As we say farewell to the millennial Jubilee, Dignity celebrates, in 2001, 32 years of service to the Catholic GLBT community and society in general.

In July we will convene in Chicago, the 15th biennial convention of DignityUSA. Mark your calendars now. Plan your vacation time to be with your Dignity family in Chicago. The convention will run from Thursday evening, July 5, through midday Sunday, July 8. The convention will be preceded by the business meeting of the House of Delegates from Tuesday, July 3, through Thursday, July 5. Chapters should name their delegates as soon as possible so that they can become familiar with the issues and be able to get discounts that may be available for registration, travel, etc. It is strongly recommended that Chapter Presidents or Chairs be included among the named Delegates. Convention registration information will be mailed early in the year.

A major topic of the 2001 Convention HOD meeting in Chicago will be the "Re-imagining Dignity" process. This process was begun in Denver at the 1999 Convention and has been the topic of discussions throughout the nation in chapter and regional meetings. Through this process Dignity is searching for the most efficient & effective ways to organize and structure ourselves to bring our message of spiritual justice and equality to our Church leadership. And through this process we seek to provide for the continued pastoral and sacramental service of our Chapters.

In the Jubilee Year, Dignity met the challenges of closed doors head on, in particular, through the collaborative effort in Washington DC with Soulforce in November. Instead of the Church opening wide the doors to all its members, the Catholic Church issued more damaging, hurtful, and ignorant statements about the glbt members of the Church. Such "edicts" have presented Dignity with numerous challenges to our ministry of affirmation and numerous opportunities for the New Year.

Dignity begins the New Year with another significant action as our President, Mary Louise Cervone, and our Executive Director, Marianne Duddy along with Rev Jimmy Creech of Soulforce and many others take our message to the Vatican.

As we look back on the year 2000 we have much to be thankful for. Our membership is increasing, our chapters continue to be in the forefront of service to the glbt communities around the nation. Dignity has spoken loudly and clearly that we are NOT "objectively disordered" and our expression of love is NOT "intrinsically evil". The closed doors of ignorance and oppression shall not prevail as we begin the New Year with a renewed spirit of conviction and dedication to our ministry.

Delegate Count

The delegate strength for voting in the House of Delegates in Chicago, July 3-5, 2000 will be determined from the official membership roster of the chapter on file with the office of DignityUSA as of January 31, 2000.

Holiday Appeal

Just a quick reminder that it’s not too late to include DignityUSA on your list of 2000 gifts. Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated, especially as we begin our 32nd year of faithful ministry to lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender persons, and our family and friends.

Tax Records

As we prepare to celebrate the New Year, many of us have taxes on our minds. It is the policy of DignityUSA to acknowledge contributions as they are received throughout the year. If you require further documentation or have need of a duplicate statement of contributions call the office.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Orlando 7

Brooklyn 24

Phoenix 24

HAPPY NEW YEAR!