This Wednesday night supporters of the NO ON 102 campaign gathered at the four corners of Camelback and Central in Phoenix to take a stand against this proposition.  Equality Arizona was present, along with representatives of several faith based communities who support the fight against Prop 102.
 
Annie Lloyd, former congressional candidate and self-proclaimed social architect fired up the crowd with her power and charisma.  She kicked off the rally by saying “There’s nothing wrong with who I am or with who you are, and this law has got to go!  It’s up to us. It’s time to say no on 102!”

And with those words as our battle cry, we began, holding up homemade banners and signs, circling the intersection en masse – carried by a belief in equality and voices calling out for change. 

Gay and Straight.  Young and Old.  Religious and Secular.   Families.  Couples. Youth.  Groups of friends.   We were buoyed by the cheers and honks of support we received from hundreds and hundreds of cars that passed through the intersection that night, encouraged by the determination of those present, filled with hope that this election will mark the beginning of much needed change – here in Arizona and across the country.

Here are just a few of the many pictures that have been submitted.  Too see all the photos from the rally, please visit our flickr group.  You’re sure to be inspired.

…we’re loving each and every one that gets sent to our email or uploaded to our flickr pool - so please, please keep ‘em coming!

From Jennifer at L’Essence Du Monde

From Denise at Boho Girl.  Denise is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her wee little Boho baby, and we want to wish her all the happiness in the world!

From Mandy via flickr

From Equality Arizona

Weekend for Change - Sign Distribution Sites
 
READY…  SET… GO!!!
 
With such a tremendous response from all of you, we now have 8 distribution sites across the state for NO on 102 signs.

The majority of the sites are committed to having their sites open, Saturday, Nov 1st, 10am – 1pm. We want to keep the schedule tight on distribution so we have a big push on getting the signs out in a relatively explosive fashion.

Any of you who have purchased your signs in advance (due to scheduling conflicts) please put your signs up during this same time frame. The concept of "grassroots" organizing, conjures the image that it just pops up from the ground. That’s the impression we’d like to convey across the state!

We have a total of 1250 signs to put up and are requesting a $5 donation for each sign to help cover the cost.
 
Here’s the list of sites across the state:
 
EQUALITY ARIZONA OFFICE: 1426 N 2nd Street, Phoenix (just south of McDowell on 2nd St)
Hours: Saturday, 10a-1p
Contact:  Julie Roberts, Julie@equalityarizona.org cell 602-326-3910
 
UNIQUE ON CENTRAL: LGBT book & Gift store, 4700 N Central Ave, Phoenix (just south of Camelback on the West side of the street)
Hours: All day Saturday & Sunday (according to the bookstore hours), PURCHASE ONLY, $5 per sign.
Contact:  www.uniqueoncentral.com 602-279-9691
 
EAST VALLEY: Dobson Branch of the Mesa Public Library parking lot, (on Dobson Rd, just south of Baseline)
Hours: Saturday, 10a-1p
Contact:  Bobby Parker, cell 480-586-5040 & Vicki Rumford, cell 602-524-1207
 
WEST VALLEY: Unitarian Universalist Church parking lot (between the church & the Art Museum)
 17540 N Avenue of the Arts, Surprise
Hours: Saturday, 10a-1p
Contact: Meg Sneed, cell 623-262-6696
 
FLAGSTAFF: SUNDAY ONLY!!! The Flagstaff Equality Team is working on a site please email Sarah.
Hours TBA
Contact Sarah Friedman, sarah.friedmann@gmail.com
 
YUMA: Democratic Party Headquarters, 1600 S. 4th Ave. Suite D, Yuma
Hours: Saturday, 10a-1p, contact Michael Baughman, cell 928-246-4856
michaelhbaughman@gmail.com
 
PRESCOTT: Prescott Pride Center, 111 Josephine St, Prescott
Hours: Saturday, 11a-6pm, during the Open House
 Contact: Frankie Reynolds, cell 928-445-8800
 
KINGMAN & HAVASU:
Distribution will be both Saturday & Sunday by pick-up and/or delivery
Please contact Robyn Lecher, cell 928-279-7144
Moonbeam16us@yahoo.com
 
ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL:
 If you live in a townhome or a community with an HOA:
By AZ law, you are allowed to post political signs.  This was
changed several years ago to allow townhome and HOA residents to post
political signs in their yards, windows or on balconies.

