September 21, 2018
 
It's almost here!
 

2019 is just around the corner! 2019 is the year DignityUSA marks a major milestone in our history--50 years of providing advocacy and support to people of all genders, sexual orientations, and gender identities!

In this issue of Dateline, we'd like to share some of the ways we're preparing for the momentous occasion of our 50th anniversary. We'll also share some ways you can join in the excitement, anticipation, and celebration!
 
Taking stock of the present

This summer, DignityUSA completed the second round of Jubilee community conversations: Taking Stock of the Present. These conversations focused primarily on the current state of our movement and the challenges that have changed us.

In total, 23 communities and four caucuses submitted their summaries. You can access the executive summary of these discussions and the individual community reports by clicking here and selecting the second tab, "Taking Stock Today". We invite you to take in all of the reports and enjoy the richness and depth of insights our various communities have shared.
Read reports from Phase 2 of Dignity's Jubilee Discussions here
 
Planning for the future

Now that the second round of Jubilee conversations is complete, it’s on to the third and final round of conversations, focused on the future direction of DignityUSA.

Be on the lookout for upcoming communications from the Chapter/Community Services Committee of DignityUSA's Board, which will specify the discussion questions and time line for completing this third round of conversations. Chapters and caucuses should plan to submit their reports for Phase 3 of Jubilee conversations no later than January 18.

Thank you for all of your efforts to complete these sessions and contribute to our understanding of where we’ve come from, how we are operating today, and how we are envisioning a future that is “True to Ourselves, True to the Spirit". The input received from this series will be included in our work at the 2019 Conference, July 5-7 in Chicago.
 
Creative Content Manager needed for 2019 DUSA Conference

Are you the organized type? Like to make lists, have great attention to detail, love to see a project through start to finish and produce a great result? Then the 2019 Conference Committee has the perfect role for you.

Work has begun on creation of the 2019 Conference Website (thank you, Logan Bear) which is due to go live in January 2019 and work will begin in February on creation of the Conference and Liturgy print and electronic programs.

We have great writers who can create the needed content, but what is missing is you! Someone to manage the project and the project team – the writers and editor/proof-reader, while coordinating with the conference co-chairs, registration team, graphic designers, and webminister.

Timeline for this project is October 2018 – June 2019. Mentorship and detailed responsibilities provided. Eager to nab this opportunity? 
Contact 2019 Conference Co-chairs Lewis Speaks-Tanner and Marty Grochala by clicking here
 
Continuing to be a vital, relevant, critical voice in the media

The news stops for no one! DignityUSA may be gearing up to celebrate 50 years, but the work that has brought us this far (and the work that's leading us into the future) continues. In the midst of anniversary busyness and excitement, DignityUSA continues our work to demand justice and respect for all God's people--especially LGBTQI people--through our strong presence in local, national, and international media.

Check out these two recent examples of DignityUSA using our voice to advocate for change in our Church and world:
Marianne featured on NPR

On Wednesday's edition of NPR's All Things Considered, Marianne weighed in on the Catholic Church's scapegoating of gay priests to avoid responsibility for the Church's sex abuse crisis.

"Our church's very unhealthy attitudes about sexuality in general and homosexuality in particular really need to be addressed," Marianne shares. "Whenever the church is under stress, particularly around the issue of sexual abuse and minors and the cover up by the clergy, gay priests have been scapegoated," 
Read or listen to the NPR story here
Chris Pett interviewed by the Chicago Sun Times

Following a hateful, bizarre incident of a rainbow flag being burned by a priest in Chicago, DignityUSA board president, Chris Pett, held the priest accountable for his actions in the local media saying, “he’s hijacking the parish and trampling on core Catholic values. The archdiocese needs to denounce this in the strongest possible terms.”

Chris' published response to this act of violence allows people to hear from an alternative Catholic viewpoint, based on love: LGBTQI are worthy of justice, respect, and safety.
Read the article by clicking here
 

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