P.E.O. Record
Together We Can...
THOUSANDS OF P.E.O. SISTERS PARTICIPATED IN THE 2007 NOEL-LEVITZ SURVEY and gave their frank opinions on several areas of strengths and weaknesses in our organization. The most important conclusion of the report was that P.E.O. must “…increase emphasis on activities that foster friendship and philanthropy, and decrease emphasis on P.E.O. regulations and requirements.” Acceptance of the report by the executive board has been the driving force throughout this biennium focusing on the work of the executive board, and special and ad hoc committees. Recommendations were accepted from the committees for proposed amendments. They will be voted on at Convention of International Chapter in September. You may read the proposals in the March-April issue of The P.E.O. Record or on the website.
Additionally, many other recommendations from the committees were unanimously approved by the executive board and do not require a vote by convention for implementation. These recommendations will streamline your work and will compatibly interface with amendments that are adopted. It is cited in the survey and by many members that our outdated procedures have caused frustration and an unwillingness to actively participate. Even long time members have been reluctant to participate. Decreasing regulations and requirements will not change the mission of P.E.O., nor will it jeopardize our principles and values, but in reality will give us more time to focus on activities of greater significance for today's women: friendship and philanthropy. Following are a few of the more significant efforts to streamline the work of P.E.O. at all levels of sisterhood.
The survey said “Reduce the burden on chapter leaders.”
Some of the committeee recommendations include: the wide use of membership identification numbers (already assigned in the membership database to each member) for all P.E.O purposes; a simplified Annual Report eliminating unnecessary and reprtitive work for officers of local, state , provincial and district chapters; replacing the General Enrollment Book with a yearly printour of membership sent to each chapter for review and correction and using the ID number in place of the enrollment number. The ID number will enable an efficient move from chapter to chapter with a basic, simple electronic report to the Membership Department. This change will mean one number for everything all the time, no matter what chapter you belong to.
Members will sign-in at chapter business meetings as we do now at social meetings. Devotions may include inspirational readings and chapters will be encouraged to take the password at the door which not only gives a warm sense of welcome but saves time during the meeting. Initiation teams are at the option of the chapter. Fellowship and deeper friendships will develop if time is not consumed by procedures which intrude on more meaningful exchanges
It has been said that, “Without change there is no growth.” Unless we’re ready to accept that change is essential for the future growth of P.E.O. and the mission of educating women, we will stagnate and become an organization that is content only with what we have accomplished. Our history will then be written in a few short words. The opportunity to make a difference in the structure of P.E.O., to turn a corner depends on us, how forward thinking we are, how committed we are to holding dear those things of importance while moving toward a stronger more viable organization. We can modify our work without sacrificing traditions, principles or the core values of P.E.O. Our strength is not in forms and procedure but in the bonds of sisterhood.
Online training will be provided for officers and technology contacts all hours of the day, seven days a week. Have a question? Go to the website. Forms have already veen updated and / or revised to make it easier to file electronically. Officers and members who are not computer savvy will not be left out. Help is as near as your technology sister.
State, provincial and district officers will benefit form the following recommendations. Templates will be made available for universal documents, including a word-for-word script for convention. Additional online training for all officers will be developed. One manual combining all instructions is nearing completion as is a manual for supervis following recommendations. Templates will be made available for universal documents, including a word-for-word script for convention. Additional online training for all officers will be developed. One manual combining all instructions is nearing completion as is a manual for supervision of local chapters that includes membership information to effectively work with established or prospective chapters. Information will be in one place and in one place only. It will be the opton of the state, provincial and district officers to either download the manuals or read the materials online.
Restructured official visits will provide the maximum support and encouragement to the chapters who need it the most. Membership committees and past presidents of state, provincial and district chapters may be asked to share their knowledge and expertise with chapter show need encouragement. A variety of options will be made available at the discretion of the organizer.
Volunteer and/or paid assistants are strongly recommended for state, provincial and district chapters; this could include a shared paid assistant for one or more chapters. Removing financial and membership record keeping from the work of these officers will provide more to spend on issues of more vital importance to P.E.O. A streamlined process for authorizing payment of bills will eliminate duplication of effort for officers while guaranteeing fiduciary responsibilities.
The survey said, “Develop a membership initiative or internal public relations effort focused on recruiting younger women.”
P.E.O. must attract the next generation of members and leaders. Demographics show that 38 percent of our members are 70 years of age and older. We didn't need the survey to tell us this; this is not new information. We all know that we need the next generation to bring vitality to P.E.O. In all honesty, we must acknowledge that we are where we are because we have not brought in younger members over the years; instead we've happily aged
together. The perception is that we are less attractive to a younger population. It's time to change this perception. How do we do that?
By first admitting that sometimes chapter programming has not interested women who are busy with careers, raising children or have little time to spend away from their responsibilities. A series of programs of wide interest has been developed and will be tested by 51 chapters across the United States and Canada. Following evaluation, these programs will be made available to chapters. This series not only raises the bar for chapter programs but will enhance our appeal to women of all ages who want the time they spend at meetings to be valuable.
A Director of Member Services will be recruited to support and nurture growth of the Sisterhood. Volunteer regional representatives will assist local, state, provincial and district officers, as needed. Guidelines and recommendations will be developed for membership committees and other assistance will be made accessible to those working toward increasing our membership.
The survey said that our “P.E.O. membership is ready for change.”
In every era of our history, women have made decisions which advanced P.E.O.—decisions that might not have been popularly embraced by all members of the Sisterhood, but were nevertheless the right thing to do for P.E.O. With these recommendations and those to be voted upon at convention, we will meet the expectations of our membership by streamlining our work so that the foundation of P.E.O., friendship and philanthropy, will flourish. This is the time for our generation to work together to accomplish the mission of our organization. We must consider the future and ensure that P.E.O. will be vigorous, vital, current and appealing to the many who embrace our values and principles.
Together We Can Do It!
Barbara Andes, President
International Chapter