Activists, political officials and community members gathered Sept. 18 for an update and rally on the progress on the legislation that would bring marriage equality to Illinois.
The meeting, sponsored by Organizing for Action (OFA) of Oak Park and Oak Park Lesbian and Gay Association (OPLAGA), was presented in conjunction with Illinois Unites, the coalition of rights organizations working on behalf of the state marriage bill.
Organizers laid out a broad groundwork for their strategy in the next few months. Chris Percy of OFA reminded people that the coalition's plan really depends not just on supporters taking action, but their convincing other supporters to take action as well.
His job, he said, was to energize people and bring in "ground troops." He said he was troubled by a nonchalant confidence that the marriage bill would soon pass.
"Honestly, it has been a challenge, even to get people who are supporters of marriage equality, out and fighting for it," Percy said. "Anything that you want done, you have to actually go out and do it, and whatever justice you want, you have to keep fighting to keep that justice."
Percy said a phone bank was in the planning stages for Oak Park. "Really, in this state, there is not a lot going on with folks on the ground," Percy said. "We need to amp up the phone calls, and amp up the knocks on doors. We need the people like you, not only those of you who are able to go out, but those who know other people who are able to go out."
Keron Blair of Illinois Unites said supporters of the bill needed to continually engage their vision of its passage. The movement, he added, "is not an intellectual enterprise; it's being committed to having a vision.
"The work is activating (supporters) and telling them, 'you cannot be silent, because to not act is criminal."
Gail Moran of OPALGA asked what should be a priority, given that Oak Park would likely have representatives voting in favor of the bill.
Blair answered that "the most important thing is showing up," and being sure to take part in events and demonstrations that will put a public face on the Illinoisans invested in the same-sex marriage issue.
Julie Mirostaw of Equality Illinois also explained various fundraising strategies the coalition was employing, among them an online donation program produced in partnership with Orbitz, and a house party program. She said that the coalition was focused on raising $2 million.
A number of local elected officials attended the meeting, among them state Rep. Camille Lilly, who expressed confidence that the legislation can pass even if it faces substantial obstacles.
"I encourage you to stay the course," Lilly said. "I see it happening. I too am concerned about when, but I see it happening."
Greg Raub of OPALGA mentioned that the organization would be 25-years-old in 2014. Some of the founders were present, and Raub said, "I'm sure for many of you, back in 1989, marriage wasn't even on the radar, but we've always been about equalitythat's what the organization's really been about."
LGBT residents in Oak Park have had a number of political victories over the years, Raub said, "and it's easy to take those things for granted, and that can lead to a little complacency." The meeting he added, was to explore "what needs to be done in the next six weeks."
OPLAGA will sponsor a bus to the Oct. 22 March on Springfield for Marriage Equality. For more information, visit www.opalga.org .