A different kind of lobbying – winning through the executive branch
The New Beginning Initiative is presenting three exciting sessions at the 24th Annual National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change in Baltimore, Maryland January 25-29, 2012. The New Beginning Initiative is a coalition of expert organizations, coordinated by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, working for concrete federal administration policy and regulatory changes benefitting the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and eliminating discrimination from federal policies.
On Friday morning, we start with a question and answer session with officials from the Obama Administration about the White House, Administrative Agencies, and the LGBT community. We will be joined by representatives from the White House Office of Public Engagement and agency appointees. Panelists will discuss changes in rules and regulations affecting the LGBT community, legislative efforts, and ongoing initiatives that impact LGBT people and their families. January 27, 2012 8-9:30 a.m.
Saturday, we’re hosting two sessions focused on sharing skills and demonstrating the potential for victories even with limited resources and/or an unfriendly statehouse. This is a great opportunity for Executive Directors, staff, and activists at the state and local levels.
The first session, ‘Making The Law Work For You: Policy Wins Through The Executive Branch’ will be held Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 9-10:30 a.m. While pro-LGBT legislation has been stalled in Congress and state houses across the country, federal agencies like the Department of Education and the Department of Labor have issued dozens of LGBT-inclusive policies. These victories aren’t just for federal agencies – they can be done in the states as well! Learn about opportunities for recreating these successes at the state level and existing resources available to state activists.
‘A different kind of lobbying: Federal LGBT agency victories you can take home’ will be held later the same day from 3-6:15 p.m. In the last 3 years, federal agencies have issued over 25 substantive policy changes that positively affect LGBT people at the federal and state levels. In this session, participants will learn about opportunities for administrative advocacy at the state level and walk out prepared to implement 3-4 of those federal policy victories in their state. No legislative experience necessary – we’re not making new laws, we’re making existing federal policy work for the LGBT community!
