On March 18, 2010, The Cleveland Stonewall Democrats held an open candidate endorsement meeting at the LGBT Center. It was an important step in assessing potential candidates for various local and state primary races. I asked several African-American LGBT leaders to attend this meeting and become a part of this process. THEY JUST SHOWED UP! By showing up, they were a part of the most diverse and the largest crowd at A Stonewall Democrats Endorsement meeting in recent memory. By just showing up, they confirmed a belief I have always held that there is MORE TO OUR COMMUNITY THAN THROWING PARTIES. Anyone can throw a party, we all know this to be true. Any organization can throw a party, tell you that it is benefiting a non-profit organization and we never see were the money actually goes. Anyone can tell you ANYTHING! But, if you show up at something other than a party, you become a part of whatever cause you are supporting. I receive a comment on the site recently, which prompted me to write this blog. The person wanted to help effect change in her community. She has been a part of an organization that she thought shared these same desires. Now she is looking to actually find out were she needs to go to find an organization that is committed to HELP OUR COMMUNITY! I can tell you this, IT AIN'T AT NO PARTY! So, I'll answer her comment by referring her to the home page, on the right hand side, there's a list of organizations that are committed to doing positive things on in our community. Join one, volunteer for one or just send money. Take the step and become involved. The last thing you can do, "JUST SHOW UP"