Love is a powerful force

 

SAMPLE HEADLINE: HUNDREDS CELEBRATE 2^ND ANNUAL

NATIONAL STANDING ON THE SIDE OF LOVE DAY BY HONORING LOCAL GAY RIGHTS LEADER

MEMBERS OF [Your Congregation] REIMAGINE VALENTINE’S DAY AS A HOLIDAY OF LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE FOR EVERYONE

EVENT IS ONE OF 65 ACROSS NATION TODAY CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY AS A

HOLIDAY OF LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE FOR EVERYONE

[YOUR TOWN] – On Monday, February 14^th residents from across [YOUR TOWN] presented local gay rights leader, [Name of Individual], with a “Love Award” at [Your Congregation] to highlight her efforts to confront identity-based discrimination.  Across the country, Unitarian Universalists are celebrating National Standing on the Side of Love Day by honoring individuals who exemplify courageous love. 

“We’re here today to celebrate the work of [Name of Honoree] and other leaders in our community who promote tolerance and inclusion in word and deed every day,” said event organizer [Your Name].  Her project, [Name of Project], shows us how our community can take steps to ensure that everybody feels welcome and that each of us can help to overcome discrimination and oppression.”

In August, following a local anti-gay bullying incident, [Name of Individual] started a support group for teens who have faced discrimination as a result of their sexual orientation, creating a safe community for hundreds of local youth.  Since then, the support group has expanded to include an after school drop-in center, an alternative prom, and an anonymous hotline.

“Love is a powerful force for good that is a central component of virtually every [YOUR TOWN] resident’s secular and spiritual life,” said [Individual positively impacted by Honoree’s work]. “Today we applaud those who have channeled and harnessed love in defense of fairness and equality for all those who call [YOUR TOWN] home.”

National Standing on the Side of Love Day re-imagines Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate those who live out the values of love for all people in society.  Hundreds of communities and individuals across the country are celebrating with “Love Award” presentations, the sharing of inspirational stories of courageous love on the Standing on the Side of Love website (http://www.standingonthesideoflove.org/blog), and the distribution of “Love Notes” to individuals who have been a source of personal inspiration.

The event was organized by local faith leaders and inspired by Standing on the Side of Love, a nationwide campaign sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association that actively seeks justice for marginalized communities and promotes respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

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