We received a note from one of our dearest friends who said that all he wanted for Christmas this year was another 300 people to assist him with a survey which he described as “one supreme project, one last potential contribution, which could turn out to be the most significant of all: my field research on spirituality.”
Daniel A. Helminiak is Professor in the humanistic and transpersonal Department of Psychology at the University of West Georgia. A Catholic priest, licensed professional counselor, and certified pastoral counselor, he holds PhD’s in both theology and psychology.
Daniel introduces his survey this way: People think differently. How does the human mind actually work? Help us to find out. Participate in an on-line survey. The questionnaire will help you think about your own thinking. And your responses will help us figure out what it is to be human. Log on at www.surveymonkey.com/mindatwork.
We took the survey and find it interesting. Read the opening introduction and then proceed. Perhaps 30 minutes of your time. Your participation is very much appreciated from a couple of friends who want to see this “supreme project” a supreme success.
Blessings…Revs. Elisheva and T. Wade Clegg III
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Marriage Research
I was asked by doctoral student, Cristina Reitz-Krueger, for assistance with her web-based study of engaged couples. This will only relate to a few couples who are not yet married; however, I would like to encourage those particular couples to read the blog entry and participate. Cristina is a researcher in the University of Virginia Department of Psychology.
Thank you…Rev. Elisheva
You can:
If you and/or your romantic partner are interested in participating or want further information, please email me at mailto:survey.couples@gmail.com. I will send you a link that you can use to access the study.
Thanks!
Cristina Reitz-Krueger
Doctoral Student
University of Virginia
(434) 243-8558
survey.couples@gmail.com
Engaged volunteers needed!
I am looking for volunteers for a study of attitudes towards marriage and parenthood among engaged couples. The study consists of a 25-30 minute online survey. To qualify for the study, you must be 20-35 years old, live in the U.S., and plan to marry or have a commitment ceremony within the next 365 days. You and your romantic partner must not have children, and this must be the first marriage for both of you.You can:
- Help a doctoral candidate;
- Increase the pool of scientific knowledge;
- Support research on marriage and families; and
- Spend some time thinking about your relationship!
If you and/or your romantic partner are interested in participating or want further information, please email me at mailto:survey.couples@gmail.com. I will send you a link that you can use to access the study.
Thanks!
Cristina Reitz-Krueger
Doctoral Student
University of Virginia
(434) 243-8558
survey.couples@gmail.com
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Your words are powerful!
We always say that the most opportune time to allow your voice to be heard, your words to be read, is NOW. This is certainly true for LGBT issues.
Some people are hesitant to actually send a note to the Letters to the Editor in your home town, but it is so vital that you take the time to originate even a letter of a few paragraphs to let the greater community know what needs their support. Your letter needs to follow the guidelines provided in the newspaper, such as number of words, etc. Be prepared that it will be edited, but if submitted in clear, concise language with the correct limitation on length, then editing of your text can be avoided.
Having your own editor review your letter before it is sent is important. In other words, discuss it with a friend to get feedback. Check spelling and punctuation. REMEMBER - if you want people to take your submission seriously, make sure it is not only factually correct, but projected in correct English. Then make sure your contact info is attached, such as address, phone, e-mail, and then signed.
Although you may have received the following letter as an example of my own e-mail to The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, Virginia, use it as an idea for writing your own thoughts, experiences, and request. Thanks for reading and participating in making equal opportunity a reality.
Here is a sample of my letter to an editor .... feel free to use it as an example :-)
It’s that time again to stand and replace that which is in place…
for it has no place…and never did!
You may not be aware that in 29 states it is legal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. In 38 states, it’s legal to fire someone for being transgender. In other words for just being who he or she is.
Is there anyone with compassion who cannot see the injustice of making it legal to fire otherwise qualified employees by being who they are? If you were among the best workers in your company, but ever knowing that how you were designed by Nature or God or Both will forever leave you stranded in the fear of never knowing if today is your last day of employment, you would NOT immediately suspect the good ole USA of allowing such discrimination, would you?
Does the elimination of this injustice sound like a “special right” is being granted?
Does being elevated to the same level of consideration of everyone else in the work force, without fear of being eliminated, not hired, not promoted seem like a special right?
If anyone who is practicing a religion really believes that is a special right, then they are practicing a religion which has lost its compassion. Yet, there are those who would continue to paint a star on the backs of certain individuals in order to dehumanize them.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3017) would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The act is also referred to as ENDA, but one should not use an acronym when speaking of discrimination. One must spell it out.
Stop discrimination against any American citizen who is deserving of earning a living, is qualified to earn a living, and who is diligently performing a job to earn a living. This country was founded upon the principle of equal opportunity. This was imbedded in my brain from first grade. It stuck with me. Did it stick with you?
Our government must continue to uphold this value for all Americans.
