WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, is teaming with OutFront Minnesota to empower GLBT supporters to make a visible impact at the Minnesota caucuses on Tuesday, February 5, 2008. The trainings are designed to give caucus goers the tools needed to understand how a precinct caucus works, how to write and offer resolutions, and how GLBT equality can be brought to the ground floor of our democratic system.

"These trainings are an important aspect of our efforts to elect fair-minded candidates in Minnesota and the nation," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "It is imperative that the GLBT community and its allies represent themselves effectively during the caucuses to advance the cause of equality. By attending the trainings and engaging in the process, our community can harness its political power."

The workshops will consist of mock caucuses during which participants will learn tips on how best to discuss federal issues like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Matthew Shepard Act and marriage equality as well as gain knowledge of what to expect. The first training started January 8 in Minneapolis. Additional trainings are planned for St. Paul, Edina, Anoka, St. Peter, Rochester, St. Cloud, Wayzata, Duluth and Mankato, MN. To participate, visit: http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2008/01/hrc-and-outfron.html.

The work in Minnesota is part of a comprehensive effort to elect fair-minded candidates to office this election year. Field teams are also on the ground in Nevada and Florida. The Human Rights Campaign also sent staff to Iowa for the state's caucus and opened a field office in New Hampshire ahead of the primary. In both states, HRC has been working to elect fair-minded candidates and stop anti-GLBT legislation. For updates and the latest information visit the HRC blog, HRC Back Story, www.HRCBackStory.org .

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamentalfairness and equality for all.