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DignityUSA
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RETURN TO > DATELINES > HOME
DignityUSA
Volume 15, No. 7
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in PDF format…DATELINE Editor: Bill Welch, EditorDateline@dignityusa.org
Keeping you informed TABLE OF CONTENTS DignityUSA to Suspend Print Publication of Quarterly Periodical DignityUSA Issues Press Release in Conjunction With U.S. Senate Action |
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Dignity/St. Louis Leads Pack
Dignity/St. Louis leads the pack of DignityUSA donor chapters making
voluntary donations to the national organization from December 2005 to
June 2006.
Prior to the chapter's sponsored liturgy, on Sunday, June 11, 2006, the
president and treasurer of Dignity/St. Louis inquired of Sam Sinnett,
DignityUSA National President and chapter member, as to the financial
condition of our national organization. Sam's reply disclosed the cash
flow crisis, including the matter as to whether or not DignityUSA would
be able to make its then current payroll commitment.
Following the liturgy, a discussion ensued among the chapter members present as to how best to assist the national office. By unanimous vote, the $7,000 in the chapter's saving account was pledged to DignityUSA — $6,000 immediately, and the balance upon reconciliation of the account by the treasurer.
The donation makes Dignity/St. Louis the leader of donor chapters for 2006 as of the month of June. Other contributing chapters by month and amount are:
- Dignity/Seattle (WA), $208, Dec 05
- Dignity/Twin Cities (MN), $575, Jan 06
- Dignity/Boston (MA), $2,000, Jan 06
- Dignity/Dayton (OH), $425, Jan 06
- Dignity/Columbus (OH), $500, Apr 06
- Dignity/Denver (CO), $2,000, May 06
- Dignity/Chicago (IL), $400, May 06.
DignityUSA's National Board of Directors, Executive Director and staff, are deeply appreciative of the generosity of the donations, as well as the active support by these chapters to DignityUSA's mission and goals.
In Memoriam — Jack Tweelings
1951 - May 29, 2006
by Father Gary Kayler, Indianapolis, IN
Those of us who knew Jack Tweelings have really been in mourning since his untimely death of pancreatic cancer. It was doubly difficult in that he was first hospitalized, then diagnosed, released to hospice and dead within a month.
I first met Jack at a Dignity function. In 1984, both of us attended the Dignity Region VII gathering in New Orleans. At the time, Region VII included Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Jack was very active in local, regional and national affairs for DignityUSA. We saw each other often over the years. Few others have been as faithful to DignityUSA and its mission as he.
One of his last activities was helping to plan and execute this year's Holy Week services at Dignity/Dallas. He put on a brave face, but those of us who knew him realized something was amiss. Little did we realize just how quickly he would be leaving us.
Jack is survived by his longtime companion and partner, Hugo "Buck" Diaz, a brother who lives in Abilene, Texas, and by a host of friends both in and out of DignityUSA.
May he rest in peace.
DignityUSA to Suspend Print Publication of Quarterly Periodical
DignityUSA will suspend print publication of its "QV" (Quarterly Voice) for the next two issues (Vol 5, issues 2 & 3) as a cost-saving measure in a time of increasing budgetary pressures.
The QV will be available to readers on-line at the DignityUSA website, as well as to subscribers on DignityUSA's list-serve.
To ensure you receive the QV electronically via e-mail, please subscribe
to the list-serve:
http://lists.dignityusa.org/mailman/listinfo/dusa-news
DignityUSA Issues Press Release in Conjunction with U.S. Senate Action
On June 7, 2006, DignityUSA issued a press release, "DignityUSA
Applauds Senate Rejection of Discriminatory Constitutional Marriage Amendment," which
can be read at
http://www.dignityusa.org/news/2006/060607senate.html.
Happy Anniversary & Congratulations to:
- Honolulu (HI) - 30 years
- Central Pennsylvania (PA) - 31 years
Are You an Advocate?
Advocacy is a vital part of DignityUSA's strategic plan for 2006-2007. We have heard your message that we're not doing enough to advocate our cause. Now, you have the opportunity to speak out for change and participate on the Advocacy Committee.
The goal of the committee is to effectively work towards the full inclusion of GLBT persons in the Church and society through education, support and coalition-building. As members and friends of DignityUSA, we are in a unique position to effect this change.
Our goals for the next six months are to identify key advocacy issues, identify key leaders in strategic GLBT geographic areas and identify key religious and secular coalition partners.
If you would like to work on the Advocacy Committee, please contact Gabino Cabanilla, DignityUSA Director, at GabiCab@verizon.net or give him a call at 213-590-2569.
We need your efforts to effect change. Remember, we are speaking for ourselves and no one can do it as well as we can.
A Soulforce Action
To counter the dishonest, hate-filled, anti-gay rhetoric and activities
of James Dobson and his Focus on the Family organization, Soulforce,
Inc., is staging a non-violent demonstration with the theme, "The
1000 Watt March, Vigil, and Concert: Shedding the Powerful Light of Truth
on the Anti-Gay Dishonesty of Focus on the Family."
This July 17, same-gender couples, families with children, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and straight friends will undertake a week-long justice march which will commence from the steps of the Colorado State Capitol building. A diverse selection of families from across America will participate in the 65-mile "relay" style march; each group of families taking turns walking a 4-mile segment during the week until they reach the headquarters of Focus on the Family.
The purpose of the march is to help America connect the dots between the defamatory rhetoric that flows from Focus on the Family and the legislative assault on the civil liberties of LGBT people and their families.
Save the Dates
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On July 22, actor Chad Allen and Judy Shepard, executive director of The Matthew Shepard Foundation, will lead the crowd in a final 2-mile march from Rampart Park in Colorado Springs to the headquarters of Focus on the Family. The crowd will encircle James Dobson's headquarters, joining hearts and hands in vigil as they peacefully call on him to cease his defamation of the LGBT community. Afterwards, Broadway star Billy Porter will protest in song outside Focus on the Family, with an electrifying jazz concert that celebrates the lives of all people and loving relationships that seek the American dream.
For more about the Soulforce 1000 Watt March, Vigil and Concert, please see: www.soulforce.org/1000wattmarch.
The DignityUSA Board of Directors encourages Dignity members, friends and allies from Colorado, nearby areas and elsewhere to lend their support in whatever way possible to serve as messengers of truth and justice.
Wishing You and Yours a Safe, Sane, and Happy 4th of July Celebration
DignityUSA Vision Statement
DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality and, as beloved persons of God, participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.