Erin shared this photo on flickr today, along with the following explanation:

In response to YES’rs who came to my house to give me a door flyer, then saw my previous NO sign in my front yard (which was on the back of a YES sign) They called the cops, the cops came confiscated my sign, and informed me that I can be charged for two misdemeanors for altering a political sign. Apparently you arent allowed to do that. Even though you couldnt tell it was a YES sign unless you were on my property…

The new HUGE sign reads: "You can take my sign, You can’t take my rights!! It’s already ILLEGAL for me to get MARRIED! Stop the hate! Don’t Discriminate! NO on prop 102!"

It’s somewhat sloppy, but I wanted to get it up within hours of the cops taking down my previous sign. Hope the YES people come back again.

Lets see your yard signs, your car signs, your t-shirts…all the creative ways you are making your voice heard.  We’ve got one day left before election day - every moment counts!   This is a challenge to everyone who reads this - find a way to make your voice heard tomorrow.  Let me see your photos, tell me your stories, text and email your friends.  This our chance to make a difference.

I have to say that this might be my favorite photo of the whole campaign, but that might just be because my mama sent it in.  I hope she knows just how much that means to me.

Michele wins for most creative photo today - what a fantastic idea to work with the Halloween theme (and get your message seen by lots of people)!

Allen sent us this photo, taken at a mini-rally had near the Mesa Library

Abe sent us this photo from the Phoenix rally…check our flickr group for more pics from Abe

This pic was submitted to our flickr pool by ‘mousetrap’

Erin and her friends took the rally by storm - check her stream or our flickr group for more fabulous pics.

This photo, and others from the rally, were blogged by flickr user ‘cheapblueguitar’

There’s still more to come - check back tomorrow!

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. 

We have been overwhelmed and amazed at the reaction to our campaign, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your enthusiastic response. We continue to believe that the power to create change lies in each one of us, and that unified, this power can accomplish more than our minds can comprehend.

Beyond the wonderful, creative, inspiring images that have been rolling in, we’ve received support in the form of links and mentions on various websites, donations from local businesses and from artists and writers from around the country, and the gift of words of support from bloggers who are in the business of inspiring through words, art and general all-around magic-making.

*****

At 37days, author Patti Digh says:

“It should come as no surprise to anyone who has read this blog for a while that I am fully in support of equal rights for the GLBTQ community, many of whom I consider among my closest, dearest friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Am I more fully human than they are? The answer is a resounding no.”

*****

Stacy, mother, photographer, and maker of fabulous jewelry, tells her readers:

“One of the propositions on this year’s ballot is one that is very important to me. Marriage is about love & commitment and the decision to do so is between two people, any two people, and is their decision alone.

The fact that there are those who wish to make marriage a double standard is just plain wrong. Love is love.

*****

Kate, mother, weaver of words, and capturer of life, wrote a must-read post that transcends the divisiveness that often surrounds this issue – using her words to highlight the threads that connect us all. The discussion that follows is an encouraging example of what can happen when people slow down and listen.  Kate writes:

“Imagine a being with a crystal ball trained on the future of the child you hold in your arms. The child with the jack ‘o lantern grin, the succulent, cheesy neck, the chubby folds. The child that woke up twice last night in hot tears and needed you, just you.

She’s going to be gay, you know, the being says. She’s going to be gay and she’s going to live far away but she’ll be home every summer and for Christmas with her wife. She’s going to be happy, and smart, and ordinary, and gay. Does that change anything?

Beg, plead: Just keep her safe and whole. I will love her forever, just as she is."

*****

Denise, photographer, writer, artist and genuine bohemian girl wrote:

"This past week, our own Proposition 8 here in California has weighed heavily on my mind. I feel very strongly and always have that love is love…and it is not our place to take rights away from anyone that chooses to commit to the love of their life.

Of course this is indeed very personal for me. I have a dear friend that has been in my life for over twenty years. He found his soul mate, and just recently got married and he and his extraordinary husband adopted a beautiful girl. They’ve raised her in a remarkable way and she’s stellar and well loved and well rounded. She has two of the coolest dads and a high self esteem to boot.

Enough said."

Images have power. Words have power. You have power.

Activism isn’t just the big things, huge movements, or star-studded events that raise millions of dollars.  Activism takes place every single time you stand up and say, or create, or somehow transmit to the universe, "This is what I believe. This is what is right. Won’t you join me in working for something better?".  If you own your truth, live your truth and speak your truth, then you are already one of the most powerful activists in the world.

Please share what you have created. Leave a link to your blog in our comments section, post a picture to our flickr group, write something and send it to our email for us to post on your behalf. Make your voice and your vision and your heart heard.

A lot of people are listening.

This Tuesday night I had the pleasure of attending a 1in10 youth group meeting as they prepared their signs for the ”No On 102” Rally.

1 in 10 provides a safe environment for LGBTQ youth ages 14-22 to develop positive self-acceptance through life-enhancing programs. The group meets in Tempe on Tuesday night and Phoenix on Thursday night. More information can be found through their website.

1in10 leader Lindsey, who invited me to attend the meeting, shows a little personality, along with her sign.

Just as we suspected, Senator Obama was more than willing to lend his support to the ‘No On 102′ campaign.  We had the good fortune to run into him last week at the Bridge To Hope Rally in Tempe.  I must say however, that he was much less animated than I expected…a little stiff - ya know

Take A Picture, Take A Stand! organizer Libbie with the man himself!

Erin says:

"A couple of friends and I counter-acted some YES’rs on University and College a couple of weeks back.

I whipped out the feather boa and whipped up some signs! We had a lot of support. Faculty from ASU were coming out of their offices and crossing the street to give us hugs, high fives and support!

The Yes group had signs for "Honk to protect marriage" and "Christians reject gay marriage" It was a huge ordeal, with bag pipes and banners.

Funny thing was, they were in front of a church they didnt belong to, and the number of honks were few and far between. Nothing like what we heard last night at the rally on Camelback!

Do what you can! Take a stand! And VOTE NO AGAIN!"

Check back later today (or go visit our flickr group) for some of Erin’s fabulous pics from the rally.