State Conventions
This year is a State Convention year. The National Board has asked State leadership to send them information concerning the dates and locations for their state convention. The National Board would like to have representatives at as many state conventions as possible so that we can see firsthand the good work done throughout the Order. If you have not already done so please get that information to National Secretary Ray Lynch.
Hibernian History Tour
At the time of writing this article I have just returned from the AOH History Tour in Ireland. National President Sean Pender and National Historian Dan Taylor put together a great tour with unique site locations stacked full of historical information, Irish culture and plenty of time for your own brand of fun. Lastly, I need to tell you about a conversation I had with our bus driver. I knew he lived in another part of Ireland and when I asked him why he came so far to take us from location to location he told me he would do anything for the AOH. He told me a little bit about his family history and that he knew firsthand about the good work the AOH does in Ireland especially for those who need it most. Those are his words not mine. I could not help thinking that it is not only the organizations we support that appreciate our good work. It is also the people of Ireland, every day working men and women, who appreciate the good work we do together.
]]>Just a few suggestions about dues collection. Set a deadline for dues payment that is early in the year, preferably within the first three months. This will allow time for you to fulfil your constitutional requirements for dealing with members who do not adhere to the deadline you set. Some divisions tie fulfilling your dues obligations as a requirement before participating in division activities like marching in parades or playing in golf outings. Remember to take advantage of the $4 deduction in your Per Capita assessment by getting your payment in by February 15, 2025.
Please keep the National Board informed of activities going on in your divisions, counties and states. This year being a State Convention year it is especially important to make sure the National Board knows your state convention dates. There’s a lot going on at all levels of our Order please keep your members formed and engaged. Remember, communication is a two-way street and is everyone’s responsibility.
I hope this year brings you new adventures and endless opportunities. I wish you a fresh start to a year filled with positivity and success. May you have a great St. Patrick’s Day and remember to recruit, recruit, recruit!
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