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DignityUSA DATELINE

Special Edition

Volume 10, No. 8
August 2001

The Past Celebrated, the Future Anticipated

This Special Edition of the Dateline focuses on the historic DignityUSA Convention held in Chicago the week of July 2, 2001. Detailed articles of this historic week will be featured in the next edition of the DignityUSA Journal.

July 1 - 5 - The Business of DignityUSA

Prior to the 15th biennial convention, the Board of Directors met for 2 days followed by 3 days of meetings for the House of Delegates. The energy level and enthusiasm among the membership present at both meetings was about as high as it gets.

On Thursday morning, July 5th, 2001 after 3 days of prayerful discussion, the delegates voted overwhelmingly and enthusiastically to accept a new set of Bylaws for DignityUSA. This historic vote was the culmination of 2 years of intensive dialogue across the country involving the membership at all levels of the organization.

This particular journey, as most of you know by now, began in Denver in 1999 at the 14th gathering of our nationwide family. It was determined then, by the HOD, that for DignityUSA to continue to be a formidable voice and advocate for change in the Church there would need to be changes made in the organizational structure of DignityUSA.

With this historic vote of the delegates, DignityUSA charts a new course in our journey to justice and equality within our Catholic Church. The most significant changes made are: One person, one vote; the creation of Nominating and Election Committees; replacement of the representative HOD with periodic membership meetings at which everyone has a voice, and DignityUSA-sponsored conferences held in several locations around the country in the years between national conventions.

As the last item of business Mary Louise Cervone & Patrick T. McArron were elected by acclamation to serve a second term as our President & Vice President.

Thursday, July 5 - Prayerful Witness & Opening Ceremony

Several conventioneers assembled for a special pre-convention dinner at 5:30pm. Dr. Kristine Gebbie, the first Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, shared with us her knowledge and wisdom on the subject of "The Church & Public Policy: What to do about HIV/AIDS." This event was made possible by a grant from the Centers of Disease Control, administered by the Council of Religious AIDS Networks, of which DignityUSA's National HIV/AIDS Project is a member.

Then at 7:30pm approximately 200 Dignity members and friends assembled in front of Chicago's Holy Name Cathedral in prayerful & peaceful witness to the faith GLBT Catholics, our families and friends still have, and to our commitment to continue working for completeness and wholeness in the Church's evolving sexual theology. We then reassembled in the convention hotel for our traditional parade of banners, greetings from city officials & then entertainment. The evening was electrifying as 300 members and friends of DignityUSA joined in celebration of our talents and accomplishments.

Friday, July 6 - History & Special Achievements

During the morning session the conventioneers were treated to a "Dramatic Retelling of the Dignity Story". This was an especially emotional and exceptional multi media presentation of some of the many accomplishments and significant moments in Dignity's 32 year history. Sprinkled throughout the convention were several workshops offering numerous insights into our ministry.

One of the high points of the convention took place during the President's Lunch when Sr. Jeannine Gramick and Fr. Bob Nugent were presented with Dignity's Lifetime Achievement Awards. Both received prolonged standing ovations for their dedication and commitment.

The evening was a time for relaxing and socializing with one another at the local Ann Sather's Café or aboard the beautiful 3-masted tall ship "Windy," cruising on Lake Michigan.

Saturday, July 7th

Our main speaker of the day was the charismatic Christian de la Huerta. Cuban born, and raised a Catholic, Christian has experienced many changes in his own life. His presentation was among the special moments of the convention as he drew upon his personal experience and journey to share with us his thoughts on "Renewing Spirit - Claiming our Spiritual Heritage". His talk was rewarded with a standing ovation.

There was a special Donors' Luncheon this day to show appreciation for the exceptional financial support exhibited by a growing number of members and friends of Dignity who donate $1000 or more annually. It was noted that the number of Donors had nearly tripled since the Boston Convention in 1997.

In the evening we gathered for an emotional and prayerful Eucharistic Liturgy followed by the President's Club Reception, general reception and a splendid Dinner and Dancing until midnight. During the dinner we honored two of our members for exceptional service to Dignity with the Kevin Calegari Award going to Mark Matson and the Michael Bushek Award going to M. A. Ladd. And over $2000.00 was raised at our traditional silent auction during the evening.

Sunday, July 8th, Time for Farewells

On this day we gathered again for one last time, until our next family reunion. During the morning brunch, President Mary Louise Cervone, assisted by Vice President Patrick McArron, gave several awards for outstanding service to Dignity. Following the meal was the traditional commissioning of DignityUSA leadership and closing ceremony. The Book of Intentions was transferred from the Chicago Convention committee to the Las Vegas Convention committee.

In Chicago, a new record was set with 106 attendees pre-registering for the DignityUSA Las Vegas 2003 Convention. The theme for 2003 is "A Voice in the Desert." See you there.

October 7, 2001

Visit the DignityUSA website for all of the details regarding our annual faith-based anti-violence initiative. Every Chapter is encouraged to take part and do something in their community no matter how small an effort. Every effort matters.

Dignity News Service: Keeping you informed

Some things are worth repeating. Subscribe to the Dignity News Service. This is the best way to stay informed about Dignity, and it is free.

Dignity On-line

Did you know that DignityUSA also hosts three on-line discussion lists? We have a list for transgender issues, women's concerns, and a general discussion list. Just log onto the DignityUSA website.

Call to Action: Dignity will be there

All Dignity members are encouraged to attend one of the three CTA Regional Conferences being held this year: Los Angeles, Aug 3-5; Philadelphia, Sep 14-16; Chicago, Nov 2-4. Log on to www.cta-usa.org for all the details. DignityUSA will have an information booth and reception at all 3 conferences and workshops in Philadelphia & Chicago.

Gill Foundation awards DignityUSA $7,500

The Gill Foundation, the preeminent GLBT philanthropic organization, has announced a grant of $7,500 to DignityUSA. This grant is for mobilizing pro-GLBT Catholic support in a state civil rights initiative, where Catholic input can make a difference in the outcome of the bill. This grant is the first to DignityUSA from the Gill Foundation.

YOU HAVEN’T LIVED UNTIL YOU’VE CRUISED…in the Eastern Caribbean, that is, with DignityUSA members, family and friends!

DignityUSA is sponsoring a sun-filled, weeklong cruise on board Princess Cruise Line’s GOLDEN PRINCESS. Depart Ft. Lauderdale on February 16, 2002, and visit St. Maarten, St. Thomas and a private island, returning on February 23^rd. There will also be three full days at sea. Cruise prices range from $1,475 to $2,050 per person (air from your home is extra), and this includes a contribution to DignityUSA! Register by August 20 to assure your space on board.

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