Harry Potter Fans Making A Difference
by Kelli
The mobilization of Harry Potter fans to support socio-political causes and human rights campaigns across the globe has again proven to be a successful venture.
Last month was the culmination of the live 'Wrock 4 Equality' event that happened October 24 in Portland, Maine as well as online via Livestream. The Harry Potter Alliance, in conjunction with MassEquality's "Call For Equality" campaign, aimed to encourage Maine voters to Vote No on Proposition One. Similar to Proposition 8 in California, Proposition One would repeal the Marriage Equality Bill that was signed into law in May of 2009.
During Wrock 4 Equality, the HPA and a collection of Wizard Rockers and fans descended upon the North Star Cafe in Portland. Harry and the Potters and Draco and the Malfoys attracted people with two live concerts, while the event also featured speaker Andy O'Brien, who is a Representative for the State of Maine and co-author of the Marriage Equality Bill.
Along with icons of the fan community, the campaign was joined by actress Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood in the films). Lynch helped attract over 2,500 viewers to the Livestream, and served as “Head of Ravenclaw House” for an HPA House Points reward system. Participants were invited to call Maine residents and personally encourage them to participate in the vote.
According to TheHPAlliance.org, MassEquality's daily call average was raised by over 1200% during Wrock 4 Equality. HPA members also personally knocked on nearly 700 doors and collected several absentee ballots.
Wrock 4 Equality was also celebrated on the West Coast. Los Angeles, California participated in a satellite show featuring The Remus Lupins, The Whomping Willows, and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Both of the later bands have been raising awareness for Wrock 4 Equality and the HPA along their autumn tour route.
The results of the vote were announced on November 3 after an unusually high voter turnout. The voters of Maine chose to repeal the Marriage Equality Bill, but a protest groups are organizing for late November, and we can only hope that the HPA and Harry fans continue to be a driving force in the quest for social justice.
---
For more information on the Harry Potter Alliance, or to get involved, visit HPA's website.
Last month was the culmination of the live 'Wrock 4 Equality' event that happened October 24 in Portland, Maine as well as online via Livestream. The Harry Potter Alliance, in conjunction with MassEquality's "Call For Equality" campaign, aimed to encourage Maine voters to Vote No on Proposition One. Similar to Proposition 8 in California, Proposition One would repeal the Marriage Equality Bill that was signed into law in May of 2009.
During Wrock 4 Equality, the HPA and a collection of Wizard Rockers and fans descended upon the North Star Cafe in Portland. Harry and the Potters and Draco and the Malfoys attracted people with two live concerts, while the event also featured speaker Andy O'Brien, who is a Representative for the State of Maine and co-author of the Marriage Equality Bill.
Along with icons of the fan community, the campaign was joined by actress Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood in the films). Lynch helped attract over 2,500 viewers to the Livestream, and served as “Head of Ravenclaw House” for an HPA House Points reward system. Participants were invited to call Maine residents and personally encourage them to participate in the vote.
According to TheHPAlliance.org, MassEquality's daily call average was raised by over 1200% during Wrock 4 Equality. HPA members also personally knocked on nearly 700 doors and collected several absentee ballots.
Wrock 4 Equality was also celebrated on the West Coast. Los Angeles, California participated in a satellite show featuring The Remus Lupins, The Whomping Willows, and Justin Finch-Fletchley. Both of the later bands have been raising awareness for Wrock 4 Equality and the HPA along their autumn tour route.
The results of the vote were announced on November 3 after an unusually high voter turnout. The voters of Maine chose to repeal the Marriage Equality Bill, but a protest groups are organizing for late November, and we can only hope that the HPA and Harry fans continue to be a driving force in the quest for social justice.
---
For more information on the Harry Potter Alliance, or to get involved, visit HPA's website.
Content Management Powered by CuteNews
