Dear Jane Ellen,

As I promised in previous communications with you, the Tri-Ess Questions of Commitment were brought up for discussion at the February 8, 2003 business meeting of Alpha Omega.  Not only were the Questions of Commitment read in its entirety, but also the "Why Tri-Ess" article from the most recent CLE newsletter was read to our assembled group.

After almost an hour of vigorous discussion a motion was brought forward and seconded to vote on the Questions of Commitment.  The decision, by a unanimous vote of 14 - 0 was that, at this time, Alpha Omega has chosen not to sign the Questions of Commitment to
become a Tri-Ess Forming Chapter.  Let it also be stated that Alpha Omega, as a group, did discuss the proviso that the Questions of Commitment to become a Tri-Ess Forming Chapter may, in the future, be revisited by our membership.

This decision for Alpha Omega, as a group, to not be a Tri-Ess Forming Chapter at this time does not preclude any Alpha Omega member from being a Tri-Ess member as an individual, as it is their right to do so.  Nor does this decision mean that Alpha Omega, as an independent group, wishes to sever resource links that may be of constructive mutual benefit to Alpha Omega and Tri-Ess, and/or CLE.  Alpha Omega will keep lines of communication open to Tri-Ess and to CLE as the local Tri-Ess affiliate.

As stated in the "Never say Goodbye" article from the January LaFemme Silhouette, "There comes a time when we need to move on with our lives and find something new to meet our wants and needs."  Alpha Omega is at such a time.  Though I can not say for sure who wrote the article, or the one particular line that I reference (as the direct author was not specified), the point is valid.  Alpha Omega is, at this time, in a phase of reorganization and review of our goals and objectives for the future.  And it is only right and fitting that our membership take the needed time now to review our Vision and Mission statements, and define what Alpha Omega is, as a group and as part of the transgender community in our local area of influence.

You told me yourself that Tri-Ess is in a time of transition with new bylaws, and, I believe, restructuring as a national organization, if I
remember correctly.  No changes to an organization or group come quickly or easily.  Alpha Omega, as a group, will be very interested in the changes to come for Tri-Ess International, as we, too, redefine our presence.

Some topics of our discussion included the following:

1) The National organization makes payment of  membership in the national organization a pre-condition for attending a local meeting.  The Letter of Commitment demands adherence to rules such as this.  We hold that our highest duty is service to our local community, and as such we cannot ask a person to be a member of the national organization as a pre-condition for making ourselves available to them to provide support.
2) We cannot ask spouses or partners, whose primary interest is, in many cases, the support of a cross dresser and/or marriage to be a member of either the local or a national organization as a pre-condition to receiving support from us.
3) A sense of not having a voice in the conduct of the affairs of the National organization as a chapter or as an individual member.
4) A sense that the National organization is lacking in democratic representation of chapters and individual members in who represents us on the National level.
5) A lack of knowledge of the specific changes that the National organization is and will be making.
6) A lack of knowledge as to the definitive rights of autonomy a chapter does have with the National organization.
7) A sense of lack of communication from the National organization as to what is going on on the National level to benefit chapters and
individual members as far as programs, and even political venues (such as the Peter Oiler case).
8) A sense of needing to truly define ourselves as a group before we, as a group, make a commitment to a National organization's by-laws and mandates.

Alpha Omega's decision was not made lightly.  Making a commitment to a National organization is a serious endeavor.  The concerns mentioned may well be answered and resolved for the benefit of all.  By no means is Alpha Omega, as a group, burning any bridges.  Alpha Omega wishes to have harmonious relationships with Tri-Ess, CLE, and other constructive groups and organizations in the transgender community.

As Alpha Omega, over time, redefines itself as a group, we will keep you informed as to our progress, as we hope Tri-Ess will do with us.  Alpha Omega wishes CLE well as a Tri-Ess Forming Chapter.  The lines of communication will be open from us to Tri-Ess
and CLE with myself as the contact person for Alpha Omega.  Resource links from Alpha Omega's web site will be open to Tri-Ess and CLE. 

Serving all those who need our support is a common goal that Tri-Ess, CLE and Alpha Omega share.  Alpha Omega will do its part to meet that goal.

Sincerely,
Gloria Sue Fenton
Chair of the Board of Alpha Omega


Dear Gloria,

    Thank you for sending Alpha Omega's reply to the Questions of Commitment.
 Since the group has decided not to become a Tri-Ess forming chapter, I will
remove it from the sisterhood of Tri-Ess affiliates.  If the group wishes to
apply for Tri-Ess affiliation in the future, it will need to e-mail a
petition to my office.  Needless to say, Tri-Ess, as a cohesive Society, will
require a positive answer to the Questions of Commitment at that time.

    Tri-Ess, too, hopes that all the groups in the Cleveland community will
enjoy cordial relationships and work together on behalf of all who need
support.  Each group has its focus, and I wish you every blessing as you
define yours.

    Happy trails always!

     Warm regards,
     Jane