Just a little more than two weeks into the new year, researchers say, most of our New Year’s resolutions are broken.

But don’t lose hope—there is a resolution you can still make and keep, and it won’t require you to go on a diet or join a gym.

You see, the Illinois Legislature is back in Springfield for a new year of legislative hearings, debates and votes. That means a new chance for Rep. Greg Harris’ proposed bill to allow civil unions for gay and lesbian couples—it also means you have a new chance to be part of the historic effort to pass the bill and notch one more milestone in our community’s fight for equality.

Yes, civil unions is a way station, not the final destination, on the road to equal rights for gay and lesbian couples. We want full equality, and everyone involved in this fight, including Harris and Equality Illinois, has said that means marriage.

But civil unions would be a major victory, not just because it would represent unprecedented acknowledgment of gay and lesbian couples here in the heart of the country, but because it would give real relief to families who are currently denied more than 1,000 government rights, privileges and benefits enjoyed by heterosexual couples.

It’s not going to be easy to pass the bill—the atmosphere in Springfield remains poisonous this session. It’s really hard to get things done when the leaders of the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate don’t trust each other and virtually no one trusts Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

But there are reasons for hope. The civil unions bill passed a House committee vote last year and enjoys significant support. You can help increase that support and also press legislators to schedule votes on the measure.

First, you can write or email Harris a letter stating your support for the measure and emphasizing your desire that the bill get floor votes in the House and Senate this year. It doesn’t matter if you live in Harris’ district or not—voters’ expressions of support for civil unions help him make his case when he lobbies other legislators.

Write Harris at 1967 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 or email him at greg@gregharris.org.

You can also help push the civil unions bill through the Legislature by joining others throughout the state who are supporting the lobbying efforts of Illinois’ statewide GLBT advocacy group, Equality Illinois.

Equality led the fight to get a statewide non-discrimination law passed to protect GLBTs and they are using the coalition they built in that effort to win approval for civil unions. You can bet that’ll be a hot topic at Equality’s annual benefit Feb. 2 at the Chicago Hilton and Towers downtown. Every ticket sold puts us a step closer to passing the civil unions bill. The benefit’s also a great place to buttonhole political leaders and urge them to push for progress on civil unions.

Equality’s also teamed up with the Lake View Citizens Council and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago to schedule a “Meet and Greet” night with candidates for various political offices who are running in the Feb. 5 Illinois primary. The “Meet and Greet” is at Sidetrack, 6-8 p.m., Jan. 25. That’s another great opportunity to emphasize the importance of Harris’ civil unions bill.

Finally, Equality organizes an annual Lobby Day in Springfield, generally later in the spring. Last year more than 200 members of the GLBT community traveled to the State Capitol in Springfield to meet with individual lawmakers. It’s a great experience to take part in and a vital part of our push for equal rights in Illinois.

Contact Equality Illinois at (773) 477-7173 or email info@eqil.org for information on all of the above options.

Yeah, you might not lose all those extra pounds and work out every day in 2008, but you can resolve to exercise your rights and push for equality for yourself and your community. It’s an easy resolution to keep.