Convention Builds Bridges Among Women

Transcription

1 The Spirit of Utah P.E.O. - Convention 2015 Table of Contents 1 Convention Builds Bridges Among Women 7 Upcoming Online Directory Announced 2 Updates from International Chapter 8 International Recognizes Utah Chapters 3 International Visitor Inspires Convention 8 P.E.O.Consider How You Help Women 4 P.E.O. Gave Hope to Young Women 9 Eleven Amendments Adopted at Convention 5 Forty-four Sisters Remembered Eternally 10 Going to Indianapolis in October? 5 Meet New State Secretary Stephanie Halton 10 Chapters T, X Host Fall Fundraiser 6 Glen Ella Jones Scholarship Approved 10 Online Convention Survey A Success! 6 Mentoring Makes a Difference 11 Utah P.E.O. Calendar 7 Chapters Recognized for Accomplishments 11 Questions/Suggestions? Convention Builds Bridges Among Women State President Gayle Lichti led an inspirational 80th Annual Convention of Utah State Chapter as we were Building Bridges Among Women. Bridges were built between chapters as we socialized together and from chapter members to philanthropy recipients as we listened to their stories. A new Utah State online directory was announced by Rebecca Conant (AH) and our newest P.E.O. Foundation philanthropy, the Glen Ella Jones Utah Scholarship Fund, was approved. Lucinda Cindy Jensen, our International representative and PCE trustee from Eugene, Oregon told us personal stories of the Oregon forest and brought us the good news from International Chapter. Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 1 of 11

2 Our newest members, Golden Girls, and Past State Presidents were honored and a lovely Time of Remembrance was held in memory of those sisters who had entered Chapter Eternal over the past year. The Celebration Banquet on Saturday evening featured the southern Utah ensemble Red Rock Rondo which fit in perfectly with the atmosphere set by hostess chapters C, U, and AI who did an amazing job of capturing the beauty of southern Utah and its natural bridges with their unique decorations and favors. We learned from Kayleen Simmons of "People Helping People" about the importance of the work we do and how our two organizations assist women in different ways. The Chapter Recognition and Resume of Presidents letters given by Kimberly Albro and Nancy Williams, respectively, assured us all that the local chapters that form the foundation of our bridges remain strong. Kimberly also presented an informative and inspiring Period of Instruction entitled "Mentoring Makes all the Difference." Eleven amendments were passed and those of you who will be hosting Convention soon will be happy to know that you will not have to raise funds for your convention due to a $3 convention assessment increase that was passed. In the end, this means more money for scholarships! Gayle wrapped up a successful year as president of Utah State PE.O. for , and was excited to see how we will "Educate, Motivate, and Celebrate" in ! Check out our Convention photos here. Updates from International Chapter By Stephanie Halton, U Utah State Secretary International Visitor Lucinda Cindy Jensen shared the following news: video selfies are encouraged as part of the Power of One initiative to complement P.E.O. International President Maria Baseggio s theme of Reach New Heights the evening event at October s International Convention will be streamed live for viewing the There s No Place like P.E.O. program allows chapters to purchase The P.E.O. Record subscriptions for inactive members at a rate of $5 per year an updated Notice of Member in your Area form is now available the Judy and Glenn Rogers Fine Arts Building at Cottey College is coming in under budget and ahead of schedule Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 2 of 11

