D

mot

January 1980--Vol. 4, Issue 1

p.3

Suggestions for fundraising included ads in the newspapers of the major cities of the state and in publications such as ACLU's state and local newsletters, as well as cocktail parties and beer busts. Some time was spent discussing the need for women only events and events which were more generally affordable to lower income people. The possibility of hosting events for which there was no cover requested but at which donations to OGRC were solicited were also discussed. The general conclusion was that anything should be tried and it was emphasized that most people were much more willing to host an event after trying it once and discovering it wasn't as traumatic as they initially envisioned. David and others are anxious to provide assistance. to anyone with an idea for an event. It was reiterated that active members of OGRC wishing to participate at fundraising events as spokespersons for OGRC and the movement are encouraged to contact David about financial arrangements.

Marilyn of Columbus briefly outlined the purpose and design of the US Congressional Liason Task Group network for Bob Peppard who was absent due to illness. Bob coordinates the network and invites anyone interested in contacting their US Congressional Representative and maintaining a liason with them with regard to gay rights issues to contact him. District liasons for Carney and Ashbrook in particular are still needed. The value of letterwriting and the availability of pro-gay support materials & information on lobbying techniques were also discussed. In light of the legislative orientation of the discussion, Marilyn gave a summary of George Painter's state legislative report with particular emphasis on the Juvenile Justice bill now currently under consideration in the state senate. It contains an obnoxious paragraph which would make individuals under the age of 18 who were involved in sexual activities subject to being declared "unruly" and thereby subject to legal repercussions. The present law states that the age of consent is 16 years old. Members are encouraged to contact George Painter for more information and to write members of the senate judiciary committee about the bill. There was some general discussion about the age at which individuals "come out" in the gay community and how this legislation could drastically affect them, particularly men who seem to "come out" in their early teens. George has written a brief summary of the bills, its potential effects and the members of the senate Judiciary committee who should be written about the bill. These summaries were circulated at the meeting. Contact local OGRC people in your oity for this info.

The Educational Task Group was discussed last with some additional discussion of the OGRC/GEAR Educational Pamphlet. Bill Smith of GEAR Foundation took this opportunity to express GEAR's positive feelings about the pamphlet and gratitude for being permitted to support the publication of the pamphlet and to appear on the cover with OGRC. Rick of Akron and Jan of Toledo both expressed an interest in acquiring more copies and Marilyn said that by the next OGRC meeting arrangements for placing orders would be clarified. Concern for the Nat'l Gay Task Force's Weeks of Dialog (Oct. 22-28-Parents and Family and winter of 1979-media) was raised by Marilyn to encourage groups around the state to strengthen NGTF's projects by sponsoring local events in their cities. Max said that Dignity/Cleveland is sponsoring an event in conjunction with the Oct 22-28th project. The Weeks of Dialog are focused on bringing home the issues of gay rights and the discrimination against Eay people to segments of society which are more likely than others to