We are so grateful for the outpouring of interest and support for the Shield of Loving Kindness. Over 270 citizens have been trained and will join us to face the 6 WBC people on Friday. Unfortunately, we are not able to hold any additional training between now and Friday.
We are asking that only trained people participate in the Shield. This hate group uses vile and emotionally challenging tactics and one must be well prepared to maintain silence and compassion throughout the response.
If you interested in other ways to show your support, here are some potential opportunities:
1) In addition to picketing LHS and Hanscom Air Base in Lexington, the hate group has announced pickets of student performances in Reading and Canton of the Laramie Project. The play, which is based on true events, tells the story of the hate crime killing of a young gay man Matthew Shepard. Reading town and school officials have urged people not to come to their towns during the WBC protest unless they are attending one of the performances. The Reading Memorial High School Drama Club performances are at 7:30 pm on March 12, 13 (this date is now sold out), and 14. The Canton High School Drama Club Laramie Project are at 7:00 p.m. on March 20 and 21. There will be a pre-show talk on March 20 at 6:15 at the Canton High School Cafe. Advanced ticket purchases are required for the Reading performances, and reservations are recommended for the Canton performance. For more information about ticket purchases and reservations, contact Stan Griffith at 781-771-0906 or
stangriffith@mac.com.
2) Write a letter of support to the Lexington Minuteman (deadline is noon on Monday, March 16).
3) Consider making a web pledge to a fundraiser being sponsored by Driving Equality by going to
http://www.phelps-a-thon.com/Lexington.html . Chris Mason's Boston-based organization will be raising money for the Lexington High School Gay/Straight Alliance (a support group composed of gay and straight students) based on the length of time that the hate group pickets outside the high school. This fundraising effort is independent of Lexington High School and is not connected to the Shield of Loving Kindness, but it is another way to demonstrate opposition the WBC message of hate. Mr. Mason has established similar fundraisers for other schools where WBC is staging its pickets.
4) Attend the Lexington High School PTSA Forum to be co-hosted by the LHS Gay Straight Alliance on April 1.
If you have any questions, please contact Laura Tully at
l-tully@verizon.net. THANK YOU for your support.