Getting Heard in Houston This Week

On Wednesday night, the city council in Houston is set to vote on HERO (Houston Equal Rights Ordinance). Houston is deciding whether to join Pflugerville ISD and other local government entities in recognizing the rights of the LGBT community. These are historic times, and you have a chance to effect positive (or negative) change this week.

Here is the edited text of an email I received from a friend and former colleague of mine. If you wish to make a statement, Tim Bacon's pointers will help you.

The council meets again on the Human Rights Ordinance this coming Wednesday from 9 AM to late in the evening. They will vote this time. So any contacts you generate will need to be done by the end of the work day on Tuesday. Today and Monday, since city hall isn't open, you could generate emails. On Tuesday, email will still be received, but telephone calls are more effective at that point.

The ministers working against us have generated calls from all over the country. That opens using those questionable actions to us and, in my opinion, makes it necessary to follow suit. You don't have to say where you live, though if asked for a zip code give it accurately. 

Be sure to remind others of some important points:

1. Be polite. Be personal.
2. Give your name and any other info for which you are asked.
3. It is highly unlikely you will talk to the council person you call. You'll talk to an employee. Ask them to give your message to the council person.
4. State that you are in favor of the ordinance.
5. Tell why. Add any personal experiences you want to support your position.
6. Ask the council person to vote yes.
7. Say thanks.

It is not necessary to make contacts to each council person. Below are names, emails and phone numbers that are crucial to contact. Email and call each of them.

• Jerry Davis districtb@houstontx.gov 832 393 3009
• Dave Martin districte@houstontx.gov 832 393 3008
• Stephen Costello atlarge1@houstontx.gov 832 393 3014
• C.O. 'Brad' Bradford atlarge4@houstontx.gov 832 393 3012
• Jack Christie atlarge5@houstontx.gov 832 393 3017
• Dwight Boykins districtd@houstontx.gov 832 393 3001
• Richard Nguyen districtf@houstontx.gov 832 393 3002
• Michael Kubosh atlarge3@houstontx.gov 832 393 3005

Thanks so much for anything you can do. Enjoy.

Here is an example from my Sent Mail folder. It's a big picture because the text is small.

May we live in a time when this is no longer an issue.

To an Anonymous STC Student

It was a miserable day for me, capped off by a long, frustrating meeting. STC has a lot going on, both visible and under the radar. On top of that, I've been having a rough patch in life. My family has fallen apart. At times, I struggle with my decision to come here...and stay here.

And then I see someone like you.

Your car was next to mine, and I saw you coming to the car as I was getting out of mine for that ridiculous meeting. After the meeting, a drained, middle-aged man was schlepping back to his car at 5:30 p.m. There you were--still.

• You were sleeping. (Exhausted from a schedule that has many components)
• Your study materials were next to you, open. ("When you pass out, you have put in 100%.")
• You had a high school graduation tassel from 2013. (My daughter will graduate in 2 weeks.)
• You had pictures of very young children on your visor. (Mom?)
• You were still at STC. (A 6 p.m. final? Need to sleep before taking the kids back?)

I may have only looked at you for about 15 seconds (including the pic), but at that moment I realized that this was going to be worth it. Not easy, but worth it. I've got a daughter about your age. I hope she shows your moxie next year. I hope I'm showing a similar attitude.

Last weekend, STC graduated 4,800 students. Someday, you will be one of those. Your degree (or certificate) from us doesn't guarantee happiness. On the other hand, it will be documentation that you can learn, you can grow, and you can stick with things until they are complete. Those kinds of skills are critical to a happy work and family life. STC can be a powerful, useful tool for you the rest of your life. If you are a 19-year old single mom collapsing during finals week, I think your future may be bright. You just have to get to that future.

Happy to help, girl. Happy to help.