Here are some upcoming Family Equality Coalition events: Calling All New Yorkers ... Today!!! FEC Advisory Board Member Dr. David McEwan forwarded a request from Sandra Farmer, a former Marriage Project Hawaii board member from Maui now caring for her family in New York, asking anyone with a friend, colleague or family member in New York state to please act today. New York Gov. David Patterson will attempt to call an extra session of the New York Senate either Tuesday or Wednesday. Sen. John Sampson, Majority Conference Leader, selects which bills will be addressed and is considering putting the same-sex marriage bill before the Senate for a vote. He needs a lot of support and expression of gratitude. New York can make a very powerful statement to the rest of the country and the world. New York state residents or those with interests in New York can express their support to Sen. Sampson by calling (518) 455-2788 or e-mailing sampson@senate.state.ny.us. Here are some activities hosted by our partner organizations and candidates seeking our membership's support. Community events include: Wednesday, Nov. 4: Politics & Pizza With Sen. Gary Hooser 5 - 7 p.m. Democratic Party Headquarters (Ward Warehouse, Honolulu). Those interested in helping Sen. Hooser's Lt. Governor campaign are invited for a briefing on current campaign activities and plans for the future. Sen. Hooser needs people to make calls, enter data, hold signs, canvass and distribute materials. FMI: senatorhooser@ gmail.com. (Member Note: Sen. Hooser voted for the civil unions bill and was a central figure in its pull from committee.) Thursday, Nov. 5: Rep. Jessica Wooley & Rep. Maile Shimabukuro Fundraiser 5 - 7:30 p.m. 39 Hotel (39 Hotel Street, Honolulu). Food, fun, a silent auction and music by SUNWAY (rock, pop & R&B) will highlight this fundraiser. Suggested donation: $25 (donations must be made separately to each campaign) and can be made at the door or in advance. FMI & RSVPs: (808) 864-0400 or (808) 249-3075. (Member Note: Both Rep. Wooley & Rep. Shimabukuro voted for the civil unions bill last session.) Saturday, Nov. 7: Mama Mia Sing Along 6:30 p.m. Social Hour; 7:15 p.m.: Costume Contest; 7:30 p.m.: Sing Along. Iao Theatre (68 North Market Street, Wailuku). Both Sides Now presents a one-night-only sing along to benefit Maui Food Bank. Admission: $5 and a canned good. FMI: (808) 280-5151 or martyguerriero@aol.com. Thursday, Nov. 12: Sen. Les Ihara, Jr., Fundraiser 5 - 7 p.m. Hee Hing Restaurant (449 Kapahulu Avenue, Waikiki). Suggested Donation: $25. FMI: (808) 737-2246 or lesiharajr@hotmail.com. (Member Note: Sen. Ihara voted for the civil unions bill and was a central figure in its pull from committee.) Tuesday, Nov. 24: Mazie Hirono's 62nd Birthday! 5 - 8 p.m. Bishop Museum Courtyard & Atrium Court (152 Bernice Street, Honolulu). The friends of Rep. Mazie K. Hirono are celebrated the Congresswoman's 62nd birthday with a fundraiser as she seeks her third term serving Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District. Suggested donations range from $62 to $2,400. FMI or to RSVP: (808) 592-0100, shkodani@gmail.com or www.mazieforcongress.com. (Member Note: Rep. Hirono supported same-sex marriage during the 1998 referendum and supported the recently passed Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate Prevention Act.) Here are requests to pass along information to our membership: Research Study Needs GLBT Parents Researchers at Lawrence University are exploring the experiences and perspectives of GLBT parents throughout the United States. The survey explores the ways in which GLBT parents and their children manage social policies and pressures within their communities. Researchers warn that the survey is thorough and may take an hour to complete. Children are also welcomed to participate in the study. To participate, visit www.lgbtparents.org. With questions, e-mail Beth Haines at hainesb@lawrence.edu or Julie Konik at konikj@lawrence.edu. Family Equality Coalition does not endorse candidates. Volunteer and fundraising opportunities for candidates are provided to our members as an informational service. Members are encouraged to research voting records and/or position statements and make their own decision. Listing on Family Equality Coalition's calendar does not imply endorsement of the event, sponsoring organization or candidate. Support Equality! Make a donation today!