P.E.O. Record
Canadian sisters merge provinces to grow P.E.O.
A new challenge was brought before the members of P.E.O. at the 2007 International Convention—OK Let’s GROW. The challenge has meant different things to different people, requiring some to extend a welcoming hand to a friend perfect for membership while encouraging others to start a new chapter in their community. For the members of Alberta Provincial Chapter and their Saskatchewan sisters, it meant reaching across borders for the good of their chapters and the Sisterhood at large. For only the second time in P.E.O. history, two provinces would become one. And for times too numerous to count, the bonds of sisterhood proved most important of all.
The Need to Merge
The three chapters in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan have been members of a subordinate territory since the first chapter was formed in 1947. A subordinate territory is the name given to chapters located in a region not served by a state or provincial board. Because subordinate territories have no executive board in their immediate vicinity, the International Executive Board serves as their governing body. Chapters in Hawaii and Alaska are also members of subordinate territories. These sisters can often feel left out because they have no real connection to the Sisterhood beyond the local level. “For some time, we had been struggling unsuccessfully to increase our membership despite careful nurturing by successive international board members. We were feeling quite isolated,” admits Margaret Hammond, past president of Chapter C, Regina.
The members of Chapter D, Saskatoon, shared the sentiment. As a small chapter, only three years old, they longed for some hands-on support that could only come from a provincial structure. All but one member of the chapter are completely new to P.E.O. Adds Eleanor Halstrom, past president of Chapter A, Moose Jaw, “So much more can be done by chapters who belong to a larger group than we can do on our own.”
In short, these chapters needed help—more help than the executive board could offer from a distance.
Plans in the Making
Little did the Saskatchewan chapters know, plans to support their growth and the growth of the Sisterhood had been in place since January. It was then that the provincial presidents of Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario-Quebec met with the Executive Board of International Chapter to discuss the growth of membership in Canada. After a healthy exchange of ideas, the provincial presidents proposed a merger of Alberta Provincial Chapter with Saskatchewan. The executive board was thrilled with their proposal as they had discussed the benefits of a merger like this in the past. The presidents’ suggestion was proof they were headed in the right direction to strengthening membership in Canada.
The members of the Alberta provincial board welcomed the opportunity to be part of the historic merger. “We knew our Saskatchewan sisters were wonderful women with talents that could benefit our province,” says Janet Fairhead, past president of Alberta Provincial Chapter. “It’s been a very exciting process.”
Only one other merger has occurred in the 139-year history of the Sisterhood. The provinces of Ontario and Quebec voted to merge in 1987. In the light of their success, the International and provincial boards eagerly anticipated a positive response to the merger they were proposing as well.
The Presentation
In order to show the Saskatchewan sisters just how much the Sisterhood was invested in their success, a personal visit was planned with the members of Chapter A, Moose Jaw; C, Regina; and D, Saskatoon. A team spanning the levels of P.E.O. was formed, each member bringing her
unique perspective to the table—Barbara Andes, president, International Chapter; Maria Baseggio, organizer, International Chapter; Janet Fairhead, president, Alberta Provincial Chapter; Penny Drysdale, first vice president, Alberta Provincial Chapter; and Lynda McLeish, past president of Manitoba Provincial Chapter and proxy organizer to the Saskatchewan chapters.
Meetings were scheduled with each of the Saskatchewan chapters in early March. “We wanted to propose the merger as soon as possible to give them the time to think and take action before their provincial conventions in May,” explains Maria Baseggio. The team awaited the meetings with anticipation, looking forward to discussing how a merger would be beneficial to the chapters and would be good for the Sisterhood as well.
“Although the executive board serves as the governing body for subordinate territories there are many benefits to having a local resident executive board,” explains Maria, who was responsible for presenting the four key benefits of the merger. A merger would provide Saskatchewan chapters greater opportunity for growth throughout the province; opportunities for leadership development for local chapter members; attendance and voting privileges at annual provincial conventions and designated Conventions of International Chapter; and an increased focus and help with the International projects.
