Massachusetts Lobby Day for Transgender Equal Rights Bill, (Update for 5/24 – LOBBY Day confirmed for 6/23)

The lobby day scheduled for 4/14/11 then moved to 5/3/11  is now TBD on 6/23.  See update below for the most current information as of 4/13/11 5/24

MTPC is leading a lobby day for An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights.

And, if you are a Massachusetts resident, you can join us!

MA State House, Thursday April 14 May 3, 1-3pm, at the Grand Staircase (see “update” below for reason)

Tell your story and ask your legislators to support 

Please RSVP via email to Rachel@masstpc.org or call her at 617-778-0519.

What Should I Do to Prepare for Lobby Day?

Please make an appointment with your legislators for that day, it can be anytime during that day. To find out who your legislators are visit http://www.malegislature.gov

What Will Happen at Action Day?

We’ll gather at the Grand Staircase at 1 pm for a short program where we will hear from legislative supporters, policy makers, and community members.

Also at this location you will check-in and pick up lobby day packets (and “how to lobby” tips as needed) about the bill to bring to your State Reps and Senator’s offices.

What to Expect in Your Visit:

• You will usually be greeted by a staff member.
• Introduce yourself (more on this below).
• They’ll let you know if the legislator is available to speak with constituents. If not, they’ll either speak with you, or hand you off to someone else. Either way, these staffers have their boss’s ear, and they play an important role in filtering information for their busy bosses. So speak with them as if they were your legislator.

Your Introduction Should Include:

• Your name and where you live
• The name of the bill you are in support of: “An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights”
• Include the ask: “I’m here to find out if (the legislator) will co-sponsor ‘An Act Relative to Transgender Equal Rights.’

Remember to Thank

Thank the legislator or staffer for their attention to this matter, and, if they haven’t yet committed themselves on the issue, ask for a follow-up response to the question.

Report Back

Drop off your completed legislator meeting sheet at the same place you picked up your briefing sheets.

Can’t Make it to the State House?

Call your State Reps and State Senator that day and ask them to co-sponsor.

and Remember: POLITE ALWAYS

This is a marathon, not a sprint; it takes time to cultivate allies. Even if they say “no” now, they may yet come around.   For all the info and updates, click to MTPC’s Web Site

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5/23/11 Update:  Lobby day has been confirmed by MTPC for 6/23, 1PM-3PM for more information see http://www.masstpc.org/?page_id=1303

4/13/11 Update:  The date has been postponed until the community receives a hearing date for the Transgender Equal Rights Bill from the Judiciary Committee.  See MTPC’s site for more info

3/28/11 Update:  The date was changed from April 14 to May 3rd due to House Budget meetings that would have impacted our April 14 lobbying