Leona McDermott
2016-2017 National Membership & Leadership Ambassador
Don’t Lose Momentum – Don’t Lose Focus – Don’t Stop Now
As we enter the month of December, our focus must be on retaining our current members and collecting those continuous dues so that our members can remain in good standing. It is important for members to remain in good standing because failure to pay dues by December 31 means that the member:
- Cannot attend VFW Auxiliary meetings;
- Cannot hold a VFW Auxiliary elective office, appointive office, or program chairmanship on any level; and
- Is not eligible for a Cancer Grant, if otherwise eligible.
Membership Chairmen: You continue to do an outstanding job. Our numbers are still running ahead of last year and you are working diligently to make those quarterly goals. Please keep in mind, however, that attaining those quarterly goals does not guarantee your Department will make 100% plus in membership. So while those quarterly goals are important, please don’t lose sight of the real goal – 100% plus in membership. I continue to be amazed by the promotional material I am receiving and love that so many of you are using social media to get the message out.
Department Presidents: As part of the criteria for the Circle of Excellence all Department and Auxiliary Officers (Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers) dues must be paid by December 31, or a letter/email must be received by VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters by that date relieving any non-paid officer. Please run the Officers Not in Good Standing report for your Department and work with your Department Treasurer in order to ensure you meet this criteria.
Don’t lose your momentum – don’t lose your focus – don’t stop now. Keep doing what you are doing and remember that recruiting one member and/or retaining one member matters!
From my home to yours, I wish for each of you a happy holiday season, and a prosperous and healthy New Year. Let’s make this another banner year for the VFW Auxiliary by attaining 100% plus in membership. I know we can do this!
