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DignityUSA Board of Directors Meeting Summary
🌈  DignityUSA Conference 2025  |  July 4–6, Dublin, OH  |  Register Now!
September 28, 2008
by
DignityUSA
<p>DignityUSAs Board of Directors met July 25-27 2008 in Denver at the Hampton
Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown.</p>
<p>The weekend started early for most of the board who traveled to Rocky Mountain
National Park on Friday July 25th. DignityUSA President Mark Matson wanted board
members to see some of what makes his home state a natural wonder. Those who went
into the mountains did see Gods majesty rock formations varying weather unique
flora and brave bicyclists who made it up those peaks.</p>
<p>The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. Friday the 25th. Mark Matson welcomed
all to his hometown and introduced Kathy Trummer Dignity/Denver President
who welcomed us. Those gathered celebrated achievements whether of national caliber
like a major donation a chapter milestone or a personal accomplishment. It was truly
amazing to hear all the accomplishments throughout the country since we last met in
Boston in April 2008! Mark thanked board members for coming together for the meeting
using their own money and time away from work partners and loved ones to do the
work of DignityUSA.</p>
<p>With a quorum present business began by approving the agenda and accepting the
minutes as amended including teleconference and electronic votes since the April 2008
meeting. Mario Torriginos resignation from the board was accepted and became effective
at the start of the meeting. The board accepted the Elections Committee report for
new directors Mark Clark Leo Egashira Honour Maddock and Terry Mischel
and thanks all who volunteered to serve.</p>
<p>The board moved to approve the audited financial statements and the audit report
as presented. An update was given on the criminal investigation on 2006 2007 office
discrepancies. Our insurance company has reimbursed us for our claim. Internal
controls are now in place to prevent such discrepancies.</p>
<p>The board was pleased to hear that fundraising was up for the year. Many of our
members have given generously to support an executive director and/or became a
monthly donor. Many have responded by renewing with at least $50 for membership.</p>
<p>New members are receiving a new member packet. Renewal letters are being sent
to members as well as letters to lapsed members to inviting them to rejoin. The Fundraising
Committee is looking at other ways to increase the number of donors during our
40th anniversary year.</p>
<p>In his Communications Committee Report Leo Egashira told the board that more
people are needed to help with disseminating our message. Chapter reporters are needed
for local stories as well as writers for national stories. The theme of the 3rd Quarter
QV: Quarterly Voice will be Marriage Equality. Bill Welch and Leo Egashira spend
many hours gathering information; writing editing and formatting articles. They are
looking for more help in the process.</p>
<p>Marianne Duddy-Burke our Executive Director reported improved operational
efficiencies since her return as Executive Director effective January 1 2008. Peggy
Burns Operations Manager will assume day-to-day responsibility of the member database.</p>
<p>Mark Matson updated the board on his DignityUSA travels since our April meeting.
He reported on visits to Detroit Chicago Washington DC Northern Virginia
Seattle and New York chapters either at a liturgy or a special gathering to listen
to DignityUSA members.</p>
<p>Saturday morning the board expressed its confidence in Mariannes six-months
job performance including her work with the conference Many Stories One Voice:
The North American Convocation of Pro-LGBT Christians (September 4 7 2008);
participating in the response to the interdiction of Sr. Louise Sears (St. Louis Diocese);
involvement in Marriage Equality ballot issues especially in California and Florida;
and a continuing relationship with the Arcus Foundation through a national LGBT
leadership meeting.</p>
<p>The board accepted a proposal by Marianne that would improve the membership
database for leaders directors and DignityUSA staff. The Fundraising Committee will
strategize how to raise additional funds needed to implement the proposal.</p>
<p>Shari Miller Dignity/Denvers Vice President gave a presentation on transgender
issues which included a tape-recorded sermon and frank conversation. A resource
Shari recommended about transgender issues can be found at <a href=http://www.thetaskforce.org/reports_and_research/opening_the_door>
http://www.thetaskforce.org/reports_and_research/opening_the_door</a>. As a result of the
conversation the board moved that DignityUSA celebrate the gifts of our transgender
brothers and sisters by acknowledging Transgender Day of Remembrance in November
in partnership with Dignity/Denver throughout all of our DignityUSA chapters and
families. The 2009 Convention is looking to include transgender issues in its planning.</p>
<p>Before our morning break Marks brother Ray spoke to the group and remarked
how lucky we are to have Mark as our leader!</p>
<p>Following the break the board discussed many ideas and some budgetary concerns
surrounding the 2009 San Francisco Convention with Convention Co-chair Paul
Riofski.</p>
<p>The board ratified a resolution honoring and thanking Mario Torrigino for his
dedicated service to the board and his instrumental role in bringing the 2009 Convention
to San Francisco.</p>
<p>After lunch the board discussed the 2011 Convention (Washington DC) and what
it should look like based on the meeting Mark and Marianne had with the Washington
DC Convention Committee. The 2011 Committee will connect with the 2009 Committee
for advice and ideas.</p>
<p>The board reviewed the progress on its strategic planning document and made
desired changes. Ramon Rodriguez gave a Marketing Committee report on our next
steps. He presented three marketing proposals which included several options in each.</p>
<p>After discussing marketing strategies of the organization the board recessed its
business for the day. Those gathered were transported to a favorite Dignity/Denver
location for a cocktail hour and dinner with local Dignity members.</p>
<p>After a liturgy early Sunday morning the board continued its business including
thanking Joe Gallagher and Rita Wagner for their service as board members; expressing
gratitude to Dignity/Denver and its members for their hospitality donated time and
transportation to the mountains and dinner preparation of a feast and wisdom contributed
during the board meeting.</p>
<p>The board will meet in Chicago October 24-26 2008 for its next in-person meeting.
Before then it will conduct two conference calls.</p>
<p>The board adjourned at 11:59 a.m. Sunday July 27 2008.</p>
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