Last week, Citizens Project distributed copies of the Anti-Defamation League's December Dilemma to nearly 200 local schools, urging educators to respect the First Amendment rights of every student and ensure that no child feels left out of or disrespected by holiday celebrations. The organization also included information prepared by the Safe @ School Coalition about recently-passed HB 1254, an anti-bullying measure to keep young people safe at school.
 The mailing is intended to raise awareness around the laws and constitutional protections afforded to all students, during the holiday season and beyond. The accompanying packet of information included best practice recommendations for inclusive holiday celebrations, a broad overview of HB 1254, frequently asked questions about the bill, and info about Citizens Project's upcoming Citizens' Religious Freedom Institute.
"We believe that students perform best in safe and inclusive academic environments," said Kristy Milligan, executive director of Citizens Project. "By providing these resources to local teachers and administrators, we hope to support them in their efforts to comply with the law and help all their students achieve academic excellence."
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Colorado Gives!
We are busy getting ready for the 2nd Annual Colorado Gives Day - December 6, 2011!
Coloradans made history last year by donating a stunning $8.4 million online for local charities - all in a 24 hour period. We are thrilled to be able to participate this year in making philanthropic history!
Save the date and plan to join this statewide effort to raise awareness and resources for your favorite charities. For more information about Colorado Gives Day, please visit www.givingfirst.org, or check out the flyer!
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Election Recap
More than 116,775 voters in El Paso County, Colorado turned out in the 2011 coordinated election on November 1, 2011, and these are the results for some of the top races in the region.
 Colorado Springs School District 11 School Board:
Bob Null
Janet Tanner
Elaine Naleski
Nora Brown
Academy School District 20 School Board:
Glenn Strebe
Tracey Johnson *(D-20 is currently involved in a recount)
Falcon School District 49:
Charles Iron
Marie LaVere-Wright
Joan Johnson *2-year term
Proposition 103: This measure, which would have raised taxes to fund public education, failed by 63.9% statewide.
Measure 2B - Memorial Health System: This measure, which revokes Colorado Springs City Council's ability to levy a tax in the event of a deficit at Memorial Health System, passed with 60.52% of the vote.
No matter how your issues and candidates fared, we THANK you for taking the time to get educated and cast your vote!
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Get Involved
Health Care Forums
 Did you know that one in six Coloradans is without health insurance? Citizens Project invites you to join us at two Health Care Forums to learn about affordable health insurance options in the state of Colorado.
TODAY, November 17
12:00-1:30pm
Penrose Library, Carnegie Room, 20 N. Cascade Ave, 80903
TODAY, November 17
5:30-7:00pm
Kaiser Permanente, 1975 Research Parkway, Wayback Room (Second Floor)
Check out the event flyer for additional information.
Volunteer Open House
 We are delighted to invite you to a volunteer open house at our office. Meet other supporters, hear about opportunities to get involved, and see where much of our work takes place! Please save the date and plan to join us!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
5:00 until 6:30 pm Citizens Project office at 4360 Montebello Drive, Ste 800
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
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Articles of Interest
Colorado Redistricting: Supreme Court Rejects New Maps
November 17, 2011
Huffington Post
Bipartisan Group Reframes Case for Legalizing Gay Marriage
November 7, 2011
USA Today
IRS Rules in Favor of Trans Deductions
November 4, 2011
The Advocate
Turnout by Colorado Voters Listed as "Inactive" Rises After Dispute
November 3, 2011
Denver Post
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Recent CP Blog Posts
Join the Conversation
Community Honors Gay & Lesbian Fund
CP Honored as Steady & Strong for Diversity & Inclusion
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Upcoming Events
League of Women Voters Presents: The Federal Government's Role in Public Education
Saturday, November 19
9:30am - 12:30pm
Slocum Hall, Colorado College
130 E. Cache La Poudre
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Sunday - November 20, 2011
5pm to 6pm
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
Come out to show your support for our local Transgender community while memorializing those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.
The observance will include a candlelight vigil and refreshments.
Exploring Diversity Issues Brownbag Series: Victims of Domestic Violence
December 2, 2011
12-2pm
Division J, West Tower of the Terry Harris Judicial Complex, 270 S. Tejon
Educating Children of Color Summit
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Check our website for more information and to register
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Join our Mailing List
Subscribe to Freedom Watch Online, our Action Network, or both!
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