P.E.O. Record
Together We Can...
The survey of our membership conducted by Noel-Levitz, a national consulting firm, asked, “How can P.E.O. become more involved in philanthropy and how can P.E.O. have a greater impact in our local communities?”
Eighty-one percent of active members replied that educational scholarships for women were important or very important. Ninety-three percent of active members replied that it was important or very important to use funds to maximize project support.
While other women’s organizations are shrinking and disappearing, P.E.O. is actively committing its resources, talents and energies to look for new ways to support women’s education. That is quite a statement about our membership and one we should be proud to share with families, friends and colleagues.
We listened to your good suggestions and your ideas for establishing a new project. We listened for opportunities that would enhance all of our projects while reaching out to another group of women who would benefit by the support and encouragement of our members. We listened to ideas for community involvement, too.
And, we have exciting news! The special committee to develop the sixth project met in January to consider many ideas. It was clear that the focus should provide a scholarship for an underserved group of women – graduating high school seniors. The committee drew up a proposal and presented it to the executive board, which unanimously and enthusiastically approved it.
STOP! Do not read any further until you have read the announcement of the proposed new project. You will want to hear what the special committee has to say before continuing. Is it exciting? YES!
A new project – the STAR scholarship isn’t this great news?
Following approval, the executive board asked the committee to prepare a pilot project to test all aspects of the proposal. Currently the committee is working on criteria, guidelines and application forms in preparation to launch the pilot project in the fall. You’ll want to follow its progress by watching for announcements of the scholarship in The Record and on the P.E.O. website. During this phase it is important for our membership to not only support this new project with applicants, but also with monetary gifts. This is the time when every part of the proposal is tested, including the willingness of our members to generously support this new work.
Following the pilot project, a resolution will be brought to the 2009 Convention of International Chapter for a vote. Adoption of the resolution will establish the project. Amendments to the Constitution will also be prepared and voted upon. The constitutional proposals will provide for the governance of the project.
Catch the spirit of the STAR. We can significantly participate in the lives of thousands of young women by launching this new philanthropy with enthusiasm and generous support. Establishing this new project will be another milestone for P.E.O., another momentous accomplishment for our sisterhood. We are women helping women reach for the stars.
Together We Can Do It!
Barbara Andes, President
International Chapter