Non-Partisan

Equal Rights Colorado (ERC) is strictly issue-oriented in its mission and non-partisan in its approach.

Tax Staus

ERC is incorporated as a 501(c)(4) non-profit. As such, there are no tax-related restrictions on our political activities or the amount of lobbying we can do. It is also why donations to ERC are not tax-exempt.

Volunteer Based and Member-Driven

All of our board members and officers are volunteers, and all are drawn from constituency that we serve.

ERC Lobbyist

ERC does retain the year-around services of a registered professional lobbyist, who also serves on the board of directors of Equal Rights Colorado in an ex officio, non-voting capacity.

Board Activities

Board Meetings and Legislative Briefings

ERC's board of directors meets on a monthly basis, usually at the offices of our lobbying firm, Mendez, Steadman & Associates, which is located at 1370 Pennsylvania, Suite 400. Unless otherwise noted, the meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM. Meetings are open to the public, but we would appreciate advance notice if you plan to attend or wish to have an item placed on the agenda. While the legislature is in session, certain members of the board meet with our lobbyist on a weekly basis and go over the status of any current or pending GLBT-related legislation, what our position is on each and what actions we intend to take.

Action Alert Network

Action Alerts

When favorable or unfavorable legislation is pending in the Capitol, Equal Rights Colorado issues an Action Alert e-mail to registered members calling on our constituents to contact their legislators to support or oppose the legislation. Action Alerts provide a brief explanation of the legislation and talking points for members to use when writing, calling or e-mailing elected officials. Action Alerts are also posted on this website.

Legislative Action

Recruiting Volunteers to Appear at the Capitol

Whenever legislation is introduced in either the House or the Senate, it is first reviewed by a committee to determine whether or not it merits consideration by the entire chamber. During these committee hearings, interested parties from around the state are welcome to come and give testimony either for or against the proposed legislation. Equal Rights Colorado works to mobilize GLBT citizens to appear before these committees and give a real-life, human perspective to our issues. We are always seeking additional volunteers to represent the community at these committee hearings. We particulary need people who can testify about:

Domestic partner rights and family relationship issues, including equal employee benefits as well as civil unions or the right to marry.
Equal parenting and adoption rights
Bias-motivated hate crimes
Employment discrimination

Anyone interested in learning more or in volunteering should email erc@glbtcolorado.org.

Legislative Action

Legislative Updates

Legislative Updates are provided periodically throughout the legislative session as bills are introduced and pass through various stages. Legislative Updates are emailed to the Action Alert list and published on this website.

Legislative Action

Annual Legislative Scorecard

Equal Rights Colorado publishes an annual report card reflecting the votes of state officials on legislation that affects LGBT Coloradoans and their families. The report provides information on the voting record of each legislator and then tallies the favorable vs. unfavorable positions taken by each. LGBT and allied voters can quickly see how well or poorly their elected officials are representing them and can take appropriate steps to support or unseat incumbants.

Programs

Continuing Legal Education

Equal Rights Colorado has been certified to offer Continuing Legal Education classes for credit to attorneys in need of same, which we will offer periodically on a variety of GLBT civil rights subjects.

Activities

Get Out the GLBT Vote

Equal Rights Colorado works closely with other local, state and national organizations to encourage GLBT citizens to register and vote in every election. Voting is critical to any minority group but it is a known fact that GLBT voters can represent a significant bloc that can actually swing elections. It is incumbant on all GLBT citizens to participate in our democracy before we lose it to forces who would return us to the pre-Stonewall days.

Activities

Annual Pridefests

Equal Rights Colorado supports Pridefest celebrations around the state, participating in parades and providing a booth to let people know more about us and to register voters.

Activities

Voter Town Hall Meetings

Equal Rights Colorado holds annual town meetings in Aspen, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Morgan and elsewhere as time and issues permit. Town meetings are usually hosted members of the Equal Rights Colorado Board of Directors and local GLBT group leaders. State and local elected officials are invited and frequently attend. Meetings are free and open to the public. Equal Rights Colorado Town Meetings are a great way to catch up on what's happening in the state and to make your voice heard.