August 12, 2008
My Brother Knights,
The Knights of Columbus have assumed a leadership role in ‘Catholics for ProtectMarriage.com’, the part of the campaign for Prop 8 focused on the recruitment and mobilization of Catholic volunteers. Time is short so I am asking you and your councils to move quickly to become part of the coordinated campaign to restore the definition of marriage in California.
The campaign goes into full swing with neighborhood walks starting on the weekend of August 16 and, with the exception of Labor Day weekend, continuing through the weekend of September 6.
This campaign is going to require massive numbers of volunteers for these walks, organized phoning, distribution of yard signs and other volunteer campaign activities. I am asking that councils assist ‘Catholics for ProtectMarriage.com’ with the recruitment of 30,000 volunteers from our ranks, the ranks of other Catholic organizations and any other people willing to work for the passage of Proposition 8
It is important to clarify that the only way for volunteers to get connected with the local campaign is to sign up individually at http://catholicsforprotectmarriage.com. Almost all campaign activities will be organized by zip code and only volunteers who sign up will receive specific instructions and be invited to local meetings and briefings.
I am assigning coordinators for every Chapter and am asking District Deputies to support the efforts of the councils. I would like every council to endorse Prop 8 and appoint a liaison for the campaign. By endorsing, each council will have its name included on a public list of supporters on the ProtectMarriage.com website. Endorsement forms can be downloaded at http://catholicsforprotectmarriage.com.
‘Catholics for ProtectMarriage.com’ is also looking for brother Knights who are willing and able to step into campaign leadership roles at regional, county and area levels. If there are people in your council who have such an interest, please have them contact Brother Bill May at bill@ccgaction.org as soon as possible.
Restoring the definition of marriage in California is absolutely critical to every family in California and the entire nation. We are up against a well-financed, clever, and well-organized opponent. We must respond with the commitment and sacrifice needed to out recruit and out organize them. Working together, the leadership and participation of the order and our fellow brothers can make the difference in the future of marriage and family. This is our time to step up.
Fraternally Yours in Christ
Robert J. Villalobos
State Deputy