Around eleven, we ventured out to eat at another restaurant recommended by the team at ONE Colorado. SAME Cafe was a really great and unique experience. Here's the description of their business from their website: "It is the intent of SAME Cafe to build a healthy community by providing a basic need of food in a respectful and dignified manner to anyone who walks through the door.
SAME Cafe is unique in the lack of a set menu as well as set prices. Daily selections are made using fresh, organic ingredients, and funded by the donations of patrons. Instead of a cash register, a donation box is available for one to pay what they felt their meal was worth, or to leave a little more and help out someone less fortunate. If a diner does not have sufficient money to leave, they are encouraged to exchange an hour of service. Our philosophy is that everyone, regardless of economic status, deserves the chance to eat healthy food while being treated with dignity."
Basically, anyone who wants or needs to eat is welcome, and is encouraged to pay what they can for the meal (including zero dollars if you do not have the means). Our group called ahead of time to offer any volunteer service that would benefit the cafe, but they were already overbooked with volunteers. Today's menu featured two different types of soup, two different types of salad, and two different types of pizza. I had sweet potato soup. Hnnnnnnng. It was interesting to find that such a wide range of people were in attendance for lunch today: people that were clearly homeless, college students, and business men in suits.
After lunch, we visited yet another coffee shop, and headed over to ONE Colorado. When we arrived, we immediately started gathering supplies and organizing for the civil unions bill kickoff rally that was held in Colorado Springs. The majority of us sat down and made some beautiful signage for the rally that incorporated phrases like "LOVE IS LOVE" and "IT'S BRITNEY, BITCH." The second one didn't actually happen but like WHAT IF?
We left the office a little after three with our cars loaded with supplies. Our drive was about two hours, but turned out to be incredibly beautiful. So many scenic views!!! No photos exist in my files because my side of the window was dirty as hell. Le sigh. The rally was held at a center for the arts, and there ended up being over 100 people in attendance, surpassing their expected 75. Yay. Anna and I worked the front desk, and got to meet so many fantastic individuals, many of them sharing the night with their partners and (adorable) children. The speakers for the event all came from diverse backgrounds, but all shared a common belief in equality for all groups of people. It's hard for me to even explain or advocate for the cause, because it's something that feels like common sense to me, and like we shouldn't have to think twice about the issues. I'm constantly baffled by the thought of any person not seeing that we are all human, and all deserve equal rights and benefits. One speaker tonight reminded everyone of a time not too long ago that interracial marriage was illegal and viewed as a sin, and is now something that our society does not think twice about. I think that everyone involved in the rally left the gathering feeling hopeful and encouraged by the strong sense of community that they have here in Colorado. If the bill does not pass in May, they will only continue to try until their goals are achieved.
On the way home, we listed to Adele's "Someone Like You" and cried forever. Not really, but really.
Myranda made me pancakes for dinner.
All of us are in love now.
Bye.
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