| A broad and representative
spectrum of American adults – that would be the most appropriate way to describe the
cadre of elected officials who have been joining the American Association for Single
People. Several months ago, we started contacting current and former elected officials
– federal, state, and local – to invite them to participate in this newly
emerging cause. We reached out to those who have never married, as well as to those who
were divorced or widowed.
We also contacted some married officials who had sponsored legislation or other
initiatives to eliminate marital status discrimination or promote equal rights for
unmarried individuals or couples.
These officials were invited to become honorary members of AASP – leaders who
would publicly stand with us as we build the first national organization promoting the
well being and human rights of unmarried adults, couples, parents, and families.
The results are encouraging. We now have a core group of members who are elected
officials and political activists from all parts of the nation.
This newsletter is intended to introduce some of our new politically active members to
you. We also are sharing an article written by one of them.
What this newsletter demonstrates is that our organization, and our cause, have a broad
base of support among a wide variety of unmarried adults. |
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These officials represent several
age cohorts – young, middle aged, and older adults. Some have never been married,
while others are divorced or widowed. While some are not associated with an organized
religion, others belong to a wide range of faiths and religious denominations, including
Catholics, Protestants, and Jews. These officials are affiliated with both major
political parties. The group includes current and former members of the all three branches
of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. Some represent their constituents at
the federal or state levels of government, while others are local officials.
We have a relatively representative mix of Americans when it comes to gender, race,
ethnicity, and sexual orientation. We have nearly an even division of men and women.
Several are African Americans while others are Hispanic or Latino. A few are gay or
lesbian. Many of them are parents or grandparents.
We would like to officially welcome these elected and appointed officials as new
members of AASP. We also encourage all of our members to consider nominating public
officials with whom they are acquainted as honorary members of our organization.
Please submit your nominations to us by e-mail or postal mail along with information on
how to contact the nominee and a summary of why you think they should receive an honorary
membership. With your help, our political base of support will keep growing.
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