ProGeorgia

We join together today to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the March on Washington. This historic day marked a pivotal turning point in the fight for civil rights in this country, and at its heart was the strategic brilliance of Bayard Rustin—a Black gay man whose leadership and vision were instrumental in orchestrating this monumental event. Bayard Rustin was an organizer and a trailblazer who understood the interconnectedness of all struggles for justice. Despite facing prejudice within the very movement he helped lead, Bayard remained steadfast in his commitment to equality. His courage in the face of adversity paved the way for countless others, including all of us who continue to fight for the rights of people at the intersections of LGBTQ rights and other vulnerable communities. The stakes for the LGBTQ community in Georgia and across the American South have never been higher, and the consequences have never been more dire. The onslaught of legislative efforts across the past decade has increasingly targeted the rights and protections of LGBTQ individuals, presenting a significant threat to their civil liberties. The implications of this year’s elections could set the course for either the advancement or the regression of LGBTQ rights resistant to progressive change on a legislative level. It is a moment of profound consequence and one that demands our utmost attention and action. Beyond voting, we must engage in community organizing, support advocacy groups fighting for LGBTQ rights, and hold our elected officials accountable to ensure that the path forward is inclusive and equitable. ~ Eric Paulk, Chief of Staff, ProGeorgia

Today, we commemorate Women's Equality Day and the passage of the 19th Amendment, which prohibits states and the federal government from discriminating against voters because of their gender. We're also closing out Transgender History Month, and as we do, we find ourselves reflecting on the monumental impact of Marsha P. Johnson's life and work. Marsha was more than an activist—she was a revolutionary force for change. Her courage at the Stonewall Uprising and her relentless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, especially for the most underrepresented within our community, paved the way for so many of us to live more freely and authentically. Her life reminds us that being true to oneself is not just an act of personal integrity, but a powerful statement of resistance and hope. Today, we're reminded through her legacy that, as Fannie Lou Hamer said, “none of us are free until all of us are free,” especially as Black LGBTQ+ people navigate a landscape fraught with legislative attacks and social challenges. The recent wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Southern states is a stark reminder of the fragility of progress, especially as we continue to advocate for change with each legislative session and election cycle. Laws targeting gender-affirming healthcare, restricting transgender students' rights, and permitting discrimination under the guise of religious freedom threaten the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. These measures are part of a broader strategy to marginalize already vulnerable communities. As we celebrate Marsha’s incredible life, we must all recommit to mobilizing, voting, and advocating, to honor the legacy of those who paved the way and build a future where equality and justice prevail for all. ~ Eric Paulk, Chief of Staff, ProGeorgia

"A healthy and supported workforce is not just a benefit to employees; it’s a strategic advantage for nonprofits and for the causes they champion. When employees feel valued, supported and their workplace is making intentional choices for their benefit, they are more engaged, productive, and committed to the organization’s mission." A powerful reminder from our Chief People and Culture Officer. Check out her full thoughts in her latest article. 

🗳️ Let's Shape Our Future, Georgia! 🌟 We are excited to announce the launch of Go Vote Georgia’s Personalized Ballot Builder with @branchpolitics The primary runoff election is tomorrow, June 18 (polls open from 7a-7p), there's no better time to prepare to cast your vote with confidence. 🚀 Why this tool is a game-changer: - Tailored Information: Know exactly what and who you’re voting for—no surprises! - Accessible Knowledge: Quick, easy-to-understand summaries equip you to vote wisely. - Practical: Create and print your own sample ballot for a smoother voting day. Primaries often decide the real contests and can have just as much impact as the general elections in shaping our government. They are your chance to influence the options available in the fall. 🍂 Your vote is your voice—let’s use it to advocate for the changes we wish to see in our community. 👉 Dive into our Ballot Builder at https://lnkd.in/ejuAS-aW and take an active role in our democracy.  Every vote casts a story. Let's write ours together! 📖💥 #GeorgiaVotes #InformedVoter #Election2024 #GoVoteGA #GetVoteReady