P.E.O.s now meeting in state, provincial and district conventions are focusing upon assessment of the past year and building momentum for future progress. Their motivational programming is often tied together with a “theme” or easy to remember title. A theme reflects a central emphasis.
One impressive convention theme I’ve referenced through the years is “P.E.O.’s Benefits of Belonging.” For me, this appealing theme truly resonates as I share with prospective or nonparticipating members why P.E.O. is vital and valuable to me. As we consider the best ways to keep our doors open in welcoming unaffiliates and inactives, one approach is always to have ready answers to discuss these benefits of belonging. Sometimes in a more casual answer, I sum it all into “P.E.O. is worth it!”
P.E.O. is important to me because this sisterhood is an oasis of nourishment. P.E.O. values what matters most, what’s on our “inside,” who we are now and our potential for who we can become. At its finest, P.E.O. is an uncritical refuge of love.
P.E.O. ideals, standards and expectations are relevant for what today’s world requires. I have often said, “if ever there were a time when women need the values, strengths and perspective that P.E.O. offers, it is now.” Realistically, I imagine presidents in every era have thought that same thing. The Sisterhood of P.E.O. does offer a special respite and loving environment through times of cultural and emotional upheaval, both personal and international. We must allow the true message of P.E.O. to renew us today. P.E.O.’s message reassures us how right it is to put values into action. This is an absolute benefit!
P.E.O.’s organizational structure offers myriad opportunities for self-improvement. The skills and confidence developed by serving our sisters carries over to all aspects of life. Our “training ground” provides experience that reaches into all components of daily living. This is an absolute benefit!
It is important to be reinforced in purpose with like-minded women who share the same values. Like ripples from a pebble thrown into our farm pond in springtime, collectively P.E.O.s make a positive difference for women in higher education. Our spectacular outreach is far more significant than what we could accomplish individually. Subsequently, countless others will be impacted by the knowledge and skills of those we directly assist. This is an absolute benefit!
Participating in P.E.O. also offers each of us individually the important opportunity to give back, or in today’s terminology, “to pay it forward.” Each of us has profited from many who paved our way, whether these are unknown benefactors or beloved mentors, insightful teachers, innovative scientists, creative artisans, learned authors and on and on. The long-serving phrase is true: “We all drink from wells we did not dig. We all sit under trees we did not plant.” Our organization is a tested framework that provides inheritance for upcoming generations. This is an absolute benefit!
What is your individualized answer to explain the theme “Benefits of Belonging”? I know a prospective member or a local inactive is eager to understand your reasons. Please share!
Forward!
Elizabeth E. Garrels, President
International Chapter
