This autumn and early winter season is marked with lengthening shadows and focused opportunities for sharing gratitude and giving. In P.E.O. outreach, these visions can come together.
Our P.E.O. “mission statement” (aka our Objects and Aims) encourages us, actually requires us, “to seek growth in charity toward ALL…and to radiate ALL light POSSIBLE…” Yes, strong and sensitive lighting casts far-reaching effective shadows. Our charitable, philanthropic outreach knows no bounds.
How many of you have traveled overseas and taught nutrition in an orphans’ school in central Africa?
How many of you have personally financed the loan for a neighbor girl to study nursing education?
How many of you have motivated a talented entering college freshman to develop practical lifetime leadership skills?
How many of you have offered yearlong childcare to a second-career single mom returning to school to improve her marketable skills?
How many of you have worked on a cancer research project?
How many of you have encouraged a young woman to build on her successes while exploring new challenges to be distinctive?
Each P.E.O. member has helped to do ALL these things! United with philanthropic, educational outreach through P.E.O. International projects, our sisterhood working as one “casts a long shadow.” P.E.O. International project dollars go where we individually cannot go, and do what we individually cannot do. P.E.O. International project dollars are making a significant impact to our world—at home and abroad. We make a positive difference in people, their attitudes and their lives. This is “charity (love) for all.”
Our collective outreach is supported by chapter giving. Chapters, working together, financially impact our projects’ far-reaches. However, with personal contributions, individual members or P.E.O. families may also significantly contribute to our mutual mission and make a cumulative positive difference. In these year-end months as many members determine their concluding 2010 personal financial giving, P.E.O. philanthropic objectives are excellent venues for demonstrating resourceful gratitude. What better way to exhibit thanksgiving and genuine appreciation for God’s benefits in our individual lives? Your [U.S.] tax-deductible contribution may be given to the project(s) of your choice or to the P.E.O. Foundation either online with a credit card or by sending a check to the P.E.O. Executive Office or Cottey College.
And, what better investment can be made in the future?
- P.E.O.’s influence compounds.
- P.E.O.’s project support empowers women to positive action.
- P.E.O.’s inspiration builds capacity and potential!
In this season of gratitude and giving, our philanthropic shadow must continue to lengthen and widen. In the upcoming year, what will you individually and your chapter do better and more effectively to continue our significant outreach?
As we conclude this calendar year, the executive board extends continued prayers to God for hope and understanding throughout our countries and world. We pray for renewal of purpose with the energy and enthusiasm to serve and nurture others the very best we can. May each new day be more worthwhile than the last. There is no doubt—with the brilliance of our multi-faceted, radiant star backing us, P.E.O. will continue to cast a long shadow.
Forward!
Elizabeth E. Garrels,
President, International Chapter
The length of a shadow can change dramatically dependent upon the angle and focus of light.
