Geoff Kors, the executive director of Equality California, praised The San Diego LGBT Community Center, The Center Advocacy Project, Delores Jacobs and The Center’s staff for its leadership in the “No on 8” campaign.

While we’re thrilled San Diego has taken a lead in the statewide battle, we need all of the resources we can get to defeat Proposition 8 on Nov. 4. By now, most know that Proposition 8, if passed, will ban same-sex marriage in California. We’ve seen polls indicating voters weigh in favor of same-sex marriage, but the margins are slim, and the opposition has out-fund-raised us at every turn.

Marriage is a right that should be afforded to all, and if Proposition 8 fails, and same-sex marriages continue in California, it’s a right that will be available to each and every man and woman in the state. So, headed into the homestretch of this epic battle for marriage equality, each and every person in our community needs to do his or her part to contribute. We’ve heard the excuses; primarily, people say they don’t have the time or the money to volunteer or donate to “No on 8.” So, we are providing readers with 10 no-cost or low-cost options to contribute to the campaign – in fact, seven of them are no cost to you! There is no excuse. If Proposition 8 fails, and marriage rights are afforded to all, you want to say you contributed to our community’s victory. Read on and learn how you can help fight for our marriage rights!

1. Have a garage sale. Clean out your clutter and host a Saturday morning garage sale. We all have items around the house we need to get rid of. Put your old clothes, CDs, DVDs and furniture out in your lawn or on the sidewalk. Regardless whether you raise $15 or $150, it’s all going toward a good cause.

2. Sell old clothes. No time for a garage sale? Gather your old clothes and head over to Buffalo Exchange, or any store that will give you cash for them. It’s quick and easy, and you can walk the money over to the “No on 8” office when you’ve finished.

3. Sell your old CDs to M-Theory Music in Mission Hills. You may not get much for your old Madonna albums, but selling CDs at a M-Theory may be more convenient for you than a garage sale. You can get rid of that old George Michael disc and fight Proposition 8!

4. Recycle. Haul your cans and plastic and glass bottles to a recycling center. Turn around and haul that money back to the “No on 8” office. You’ll be doing your part to help the environment and ensure the freedom to marry.

5. Cash in your loose change. Every one of us has quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies in our cars, our couch cushions, or stashed in a jar in our closets, drawers or on our countertops. Put your loose change to good use. Take it to a Coinstar machine or wrap it and take it into the bank. Before that cash burns through your pocket, make your donation to the fight for marriage equality.

6. Host a dinner party. It doesn’t have to be fancy; in fact, the less you spend on food and preparation, the better. Ask each of your friends you invite to bring $10 to donate to the “No on 8” campaign. It is a good opportunity for you to discuss the freedom to marry with friends and get involved in fund-raising at a grassroots level.

7. Register with Equality California. If you’re planning your wedding, keep in mind others may not have the luxury of celebrating their nuptials after Nov. 4. Most same-sex couples who are marrying don’t need another toaster or microwave oven – they do, however, need their friends and family members’ support. Ask your wedding guests to make a contribution to “No on 8.” The last thing you need is another serving tray; you do, however, need to preserve the freedom to marry.

8. Sign up to fund-raise on Equality California’s Web site. Equality California will give you the tools you need to fund-raise online or host a Get Engaged fund-raising event. It is simple and free. For more information, including a link to Equality California’s Web site, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links.

9. Host a Halloween party. Halloween is often referred to as the ultimate gay holiday. Use your celebration to ask friends to donate to the “No on 8” campaign. If you’re providing the food and drinks, ask friends to bring $10 to donate to the effort to defeat the ballot initiative. It may be difficult to ask friends to donate, but you’d be surprised how many people will give when they’re asked.

10. Attend Joan Rivers’ one-woman show, a fund-raiser for “No on 8” at the Birch North Park Theatre on Oct. 12. Everyone’s favorite funny lady is doing her part to defeat Proposition 8 in November. Now, you do yours. Tickets are available for Rivers’ one-woman show, “A Brief Intercourse,” and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the “No on 8” campaign. Seeing the one and only Rivers and supporting marriage equality will certainly get your money’s worth. For more information on Joan Rivers’ one-woman show, visit www.gaylesbiantimes.com/links.