of Georgia voters, state residents in rural spaces, showing up to the polls, that made all the difference. 

Georgia Equality’s voter education initiatives have played a significant role in organizing and mobilizing LGBTQ residents and allies around the state. In recent years, Georgia Equality staff and board members have made strides towards ensuring that our outreach efforts are more intentional in suburban and rural communities across the state. We are working to connect both staff and board members from Augusta, Savannah, Athens, Macon, and Columbus to statewide influencers and dedicated leaders. 

During the runoff elections, through our partnerships with local grassroots organizations, and other statewide nonprofits, we were able to help voters find transportation to the polls via buses and ride shares. Staff members attended virtual election board meetings demanding that polling locations in rural counties stay open, they poll watched, and they acted as line warmers at polling locations in Americus, GA. 

This election season allowed for new connections to be made across the state. This experience is a continuation of Georgia Equality’s agenda and mission. We as an organization are actively advocating and working towards advancing fairness, safety, and opportunity for Georgia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied Georgians. Through our work and our statewide partnerships, we plan to continue our fight for equality going into this year’s General Assembly  session and beyond. 

 

DeMarcus Beckham, Southern Field Organizer

He, Him, His

Georgia Equality | Equality Foundation of Georgia

 

 

 

Since the General Election, the rest of the country has turned their attention to Turkeys and Holiday lights, and maybe checking in on the political theater in Georgia every day or so. And while watching Rudy Giulliani’s antics during a 7-Hour Elections Hearing at the State Capitol yesterday was… interesting, it doesn’t reflect the reality of what’s really been going on here. Because what’s really going on is that Georgian volunteers are digging deep and showing up – AGAIN. We put it all on the line on November 3^rd, and the hectic days afterward. Working at the polls, observing a fair count, calling voters that had a problem with the ballot – all of that and more helped us make history.

But now we need to do it again. Since the General Election, Georgia Equality volunteers have made 11,548 calls, sent 157,332 texts, and helped 5,651 voters. While everyone is asking “How Did Georgia Turn BLUE?!” here at home we know the answer. We made history with good old-fashioned, person-to-person organizing. We talked to our friends, family, and neighbors. We partnered with PFLAG chapters and LGBT-friendly churches. We worked in OUR communities to create the change we are looking for.

If you want to be a part of the change, I encourage you to join us for one of our volunteer actions. It’s easy, fun, and helps you connect to a passionate and talented community of LGBT activists. Sign up at www.georgiaequality.org/volunteer to receive weekly opportunities. Together, we can make a difference. Come join the fight.

 

–Shannon Clawson

State Outreach Manager