There are no religions which believe in kindness toward neighbors and loving them as yourself which allows a belief that you are superior to some human beings and that you are granted the privilege of being hateful. If you are in the presence of those who are promoting such destructiveness, you should find a different path as soon as possible.
The fully-inclusive Employment Non-discrimination Act is now before the Congress. It is another opportunity to remove that which is hateful. It will ensure fair treatment for all workers. Tell your Senators and Representative that equal opportunity is an American principle good enough for ALL 50 STATES!
Blessings…T. Wade
Some people are hesitant to actually send a note to the Letters to the Editor in your home town, but it is so vital that you take the time to originate even a letter of a few paragraphs to let the greater community know what needs their support. Your letter needs to follow the guidelines provided in the newspaper, such as number of words, etc. Be prepared that it will be edited, but if submitted in clear, concise language with the correct limitation on length, then editing of your text can be avoided.
Having your own editor review your letter before it is sent is important. In other words, discuss it with a friend to get feedback. Check spelling and punctuation. REMEMBER - if you want people to take your submission seriously, make sure it is not only factually correct, but projected in correct English. Then make sure your contact info is attached, such as address, phone, e-mail, and then signed.
Although you may have received the following letter as an example of my own e-mail to The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, Virginia, use it as an idea for writing your own thoughts, experiences, and request. Thanks for reading and participating in making equal opportunity a reality.
Here is a sample of my letter to an editor .... feel free to use it as an example :-)
A Letter to my Editor from Rev. T. Wade Clegg III
Mail to: Mail Box 105, 265 Turkey Sag Trail (Suite 102), Palmyra, VA 22963
Phone (434) 589-4864 e-mail: elishevanumber7@earthlink.net
It’s that time again to stand and replace that which is in place…
for it has no place…and never did!
You may not be aware that in 29 states it is legal to fire someone because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. In 38 states, it’s legal to fire someone for being transgender. In other words for just being who he or she is.
Is there anyone with compassion who cannot see the injustice of making it legal to fire otherwise qualified employees by being who they are? If you were among the best workers in your company, but ever knowing that how you were designed by Nature or God or Both will forever leave you stranded in the fear of never knowing if today is your last day of employment, you would NOT immediately suspect the good ole USA of allowing such discrimination, would you?
Does the elimination of this injustice sound like a “special right” is being granted?
Does being elevated to the same level of consideration of everyone else in the work force, without fear of being eliminated, not hired, not promoted seem like a special right?
If anyone who is practicing a religion really believes that is a special right, then they are practicing a religion which has lost its compassion. Yet, there are those who would continue to paint a star on the backs of certain individuals in order to dehumanize them.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 3017) would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire, or refuse to promote employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The act is also referred to as ENDA, but one should not use an acronym when speaking of discrimination. One must spell it out.
Stop discrimination against any American citizen who is deserving of earning a living, is qualified to earn a living, and who is diligently performing a job to earn a living. This country was founded upon the principle of equal opportunity. This was imbedded in my brain from first grade. It stuck with me. Did it stick with you?
Our government must continue to uphold this value for all Americans.
There are no religions which believe in kindness toward neighbors and loving them as yourself which allows a belief that you are superior to some human beings and that you are granted the privilege of being hateful. If you are in the presence of those who are promoting such destructiveness, you should find a different path as soon as possible.
The fully-inclusive Employment Non-discrimination Act is now before the Congress. It is another opportunity to remove that which is hateful. It will ensure fair treatment for all workers. Tell your Senators and Representative that equal opportunity is an American principle good enough for ALL 50 STATES!
Blessings…T. Wade
Monday, October 12, 2009
LGBT Resource Center at UVA Charlottsville
Since we are located in the Charlottesville area and value the UVA LGBT Resource Center for a diversity of information, it is only appropriate to provide this entry for contact by students and community interests to make contact for potential use of their rather in depth resources. Blessings…Rev. Elisheva
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center at the University of Virginia supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Founded under the Office of the Dean of Students in 2001, with generous financial support from the Serpentine Society, the Resource Center works both to raise awareness and inclusion of sexual and gender minorities and to provide information, referral, support, and programming to the University community. Some programs and services include The LGBT Resource Center Speakers Bureau, Safe Space Training, weekly Coffee Hour, Lavender Graduation, presentation of the V. Shamim Sission Ally of the Year Award, Proud to be Out Week, social/support groups, and free/confidential, monthly HIV testing with AIDS Services Group of Charlottesville.
Located in the center of Grounds, in Newcomb Hall Room 435, the Resource Center is both a physical space and a programming center for the university. Whether you’re questioning, coming out, queer, or an ally, the Resource Center has something for you. The LGBT Resource Center is fully-staffed by UVA students and provides a library of over 300 books, DVDs, and videos for check-out. The center also provides free safe sex materials and resource information from local, state, and national organizations.
Open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact lgbtrc@virginia.edu .
