<p> <img alt= src=/sites/default/files/logos/white_dove_shadow.png style=margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: right; width: 100px; height: 112px; />This Advent season join the progressive Catholic movement in wearing a rainbow ribbon to church as a public symbol of justice and solidarity with our LGBT youth in this time of increased awareness about youth suicides.</p> <p> Do you feel called to do more for our youth? Here are some other ways you can make a difference:</p> <ul> <li> <a href=http://www.glaad.org/talkingabout>Pledge to have a conversation about LGBT justice issues</a> with a family member colleague neighbor member of your parish or faith community or with a public official</li> <li> Volunteer for an LGBT organization maybe one that works with LGBT or questioning youth.</li> <li> Help create a safe space or anti-bullying policy to support LGBT youth in your local school or faith community.</li> <li> If you know a Knight of Columbus ask them if they know how their money is being spent on anti-gay campaigns.</li> <li> Help pass the <a href=http://www.hrc.org/issues/12142.htm>Safe Schools Improvement Act</a></li> <li> <a href=http://www.cta-usa.org/justchurch/bishopslist/>Adopt a bishop this season</a> and make a contribution in his name to an LGBT rights organization and then send a letter to the bishop letting him know of your gift</li> </ul> <p> <img alt= src=/sites/default/files/images/rainbow_ribbon_small.jpg style=border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; float: right; width: 100px; height: 75px; />Check local fabric/ribbon stores or the internet for the rainbow ribbon. The preferred width size is 7/8&quot;. One place that sells rainbow is <a href=http://www.artisticribbon.com/rainbow_stripe_ribbon.htm target=_blank>Artistic Ribbon</a>. &nbsp;Minimum orders may apply. &nbsp;There are several places on the web to purchase safety pins (size: #1 in either brass or silver).&nbsp;</p> <p> We have included a <a href=/sites/default/files/pdf/Equally%20Blessed%20Statement%2C%20Advent%202010.pdf>PDF version of the statement </a>for reproducing and distribution.</p> <p> If you find other sources etc. email <a href=mailto:secretary@dignityusa.org?subject=Advent%20Rainbow%20Ribbon>secretary@dignityusa.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p> To stay connected order ribbons or learn more visit <a href=http://www.thetrevorproject.org>The Trevor Project</a> or our websites at <a href=http://www.cta-usa.org>Call to Action</a> <a href=http://www.dignityusa.org>DignityUSA</a> <a href=http://www.fortunatefamilies.org>Fortunate Families</a> and <a href=http://www.newwaysministry.org>New Ways Ministry</a>.</p> <p> <em>Equally Blessed is a coalition of faithful Catholics who support fully equality for lesbian gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people both in the church and in civil society. Equally Blessed includes four organizations that have spend a combined 112 years working on behalf of LGBT people and their families: <a href=http://www.cta-usa.org>Call To Action</a> <a href=http://www.dignityusa.org>DignityUSA</a> <a href=http://www.fortunatefamilies.org>Fortunate Families</a> and <a href=http://www.newwaysministry.org>New Ways Ministry</a>.<br /> &nbsp;</em></p>