<p>Dear Members and Friends of DignityUSA</p><p>As we continue to celebrate this most unusual and challenging Easter season we wanted to share some thoughts on how the work of Dignity carries on even in the coronavirus era.</p><p>First we are very pleased to report that we have heard of very few cases of COVID-19 within our community. Thank you to everyone who is adhering to the advice of medical professionals and knowledgeable public officials to stay home practice social distancing and use technology to stay connected with those important to you. We offer our prayers and support to those who have been directly impacted by the virus to those who have loved ones who have been sickened and to those working in essential service jobs whose health continues to be at risk.</p><p>We also want to thank our amazing community leaders who have demonstrated so much innovation and care in maintaining our local and national even international connections. Whether you are live-streaming liturgies offering participatory liturgies on a conferencing platform hosting socials or doing individual check-ins we have heard the profound thanks of many members who have been touched by Dignitys commitment to remaining connected even while apart. We appreciate the efforts of everyone who has stepped up to figure out how to manage these new forms of relationship and to our staff who have supported Chapter and Caucus leaders in utilizing technological solutions.</p><p>DignityUSA recognizes that many Chapters do not have an income source while gatherings are suspended. We are also aware that some would like to support the Chapters that have offered spiritual nourishment during this time. If you would like to make a financial contribution to your Chapter or any Chapter you can <a href=https://www.dignityusa.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&amp;id=31>click here</a> fill in the Chapters name in the appropriate box and well be sure your gift is sent on in a timely way.</p><p>Finally we want you to know that we remain hard at work even as we work differently. Here are just some of the things DignityUSA is and has been doing in the past two months:</p><ul><li>Supporting Dignity/Detroit as they deal with the Archdioceses recent prohibition against meeting in Catholic space and ban on priests presiding at Dignity-sponsored Eucharist</li><li>Filing Amicus briefs in three cases addressing LGBTQI Catholic issues</li><li>Protesting Springfield IL Bishop Paprockis mistreatment of transgender and non-binary people with petitions and letters sent to the bishop Cardinal Cupich and the Papal Nuncio</li><li>Soliciting examples of religiously motivated discrimination in the child welfare system in support of a Supreme Court case (see related story this <i>Dateline</i>)</li><li>Continuing to monitor the State Departments Commission on Human Rights which threatens our nations history of supporting LGBTQI rights</li><li>Rolling out our new logo on our website publications and social media formats to further communicate our identity and future-forward perspective</li><li>Preparing for the election of four Board members which will begin in May</li><li>Maintaining our weekly <i>Breath of the Spirit</i> and biweekly <i>Dateline </i>publications</li><li>Providing support to Chapter and Caucus leaders on a range of challenges both corona-virus related and ongoing</li><li>Planning for our 2021 and 2023 national conferences</li><li>Helping to plan the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics on-line Assembly to be held in late April</li></ul><p>We are deeply grateful to all of you who have maintained and renewed your membership in DignityUSA who provide regular or occasional financial support or who offer your time and talents through local or national leadership. Maintaining our mission throughout this crisis truly takes a village and we are blessed by having you as part of our community. We recognize the impacts the current health crisis is having on many economically and we deeply appreciate any form of giving that you can provide including your contributions of time and talent to ensure our mission and work continue.</p><p>If you would like to support DignityUSA financially we will gratefully accept that support. You can <a href=https://www.dignityusa.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&amp;id=35&amp;refCode=navDonate>donate via our website</a>.</p><p>Please remain safe well and connected during these challenging times. If there is any way that we can support you please contact Kelli at <a href=mailto:info@dignityusa.org>info@dignityusa.org</a>.</p><p><span>Christopher Pett President&nbsp;<br>Meli Barber Vice President</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>