DECEMBER 31, 2009

TRANSMENTORS INTERNATIONAL, INC. - YEAR ONE

The growth of TransMentors International over this past year has been phenomenal.

The organization came into legal existence in January 2009. Our mission is simply to aid, support and assist trans-identified men, women and youth in their day-to-day lives with whatever help they need. This includes mentoring, safe housing, faith support, emergency assistance, resource referrals, education and advocacy for the T community, and more.

During 2009, TransMentors International connected literally hundreds of trans men, women and youth in over 30 countries around the world in mentoring relationships and friendships.

On the FtM men’s website, there are currently 1284 men, (417 are 12-21 years old)

On the MtF women’s website, there are currently 168 women, (13 are 21 and younger)

The Facebook Cause has 1,520 members as of today, December 31, 2009.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE?

Some of the things we were able to do in 2009 are listed here, but this is by no means all inclusive:

Began the process of setting up our local offline Mentors Program in various cities around the U.S. and 4 other countries.

Established the Faith Support Program, as well as the Phone Mentor program, and connected dozens of people looking for support with others who are able to help.

Provided resource referrals and assistance (much of it local to the individual,) to hundreds of trans men, women and youth.

Worked with Asylum & Immigration services in the Midwest, and connected a non-English speaking MTF immigrant in a small rural town with a mentor and resources. This woman is just one of many who were on the verge of suicide when we were able to step in and provide hope.

Provided Emergency Assistance of tangible items (soaps, toothpaste, toilet paper, shampoo, etc.) to MTF Iraqi refugee in the States for only 30 days. She was referred to us by a national charity organization who works regularly with refugees.

Built and continue to maintain 4 websites for trans/trans-allies organizations in Europe and Africa to help educate about the T community.

Hosted our first Trans Clothing Exchange in Phoenix, Arizona. This will be an ongoing Program throughout the year beginning January 2010.

Created and hosted the inaugural, affordable and successful conference called “TransForm Arizona”, with the specific theme of “Uniting the T with the LGB”. TransForm events are a two and a half day conference, complete with entertainment, workshops and a community picnic, and are designed to educate the LGB and the general public about the transgender community.

SOME OF OUR PLANS FOR 2010

• Aggressively promote and establish additional on-site Mentors Programs around the world.
• Establish 24/7/365 Live Help Line for those needing phone support.
• Establish our Safe Housing Program in various cities.
• Host Clothing Exchanges in various cities.
• Provide Emergency Assistance to those in difficult situations, including food, clothes, personal items, and emergency housing.
• Co-host 3-4 TransForm Community events – with three already planned, TransForm Texas, Michigan and Arizona. One additional event, TransForm New England, is currently in the discussion stage.
• Provide educational Workshops on trans issues, and Mentors Workshops.
• Coordinate and begin establishing our Campus Action Plan in schools, colleges, universities.
• Provide a “Trans Exchange” via Twitter. You can follow @TransMentors for more information.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We’re always looking for volunteers. Whether you just have time to devote to answering phone calls, to setting up a Mentors Program in your city, or a Clothing Exchange/Emergency Assistance Program, helping with the website, or assisting us with the TransForm events, there’s always something that needs to be done.

Thank you for all your support during our first year! If you’re able to send a few dollars our way once in a while, it will be appreciated and put to use helping trans men, women and youth who need it. You can donate through our Facebook Cause or visit our website at http://www.TransMentors.org and click the Donate link. Every dollar helps us help the T community. TransMentors International is an all Volunteer organization – no paychecks.

We wish all of you a very special New Year, and we look forward to seeing our T community grow and flourish during 2010.

Michael Brown
Executive Director