Thanks to you all for your Support!!!
–
Julie Roberts
Program Coordinator
Imagine…Equality…Today
www.equalityarizona.org
602-650-0900

I’ve mentioned a few times lately that we’ve received some fabulous donations, and they keep rolling in.

Everyone who contributes a photo to Take A Picture. Take A Stand! will be entered in a drawing following election day. It’s a win-win situation…you get to do your part politically AND you just might win some cool swag.

So – get out your magic markers and poster board and get in touch with your inner artist, then whip out your handy digital camera (even your cell phone will do) and snap a quick picture.

You can upload your photo to our flickr group, or email it to noon102.blogsome.com. We’ll post in on our blog sometime before November 4th, thereby ensuring your instant fame (and perhaps eventual fortune).

You can thank us later.

*****

Jewelry For The Soul

Janet Wight, a local artist who makes hand crafted jewelry, is donating one of her beautiful, sterling silver rings. The ring will be inscribed with the words “It’s our differences that make us interesting” on the outside, and stamped with the word “TOLERANCE” on the inside.

MetalworksART 

Local metal sculptor and painter Mary Beier has donated one of her incredible, one of a kind pieces of metal art. The donated piece will be from her ‘heart’ series.

Mama Java’s Coffee House 
 
Mama Java’s, your favorite neighborhood coffee house, featuring great coffee, food, local music and free wireless access – has donated a $20.00 gift certificate.

Bella Wish

Stacy has donated a necklace from her line of beautiful, vintage-inspired, oxidized sterling silver jewelry stamped with soul-filled messages. The winner will receive a sterling silver “BE THE CHANGE” necklace.

Patti Digh 

Patti is donating a copy of her brilliant book - Life Is A Verb. This recently released book has received rave reviews from every corner of the globe:

“Gay, bisexual, or straight, living deliberately and authentically requires not just courage and perseverance, but also a practical guide. Patti provides us great insights and useful exercises that make it more likely we’ll all experience spiritual health.” -Brian McNaught, author of Are You Guys Brothers?

Sway Events

The hippest and most happening events company around has donated a Live and Local Party Pack which includes the following. 

• An autographed L&L poster from the September showcase featuring Cazwell
• A Live & Local compilation CD A Cazwell remix CD
• Admission for 10 people to any Wednesday Live & Local show @ Forbidden in November

Jen Lemen/Soul Sister Designs

Jen - proof that art and activism can be one - creates bright, colorful, soulful works that lift, inspire and move everyone they reach. Jen has donated one of her original “Kindness Is My Religion” art prints.

Bohemian Girl Designs

Denise, who “creates magic by pushing the boundaries of what is expected as the norm” has donated an 8x10 print of the winner’s choice. Each of her beautiful images is high quality print, printed with the finest archival inks and paper available.

Ticoz 

Ticoz, a laid back, inviting restaurant and bar specializing in Mexican and Latin inspired food and drink, has donated a $40.00 gift certificate.

L’Essence Du Monde/The Essence of People

Jennifer creates one of a kind pieces with love and intention and says “Our essence is our soul. It is what makes each of us the beautiful individuals that we are”. Jennifer has donated one of her exquisite clear crystal ball necklaces.

*****

We would like to thank each of the wonderful individuals and businesses who donated to our campaign. We are profoundly grateful for your generosity and your contribution to fighting for equality for all Arizonans. May you be blessed.

We still welcome all donations and contributions.  If you have something you would like to donate, please contact us at noon102@gmail.com - we will be glad to list your donation and link back to your website.