Just because the sun is coming out and the beach (or the summer cottage) is calling your name, doesn’t mean the fight for LGBT equality is on hiatus.

In fact the summer can be the best time to volunteer, build political power, enhance your resume, make friends and have a blast doing it. Here are a few ways you can use your summer to work for equality and inclusion, on and off campus:

June is Pride Month. There are probably dozens of pride events in every state ranging from picnics, to same-sex commitment ceremonies and pride marches and festivals. You can volunteer for an organization or work on a cause of your own while you have gobs and gobs of GLBT people and our allies in one location. You can gather signatures, raise money, sell things, of just show up and offer to help. I guarantee there will be things for you to do to give back to your community. Volunteering and working pride events can also be a terrific way for single GLBTs to meet other single people, outside of the bar scene.

Election season is upon us and this is a critical year. There are anti-GLBT ballot measures in a number of states and many campaigns for candidates that support GLBT equality. In Michigan alone there are hundreds of races going on. Working on campaigns is really fun and a great way to meet people, build your skills and get more experience for jobs in the future.

Concerts, festivals and parties. The summer is known for cookouts, parties, street festivals and great concerts. Wear t-shirts that proclaim your trailblazing pride in the blazing sun. Put fliers on windshields promoting upcoming GLBT events, film, or festivals. Work a booth to raise visibility for your favorite group or cause. If you are into people-watching, big events are the place to be, and there are usually a lot of GLBT folks there too.

Back on campus, you can work with the administration at your college to fix or update policies or practices before the fall semester begins again. Some of the most important changes that happen at colleges are decided during the summer. Don’t miss out.

Finally, use your social networks to raise money. If you are going to have friends over for a barbecue or for a house party, ask your guests to each make a $5.00 -$25.00 donation to your favorite charity. The charity will appreciate it and you are giving your friends an opportunity to get involved. You can even invite a speaker from your favorite GLBT charity to make the pitch.

There are many more things to do, but don’t let the summer go by and the only thing you have to show for it is a tan and a beat up pair of flip flops. Take advantage of the fact that the summer is a time to relax and spend time with friends and family. Talk about things that matter to you. Right wing extremists may be using the summer to regroup, and we should do the same. We have families too, and we need to communicate better with them about discrimination and hate violence and about what a more inclusive America looks like.

Sean Kosofsky  is Director of Policy for Triangle Foundation.  Triangle Foundation is Michigan’s statewide civil rights, advocacy and anti-violence organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied communities.