Every year thousands of progressive social justice advocates, labor and organizational leaders, grassroots organizers and activists, and bloggers and journalist gather together for three-days at the annual Netroots Nation Conference this year to be held in San Jose, California June 20–23 to build stronger relationships with others and working on the issues they care most about.  And each year, some of the brightest minds in progressive politics come to Netroots Nation to speak with—and hear from—our community.

Each year Netroots Nation LGBT Connect a 501{c) nom-profit raises funds to provide between 20 and 25  full scholarships which include airfare, hotel and Netroots Nation admission  to grassroots LGBT advocates, activist and bloggers who otherwise would not be able to attend the event and have their ideas and voices heard.

In addition Netroots Nation LGBT Connect hold a one-day pre-covention the day before Netroots Nation proper and conducts a LGBT Caucus during the event which brings LGBT and straight ally advocates, activist, bloggers and journalist together from across the country to discuss, network and brainstorm on issues that effect the LGBT Community not only with our peers but also with other groups within the progressive community.

This year Netroots Nation Connect will be holding its first online auction to help raise additional funds for this years scholarships starting on May 11th and ending on May 19th.

So far auction items include:

* An autographed Minnesota Vikings logo football from straight ally , LGBT equality advocate  and wordsmith Chris Kluwe of the Minnesota Vikings

* A giftset of Beekman 1802 products from The Fabulous Beekman Boys  Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his partner Brent Ridge recent winners of the Amazing Race which includes a box set of Beekman 1802  Soaps and autographed copies of their national bestseller The Bucholic Plague and the Beekman 1802 Cookbook.

* An autographed t-shirt from Anti-Bullying LGBT advocate and straight ally Ben Cohen founder of the Stand Up Foundation and World Rugby Cup Champion.

* The complete 3 book hardcover set of the gay literature classics The Front Runner, Harlan’s Race, and Billy’s Boy autographed and donated by their author Patricia Nell Warren

* A cameo speaking part in the award winning LA Web Series Festival’s Old Dogs & New Tricks  Halloween episode.

* Rare mint condition 1980 Gay Freedom Day Gay Pride Silver Coin from The Bulldog Baths in San Francisco, CA donated by Back2Stonewall.com

And more to come!

So look for the upcoming announcement and link to the auction around May 11th and bid bid bid!

If you would like to donate an item to be auctioned to help us raise money for the scholarships please contact me will@back2stonewall.com for  further information and details.  We’d greatly appreciate any extra donations.  It’s a worthy cause and a great way to help grassroots LGBT activist and bloggers be heard and try to make a difference.

If you are attending Netroots Nation 2013 and would like to attend the one-day LGBT Pre-Con that will take place on June 19th at the Saint Claire Hotel in San Jose, C.A.  CLICK HERE for registration information.