During our first class period, I mentioned how I am an intern at a pro-LGBT organization in Missouri called PROMO. I have been with PROMO for about a year and a half, and I wanted to share with all of you PROMO's mission and how you can potentially get involved with a feminist organization just right across the street from SLU. Literally, it is right across the street...we are located in the Coronado right behind Nadoz on Spring.
As mentioned previously, PROMO's mission focuses on achieving equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Missouri. Currently, our focus is on the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act (MONA). What a number of people do not realize is that in the state of Missouri, you can still be fired from your job, denied housing, or removed from public accommodations simply due to your sexual orientation or gender identity. You may be thinking that these acts would constitute as discrimination (which it does) but this form of discrimination is not recognized by Missouri state law or the Missouri Constitution. In fact, PROMO has not yet addressed achieving marriage equality because there is a Missouri constitutional amendment which has declared same-sex marriage illegal through a majority vote in 2004.
Obviously, there is so much more to say about this organization, but here is just an example of some of the incredible organizations to get involved in that promote feminism and equality for all. Currently, we would like to increase Missouri business support for MONA as a means of protecting LGBT Missourians. At PROMO events, most notably Pridefest, I met way too many people that told me that they were fired from their jobs because of their sexual orientation. Through Missouri business support, we believe that we can truly make a statement about why it is necessary to pass MONA.
Here's a link to PROMO's homepage! Let me know if you would like to learn more about this organization or hopefully this has inspired you to find out which feminist causes you hold close and would like to join the fight in achieving. http://promoonline.org/
Kirstin! This looks like an awesome organization. I'm so glad you found your passion. There is nothing as rewarding as standing up for something you believe in. What have you found to be the most rewarding and challenging parts of working with this organization?
ReplyDeletePROMO sounds like an amazing organization and would definitely love to check it out. I am glad that you found an organization you can connect and involve yourself with. I hope I am able to find an organization through the Service Learning opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThat is AMAZING! I would love to find out more information about that organization. Fortunately for you, you are able to go to do the Service Learning aspect of our class, and at the same time be very happy in what you are doing. GOOD JOB! You seem to be very passionate about feminism and that really touches me because one day I hope to be as aware of the topic as you are.
ReplyDeleteYour dedication is amazing! Also, I had never heard of this organization before now, but it sounds like a very rewarding group to become involved with. I hope you all can make a big impact because no one deserves to be fired from orientation, which should not affect things like job performance or competency. It kind of reminds me of the movie Philadelphia.
ReplyDeleteThis organization sounds amazing! I can't believe that it is so close to campus, this is such important work.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that law is in place, but it sounds like you are doing fantastic work! This organization sounds so phenomenal. Keep it up! It's amazing to be able to make a difference especially when it is something you are so passionate about.
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