2017 Organization memo from Anne-Marie Gorman, national president-elect and chairperson of organization:
Greetings to all parish council chairpersons of organization and presidents-elect. Thank you for taking on this responsibility in preparation of becoming president. As a second year chairperson, your confidence level has increased after having digested the literature and responsibilities of what your continuing role and your future role as president will be. For those recently elected to the position of organization, you will have two years to become knowledgeable about your role. God is good all the time. With the intervention of Mary and the calling upon of the Holy Spirit, you will be ready. Use your given gifts to support the League in your community and to promote new ways of doing things.
- In your role, the Constitution & Bylaws, National Manual of Policy and Procedure (P&P) and Leading the League, available online (cwl.ca/manuals) and in hard copy from national office, have invaluable support material that will light your way and assist with any questions you may have. Using the monthly topics in Leading the League is a simple and straightforward way to organize the year, beginning with recruitment and maintenance of membership. While the recruitment and maintenance process may seem onerous, remind active and prospective members that there are many ways to serve the League without attending every meeting and/or assisting in every activity. Remember, membership fees are due January 1st.
- Please review your other responsibilities, i.e., educating members (using League resource material), ensuring annual reports are submitted (online reporting is into its second year) and taking note of prospective leaders among members and seeking ways to develop them (using materials available or sending them to leadership workshops). Also, review the ethical guidelines, Appendix 2 of the P&P.
- Affirm council members regularly through unique and individual ways traditional to your parishes. Feel free to share these practices with other parish councils in your diocese and province, and make use of the ceremony with years-of-service pins.
- Nominate members for the maple leaf service pin (long-serving members who have contributed to their parishes) and the Bellelle Guerin award (a member who will not be eligible to serve the national level as a life member). Consider making more use of these awards.
- Promote the League by using the League crest (with permission from the national chairperson) and scarf at every opportunity. Many councils have received permission to use the crest on banners, books, floats in parades, clothing, etc., stating how proud they are to share membership in the League.
Blessings on your year.
Anne-Marie Gorman
National President-Elect and Chairperson of Organization
