P.E.O. Record
Expanding Our Vision
Looking Back...
and Moving Forward
It started in 2003. The Executive Board for that biennium determined that the time was right to take a look at our organization-and how we were perceived by those outside of our ranks-to assess where some adjustments might be beneficial. The board-along wi th Chief Executive Officer Anne Pettygrove-subsequently spent several days in planning sessions to examine our outward image and to set a course for the future. As a result of this process, the determination was made that in order to grow, P.E.O. must enhance its image and increase its visability.
2005-It's OK
In 2005, we celebrated that It's OK to Talk About P.E.O. so that the world could learn about the great work our sisterhood does on behalf of women everywhere. P.E.O. Record readers may recall the eye-catching banners and call-outs appearing in 2005 that proclaimed simply "It's OK." These messages were developed to serve as teasers for what was to come. Upon arrival in Vancouver, delegates and guests at the 2005 Convention of International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood encountered more "It's OK" announcements. From hotel room key holders to signs and placards, the message "It's OK" appeared everywhere! Later the rest of the message was revealed: "It's OK to Talk About P.E.O." The September-October 2005 issue of the Record featured a story that explained:
"P.E.O. has been historically recognized as one of this nation's pioneering societies for women. The problem is that not enough people know about us or the great work we do. By proclaiming that 'It's OK to Talk About P.E.O.,' we are giving ourselves permission to talk about our mission, our projects and indeed our very organization!
"Friendship is still the cornerstone of our unique sisterhood, and P.E.O. continues to be a source of encouragement and support for women to realize their potential in whatever worthwhile endeavor they choose. But today, P.E.O. enters a new era."
A new tagline, mission statement and "elevator speech" were revealed at the Vancouver convention, and a seven minute video shown that assured sisters that it truly is OK to talk about P.E.O.
In 2007, we were inspired to GROW so that our sisterhood could reach out and help even more women reach for the stars.
Because the "It's OK to Talk About P.E.O." message and campaign was so enthusiastically embraced by our membership, in 2007, a sequel communiqué was unveiled: "OK ...Let's GROW!"
The GROW theme was actually an acronym for some of the goals of this past biennium:
GIVE. P.E.O. sisters will give with glad hearts-offering our time, talents and treasures for the reward of helping women reach for the stars.
RECRUIT. We will encourage talented sisters to step up to P.E.O. leadership and identify qualified and worthy project recipients.
OUTREACH. We will seek opportunities to reach out to our communities and enthusiastically share the impact P.E.O. is making in women's lives.
WOMEN. We will help every P.E.O. sister reach her full potential so that our organization's capacity to lift up and empower women worldwide will also grow.
The GROW message and objectives encouraged us to proactively seek opportunities to further our reach and influence.
Now, it's 2009.
OK, What's Next?
Now, we take the neXt step in the journey.
In 2009, our mission of providing educational opportunities for women and supporting each other in sisterhood is more vital than ever. We've worked hard to help women reach their potential, but there is more yet to do. So this is a time for us to stop and ask ourselves, "OK...What's Next?"
The "X" stands for EXPAND!
Knowing this, how can your chapter help P.E.O.'s star shine brighter today and beyond?
Set some EXPANSION GOALS for your chapter! Have a brainstorming session...see what your chapter can do in the next biennium to answer the question....What's NeXt??!
Expand your giving to the projects. Expand your knowledge of the projects!
Expand your impact and influence in the community. Expandyour chapter's membership!
Read the Objects and Aims and determine to expand on each and every goal set there.
Work on these things and we will expand into the best we can be.
So...the question is: What's NeXt for P.E.O.?
The answer is: It's up to you!
