When the calendar says “autumn” many local chapters resume a different schedule or move into a new programming emphasis. For some members, a different pace and routine begin; for others the classroom again calls.
Even if you are not formally going “back to school” this month, please consider engaging in this assignment to assess your chapter’s health and growth opportunities:
Reflect upon these four strong, compelling words and their many meanings. How do they apply or describe your chapter’s vitality?
- Energized—vigorous, forceful, transformational
- Relevant—pertinent, to the point, apropos
- Dynamic—strong, productively active, changing
- in relationship
- Inspired—exciting, stirring, moving
Mull over some negative words too; how can you avoid these descriptors applying to your chapter?
- Disengaged—detached, not in gear
- Cliquish—narrow circle
- Complacent—self-satisfied or unconcerned
The word “vision” is powerful in purpose. List adjectives that could be used to modify vision. Did you choose words like “focused,” “clear” or “centered”? Or did you choose words like “tunnel,” “peripheral” or “double”? Each makes “vision” have a very different connotation. Do any of these qualifiers describe some issues or activities within your chapter? How about the modifier “expanding”? Ask yourself and your chapter whether you are stretching your goals beyond your comfort zone, reaching out in new directions and putting our foundational ideals into actual practice?
Think back to your days in the math classroom. Remember the term “exponential”? It means raising a number or quantity to a power. In a P.E.O. application this could signify multiplying positive influence and ability by using positive influence and ability. Exponentially means more than lineal, more than two dimensional; it is power that is horizontal, vertical and all encompassing! Can your chapter’s vision be expanded exponentially in the months ahead?
How do we respond to achieve gold-star results?
Encourage—First, encourage one another with new thinking, new dreaming and new possibilities.
Enable—As you encounter ideas, keep open minds and open hearts. Ask what new potential will strengthen the chapter.
Empower—Find the fuel that will drive your action plan. Collaborate together. Devote the time necessary for success. Think positively.
For P.E.O. sisters in each chapter meeting, the significant words in our timeless Objects and Aims penned in 1869 by Alice Bird Babb challenge us with a dedicated vision. Its meaningful directives beckon us to ever-changing horizons in a world of opportunities we do not yet know.
Forward!
Paula Rueb, past president of Wyoming State Chapter, has accepted a five-year appointment to the P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund Board of Trustees beginning October 1. Welcome!
As her term concludes, grateful appreciation is expressed to current ELF chairman Kathy Bennett, New Jersey, for her fine service and leadership.
