Results from the survey of the P.E.O. membership conducted by Noel-Levitz in 2007 illuminated several key challenges that our organization’s leadership has stepped up to address. The 2007-09 Executive Board of International Chapter appointed the Special Committee for Membership Advancement specifically to address membership issues. One of the recommendations made by this committee, to employ a staff membership director and part-time regionally-based volunteer membership field representatives, has been put into action.
On October 1, 2009, Debbie Clason, R, Kokomo, Indiana, started her fulltime job with P.E.O. as the coordinator of membership development. In the position of coordinator, Debbie will lead the new membership initiative by creating involvement and retention programming that deepens member loyalty and builds relationships among all members. Her other duties will include collaborating with volunteer regional membership representatives, developing multi-media materials focusing on membership strategies, programming resources, and electronic instruction and strengthening membership involvement with fresh ideas to help serve today’s woman.
Debbie became a P.E.O. in 1992. She served as president of her chapter, R, from 1997-1999. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, in 1980 and her master of science in college student personnel administration from Indiana University, Indianapolis, in 1985. Debbie is the executive director of Royal Palace Productions, LLC, where she created, developed and markets the Cinderella Ball, a program for nonprofit organizations to use for funding programs that benefit children and their families. Debbie’s professional background in marketing and her previous leadership experience make her well-suited for the position of coordinator of membership development. “I would be afraid of tackling this new position if it weren’t for the amazing team of women that I’m working with,” said Debbie. “The wealth of passion and experience that each regional membership representative brings to the table is truly inspiring. Combine that with our board’s vision, and I’m confident that our sisterhood has what it takes to meet this challenge head on. I’m looking forward to the journey!”
Regional Membership Representatives
Map showing geographic division of regions
Regional membership representativesFour volunteer regional membership representatives have been selected to assist state/provincial/district (S/P/D) officers and membership committees. Theresa Petty, GF, Albany, Oregon will represent the Western region; Debbie Rogers, F, Memphis, Tennessee, will represent the Eastern region; Jane Attaway, KS, Oblong, Illinois, will represent the North Central region and Ellen Knox, CK, Abilene, Texas, will represent the South Central region. The map on page 4 shows the geographic division of regions. Each of these volunteer representatives is a past state president and has extensive knowledge of P.E.O. policies and procedures.
These regional membership representatives will:
- Collaborate with and serve as a connection among the International Chapter executive board, coordinator of membership development, S/P/D executive boards and S/P/D membership committees.
- Utilize statistics, trends and data to offer practical, workable suggestions to build action plans focusing on nurturing new members and retaining current ones.
- Assist in facilitating strategies and programming to support the mid-range and long-term goals established by executive boards and membership committees of states, provinces and districts.
The volunteer regional membership representatives are enthusiastic about their new roles and are dedicated to their mission. Speaking for the group, Ellen Knox said, “We believe we are on the verge of a new frontier. Our desire is to motivate and inspire our sisterhood to strengthen and grow for future generations.”
New Membership Link for Local Chapters
Another initiative implemented by the membership committee is the creation of a new membership link for local chapters on the International Chapter website menu. Here local chapters will find:
- Frequent topical reminders, explanation of duties and updates for local chapter membership committees
- Workable suggestions
- Motivational features
Be sure to frequently check the “Hot Spot” under the Membership icon 
to find exciting ideas for your chapter.
