May – the month of sunshine, blooming flowers, and new beginnings.

Ladies,

If you have been keeping up with the proposed changes to the Bylaws, Administrative Procedures, and Enclosures submitted to Headquarters, it may feel like a great deal to review. The good news is that there is still plenty of time to go through each item during your monthly unit meetings, so you are prepared to vote at this year’s National Convention in Indiana. Reviewing them in advance will help move the process along and make it far more manageable once we are together. All proposed changes should be posted on our website for easy access and printing if needed.

Each member in good standing who attends the National Convention is entitled to one vote on every issue. If a Roll Call Vote is properly requested, your unit’s Delegates and Alternates should already understand how your membership wishes them to vote. This is the purpose of sending Delegates and Alternates – not everyone can attend, but each unit’s voice is still represented. Keep in mind that if your unit is divided on an issue, your unit voting strength may also be divided, according to the wishes of your members.

Along with reviewing the proposed changes on the website, now is also the time for unit members to re-read the National Convention Proceedings. Any necessary corrections can then be addressed before approval at the Convention in Indianapolis.

Division Vice Presidents and elected staff are asked to review the Mid-Winter Staff Conference Proceedings as well. These documents include the stated intentions of those seeking an elected office. Division Vice Presidents and Assistants are elected by their membership and installed during the National Convention.

Preparation makes a difference. When everyone arrives informed and ready, business sessions move efficiently, leaving more time to enjoy each other’s company.

On that note, one of the greatest privileges of serving as National President is the opportunity to attend Division Conferences and Department Conventions. While I am not able to accept every invitation, I do my best to attend as many as possible. Past National, Department, and Unit Presidents also value the opportunity to assist with installations and special events. Please remember to take photos and share them with Headquarters so others may celebrate your new officers and special moments as well.

I’d like to share a little ditty that I recently found online which reflects our Auxiliary relationships to a T:

            A good friend is like a bra.

        Hard to find, supportive, comfortable, always lifts you up, makes you look better and is always close to your heart.

Warm regards,
Dotty Sanning

MCLANatPres2024@gmail.com