3 Projects information and statistics (June/July 2014-April 2015) ELF (Educational Loan Fund) this is an anchor project with 99.5 percent approval and 0.47 percent default rates. Featuring an extremely low interest rate of 2 percent, Jensen mentioned that we don t use it enough. This year $6.73 million was loaned to 533 recipients. IPS (International Peace Scholarship) chapters are encouraged to become Partners in Peace by donating a minimum $500 to IPS and completing the Partners in Peace form. The IPS fund awarded $1.6 million to 127 recipients this year. PCE (Program for Continuing Education) its motto is Funding Grants Today for a Brighter Tomorrow. More than 1,000 women received grants this year, totaling $1.6 million. Scholar Award become a Laureate Chapter by nominating a successful Scholar or by making a lump sum contribution of $500 or more. Ninety winners shared $1.35 million in funds this year. STAR Scholarship chapters should keep in contact with recipients to provide encouragement and support. This year $900,000 was awarded to 360 high school seniors. Foundation the Foundation is not a project but is a service to the P.E.O. Sisterhood that benefits all of the projects. International Visitor Inspires Convention By Stephanie Halton, U Utah State Secretary Inspiration, updates and of course, statistics were presented by Lucinda Cindy Jensen, trustee for the Program for Continuing Education and international visitor, at the 80th Utah State Convention. In three separate addresses, Jensen discussed Growing in the Light of Our Star and the power of possibilities through sisterhood. She used the imagery of her family s tree farm to illustrate the need to sustain existing chapters and plant new chapters. She suggested that we nurture new and inactive members as well as transfers by giving the care and cultivation needed for healthy growth. The membership committee is the whole chapter, she explained and encouraged each chapter to increase by two members in the year ahead. Jensen offered Ilan Shamir s Advice from a Tree for additional inspiration. Stand up tall and proud Sink your roots into the earth Be content with your natural beauty Go out on a limb Drink plenty of water Remember your roots Enjoy the view! Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 3 of 11

4 P.E.O. Gave Hope to Young Women By Carol Day, Z A handful of inspirational philanthropy recipients spoke to the 80th Annual Convention about the hope, relief and support the sisterhood gave them. Sarrah Connole, Kecia Jackson, Martha Munehzi, Corey Linn Larsen and Amber Barron addressed the Utah sisters. Sarrah has been awarded the Program for Continuing Education and the Helen Abbott. Sarrah has three children and worked for Verizon Wireless for 15 years. Her goal was to move into a higher management position. The P.E.O. funds have "lifted a burden, opened up opportunities, and enabled Sarrah to model to her children the value of education." Kecia Jackson is a graduate of Uintah High School in Vernal. A friend of her family, a P.E.O., gave Kecia a pamphlet on Cottey College. Kecia has impressed by the mission "for women, by women, through women." She attended Cottey and it has been the best two years of her life. She had opportunities to travel internationally and for leadership in development of women. She experienced the support system of professors, peers, and PEO's care packages and greetings. She loved the traditions at Cottey and urges us all to tell girls about Cottey. Martha, received the International Peace Scholarship. Martha's grew up in Zimbabwe. She experienced three deaths from age 14 to 19 her father, mother and aunt. Although she was tempted to succumb to bitterness and despair she focused on taking care of herself. She graduated from secondary school, high school and college. She earned a B.S. in economics and has conducted research in ways of breaking the cycle of poverty for young girls and women. She earned a master's degree in demography and won a Fulbright to the University of Utah. She is working on a Ph.D. When she received the P.E.O. IPS scholarship, she danced with joy. She believes that if she sets her mind on a goal and works hard that the sky's the limit. She thanked the P.E.O.s for their acts of kindness: friendship, cards, being mothers, grandmothers and friends; a tidal wave of help. Corey Linn Larsen received the Ruth S. Clayton Memorial Nursing Scholarship and the Helen Abbott. She graduated from Alta High school and attended the University of Southern Utah. Her studies were not focused in college and she worked at Altaview Hospital with physical therapy patients. She saw that the work was hard and the patients sometimes did not make progress because they weren t pushed. She had a son. She has refocused her goals and now is working on becoming a physician's assistant at Salt Lake Community College. Her advice is we can make a difference if we look outside ourselves. Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 4 of 11

