By Ross Forman
To the folks at WAVI, it isn't about supporting President Bush in his re-election campaign or standing behind Democratic Presidential hopeful John Kerry. They just want voters, namely those within Chicago's GLBT community, for either candidate.
WAVI is the We Are Voting Illinois campaign, with a 10-member steering committee and the support of 30 GLBT organizations in the Chicagoland area, working together under a non-partisan umbrella.
Yes, everyone's vote count … and WAVI wants to make sure everyone, namely those in the GLBT community, votes.
As of last week, the organization had signed up 5,010 local residents in a month's time en route to its goal of 10,000. Voter registration signup ends Oct. 5. After that, WAVI moves into its reminder mode, stressing the importance of actually going out and voting.
From 2000-2004, the group signed up 12,500 voters.
'Voting is so important,' said WAVI Coordinator Jen Agnos, 30. 'We're given the right to vote, so I think we should. I think voter registration is the starting point of people's interest in being involved politically, so I feel very proud personally that I'm one of the people who's actively involved getting people to participate in the political process. And the unity of the community is rewarding too.'
WAVI representatives have hit the streets of Lakeview heavily over the past month, hoping to sign up voters at several L stops, such as Belmont, Bryn Mawr and Addison. WAVI also has been spotted offering voter registration at Roscoe and Halsted, Broadway and Melrose, Clark and Diversey, in Andersonville, and at the Coyote Festival in Wicker Pack, among other places.
'There has been some negative press about the gay community, that we really couldn't or maybe wouldn't make a difference (in the campaign),' Agnos said. 'Well, this is a way for our collective voice to be heard, and I think that's imperative. Our voices need to be heard, and what better way than by going to the polls and voting.'
WAVI has the backing of such local organizations as the AIDS Foundation, Amigas Latina and the Lakeview Action Coalition. Volunteers from such groups have been placed on the streets of Lakeview, in strategic locations per the WAVI steering committee.
'There are a lot of people who are passionate about this year's election,' Agnos said. 'There's been no negative response to what we're doing, none whatsoever. And the people who we talk with on the street, they tell us how wonderful it is what we're doing.'
If only for the convenience sake, Agnos noted.
WAVI has signed up an equal amount of males and females so far, and an abundance of 20-somethings, she said.
There are up to 12 WAVI groups on the streets at any one time, with three or four volunteers per group.
'I worked as an inventory manager for a fastener company. I was very content financially, but I went into work one day and gave my notice. Emotionally- and responsibility-wise, I wasn't doing what I was passionate about,' said Agnos, who worked as a volunteer for Human Rights Campaign after leaving the 9-to-5 grind, 'and that's when I realized this is what I had to do for the rest of my life.'
Much like her mom, Peg, who is a lobbyist in Springfield for education.
'I realized that, every day my mom goes to work, on a small scale, she makes a difference in other people's lives. And I want to make a difference for the rest of my life, too,' said Agnos, who joined WAVI in early-August. 'I'm much happier now, much more fulfilled, so happy about my decision (to leave my last job). I'm proud of who I am; I'm proud of my community.'
Agnos is a lesbian and her brother, Dennis, 34, is gay.
'I really hope to stay involved politically within the GLBT community after this election,' Agnos said. 'Ultimately, I would really like to be a lobbyist for gay-rights.'
Anyone looking to volunteer for WAVI can call Jen Agnos at: (847) 571-9736. Or, email Agnos at: JLAgnos@aol.com .
