he ALEXANDER PROJECT is an arts organization dedicated to the belief that creative communication is our best vehicle for social change. Its gay agenda reaffirms an appreciation of the male persona, and the special qualities of masculinity through emphasis on the classical values associated with Alexander the Great. The overriding concern is to offer an alternative to the status quo, which in our community is one of chaos, weakness and victimization. Members of the ALEXANDER PROJECT do not follow the herd mentality which is so prevalent in the 'gay lifestyle' today.
Some of our objectives:
- To promote a positive image of the licit gay male, which is perceived by our membership as one of assertive masculinity.
- Explore the dynamic of male thought and psychology, including the more esoteric regions of the gay male experience.
- Redefine issues of major concern to a non-flamboyant principal segment of the homosexual community, and formulate a structure for assertive action by those of us who refuse to PLEAD for our inalienable rights.
The ALEXANDER PROJECT is intended to be a strong unwavering voice on behalf of those beleaguered by the conventions of others. Its members are dedicated to a concerted effort to displace the widely held public perception that frivolous flamboyance is our universal badge of identification.
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HEREAS it is evident that all men are NOT created equal, and
HEREAS the general inclination of many is to destroy rather than build, to satisfy individual need rather than that of the body politic, and to practice unfocused hedonism rather than moderation...even if moderation is defined as a balance between excess and deficiency, and
HEREAS dangers of exceedingly far right conservatism continue to threaten the balance of a healthy political system, and to undermine the voices of academic liberalism and intellectual exploration, and
HEREAS overall social conditions of the day are characterized by indifference to environmental destruction, excessive and heinous crime, fragmentation or decay of stable family structures of ANY kind, expediency, a precipitous decline in acceptable levels of educational sophistication and the process of striving for excellence, vulnerability to formula or cult behavior, tension-related discontent, or synthetic euphoria, we do hereby identify our obligation to responsible action and resolve:
- TO create an organization of individuals involved in the lively communicative arts which is dedicated to the classical principals of meaningful expression, and empirical and theoretical exploration, and
- TO put forth emerging ideas and proposals through projects of intellectual and aesthetic superiority, both privately and publicly, by virtue of exhibitions, performances, gatherings, oration, publications, etc., supporting these varied voices by all means practicable, deeming them and this process to be the best hope for the progress and survival of civilization, and further
- TO find ways to reward, promote and promulgate excellence in any and all of these disciplines or associated fields of endeavor, and
- TOattempt through these media to influence learned, academic, political, social, economic and religious forces with aggressive actions designed to foster awareness, if it is deemed advantageous or critical to the public good...to which end we do assume responsibility for the effects of such decisions, and
- TO be a strong and unwavering voice on behalf of these beleaguered by the convention of others.
HEREAS the image of a gay male in America, and the structure of his society as presented by socio-religious or political interests for their own agendas, and as intensified by sensationalism in the media, and promulgated by the entrenched powers within the homosexual community who are content with the status quo, is one of chaos, weakness and victimization, and
HEREAS that community is fragmented not merely by a variety of interests, but by lack of leadership and attention to the creation of meaningful structure and even symbolism of an assertive and forceful nature, and
HEREAS the core values for being gay have become subject to the whims of airy but wily types who have contrived to use the gay community as a vehicle for self-enrichment, and
HEREAS the failed amalgamation of assorted gay political and philosophical camps has thoroughly confused issues central to any individual gay group's real identity, and ability to celebrate the special values associated with that identity, and
HEREAS because of the foregoing considerations we are unable to provide either a constructive, assertive, positive image in society or any semblance of internal organization with real direction based on values and ideals which truly represent the genius inherent in so many of our ranks, we do hereby resolve...
- TO establish an organization which will promote an image of the true gay male, perceived by our membership as one of assertive masculinity,
- TO reestablish symbols (at least for members of the ALEXANDER PROJECT) for reinforcement of our primary right to exist, prosper, and assume an inferior position to NO ONE,
- TO find ways to educate gay youth about themselves and foster strong qualities of self-assurance within the individual and his interactions with others, both gay and straight....and
- TO further the intellectual/social goals of the overall organization as symbolized by the classical qualities and values of Alexander the Great, and
- TO promote communication between gay and straight communities within educational institutions and attempt to provide an apparatus for access to some kind of dialogue for gay youth which will help to thwart such tragedy as suicides based on lack of knowledge, bereavement, or the inability to find counsel...
- TO provide opportunities to experience the many aspects and qualities of physical maleness through the arts and social interaction, and
- TO explore the dynamic of male thought and psychology, including the mystique associated with more esoteric regions of the gay male experience, and
- TO celebrate the great gift of male grace and beauty while making a concerted effort to displace the widely held public perception that frivolous flamboyance is our universal badge of identification.
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t is implicit that adherents of The ALEXANDER PROJECT will be admirers of the principal qualities, goals and principles associated with Alexander the Great, some of which are sketched out following:
- TO KNOW ONESELF... To strive for perfection (or virtue - - Aristotelian Moderation) through disciplined behavior in all areas of endeavor - - (Perfection/Virtue = Excellence).
- Reverence for male beauty in body and mind... Fearlessness, self confidence, and a touch of arrogance.
- Generosity and selflessness, balance but strength in meting out justice... Intellectual curiosity, optimism, fairness.
- Make no attempt merely to change the world, but incorporate what it has to offer you, while letting it in no uncertain terms know of your existence, and what you have to offer... Sensitivity to human and environmental vulnerability, and to other's adversity.