As the team hoped and expected, each chapter welcomed them and their proposal with open arms. After the presentation was finished, there was a question and answer period where chapter members were able to address some of their hopes and concerns for the merger. “When you’re faced with a decision like this, you think of all the reasons to cling to the familiar. People like things the way they are,” says Kathleen Gallivan, president of Chapter D, Saskatoon, relating the process to the feeling every chapter experiences when considering new members or other chapter changes. “You just have to look toward the future and the opportunity it presents and open yourself to growing into something bigger and better.”
In the end, all three chapters voted to go ahead with the process of a merger. “It was clear that a lot of research and planning had gone into their proposal before we knew anything about it,” says Margaret Hammond, C, Regina. “We were overwhelmed
with the time and effort they spent on our behalf.”
The Vote
With the unanimous support of the three Saskatchewan Chapters, a resolution proposing the formation of the Alberta-Saskatchewan Provincial Chapter was drafted and presented at the Alberta Provincial Convention on May 3. The resolution passed and was celebrated with a special song welcoming the Saskatchewan sisters in attendance. Emotions ran high as the Alberta and Saskatchewan flags were waved, ushering in a new era for the now merged provinces.
“Seeing this merger happen after all these years, finally getting Saskatchewan connected with a provincial chapter, is wonderful,” says Barbara Andes, president of International Chapter. “The affiliation between these two provinces is a great benefit to P.E.O.”
Lynda McLeish, past president of Manitoba Provincial Chapter, has served as a proxy organizer for the Saskatchewan chapters since 2005. Because the International Organizer would only visit the chapters once every two years, Lynda was asked to be their contact between International visits. “We would talk about life, membership and meetings,” she says. “But there was only one of me. As part of a provincial chapter, more can visit. More can give them ideas.” Though bittersweet because of the friendships she has formed with her Saskatchewan sisters, Lynda is certain the merger is the best thing for everyone involved. “It’s a win-win situation. A win for Alberta and a win for Saskatchewan.”
Hope for the Future
Now that the merger is complete everyone involved is anticipating the growth of relationships in this newly formed sisterhood. “I think we’ll grow some new friendships and perhaps get some fresh ideas from the Alberta chapters,” says Eleanor Halstrom, past president of Chapter A, Moose Jaw. “We’re thrilled.” Kathleen Gallivan agrees. “Chapter D is excited about building bonds and a sense of belonging with our new provincial chapter,” she says. “It’s going to be fun.”
The merger between the Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces has far-reaching effects. It not only gives P.E.O. the opportunity to seek growth in Canada but sends a message to the rest of the Sisterhood as well. When the executive board says GROW, they mean it. Says Maria Baseggio, “The board is taking action to do what we believe is for the good of the Sisterhood. We’re looking at all possibilities to grow and strengthen our membership.” Adds Barbara Andes, “Together We Can is my theme for the biennium. That pretty much expresses my dreams for this merger. It proves we can work together to accomplish so many wonderful things for our sisterhood.”
Out of the Blizzard Came Hope
Margaret Hammond will long remember two dates in the early months of 2008. The first is January 29 when blizzard warnings and low hopes for her chapter were met with, as she called it, “help in the midst of the storm.” Barbara Andes and a team of P.E.O.s were coming to Canada to talk about membership and the growth of P.E.O. in Canada. Then the most memorable day came. On March 1, the team arrived and proposed a merger that would offer her chapter a new direction.
At the same time, Janet Fairhead was eagerly anticipating a new era for the Alberta Province—a merger that not only benefited her own province but crossed the provincial boundaries to benefit a new group of sisters as well. Her convention theme, Different Voices—Harmonious Tones, would turn out to mean much more than she ever intended. At the time, she was hoping the province would come together in one glorious song. Now, she says, “We’re excited to get some new voices to join us.”