Dialing for equalilty

For those hoping to have an impact on the presidential race and on the effort to protect marriage equality both at home and in California, MassEquality's offices will be one-stop shopping. From now until Election Day, Nov. 4, MassEquality will be holding marathon phone-banking sessions six days a week at its Beacon Street headquarters.

Volunteers who come in to phone bank can choose to make calls in support of Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign, in support of local pro-equality candidates endorsed by MassEquality, or in opposition to California's Question 8 referendum, which would roll back marriage equality in the Golden State via an amendment to the state constitution.

Marc Solomon, executive director of MassEquality, said the organization is urging individuals to volunteer, but he also hopes organizations will bring their staff or supporters to the office to volunteer as a group.

"We want groups and organizations to come in and adopt a night. We want our phone lines filled as much as possible between now and Election Day. There's so much at stake right now," said Solomon.

Volunteers and staff will be on hand to train people on the ins and outs of phone banking, and Solomon urged those who are nervous about making calls to bring a friend with them.

Even though it might feel a bit out of people's comfort zones the stakes are so high here. ... All the calling we'll be doing will be in targeted places where they have the chance to make a difference," said Solomon.

MassEquality will be kicking off the phone banking spree on Oct. 2. The organization is inviting people to drop by their office after work, man the phones for a few hours, and then head over to Club Caf? to join MassEquality for a viewing party for the vice-presidential debate. MassEquality will provide transportation from its office to Club Caf? for phone bankers.

MassEquality's office, located at 11 Beacon Street, Suite 1125, will be open for phone banking Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. No reservations are needed for individual volunteers, but groups hoping to adopt an evening or afternoon should contact Deirdra Doustou, MassEquality's volunteer coordinator, at (617) 878-2317 or [email protected], to schedule a time.