P.E.O. Record
Together We Can...
A Chinese proverb says, “If we don’t change the direction we are headed, we will end up where we are going.” The message seems so obvious, doesn’t it? But think about this for a minute. If we don’t make intentional changes we could end up someplace we really don’t want to go! Interesting statement! Each one of us has the capacity to consciously make decisions that will give a clear direction to a better destination. This is particularly true for P.E.O.
As members we have the ability to make changes that will benefit P.E.O. but we have to be willing to try something different; we have to be willing to be risk takers.
The executive board has been planning and considering issues that need to be changed to give P.E.O. a clear direction for the future. Recent reports from the special and ad hoc committees indicate that the result of their work has the potential to revitalize our organization and meet the expressed and identified needs of our membership.
As a local chapter you have an opportunity to plan for revitalization of your chapter, too. How, you ask?
Begin by scheduling an evaluation meeting at a time when most chapter members may participate. Prepare specific questions in advance. For example: ask your members what they like about chapter meetings and social gatherings. Then ask how we can improve? Create an environment where all opinions are heard; all comments are welcome.
Ask if day and time of meeting addresses the needs of the majority of members. If another schedule gives opportunity to reach women who can’t attend because of conflicts with work or other responsibilities, this small change will alter the direction of your chapter.
Ask if programs create interest so your members want to come to meetings. Are the programs intellectually stimulating, are they enjoyable and useful, did the program deliver something that the members benefited from? Look at attendance when a terrific program was given. What did you learn from the numbers?
Ask if social meetings meet the needs of your chapter. A variety of activities, enjoyable but also worthwhile, will be invaluable in building good relationships with your sisters and create important opportunities to introduce others to P.E.O.
Busy women will attend meetings and social events when they feel they receive value for the time they spend. We can do something about non-participating members and declining attendance if we’re willing to make intentional changes. We can transform the spirit of our chapters if we make deliberate plans through thoughtful and considered planning. We shouldn’t continue traveling in the same direction just because it’s always been done that way. Is it time to change direction?
It has been said that, “People don’t plan to fail—they fail to plan.”
P.E.O. will be revitalized if we make plans, set goals, take risks and work together to make P.E.O. better and stronger.
Together We Can Do It!
Barbara Andes, President
International Chapter