International Convention
Results of voting on amendments presented at the recent Convention of International Chapter in Saint Louis will be posted on the What’s New section of the website. Remember that any adopted changes for local chapters requiring revised materials and/or instructions will not be implemented until these are received in the 2012 winter mailing.
P.E.O. Dues
Dues to the International, state and local chapters of the P.E.O. Sisterhood are not generally deductible as charitable contributions for United States income tax purposes. However, those portions of dues allocated for organizations qualified as charities under United States IRS Code, Section 501(c)(3), such as Cottey College, are allowable as itemized charitable contributions.
Local Chapter Credit/Debit Cards
Debit cards and credit cards are not to be issued or held using the name or tax ID number of a local chapter. All disbursements of a local chapter are to be approved by chapter vote prior to payment. The treasurer shall pay all bills of the chapter by check. Cards that are automatically issued in conjunction with a bank account should be destroyed and not used.
Supply Department Materials
Orders for the P.E.O. Constitution and Roberts Rules will not be shipped until after January 1 when updated versions are available.
New Member Guide—This is included with the New Member Gift and also as a separate order from the Supply Department. The booklet “Now You Are a P.E.O.” will no longer be available.
Social Media Sites
Social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter provide networking opportunities for P.E.O.s joining these groups. International Chapter recognizes that many groups have been started by individual members and/or chapters. While these groups provide networking with other P.E.O.s they were not started, nor are they monitored or supported, by International Chapter. Members join at their own discretion. Members who join any of these groups should be reminded that they must abide by Standing Rule #2—Circularization and not use any of these groups for the purpose of promotion of International Chapter projects or circularizing opinion on any subject without the permission of the Executive Board of International Chapter. (See Constitution SR #2 paragraphs 2 and 3).
There are various networking sites on the Internet and with the above caution members may join at their discretion. P.E.O. members still need to reference the P.E.O. International Chapter website for official information. Authorization is not required for social correspondence and/or routine reciprocity business among member chapters. However, advertising on these social media sites is not permitted.
When creating a social media site do NOT use the official P.E.O. insignia (the star, letters P.E.O. and Greek key design). The new informal logo with the yellow and pink daisy, a rendering of the emblem, stylized stars or marguerites may be used. Be cognizant that the appearance of your social media front page portrays an image of P.E.O. to everyone—members and nonmembers. If you do offer a social media site, remember to keep it current so it doesn’t become stagnant.
