"You know what time sucks? 5:45.”
It all worked out though because were able to run pick up some coffee to bring back for those who were still in zombie mode around 7. Thank you fake Dillons!
We somehow made it to our tour of the US Mint at 8am where we learned about coins and the associated criminals of the building—shout out to Orville Harrington, a worker who stole the equivalent of $6 million bucks!
Around 9 we headed to the office to help with random tasks: making buttons, organizing legislator cards, making calendars, and in my case entering data from surveys filled out by potential candidates. The survey asked ten questions concerning various LGBT concerns—same-sex/second parent adoption, CADA, bullying, definition of marriage, and of course civil unions. I entered responses from ca
ndidates running for both State Senate and State Representative in different districts of CO and based on the responses given, One Colorado will decide who they will endorse. My favorite part was reading the comments section and hearing stories and explanations for why candidates did or did not support LGBT legislation. Check out Audrie working hard to the left. Gettin' stuff done!
For lunch we rounded the corner to eat at Hamburger Marys. Turns out, Mary is a drag queen and there are many fun events such as Bingo and "Maryoke" that the restaurant hosts at night. It was fantastic and fit right in with the theme of our break! Plus the burger was deeeelicious!
After lunch we were back at the office to meet with Jeremy Shaver. Jeremy is the executive director of Interfaith Alliance CO and teaches religious education for the United Church of Christ. I was so enthralled in every single thing he had to say to us. He explained the current state of Colorado legislation, emphasizing Amendment 43 from 2006 which defines marriage as between one man and one woman, and discussed how his Alliance was working to break down these types of barriers and push for social justice in the upcoming legislative session. While he was specifically discussing with us faith and the
LGBT community, he also works on a variety of issues concerning religious freedom, women’s reproduction, health care, education, and as he (semi-jokingly) stated basically any issue that Focus on the Family opposes. Focus on the Family is a mega church operating out of Colorado Springs that has a strong, conservative presence in state politics due to its resources and finances and is also notoriously against civil unions and the LGBT community in general.
Jeremy (<---in the middle!) was so honest with us about his beliefs and the struggles he goes through being gay, religious, and in the public eye in Colorado. His stories made me feel very emotional. No one should be treated the way this man, who is truly one of the most humble and kind people I've had the opportunity to talk to, has been treated. He told us of politicians who wipe their hand off after shaking his and of a man who stalked him from the grocery store to the gym and other day to day places to intimidate him. He has had to hire security due to the threats he receives simply for living his life and being true to himself and others. Also, it was clear that he was genuinely eager to hear what we thought about everything which just made us all that much more involved and thoughtful in these discussions.
I could probably write 500 words alone on Jeremy (too late?) even though we only talked to him for an hour; but I'll end sharing his belief on church and state. He explained that the Interfaith Alliance believes that political decisions should not be based off of religious doctrine but instead, “fairness, inclusion, justice, compassion, and love should guide us.” Couldn't have said it better myself!
We ended the day meeting with Preston, who does fundraising for One Colorado. He walked us through the basic process of fundraising for the organization and non-profits in general. (He actually participated in an Alternative Break when he was at school!) We spent the last hour-ish addressing, stamping, and writing personal messages on invitations for a Valentines Day fundraising event to send to donors.
All in all it was fantastic! We finished up around 4pm, so we even had time to drive Blake by the Molly Brown house for a bit of trespassing and picture taking before heading home to relax and do some serious snacking. (I can’t stop eating Katie’s peanut butter fudge….sorry Katie.)
Have a great night! Here is a picture of Blake to send you off, because let's face it, how can you not be happy when you see this face:
-Anna
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