Hello and Happy New Year, Connections members!

As another year comes to a close, we'd like to take the occasion of our annual membership meeting Forum (January 6, 2009 -- mark your calendars now) to both reflect on the past and look forward with great excitement to the future of our community here in Iowa. 2008 was a busy and nourishing year in all of Connections' pursuits! Some highlights include:

• Small Groups continued to thrive; among them we count Game Night, Rainbow Reading Group, Inclusive Ballroom, Spiritual Seekers, and the new and wildly popular Motorcycle Riders.
  
  
• The monthly forum covered a variety of topics ranging from politics (an Election Night returns party) to community representation to sexuality & film (remember "Shortbus"?).
  
  
• OUTLOOK magazine launched with a bang, and even make its way to a second issue within the year! It's a publication that both informs and entertains, and one of which we can all be proud.
  
  
• Our website (www.queerconnections.org) kept the community informed as well, with its comprehensive calendar and updated info on all local resources.
  
  
• Finally, we were able to network and co-sponsor events with an ever-expanding roster of city and state organizations like One Iowa, WRAC, Iowa City Pride, the GLRC, and the campus LGBT Center.

Right about now, you're probably asking yourself, "How can I further MY involvement with this fine organization?" Well, the answer is twofold:

1. VOLUNTEER! In addition to attending small groups, you can lead one! Whatever you have an interest in, others probably share it. If you are a writer or photographer, contribute to Outlook's next issue -- or help with advertising and distribution. All our activities are built on volunteer enthusiasm and we would love to add yours to the mix.
   
   
2. RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP! Connections is committed to keeping all our events free, but we rely on volunteer contributions as well as energy. If you can provide financial support, please fill out the form on the reverse of this letter, and sent it to:

Connections, Inc., P.O. Box 1733
Iowa City, IA 52244-1733

Another great way to accomplish either or both of these goals is to attend the Connections annual membership meeting! Please join us on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 on the second floor of the hotelVetro for Board elections and volunteer recognition.

Connections IS the sum of our members -- and your voices, ideas, and passions determine the shape and scope of our community. Thank you for sharing your gifts!