Or Ed Warwick, Coordinator of the LGBT Resource Center at edwarwick@virginia.edu
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center at the University of Virginia supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Founded under the Office of the Dean of Students in 2001, with generous financial support from the Serpentine Society, the Resource Center works both to raise awareness and inclusion of sexual and gender minorities and to provide information, referral, support, and programming to the University community. Some programs and services include The LGBT Resource Center Speakers Bureau, Safe Space Training, weekly Coffee Hour, Lavender Graduation, presentation of the V. Shamim Sission Ally of the Year Award, Proud to be Out Week, social/support groups, and free/confidential, monthly HIV testing with AIDS Services Group of Charlottesville.
Located in the center of Grounds, in Newcomb Hall Room 435, the Resource Center is both a physical space and a programming center for the university. Whether you’re questioning, coming out, queer, or an ally, the Resource Center has something for you. The LGBT Resource Center is fully-staffed by UVA students and provides a library of over 300 books, DVDs, and videos for check-out. The center also provides free safe sex materials and resource information from local, state, and national organizations.
Open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact lgbtrc@virginia.edu .
Or Ed Warwick, Coordinator of the LGBT Resource Center at edwarwick@virginia.edu
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Welcome from Reverend Elisheva
This is the first blog posting on the Rainbow website. The article is meant to inform couples who are considering a commitment or marriage (where allowed) to become fully acquainted with current opportunities.
Couples who have already joined in commitment or marriage may want to take note of the HRC links also, in order to stay current on movement toward equality.
Several questions, which are constantly asked, are restated and answered in the article. Remember – each generation arrives at a moment of interest in commitment. We often forget that many young LGBT couples have no idea as to how to begin their search for information, especially when raised and isolated in many religious environments.
Perhaps this blog will allow that opportunity to assist the “older” generation and allow the younger group to become better educated. In due course this blog will offer significant links for extended guidance.
Blessings…Rev. Elisheva
Couples who have already joined in commitment or marriage may want to take note of the HRC links also, in order to stay current on movement toward equality.
Several questions, which are constantly asked, are restated and answered in the article. Remember – each generation arrives at a moment of interest in commitment. We often forget that many young LGBT couples have no idea as to how to begin their search for information, especially when raised and isolated in many religious environments.
Perhaps this blog will allow that opportunity to assist the “older” generation and allow the younger group to become better educated. In due course this blog will offer significant links for extended guidance.
Blessings…Rev. Elisheva
A Personal Note Regarding Same-Sex Marriage
Many young same-sex couples who have not been keeping up with the changes over the last few years often write and ask:
Regarding question #4 above, we do perform commitments in many states, mostly in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and West Virginia. These commitments carry no legal standing; they are ceremonies to celebrate your commitment to your partner before supportive family and friends. The certificate is provided as a valued commemorative of that special occasion in your lives.
There are many more questions, generally from young people who have just been exposed to considerable possibilities in the equality struggle for same-sex couples. Many couples believe that the opportunities are much wider than they thought. There is no greater time than now to become active and move the opportunities forward and to secure the ground which has been won.
Please review the two websites for late information on Statewide Marriage Prohibitions and Marriage Equality and Other Relationship Recognition Laws. Both charts are provided by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). For details and very latest information, please use the offices of the HRC. No single force in the country has made a more significant impact for equality for LBGT rights. We are active members of the HRC, and urge your involvement in this never-ending necessity to bring the United States closer to all that it can and should be.
http://www.hrc.org/documents/Relationship_Recognition_Laws_Map.pdf
http://www.hrc.org/documents/marriage_prohibitions_2009.pdf
Blessings ... Rev. Elisheva
- How do I obtain a marriage license to marry in state X, Y, Z, etc.?
- If I legally marry in state X, will the marriage be honored in state Y?
- If we move from a state where same-sex marriage is prohibited to a state which allows marriage, what is the residency requirement?
- Do you provide a certificate for a commitment which has legal standing?
Regarding question #4 above, we do perform commitments in many states, mostly in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and West Virginia. These commitments carry no legal standing; they are ceremonies to celebrate your commitment to your partner before supportive family and friends. The certificate is provided as a valued commemorative of that special occasion in your lives.
There are many more questions, generally from young people who have just been exposed to considerable possibilities in the equality struggle for same-sex couples. Many couples believe that the opportunities are much wider than they thought. There is no greater time than now to become active and move the opportunities forward and to secure the ground which has been won.
Please review the two websites for late information on Statewide Marriage Prohibitions and Marriage Equality and Other Relationship Recognition Laws. Both charts are provided by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). For details and very latest information, please use the offices of the HRC. No single force in the country has made a more significant impact for equality for LBGT rights. We are active members of the HRC, and urge your involvement in this never-ending necessity to bring the United States closer to all that it can and should be.
http://www.hrc.org/documents/Relationship_Recognition_Laws_Map.pdf
http://www.hrc.org/documents/marriage_prohibitions_2009.pdf
Blessings ... Rev. Elisheva
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