5 Amber Barron is the recipient of the STAR scholarship. Amber's push to succeed began in 4th grade in the Girl Scouts where she learned leadership, public speaking and a passion for science, technology, engineering and math. Girls Scouts meant space camp, engineering fairs and competitions. She has written engineering curriculum for students in grades 5-12 that is currently being used in the classroom. Amber plans to earn a Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Forty-four Sisters Remembered Eternally By Saundie Stone, X From the Prelude to the Benediction, the Time of Remembrance service is a moving experience for all of us. It is a time to remember these sisters who have touched our lives so completely and demonstrate that they will stay in our hearts forever. This year s Time of Remembrance was beautifully orchestrated by State Vice President Nancy Williams (Y) with assistance from her chapter Y sisters Cindy Jackson, Susan Salem, Cynthia Schofield, DeAnn Graves, Genie Murphy and Patti Jachim. Also a special thank you goes out to the sisters who participated in the service representing those remembered. Forty-four sisters were remembered along with our seven founders. A special tribute to Past State President, Mary Greider (P), was presented by Ruth Darrington (AA), PSP. The songs were You ll Never Walk Alone performed by Susan Boyle and Blest Be The Tie That Binds was sung by everyone. Nancy Williams gave a beautiful reading, Our Memories, by Emily Mathews. Many family members and friends of our Chapter Eternal sisters were in attendance. Meet New State Secretary Stephanie Halton Stephanie Halton from Chapter U in Logan was installed during Convention as the newest member of the Utah state board. Stephanie grew up on the East Coast and in Elko, NV. She was initiated into Chapter HB of Spokane WA in 1995 and transferred to Chapter U in Logan in She is pleased to be a third-generation P.E.O. - her grandmother was a 50+ year P.E.O. and her mother and aunt are current members. Professionally, Stephanie is a conference and corporate event administrator at the Utah State University Research Foundation. In her spare time, she is an avid reader, enjoys knitting, loves Pilates classes, and is a very proud aunt. Stephanie said, I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn from others, share my skills, see P.E.O. from a different angle, and have fun, too! Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 5 of 11

6 Glen Ella Jones Scholarship Approved By Gayle Lichti, Z, PSP A new P.E.O. Foundation scholarship, the Glen Ella Jones Utah Scholarship Fund, was established during Convention. Glen Ella Jones was initiated into Chapter J in Ogden on November 18, 1936 and served as president in but moved to San Francisco shortly after that. She entered Chapter Eternal in The Glen Ella Jones Utah Scholarship Fund was established as an endowment with the P.E.O. Foundation in June 2013 through a contribution from the Glen Ella Jones Charitable Trust. This means that one scholarship will be awarded annually based on the interest earned on the principle held by the Foundation beginning in spring of The amount will be approximately $1600. It is of note that endowments were also established in her name for the state of Wyoming and Cottey College. Utah State Chapter has chosen to set up the terms of the Glen Ella Jones Utah Scholarship Fund in a manner very similar to the Glen Ella Jones Wyoming Scholarship Fund that was established last year, thus forming a sister philanthropy with our northeastern neighbor. Applicants shall be Utah residents, 21 years of age or older who have graduated from high school or have earned a GED. It is intended to assist women who may have some college credit but have not completed a degree. This scholarship may be used at any two or four year college or university, including nationally accredited vocational schools. The scholarship shall be awarded based on educational goals, career plans and financial need. Mentoring Makes a Difference By Jenny Clark, AJ Chapters were reminded how important it is to provide new members with a mentor. State Organizer Kimberly Albro (AE) emphasized that the true definition of the word means to guide or makes sense of your world. Anyone can be a good mentor by simply encouraging. Chapters need to remember that it s hard to be the new gal, let them know what your chapter is about and how it works. The first three years of a new sister s membership are very important. She will decide if she s going to be a good P.E.O. or if she s not going to participate. Click Here for ideas from the Local Chapter Membership Toolbox. Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 6 of 11