- To strike a balance between the excesses of Dionysus in revelry (which are not forbidden), and the cool measured, moderate behavior of Apollo... Unparalleled enthusiasm, passion, love of extravagant spectacle, drama, style.
- Athleticism, devotion to the arts and sciences, meticulous attention to detail, intuitiveness... To need love, cherish it, and readily give it to others.
- Loyalty!
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SPECIAL NOTE ON INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP --- Generally, members of The ALEXANDER PROJECT are predisposed toward a thorough appreciation of the male persona, the special qualities of masculinity, and the classical values of which Alexander the Great is symbolic... we are not a panacea, not the rainbow coalition, not politically correct in an open-armed effort to embrace all in our membership. Thus, it would not be appropriate to popularize this movement! However, membership is open to all who feel they are unified to our philosophy (including straight individuals who qualify in this regard). We do not sell memberships. Our overriding concern is to offer an alternative to the status quo in our "community", which is currently a fragmented, factional mob, trading in uneasy alliances, using tools of weakness and victimization - - its cliques posturing for petty position and false power - - and whose tactics are pot shot, without long-term foresight, and much of the time wholly ineffective. Our most important asset is the sure confidence that our values are true and will prevail - - at least for our membership - - and after all, we established The ALEXANDER PROJECT for ourselves! We have, therefore, no desire to follow a herd mentality. Neither do we consider ourselves victims, weak or in any way flawed! A minority in visible numbers, perhaps (but representative of a far larger constituency), we perceive our position as strategically privileged in the mainstream of society. Indeed, many of us are the true movers and shakers. Once welcomed as a "Companion" in The ALEXANDER PROJECT, each of us is a pride of THE LION!
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THE ALEXANDER PROJECT IS - -
- A reaffirmation of ideals for the modern gay male of MASCULINE orientation... Based on qualities attributed to Alexander the Great...
- Redefining issues of major concern to a non-flamboyant principal segment of the homosexual community, and formulating a structure for assertive action by those of us who refuse to PLEAD for our inalienable rights...
- Providing alternative, forceful new symbolism for our cause... The Lion of Alexander...
- Supporting the arts (including controversial art) in a variety of media as the most positive vehicle for social expression and change...
- Formulating approaches for stimulating educational entities (secondary schools in particular) to establish gay-straight alliances, or gay youth support groups...
- Providing a percentage of all profits from special merchandise sales by the PROJECT for the direct benefit of individual PWA's or organizations whose principal activity is direct support...
- An unabashed celebration of male beauty and the true male mystique!
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THE ALEXANDER PROJECT WILL PRODUCE - -
- PERIODIC review of literature, art, and other articles on a wide range of interest to our community, including fiction - - some reader supplied!!! Question and answer, correspondence corner, etc...
- Special merchandise offerings, all with the Alexander Project logo, (a Lion's head), including very fine limited edition, artist signed sterling sliver and 18k gold jewelry, clothing, canvas yacht bags, fine stationary and more...
- An additional forum for discussion on the internet.
- Automatic donations with any purchases - - including a portion of any membership fee to a fund for direct assistance to PWA's in crisis situations, or to carefully monitored outside organizations identifying need and providing direct assistance to persons with advanced HIV disease in need of help...
- Formation of regional chapters...
- A media watch and action committee to guard against sensationalism, intentional misrepresentation or exploitation of our members interests for both the straight and gay press!
- Commitment to identify pro (or anti) gay businesses and publication of lists of these to foster awareness and supportive action or vice versa as appropriate.
Click Lion's Head to Explore the Gallery!
Responding to numerous requests, The ALEXANDER PROJECT has made a change to its publication schedule for the Project arts review.We have begun collecting material - - everything from short stories to drawings and photographs from members, in a larger more elaborate, periodic format. (If necessary to be augmented by material from other sources).
This change has enabled us to lower our annual membership fee to only $18. (1/2 the original), since the books will be sold separately.
Manuscripts and photographs submitted for consideration for publication become the property of The ALEXANDER PROJECT and cannot be returned. Each piece submitted must be accompanied by a signed release which states you are over 21 and expressly gives The ALEXANDER PROJECT the right to use the material in its publications.
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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:
To become a *"Companion" in the Alexander Project, please submit your name, address and telephone number along with your check for $18.00 payable to The Alexander Project (or $150/$790 for either the sterling or 18K gold Lion of Alexander if that option is chosen). Your check is your recipt. T-shirts w/logo, etc. and/or Lions (if ordered) will be sent immediately by priority mail.Membership includes --FREE-- T-Shirt with ALEXANDER PROJECT lettering and Lion's Head logo! Please specify size and color, S,M,L,XL, (white, Lt. gray, Dk. gray. Colors are subject to availability). Shirt styles - - Club shirt has vertical lettering down left front and the Lion's Head on the right sleeve, OR an EXTRA LARGE Lion's Head center front with ALEXANDER PROJECT lettering below it.
Membership is free for the first year with the purchase of a Sterling Silver Lion of Alexander, or free for two years for purchasers of the 18k gold Lion.
* The original "Companions" of Alexander were a select group of what were considered the most exemplary young men that could be drawn from society at the time, and who were charged with direct responsibility for their commander.
For further information contact us via E-mail at AlxProject@AOL.com or mail to:
ALEXANDER PROJECT
P.O. Box 1521
Hollis, NH 03049
603-465-3434
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