P.E.O. Record
Together We Can...
There is an oft-quoted story about Oliver Wendell Holmes who, when traveling by train, was asked by the conductor for his ticket. When Mr. Holmes couldn't find the ticket, the conductor, recognizing his famous passenger, said, "That's all right Mr. Supreme Court Justice, I'm sure the railroad can trust you to mail it in when you find it." "My good man," replied the exasperated Mr. Holmes, "the question is not where is my ticket; the question is where am I going?"
P.E.O. is confronted with the same question: not where have we been but where are we going? This decade has proven to be a turning point for our organization; a time for evaluation and setting of goals. The vitally important information gathered from various sources has directed the work of this biennium. So what distinguishes our organization? Why do we need to ask "Where are we going?"
Our mission of philanthropy and education is one of the central core values and a distinguishing mark of our sisterhood. Since 1907 more than 80,000 women have received $190 million in scholarships, grants, awards and loans and this year, a year of economic challenges, giving overall to our philanthropies is up. Astonishing? Perhapsen dashbut not surprising. This is not the only economic crisis P.E.O. has weathered in our 140 year history nor will it likely be the last. Think about this. Just two years after Cottey College was given to P.E.O. the world was thrown into a deep depression, but P.E.O.s stepped forward and generously supported our two projects at the time, the Educational Loan Fund and Cottey College. Even though these women were facing shortages and financial stress they continued to give to advance the educational mission of P.E.O.
We are also distinguished as an organization by the fellowship we enjoy with each other. A special bond makes us uniquely different from other women's organizations. P.E.O. is one of the largest and oldest continuously meeting women's organizations in North America. Yes, we are a great organization. Our purposes are altruistic; we are deeply interested in each other and our communities, but we are concerned over the loss of 1,903 members this year. (See membership graphs, pages 6-7.) Can we improve? Can we become a more attractive organization to women of all ages?
This is a time when again we must find our way, to know our direction. Our membership has spoken. We have listened. The committees have worked to put forward proposals which protect our core values while revamping our procedures. Essentially, we must see the big picture and not become bogged down by inconsequential matters. The benefit of streamlined processes will be that we will have more time for each other, to get acquainted and to truly become sisters. We will also have more time to focus on our good works and on finding worthy project recipients.
Together We Can Do It!
Barbara Andes, President
International Chapter