Well Folks - it has
been a very exciting time for the board of FTM
Australia and as we start to develop as a group,
the board's role and importance is becoming
increasingly clear.
We have a great diversity
of board members including, people who
transitioned many years ago, people who are in
the first year of the journey and a partner. All
board members bring a range of valuable skills
and take the job of representing your views very
strongly. Please feel free to contact us at any
time if you have something that you would like
the board to consider and/or if you have ideas
for workshops, social events and other
activities that may benefit FTM
Australia.
We are slowly overcoming
the issue of distance that can separate some of
our members, being an Australia wide network we
have board members in NSW, QLD and Victoria.
At the original planning
meeting held in Oct 2000, the group identified
the 5 top priorities
- Support groups &
workshops
- Health & Medical
Information
- Newsletter
- Funding
- Promote FTMA's
Existence
As a board it is our job
to work towards achieving these
goals.
So far the board has been
responsible for putting on a couple of group
meetings, a Christmas party, several social
dinners and are in the process of putting
together a small contingent of people to walk in
the Mardi Gras Parade. We are aware that not all
members are interested in walking in the Mardi
Gras Parade, however many of the members are
interested and it is an excellent opportunity to
hand out information and to promote FTMA
Existence, which we are trying to do in all
arenas of society.
George has been constantly
updating and adding to our website as well as
putting together infosheets and gathering useful
information for FTM's. He has also put in
countless hours towards producing our newsletter
and securing support from other organizations to
ensure that the newsletter will
continue.
In order for FTM Australia
to gather any form of funding we will need t
incorporate or align ourselves with another
organization. As with any government process,
incorporation requires a lot of paperwork and
asks for ongoing reports from FTM Australia.
Although this is a long process it is a good
thing for the board to be focused on because in
the future this will open the doors for FTM
Australia and we will be able to provide a
better and more comprehensive service to you,
our members.
We have spent many hours
making FTM Australia known to other services and
advertising through many Men's networks
throughout Australia. We have received positive
feedback and support from every Men's group
we've contacted. We also have received some
support from the Gender Centre in Sydney who
have given us a page advertisement in their
Polare magazine.
The next step in the
process for FTM Australia is the Community
Consultation Day planned for 7th April 2001 @
Jarvie Park Youth Facility, Yabsley Avenue,
Marrickville from 10.30 - 1pm. It is important
that as many people as possible come along (more
on page 3). We need you to tell us what it is
that you want from FTM Australia and what
direction you think we should be
taking.
I hope to see most of you
in April and enjoy this edition of
Torque.
Cheers Jack
Board Member
FTM Australia
