> What We Need You to Do :: The conscious effort of allies will change the tide of the family equality movement in this country. Thank you for going the extra mile. Thank you for standing up for all families by standing up for us.

• Combat stereotypes
• Stand up for us
• Vote!
• Come out in support
  
  Take the message of family equality on the road (see OUTspoken) It is incredibly powerful for straight audiences to hear from other straight people who they perceive to be “just like them” standing up for family equality.
  
  If you are an ally looking for personal support, check out Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) at www.pflag.org.
  
  
  • Schools: You have the power to set a welcoming and inclusive example at school and in classrooms. Whether you are a teacher, parent, or just community member at-large, the schools in our communities set tones, for children and adults alike. Rather than gloss over LGBTQ-headed families as not present or as inappropriate, help us talk about and represent the need for inclusion and support at every grade level.
    
    
    • School Board Meetings
      
      • Join in active support of anti-bullying measures
      • Demand curriculum and materials representative and inclusive of all loving families
        
        
    • PTA
      • Encourage and welcome new members from all kinds of families
        
      • Work to anticipate the needs of LGBTQ parents and their children
        
        
    • Classroom Parents
      
      • If the children and youth of LGBTQ parents share a classroom with your children, reach out to them and make sure that they’re included
        
        
    • Mentor
      • Set an example for supporting open dialogue in our community by being one of the adult supervisors of a gay-straight alliance
        
        
    • For more information and ideas about how to be an ally in schools read our publications.
      
      
  • In Your Community: Children look beyond the walls of their home to the community for respect and support of their learning and growth. At community centers, neighborhood associations and in your local faith communities, be mindful of language, policies or practices that may exclude some families. Again, set the welcoming example and others will follow you.
    
    
  • In Your Workplace: Be an ally to your current (and future) colleagues by checking for and working towards the following:
    
    
    • Anti-Discrimination policies (including sexual orientation, gender identity and parental status)
      
    • Maternity and paternity leave (for both moms and dads, for both parents who are biologically related to their child, as well as those who are not)
      
    • Access to healthcare coverage for partners and children
      
    • Trans-Inclusive restrooms (visit NCTE for more trans-inclusive policy ideas)
      
      

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• Include us—Invite us