LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Connect |
by Beth Fitton |
A New Look at Labor Day
This isn't good! It seems like just last week that I was talking about the kick-off to summer in the Memorial Day issue of Letters. Suddenly, it is the Labor Day issue! According to the United States Department of Labor's website, Labor Day "is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." Bravo! In 1882, I am sure it took great courage and tenacity to set the idea in motion. I have a brave new proposal. Let's choose this Labor Day to take stock in what gains gay and lesbian workers have made in the workplace. If you live in one of the New England states, DC, New Jersey, California, Oregon, or Washington you should be able to offer your partner access to your health insurance. If you live anywhere else, you will need to count on your municipality or your individual employer. Again, in the ten states and the District of Columbia that I noted, you will have legislated protection allowing you to keep your job even if your employer is not "gay friendly." No matter where you live, you are out of luck trying to collect your partner's Social Security benefits or their private employer pension funds if they are governed by ERISA. There is no way to miss the fact that this is an election year. I live in a development with no through access and people on cul de sacs have candidate signs on their lawns. Do not waste your vote. Do your homework. Every candidate who is in a position to give us more to celebrate on next Labor Day needs to hear from us. Call their office and ask the questions that are important to your "prosperity and well-being." (Remember to thank the candidates working on our behalf who are up for re-election.) I do not think it should take 126 years to gain equal rights in the workplace. What do you think? Tell the candidate! Okay, I'll climb down off of my soapbox and move on to our other Labor Day weekend pursuits, namely Sundance 2008 scheduled on Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31. In this issue there are interviews with Paul Turner, international lighting designer for Sundance and Mark Thomas, DJ extraordinaire. I was impressed with their experience and quite touched by their comments on our event. The Sundance auction on Saturday is a phenomenal event. This has to make the top ten list of the greatest examples of a community coming together ever. Community businesses and individuals donate between 400 and 500 items to be auctioned. This year's offerings include gift certificates for the best restaurants in the area, rounds of golf, liquor, a Kate Spade purse, theatre tickets, framed art and crystal. In addition, we have received many items from the world of stage and theatre including the mirror from the 1939 film, Gone with the Wind, Liza Minnelli's hat from the Broadway show Victor/Victoria and a Mary Poppins poster signed by the original Broadway cast. Close to 200 people volunteer in various capacities to make the Sundance event a success. Some volunteers have been involved since the first Sundance auction; some work for months in advance organizing and cataloging; some take a week off from work to help pick up the donated items; some spend days leading up to the auction decorating the Convention Center, preparing item descriptions and sign- age. Collectively, community members donate tens of thousands of dollars to underwrite the costs of Sundance. In the end, the two events provide great Labor Day weekend entertainment and the proceeds play a major role in the ability of CAMP Rehoboth and Sussex County AIDS Council to continue their services. Please add your support. Buy tickets, make a donation or volunteer your time. You will be helping to provide vital support to members of our community. Beth Fitton is Development Director of CAMP Rehoboth. She may be reached at beth@camprehoboth.com or by calling 302-227-5620. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 12 August 22, 2008 |