HRC Mississippi staff and volunteers gathered recently for a monthly happy hour. Each month, HRC members come together for an evening of fellowship and to find out ways to become engaged in this important work. These happy hour events, along with many other activities, are planned and implemented by volunteers.

Volunteers are essential to success in any movement.  That’s certainly the case with HRC’s Project One America initiative, a comprehensive, multi-year campaign to dramatically expand LGBTQ equality in the South through permanent campaigns in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas. Whether it’s a rally at the capitol, a pride event or a happy hour gathering, our volunteers can be counted on to show up and give their time.

After the recent meeting, I thanked one of the volunteers for her service. “I volunteer because I believe in this work,” she eagerly replied. She made it clear that her service did not come from obligation, but out our shared mission to bring about full equality for everyone in Mississippi.

I’m grateful to all of the volunteers who believe in this work and make change possible. You can sign-up to volunteer with HRC here.