7 Chapters Recognized for Accomplishments By Kimberly Albro, AE As a continuation of chapter recognitions at Convention, I would like to have each chapter continue to use their recognition necklace. The necklaces celebrated the accomplishments of chapters by using various beads to denote each success. Delegates should give the necklace they received to their chapter president. At the beginning of each meeting, the president can present the necklace to someone in the chapter who has done something special. Did a member have a great fundraising idea? Did someone recommend a scholarship candidate? Did a sister help another sister in need? I'm sure you will all have fun passing the necklace around. All necklaces had one large wooden daisy bead to represent your chapter. Each necklace also had seven round colored beads representing our seven founders. The other beads were added for different achievements. For each of the bridge building goals set by Gayle Lichti and the State Board, a star bead was added. Each chapter received at least three star beads because every chapter completed at least three goals as requested. Small round polka dot beads were added for every potential scholarship recipient the chapter sponsored. A small silver daisy bead was added for each net one increase in membership. Well done everyone. Now, everybody clap your hands Upcoming Online Directory Announced By Rebecca Conant, AH Nancy Williams, State President, is pleased to announce that very soon the new online directory will become available on the Utah P.E.O. State website. Recently presented at the 2015 Utah State Convention, the directory will help us stay in touch and connected. I am so excited to have this new resource available at our fingertips, from a phone, tablet or laptop! says Nancy. She added that the Board regards security a high priority and required that two separate firewalls be put in place to access the directory. More information on where to find and how to use the directory will be provided in the July Sister to Sister newsletter. Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 7 of 11

8 International Recognizes Utah Chapters In addition to the state recognition of chapter accomplishments, International forwarded certificates from four philanthropies to be presented at Convention to select chapters for special awards. The following chapters were recognized at Convention. Certificates from Cottey College in recognition of chapters meeting the Cottey Referral challenge by the December 1, 2014, deadline were presented by Ann Wakefield (AH) chairman of the Cottey Committee. The chapters receiving certificates were Chapter H (referred 11 girls), Chapter AH (referred two girls), Chapter M (referred one girl) and Chapter Y (referred one girl). Ruth Darrington (AA), PSP, presented Chapter AJ with the Partners in Peace Certificate for contributing $500 to the International Peace Scholarship Fund. They were also assigned IPS Student Martha Munezhi from Zimbabwe studying at the University of Utah. On behalf of Janelle Evans (AN), Utah s P.E.O. Scholar Award (PSA) representative, Utah State Chapter Vice President Nancy Williams (Y) presented Chapters AI and Z Laureate Chapter Certificates. They qualified by contributing a lump sum of at least $500 to the PSA project. The fourth category of special awards was presented by Lucinda Cindy Jensen, International representative to Convention and trustee serving on the Program for Continuing Education (PCE) Board of Trustees. A PCE Funding a Legacy of Learning Named Grant Certificate was presented to Chapter R. Congratulations to these chapters for earning these special awards! P.E.O. Consider How You Help Women By Jana Lawrence, AC Think about your own story and mission, urged Convention keynote speaker Kayleen Simmons. Simmons is executive director of People Helping People, a not-for-profit program that helps low-income women and single mothers become successfully employed. Over the last 20 years PHP has helped thousands of women and, in turn, their families. She used the stories of three women to illustrate how women are helped by PHP, and asked us to consider what the women we help gain. By raising up women we raise up kids, and the community, she said. Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 8 of 11

9 Eleven Amendments Adopted at Convention By Karen Post, A The 2015 Utah State Convention saw the adoption of 11 proposed amendment changes. Two of the proposed amendments were amended from the floor, both were adopted. One proposed amendment was withdrawn. Amendments #1 and #2 were voted on together by written ballot. The annual convention assessment will be increased from $5 to $8 per member and convention hostess chapters will now be allocated a total $3,000 over three years to assist in Convention costs. The amendment to the amendment allowed that any unspent money from the $3,000 to be reimbursed to the State Chapter. Amendment #3 It will no longer be the duty of the Amendments and Recommendations Committee to distribute the proposed amendments prior to Convention or to update the bylaws and standing rules for Convention proceedings. This shall be the duty of the state secretary. Amendment #4 Establishes the position of Communications Team Leader as part of the Communications Team. Clarifies the duties of the Communication Team: training, maintaining the P.E.O. Google accounts and documents, regularly publishing the Sister to Sister Newsletter, and maintaining and supervising the Utah State Chapter website. Amendment #5 Changes the name of the Facilities Coordinator to the Convention Coordinator, creating a more accurate description. Amendment #6 and #7 were voted on together. The Glen Ella Jones Scholarship Fund is to be held and administered by the P.E.O. Foundation and a rotating committee of three Utah P.E.O. members has been established to manage the Glen Ella Jones Utah Scholarship Fund. Amendment #8 The annual dues shall be increased from $38.50 to $ The allocation shall be $26 for International Chapter (includes $6 for Cottey College) and $14.50 for state chapter dues. Amendment #9 Amendments to state bylaws shall no longer be proposed during the Convention of Utah State Chapter. Amendment #10 - The ceremony of initiation shall be exemplified (demonstrated) at the discretion of the organizer. The amendment to the amendment added during an official visit. (Amendment #11 was withdrawn) Amendment #12 Amendments to state standing rules shall no longer be proposed during the Convention of Utah State Chapter. Resolved That the Executive Board of Utah State Chapter be authorized to correct article and section designations, punctuation and cross-references, and to make such other technical and conforming changes as may be necessary to reflect the intent of Utah State Chapter. Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 9 of 11

