December 2012 Edition of the Wisconsin

Page 1

December 13, 2012

PRESIDENTÕS MESSAGE ItÕs hard to believe that the holidays are right around the corner. The snow flurries and suddenly cold temperaDiana Sirovina tures confirm Department that we are enPresident tering the busiest time of the year. We all have so many things going on, shopping, decorating, baking, cooking, and so much more. It is really easy to get so wrapped up in holiday preparations that we forget everything else going on around us.

I hope that in all the holiday frenzy, you will take time to remember that our Auxiliary work is important, too. We still need to work hard on membership and all of our projects need to continue. Our veterans still need our help. The families of our deployed service personnel need our support. The homeless veterans need our donations to make their lives better. And, the men and women serving in the armed forces all over the world need our prayers. So, please find time in your busy schedules to continue all the good things you do for our veterans, active duty military and their families. You

really do make a difference in the lives of these people. As 2012 draws to a close, it is only natural that we reflect on all we have experienced during the past year. The Auxiliary can be very proud of the wonderful things it has accomplished. I hope that remembering all those things will serve as an inspiration for even greater things for 2013. Let us recommit ourselves to our mission and to working together as the Legion Family. Wishing you all the beauty and joy of the Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year. Happy Holidays! Diana Sirovina Department President

MEMBERSHIP Ann Rynes Dept Membership Chairman Ph: (608) 604-0350 Email: annies@mwt.net It seems like the year is flying by! Here we are already through Thanksgiving, coming up on Christmas and looking at 2013! How are your membership numbers? Are you already at 100%? Are you struggling? Please reach out to any of the Membership Team if you want an extra hand, after all we are Your Membership Team! How about social media? Have you chosen to utilize any of these means? Facebook and Twitter are the most popular for keeping up with people and events, but donÕt forget about picture sites such as Flicker or Photobucket for uploading albums from your events. You can set up albums and let your members know to post any photos from your events there for everyone to see! If you are looking to go a step further, your Executive Board could make use of an online ÒgroupÓ for quick meetings or to vote on topics. While a meeting in person is always preferred, sometimes itÕs hard to get multiple schedules to line up Ð so take advantage of another easy online

tool. Google and Yahoo both have options to set up groups and invite members to it. You can then Òhave a meetingÓ online at everyoneÕs convenience and not have to delay an important meeting or vote. Make sure your Unit Bylaws allow for online voting or amend them if necessary. As of this printing we still have several Units that have not turned in any memberships. This time of year is always full of chores to be done, but please take a moment to contact those members you have not heard from and remind them why they joined this great organization. Sometimes that extra contact also helps remind our members that we care about each and every one of them! It can be hard to reach beyond the numbers game in membership sometimes, but calling or emailing members who havenÕt paid to wish them a Merry Christmas is a wonderful way to show them we know they are there, and that we care. The next membership goal set by National President Peggy Thomas is to be 70% by ValentineÕs Day. How close is your Unit? Remember to look for all possible eligible members. There is no age limit, and they are never too young to sign up! In fact, I

think we all enjoy seeing the little ladies and toddlers at our events! And please, always remember the membership goal: ÒBy demonstrating Service Not Self and engaging members in meaningful mission delivery, the American Legion Auxiliary will retain current members and attract new members.Ó Service Not SelfÉ it is not about you, it is about the Veterans and their families and accomplishing our goals to help them! Remember to keep up with President DianaÕs travels and follow her blog! http://presidentdiana2013. blogspot.com/ And keep up with the Department and National organization on facebook Ð look for ÒAmerican Legion Auxiliary Department of WisconsinÓ and ÒAmerican Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters.Ó On behalf of the membership team, we thank you and wish each of you a Happy New Year! YOUR TEAM: Ann Rynes, 608-604-0350, annies@mwt.net; Berne Baer, 920-680-0308, twobaers2009@gmail.com; April Kollmorgen, 360-362-2803, aekollmorgen@comcast.net

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD 2012

2013 1st - 79.85%

2nd - 78.39%

6th District

2nd District

3rd - 77.60%

4th - 76.74%

3rd District

1st District

5th - 74.26% 6th - 72.80%

9th District

8th District

7th - 71.89% 8th - 71.38%

12th District

7th District

9th - 70.52% 10th - 70.44%

10th District

11th District

12th - 49.85%

11th - 70.23% 4th District

5th District

DECEMBER 2012

Total Membership: 74.11%

The Staff at Department Headquarters wishes everyone a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! –Bonnie, Linda, Carrie & Andrea

Happy Holidays


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