MERI Blog
Updates, news, action alerts and events from Marriage Equality Rhode Island.
MERI Hiring Field Team
Work for the most exciting civil rights campaign of our time!
MERI has provided strategic focus, guidance and political momentum to the marriage equality movement in Rhode Island. Yet, powerful and well-funded opponents of equality are working to ensure that loving, same-sex couples do not have the right to marry.
Now is the time to stand up for equal rights. We in Rhode Island have the opportunity to bring equal civil marriage rights to our state.
To do this, MERI is running a state-wide canvass to mobilize constituents in key legislative districts to convince legislators to support marriage equality for all Rhode Islanders.
MERI is currently hiring canvassers and team leaders.
Work with MERI to ensure that the conservative and far-right agenda does not become a reality. We are looking for passionate and articulate people for part-time positions.
Campaign and canvass experience is not necessary, but preferred. Must have availability Thursdays thru Sundays. Make $11-$13/hr.
Canvassers will be responsible for making contact with constituents, gathering signatures and encouraging supporters to become more active in the campaign for equal marriage rights.
Team Leaders will assist the MERI Field Coordinator by managing the canvassing efforts in several legislative districts. Team Leaders will also lead teams of canvassers out in the field.
To apply, e-mail your resume and cover letter to Kim Bright at
.
Everyone encouraged to apply. Spanish-speaking a plus.
EAT PIE for MERI
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MERI Holidays to ALL:
You can support Marriage Equality Rhode Island during this holiday season ... just Eat Pie.
Cutie Pies, voted by Providence Monthly as 2009 Best Pie, has graciously offered to donate 25% of the proceeds of a signature pie created especially for MERI. The Meri Mint Pie is a silken chocolate pie with a scrumptious crust and just a hint of peppermint schnapps. Perfect for your holiday gatherings with a dollop of whipped cream, only mom makes it better.
Order now for pick up!!! Call Cutie Pies at 401-331-2414 or
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* MERI Mint Pie $20.00
Pick up is at Tina’s Jamaican Caribbean Restaurant - 223 Atwells Ave. Providence.
Due to expected volume they’re accepting prepay only (cash, check and credit card via PayPal).
The last day to order is December 22nd! There will be a $4 fee for any special dietary needs.
Cutie Pies are all handmade in full-sized pies and individual sized “CUTIE PIES” for pickup or delivery.
NY Senate Defeats Marriage Bill
The NY Senate just voted 24 (yes) to 38 (no) to defeat the marriage equality bill.
PEAC Coalition Meeting, December 8, 7p.m.
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The Providence Equality Action Committee (PEAC) will meet on Tuesday, December 8th, at 7p.m., at Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence.
Questions contact: .
PEAC Coalition Meeting, November 24, 7p.m.
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The Providence Equality Action Committee (PEAC) will meet on Tuesday, November 24th, at 7p.m., at Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence.
Questions contact: .
Join the Protest of the Funeral Bill Veto
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Please join like-minded citizens of Rhode Island for a vigil for the Funeral Rights bill that was vetoed by Governor Carcieri. The vigil will take place at the Rhode Island State House on Thursday, November 19th, 2009, at 7:30PM. This is a mourning service, so please wear black to send a clear message to the Governor that his veto of this bill was not acceptable.
Gov. Carcieri on The Colbert Report
Stephen Colbert discusses Gov. Carcieri’s veto of the funeral rights legislation. Click here to watch video.
PEAC Coalition Meeting
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The Providence Equality Action Committee (PEAC) will meet on Tuesday, November 17th, at 7p.m., at Bell Street Chapel, 5 Bell Street, Providence.
Questions contact: .
No Sideways at the Sidebar in November or December
We will NOT be holding our monthly Sideways at the Sidebar event in November or December.
Check back in January for further information.
Lots of fun in the works here at MERI ~ visit often to find out the latest.
Rep. Ferri Responds to the Governor’s Veto: It’s Personal
Dear Governor Carcieri:
I write on behalf of the thousands of LGBT Rhode Islanders who you continue to persecute by governing according to your personal and religious beliefs. Your veto of Senate Bill 0195 and House Bill 5294, which sought to instill a modicum of dignity for all Rhode Islanders at a time of extreme hardship for anyone – the death of a loved one – can only be described as an act of cruelty. The ability to provide for the final wishes of a departed partner is a matter of civil rights, and it is unfortunate you have allowed your religious beliefs to once again cloud your judgment.
I remind you as governor you represent all the people of Rhode Island – not just those who subscribe to the views of the Catholic Church. Your consistent demonizing of the LGBT community will truly be a blemish on your tenure as governor. I think it is also time to remind you of a simple concept the Founding Fathers believed in – the separation of church and state. There have been many in the history of our country and state with deep religious commitment who understood their beliefs should not interfere with the rights of fellow citizens. Rhode Islanders would be far better served if you spent your last year in office governing with this simple, but essential, concept in mind.
To suggest, as you do in your veto message, that a “one year…relationship is not sufficient to establish a serious, lasting bond” between two persons over “traditional” family members is preposterous. It is not your role to judge the significance of relationships or commitments between two individuals. Believing you have a voice in this matter speaks volumes to the level of arrogance you bring to this debate. Certainly, it is beyond the scope of your authority to call into question the level of love, compassion and dedication between two people, regardless of the length of time they have been in a relationship with one another.
The suggestion that your veto is in some way tied to the ongoing discussion of marriage equality is especially disturbing. This bill has no affect whatsoever on the definition of marriage. Instead, it seeks to extend some measure of relief in an incredibly emotional time. Was the pain and suffering endured by Mark S. Goldberg as he attempted to secure the release of the remains of his partner of 17 years any less cruel because they were of the same sex? To suggest all Rhode Islanders should not have the same rights is nothing less than bigotry.
In short, no one elected you to serve as the state’s moral compass. Just as George Wallace stood before the doors of the University of Alabama, you find yourself on the wrong side of history. Your decision yesterday to deny some Rhode Islanders the same rights and dignities as their friends and neighbors is shameful and history will judge you harshly.
Sincerely,
Representative Frank G. Ferri
District 22, Warwick
— recently posted —
Rhode Islanders Overwhelmingly Support Marriage Equality
posted 2 weeks, 5 days, 16 hours, 11 minutes ago
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