October, 2000

Greetings Affirmation,

I am excited to throw my hat into the ring and join James Kent as a candidate for 2001 Affirmation Executive Director. Now, in just a few words (a bit difficult for me : ) I get to tell you "why."

Here goes.

The thoughts, dreams, and proposed actions behind my candidacy.

Affirmation has a noble purpose at its core....improving the quality of life and increasing happiness for GLBT Mormons, our family and friends. Let's face it, precious few organizations or individuals are out, in the trenches, pulling for us. So, a few years back, a few courageous and giving folks took on the task of doing it themselves; Affirmation was born.

Since it's founding, Affirmation has been determined to help people like us find self-worth, happiness and individually defined spiritual well-being. Affirmation is not a religion, but it does deal with casualties of a religion, a religion who should know better. But until it does, and the issues which cause untold pain and suffering to folks like you and me are eliminated, Affirmation will have a great mission to perform and a lot of work to do.

As noble it's purpose and many it's successes, over the years Affirmation has certainly had it's share of frustrations. Chapters have risen and fallen, terrific people come and gone, growth has stagnated, finances have suffered, and worst of all, people missed. Only because of a few stalwarts have worked tirelessly to make certain Affirmation exists, does it survive today.

Now, today, unlike never before, there are new opportunities out there which can help take Affirmation out of the doldrums and in reach of it's founders' lofty vision.

Affirmation has been building or aligning with a set of tools which, if intelligently managed, can lead us to new heights and influence for good. Affirmation has taken advantage of the new technology and embraced the internet: e-mail (q-saints, q-news, electronic Chapter newsletters etc.) and the Web (a most incredible Web Site). In addition to embracing technology the past few years has also seen the creation of Gamofites (Gay Mormon Fathers), Cornerstones ("think tank" like retreats held nationwide), the Affirmation Endowment Fund, and The Affirmation Writing Awards. Outside of Affirmation we have been given the gifts of a wonderful resources like Family Fellowship and Sunstone among others to join us in our efforts.

These resources need to be enhanced and coordinated and promoted smartly so as to spur Affirmation into overdrive. The vast majority of individuals we need to reach are not living in our organized Chapters (the result of the world-wide growth of Mormonism). With the power of the Internet and other resources at our fingertips there is no reason that we can't reach them, get them involved both virtually and when possible, physically. We just have to get organized, put the ol' shoulders to the wheel, and go for it.

Among the things I propose to do this next year include turning the Chapter-at-Large into an exciting and well run web-based Chapter (I plan to appoint a Presidency and board to run this chapter), increase financial revenue for both the day to day expenses of Affirmation and building the "interest spending only" Endowment Fund, seek funding to hire a part-time or preferably full-time Administrative Assistant, streamline our public relations efforts (press releases, position papers--both proactive and reactive) and hold a second "summit" of organizations in Salt Lake (like we did in 1998) who share or support our purpose. I am a BIG believer in the Cornerstone concept and will plan to conduct the three currently planned. They will be an important tool to keep us on the right track.

Time and space is up! Just one last comment...No matter who wins, I stand ready to serve. I hope you can make the same commitment for 2001...our people need us!

Love,

Scott MacKay