Dear Men,

This year we have made a special effort to get our name known and out there.  With our participation in having a CMG float in the gay pride parades in California, we have been able to further our name recognition, and our organization.  I was handing out literature at our booth in Sacramento and I asked a man if he knew about the CMG.  His response was: "No, not until I saw your float in the parade."  The float has been very successful in advertising our presence and sending our message.  A special thanks to Ben~Andy and his crew for building the float and for taking the float to the gay pride parades in California.  It is important that gay men hear about us, and learn about our mission.

I continue to see the importance of the Events Committees in each of our regions.  The monthly activities keep us in touch with each other throughout the year, and they are also a great venue to get the word out about our organization and the events act as an excellent outreach forum to get new men involved.  Each of our regions offer workshops, movie nights, pot lucks, pool parties and other social events.  These events offer support and a chance to reconnect with our CMG brothers and family, and a wonderful opportunity to make new friends.  The ideas for events come from YOU, so don't be shy.  Call 'em in!

Volunteerism continues to be the foundation of the California Men's Gatherings.  Our volunteers make everything possible.  The CMG Board, the gathering planners, the members on the events committees, and the workers are all volunteers.  Our strength and creativity is built on volunteers.  Think of some way that you can volunteer this year to make our organization just a little bit better. and a little bit stronger.  Your efforts and time reward us all.

Big CMG Hugs,
Rich