P.E.O. Record

How to Reinstate Your P.E.O. Membership

by Debbie Clason, Coordinator of Membership Development

WE WANT YOU - WE MISS YOU - IT’S NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU - WOMEN’S EDUCATION NEEDS YOU

Now that you know how much we miss you, sister, please consider reinstating your P.E.O. membership.

Thanks to the changes adopted at the 2009 Convention of International Chapter, it's much easier to become an active part of P.E.O. again.

Just follow this simple process.

If you'd like to return to the chapter from which you became inactive:

  • Contact the chapter president, or a member of your chapter, and let her know you'd like to reinstate.
  • If you no longer know anyone in that chapter, write the Membership Department, P.E.O. Executive Office, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312-2899 or email membership@peodsm.org.
  • Submit the $35 reinstatement fee, made payable to your chapter.

If you are unable to return to the chapter from which you became inactive:

  • Contact membership@peodsm.org for a list of chapters and their presidents in your immediate area. Or write the Membership Department, P.E.O. Executive Office, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312-2899. Be sure to include your name and current address so we can send you the correct information.
  • Once you receive the listing, contact the presidents of the chapters that meet on a convenient time and day for you to let them know you'd like to attend an upcoming program, reciprocity meeting or other social activity.
  • Accept as many invitations as possible so you have a chance to meet a variety of new sisters.
  • Once a chapter has extended you an invitation to transfer, accept the invitation in writing and include the $35 reinstatement fee. Checks should be made payable to the chapter you are transferring to.
  • Don't forget to send your regrets to the other chapters that have extended you an invitation. While you no longer need to write and request a vote from your former chapter, feel free to send them a quick note announcing your reinstatement. They will want to celebrate with you!

Are you ready yet? Just in case you need them, here are 10 reasons to reinstate your membership in P.E.O.

  1. Loving concern and support of your chapter. Whether you're celebrating life's milestones or struggling through a hardship, your chapter sisters are there to lend support, comfort and give you lots of TLC.
  2. Loyal friendships of your sisters. Friendship is the characteristic that makes our organization so unique. Not only do we embrace our philanthropies, we embrace each other as sisters.
  3. Personal enrichment and gratification. P.E.O. is filled with exceptional women who share their passions and talents in chapter programs.
  4. Fulfillment of your vows. When you became a member, you promised to give a due share of your talents and interest to P.E.O. In exchange, your chapter sisters promised their loyalty to you!
  5. Opportunity for personal growth. Close fellowship with your P.E.O. sisters can introduce you to a variety of ways to grow personally—whether it's learning a new skill, developing a new hobby or realizing your own educational aspirations.
  6. Affirmation of yourself. Reciting the Objects and Aims is a wonderful exercise for reminding yourself of the woman you strive to be every day.
  7. Leadership opportunities. There are fabulous opportunities for you to sharpen your leadership skills as an officer in your local chapter, or in state, province, or district service.
  8. Philanthropic outreach. Together, we have given over $190 million to more than 80,000 women. Additionally, our ownership of Cottey College has helped educate more than 8,000 women.
  9. The P.E.O. Record (our bimonthly magazine) and the P.E.O. website (peointernational.org). Both forms of communication give you the latest news regarding our project recipients, interactive ways to improve chapter life, and direct access to the leaders in your state, province or district.
  10. Fellowship beyond your chapter. When you attend a reciprocity meeting or represent your chapter at your state, province, district, or international convention, you are associating with an array of amazing women who all share the same passion—P.E.O.!

“Once a P.E.O., always a P.E.O.” Hope to see you at a chapter meeting soon!

Simplified Transfer Process

The reinstatement process isn’t the only procedure that received a makeover at the 2009 Convention of International Chapter. Now it’s easier than ever to transfer your P.E.O. membership too.

Here’s the process:

  • Ask your chapter president or membership committee to contact possible alternate chapters in your location using the Lateral Transfer Introduction form.
  • If you've moved to a new community, search for presidents of local chapters in the Directory of Presidents, located on the P.E.O. website. Feel free to introduce yourself, even in advance of receipt of the form.
  • Accept invitations to visit chapters as soon as possible.
  • After you have visited, you may receive an Invitation to Transfer.
  • Acknowledge an Invitation to Transfer as soon as you receive it. You have six months in which to accept or regret.
  • Accept the invitation in writing. Send regrets to any other chapters that have extended you an invitation.

Remember, as difficult as it is to change chapters, you are not being disloyal but are expanding your P.E.O. circle and fulfilling your vows of active participation.

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