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RETURN TO > 1998 > DATELINE
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DignityUSA DATELINE
OCTOBER 1998 VOL. 7, NO. 10
Hawaii Update
November 3rd is Election Day and in Hawaii that means that voters will head to the polls to cast ballots on the state referendum on same-sex marriage. This vote is crucial. Right now, radical conservatives are flooding the state with money to stop our right to marry. If we lose this crucial vote, any hope of gay and lesbian couples gaining the right to marry may be lost forever. This means that we need to help and the time is now! You can do the following:
- Help support the efforts in Hawaii by making a contribution to Protect Our Constitution c/o The Human Rights Campaign, 919 18th Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC, 20006.
- Ask your chapter's host faith community and any of your clergy members to endorse the marriage resolution. Copies of the resolution are available from the DignityUSA office. Phone: 202.861.0017 or via E-mail: info@dignityusa.org.
World AIDS Day '98: Be a Force for Change
The theme for World AIDS Day has been set. The day is fast approaching. Does your Chapter have plans in place for remembering this very important day? National AIDS Project Chairman, Fr. Tom, has represented DIGNITY on the U.S. Steering Committee for World AIDS Day for the past several years. He indicates that "it is critical that our Chapters celebrate World AIDS Day. It makes a public statement that our members can be a force for change and that we are willing to fight the current complacency arising around the pandemic." All chapters will soon be receiving the planning packet from the American Association of World Health which provides all kinds of information and resources in planning events. The theme for 1998 "Be A Force For Change" can be marked by the simplest of events such as a memorial liturgy or bringing the AIDS Memorial Quilt to your Chapter or city. Our efforts can mobilize energy that provides hope and empowers change. The pandemic isn't over and our DIGNITY family needs to continue to join in making this message heard. The National AIDS Project is available to assist you in your planning through the national office. Be A Force for Change in "98. Remember and celebrate World AIDS Day "98 on December 1.
Power of Matching Gifts
Earlier this year, Stephen Koch of Dignity/Tampa Bay gave DignityUSA a gift of $1,000. This gift is greatly appreciated and has helped sustain our efforts at meeting the spiritual and social needs of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender persons. What makes his gift even more valuable is the fact that his employer has a matching gift program. After submitting the appropriate forms, Stephen's employer, Equifax, contacted DignityUSA. After providing them with a copy of our IRS letter of determination (proof that we are a 501(c)(3) or nonprofit organization) and answering a few questions, Equifax approved the request for matching gift funds. Therefore, a gift that started at $1,000 became a gift of $ 2,000. When making a gift to DignityUSA, you are encouraged to see if your employer has a matching gift fund; if they do, please submit it to them for consideration. By doing this a small gift can become a larger gift.
July Board Meeting Highlights
National Secretary Jerry Deas prepared this report highlighting news from the Board of Directors' conference call in July.
- National Treasurer Joe Sinico reported that chapters and regions can now contribute funds to the Nidorf Fund.
- Joe and Janet O'Day are creating the application that will be used for the DeLong Scholarship Fund. The first recipients of this fund will be awarded for use DignityUSA's biennial convention in Denver in 1999.
- Bob Miailovich and Charles Cox reported that DignityUSA would be a major supporter of the Millennium March 2000 and the 50 State Actions. Chapters will be receiving more information on this in the near future.
- National Vice President Mary Louise Cervone reported on the work of the Church Relations Committee and their effort to create a Report Cards on the Bishops concerning Always Our Children.
- Motions were presented thanking Past President Marianne Duddy and National Director Jeff Stone of the Northeast Region for their contributions to DignityUSA and the Board of Directors. This meeting marked their last as members of the Board.
- Honour Maddock has been elected the National Director from the Northeast Region.
- The Membership Brochure is now a high priority of the Membership Committee.
- Mike Hogan reported that the final draft of the Vision Statement will be presented to the Board in October and a report will be made to t he HOD in Denver.
In Brief ...
- DignityUSA has initiated a Couples Registry. Iif you would like your Holy Union included in this registry please contact the national off ice.
- The Church Relations Task Force Survey on Always Our Children has been mailed to each chapter. Dignity is conducting this survey to determine the impact of the pastoral letter on the U.S. Church. The voice of your chapter matters. Please complete and return the surveys as quickly as possible. Questions should be directed to the national office.
Happy Anniversary!
Big Apple 10; Greater Lansing 10; San Fernando Valley 11; New Brunswick 14; New Mexico 14; Oklahoma City 16; Central Indiana 17; Maine 18; Triangle 19; Norfolk 21; Toledo 21; Buffalo 22; Pittsburgh 24; Twin Cities 24; Seattle 26; New York 26; Washington 26
Celebrate in Denver! DignityUSA's Biennial Convention will be held from August 5-8, 1999
