Camp Courage

"I had dinner recently with someone who expressed her strong support for Proposition 8 -- the ballot measure that eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry.

We talked and talked, and I listened and she listened. By the end of dinner, she had changed her mind somewhat, if not her heart. While she still couldn't express support for same-sex marriage, she knew she could no longer deny that right to others.

This experience demonstrated to me that there's a power that comes in listening, in reaching out, in trying to find that common ground that's so necessary for the change we want.

With the fate of marriage equality back in the hands of California voters, we have a unique opportunity as a community to help people understand what marriage equality means and to change the hearts and minds necessary to repeal Prop 8.

I am confident that Californians will have a change of heart and overturn this unjust ban at the ballot box. But first, we need to tell our stories to voters and help the majority of our neighbors understand the real, painful, human impact of Prop 8 across our state.

That's why I am inviting you to participate in Camp Courage East Los Angeles-- a transformative training event on August 1-2 for marriage equality activists of all kinds, experienced or new to the movement. Just click one of the links below to register before space rusn out. DEADLINE: Friday at 10 a.m.:

ENGLISH

SPANISH

As I have said before, the fight for equality is not about morality or religion, our schools or our places of work. It's about real people and real human beings. It's about men and women trying to lead successful lives with those they love. It's about parents hoping to raise a family and ready to accept the responsibilities of a lifelong commitment.

We need to tell these stories. And that's what Camp Courage is all about. Modeled after "Camp Obama," Camp Courage uses the "Story of Self" to transform personal experiences -- each participant's unique inspiration for supporting marriage equality -- into compelling and authentic narratives that can persuade undecided voters.

Camp Courage has received amazing reviews from participants -- most rating it a 9 (on a scale of 1 to 10) -- following recent trainings in Los Angeles, Fresno, San Diego and Oakland.

This will be an unforgettable experience. If you don't want to miss Camp Courage East L.A. on August 1-2, please make sure you register now before it fills up. Just click on one of those links below before Friday at 10 a.m.:

ENGLISH

SPANISH

To win back marriage equality, we need to change hearts and minds across California. That means reaching out to people who don't agree with us and having serious conversations about the effect of denying someone the fundamental right to liberty and happiness and the right to marry -- and the second-class citizenship that denial denotes.

That's why I hope you can be at Camp Courage East L.A. on August 1-2.

Thanks for helping the Courage Campaign bring full equality to California and our country.

Antonio Villaraigosa
Mayor of Los Angeles"