Although we have suffered a defeat this year, and the challenges ahead are many and wrought with difficulty, we still have much to give thanks for. We can be thankful that in the cities of North Miami and Miami Beach, and Miami-Dade County there are domestic partnership policies and other legislation working to offer equal rights for all. The community can also be thankful for the work that you have done through SAVE to win our local victories, and you supported the campaigns of individuals who helped pass these equality issues into law. Since Thanksgiving is an American holiday Safeguarding American Values for Everyone must give thanks to America, a country where it is possible to work towards ending discrimination and injustice in a peaceful democratic manner. Giving thanks is necessary, yet we aim to show our gratitude to this nation and to the work of the community, by taking advantage of the recent election and leveraging its results as a catalyst for change. As we march onward SAVE's energy and resources will be geared towards these three initiatives over the next several years

1. Passing Domestic Partnership policies in 51% of the remaining 33 municipalities by 2011

2. Targeted political advocacy, in the majority of the 30 municipal elections in 2009

3. Community outreach and educational programming to untapped communities throughout Miami-Dade County

We hope you will support us and our future plans, we can't do it without you; which is why SAVE is most thankful for, YOU! Thanks to all of you who are the substance and life in Miami-Dade County's most active and vocal LGBT rights organization. As our most treasured asset we go to you now to ask for your support by contributing to SAVE's success in what ever amount you are able to give; click here to visit our website and donate today. Help continue to fight and maintain what we have already fought for.

Happy Thanksgiving,


CJ Ortuño
Executive Director