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Local Campaigning

Local campaigning is a good way of raising awareness about local or national issues that effect lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

On this page:

• Join your local LGB Network/Forum
• Lobby your AM/MP

Join your local LGB Network/Forum

Stonewall Cymru is working with equality officers in local authorities and with local LGB people to support the setting up of a LGB Network/Forum in North, Mid, South West and South East Wales.

Joining your local Network/Forum is a great way of getting involved in local LGB campaigns and participating in discussions with local councils, the Welsh Assembly and other policy makers.

South East LGB Forum

The South East LGB Forum was set up in March 2005. The Forum has hosted discussions on a variety of subjects, including Civil Partnerships and the proposal of an all-Wales police force.

Click here for more information on the South East LGB Forum.

North Wales

The Inside-Out community engagement project is researching healthcare issues for LGB people in North and Mid Wales. It is hoped that a North Wales Forum will develop from this research.

Lobby your AM/MP

If you have been discriminated against, harassed, bullied, refused your rights or services in housing, education, health, employment or want to lobby for LGB rights, a meeting or a well timed letter to your AM/MP can have significant results.

Click here to find your AM.

You can find out who your MP is by visiting the Parliament website and entering your postcode.

Writing a letter
Although it is better to go and see your AM/MP, you may wish to write to them instead.

• Be brief and concise. Short and clearly typed letters that set out the main arguments are more likely to receive a response than those that are handwritten, emotional demands or threats.
  
• Always ask for a reply. If you don't receive a reply, write again enclosing your original letter. Keep up the pressure - don't let them off the hook.
  

During a visit
If you are involved in local community groups or projects you should also consider inviting your AM/MP to visit to see your group or activity in action.

You can use any visit as an opportunity to discuss the issues facing you. Be direct and precise in your discussions. If the candidates say things to offend you, or are opposed to supporting lesbian and gay equality, make a note of what is said. Don't lose your temper - it makes it is easier for candidates to dismiss your opinions. Instead, respond calmly with reasoned arguments in support of your position.

After the visit
Regardless of how the meeting with your AM/MP goes, it is good to follow up your visit with a letter thanking them for their time. In the letter, summarise the key points of your discussions.

To help us with our future lobbying and campaigning work, please send Stonewall Cymru a copy of the letter you send to your candidates and any responses you receive. Where relevant, we will post some of this information on our site.

* Stonewall accept no responsibility for the content of external sites.