This year is a state convention year when states will organize meetings and events that bring members from throughout a state together to conduct business and elect officers. State conventions are important for many reasons. Business is conducted and state officers are elected for the new term. It is also a fun experience to meet and be together with so many other Hibernians.

            Regarding state conventions, I strongly recommend the following:

To state leaders: Organize a structured schedule that supports quality leader/officer reports, sharing of information, and encourages productive discussions. Treat the business of the Order as important AND make the experience meaningful for others to learn and participate. The Blue Book is a terrific guide. Including a Major Degree in your schedule is also critical.

            Social events, such as hosting/attending Irish music or other cultural presentations, would ideally be included and available for members to socialize and network. 

            To delegates and attendees: Please attend and participate! Your state leadership shares important information at conventions, and it is your opportunity to not only learn but contribute. It is your opportunity to engage with leadership and support their work while also meeting other Brothers.

            Any member of a Division is eligible to serve as a delegate at a state convention and represent your division. If you’re interested, please contact your Division President.

Hibernian Charities

            Thank you! Thank you to all Brothers who contributed to the Hibernian Charity Appeal in recent months. Though we started the initiative later than usual, it didn’t impact your generosity. Your financial support will help other Brothers and their families through the Hibernian Disaster Relief, when needed. Project Saint Patrick, Hibernian Hunger and the Irish Way program also benefitted from your support, just to name a few of our charities.

            Thanks again for demonstrating your commitment to supporting others and opportunities for us to share our culture with the next generation.

Organizations are stronger when information flows in all directions as each of us benefits and learns from one another. I noted this in my most recent column as this Board, your National leaders, are interested in hearing from you about how we can best meet your needs.

An important resource that is now available to State Chairs are meetings with National Chairs. Consistently held meetings, via Zoom, with National Chairs have been underway and these are opportunities for others to learn about specific subjects or issues. We hope any information or presentation is then shared with others such as your Division leaders and members. Despite the expertise of our National leaders, these meetings are also an opportunity for you to share information with them. We are always learning and welcome new information, strategies, or successes from each of you.

Pledge and Service to Others

We need your help! The Hibernian Charity mailing is our annual appeal to our membership to support our many charities. I respectfully ask for you to pledge a donation this year. As an organization, our charitable presence grows each year. Our charitable work not only demonstrates our commitment to many causes, it is also in response to the increasing needs of others. While there is tremendous charitable work at the Division level and in many communities, our national efforts are very targeted and consistent with the mission of our organization. This was especially true several months ago as many of our members and their respective communities were impacted by storms in the Southeast part of our country.

I strongly believe that service to others is at our core as Hibernians. The Hibernian Charity Fund supports the following areas and needs:

• Hibernian Disaster Relief,
• Hibernian Hunger Projects,
• National History Day,
• Seminarian and Religious Vocation Grants through Project St. Patrick,
• Irish Way and Study Abroad scholarships.

These are just a few examples, and our goal, once again, is to improve member participation in the Hibernian Charity Appeal. It matters more that you donate than it does what you donate. If 10 per cent of our members participated by returning a donation as part of this appeal, our efforts can serve more people. Thank you for your consideration.