The Activist’s Toolkit
Twenty things an activist who wants to advance GLBT rights at the State and local level in TN needs to know and should be able to do:
Be a Smart Voter! Know:
| 2. When to vote [Close] |
| Always check your local elections commission, but here you can find the 2008 calendar that generally applies to every county. |
| 3. Where to vote [Close] |
| Your voter registration card should provide information on where you vote. For early voting, check with your local elections commission. You can find their contact information here. |
| 4. Where to find candidate recommendations [Close] |
| TEP-PAC is the only non-partisan statewide political action committee that endorses candidates with a focus on GLBT issues. You can find TEP-PAC’s endorsements here. In the Nashville area, Out & About Newspaper also provides endorsements in some elections. You can also contact candidates directly and ask them about GLBT issues. |
Know the Players! Know:
| 7. Who your state senator is [Close] |
Look on your voter registration card and find the number of your TN Senate district. Then match the number to this list.
You can also lookup your federal and state representatives using your address on the TEP website here. |
Know the Facts! Know:
| 15. How the Legislature works [Close] |
Finding out how the Legislature works is not an easy task. One of the best ways to learn is to pick a couple of bills that interest you and follow their moves through the Legislature. That will give you a sense of the flow of legislation. You can also watch video of committee hearings and floor sessions here.
Another way to learn about the legislative process is attend a Lobbying 101 session offered by TEP every year leading up to February’s Advancing Equality Day on the Hill when equality advocates around the state come to Nashville to speak in person with their legislators. Lobbying 101 sessions are held across the state. So look for a session coming to you soon. |
Know How to Do Things! Know:
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