10 Going to Indianapolis in October? By Nancy Williams, Utah State President The biannual Convention of International Chapter P.E.O. will be held October in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Utah delegation will be made up of the State President, State Vice President, delegates from Chapters B, L, N, Z and AN, and four Past State Presidents. Visitors from other chapters are encouraged to come as well. Attending an International Convention is a P.E.O. life-changing event! If you plan to go to the Convention of International Chapter as a visitor please contact Nancy Williams, nancywms65@gmail.com for valuable information. Chapters T, X Host Fall Fundraiser By Saundie Stone, X Make your reservations early for the Harvest Hoedown Fall Fundraiser hosted by Chapters T and X on Saturday, October 24 from 5-9 p.m. at the Cottonwood Country Club, 1780 E. Lakewood Drive, Holladay. The evening will feature a BBQ dinner and fixin s, full cash bar, auction, music and dancing. $65 per person. For questions, contact Saundie Stone (X) at saundiebill@comcast.net or Online Convention Survey a Success! By Nancy Williams, Utah State President A full 60 percent of participants rated the 2015 Convention as excellent. This was the first time the Convention Evaluation Survey was an online form, and details of how to access it were sent via an blast to all subscribers of the Sister to Sister enewsletter. As promised, it was easy, quick and anonymous! And may I add very successful! Nearly 90 Convention attendees responded (more than when a paper form was used). Not only did we receive accurate information, through the use of GoogleForms, we received easy-to-read information, charts and graphs to use to evaluate the many facets of Convention. When asked to relate their overall impression of Convention as excellent, good, fair or poor, all participants rated it as either excellent or good. From all appearances, the attendees not only learned a great deal but had a pleasant time doing it. Thank you to all those convention attendees that participated in the survey. Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 10 of 11

11 Click here for P.E.O. International Click here for Utah P.E.O. Sisterhood Click here for Next Generation of Utah P.E.O. Utah P.E.O. Calendar Check out the Utah P.E.O. Google calendar [click here]. View it in Week, Month or Agenda style. Click on individual events for more details. You may copy a single event or the whole calendar to your personal Google calendar. Learn more about Google calendars [click here]. Scholarship Due Dates: Ongoing Helen Abbott Fund Scholarship Carole S. Putnam Scholarship P.E.O. Project for Continuing Education (PCE) P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund (ELF) P.E.O. Scholar Award (PSA) Online nominations from August 20 - November 20 Upcoming Events: Articles are DUE for the July 1 Issue of Sister to Sister News by June 20. Contact Lead Editor Kathy Biele (AI) at peoutah.news@gmail.com. Saturday, August 8 Top of Utah Reciprocity Business Meeting Saturday, October 24, 5 p.m. Harvest Hoedown - P.E.O. Scholarship Fundraiser hosted by Chapters T and X Cottonwood Country Club 1780 E Lakewood Drive, (5600 S), SLC Questions? Suggestions? Please let the editors know if you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, events or articles. If you are submitting information about a chapter fundraiser, please indicate that you have approval from the state board to circularize. Newsletter dates and submission deadlines are found on the calendar at The Utah State Board approves submitted content. You can reach the Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News editor at peoutah.news@gmail.com. Utah P.E.O. Sister to Sister News - Convention 2015 Return to Table of Contents Page 11 of 11