A few of you will recall an event I co-managed in February called Twestival at Brisbane’s Metro Arts. Well, it’s on again and I’ve been handed the reins!

Saturday, September 12th is Twestival Local. It’s the same deal, but we choose our own charity to support instead of a global charity being chosen for all events around the world. I quite like this idea as it creates a close-knit sense of responsibility for Brisbane and Queensland. The links on the Brisbane branch which I give are:

• Brisbane.Twestival.com
• @BNEtwestival
• the Facebook event

We are seeking one lucky charity, a kick-arse venue, charming sponsors, wicked bands, entertainment, artists, stalls, web masters, event gurus, stage managers, admin and general awesomeness for this event. Please e-mail me at events@nicolejensen.com if you would like to give a hand or offer up some contacts for us.

Lastly, I came across this useful article on how to secure a sponsor for an event. It’s pretty cool.

…and on a charming segway from my previous post…

Double Decadance is on this Saturday night at Fortitude Valley’s Step Inn. Funds from the event go towards Open Doors which supports young people aged between 12 -18 years who are exploring, questioning or identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender (LGBT).

Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday disadvantaged LGBT teens can drop-in on Open Doors for support and networking. I’ve always loved the idea of drop-in centres and this one is definitely a fantastic use of the resources run by a former Family Planning Queensland counsellor and educator. Fantastic stuff!

On another related note, the Open Doors website links to Think Before You Speak, an initiative to halt derrogatory sayings such as “that’s so gay.” It’s aimed at schools, which I think is pretty accurate. Loving the Say Something Original pledge where you can contribute your version of the saying mentioned. “That’s so redunkulous!” is so far my favourite but “girl putting a fork in a toaster thats on [sic]” is pretty strange also! If only there was an apostrophe it would be complete, but you can’t ask for much when it’s going towards raising awareness on such a topic.

Anyway, you should come along on Saturday. It will be fun!

In Brisbane, next Monday is going to be different. Next Monday you can help protect the human rights of all Australians, present and future, by standing up for a Human Rights Act for Australia.

Kids in detention, workers stripped of their rights, Indigenous Australians without housing and healthcare – together we’ve fought time and time again for human rights. Now the Government is embarking on a national human rights consultation - the chance of a lifetime to protect our rights with law.

Next week, they’re rolling into Brisbane. Just 2 hours of your time will help create real change in people’s lives – for all those in aged care, those with disabilities, and those who experience discrimination or bureaucratic bungling. Can you attend the Government’s human rights consultation?

What: Community Human Rights Consultation
When: Monday 23 March, 12pm-2pm or 6pm-8pm
Where: Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centre, Cnr of Merivale & Glenelg St., South Bank

Click here to register.

We know you’re busy, but plenty of people in government would rather avoid scrutiny over human rights issues – and they’re hoping nobody shows up to the community consultations. Can the citizens of the Brisbane area prove them wrong by turning out in great numbers to have their say? Make sure you bring all your friends – even those who’ve never thought about human rights protection before.

You don’t need any special knowledge before you go along. These meetings are designed so that ordinary Australians can learn a bit about the issues and have their say. Together with dozens of fellow GetUp members attending, you can make a huge difference.

Click here to be a part of the once in a lifetime chance for Brisbane to have its say.

Thanks for being part of the solution.

- The GetUp team