"Everybody Counts"

New Business Outreach Program to Launch

In 2002 SpeakOut will be reaching out to all major businesses throughout the State of Maine. We will be providing "Lunch & Learn" seminars, and helping to further Domestic Partnership benefits. A number of top Maine companies already provide Domestic Partner Insurance, among them Hannaford Bros., Unum Provident and Moss, Inc. SpeakOut will be working with the Human Resources Departments of other Maine businesses to implement Domestic Partnership policies of their own.

Scott Robbe, the MSOP Executive Director, has met with Bob Carter, founder of Fresh Samatha Juices, and Scott Schnapp, Executive Director of Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility, to develop an outreach plan.

SpeakOut will soon be initiating conversations with Human Resources Directors throughout Maine to help bring full equality for lesbian and gay workers statewide.

Why Now is the Time to Give

This year SpeakOut needs your help more than ever. We are starting to see our years of hard work create real change. Republican Senator Susan Collins has recently announced she will support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Next we need to make sure there is a statewide non-discrimination ordinance that extends that protection to housing, lodging, and estate rights.

SpeakOut is currently in an interim period financially. The spring is a period when grants have not been awarded from Foundations and benefits are just beginning. In order for SpeakOut to continue working for LGBTQ (Queer) folks statewide we need your help. Make SpeakOut your charity of choice this year. Help us work for Domestic Partnership Insurance, legalized marriage, equal tax benefits, adoption rights and total, full equality by donating today. We greatly appreciate it.