The AHEPAN - Spring 2009 - (Page 5)

daughters oF PeNeloPe “Back to Basics” Approach Will Foster Success By Grand President Elaine M. Sampanis s I draft this article as Grand President of the Daughters of Penelope many ideas have come and gone; many lines have been scratched out. When one is trying to convey a message, the message becomes difficult to explain. First, I would like to thank my chapter in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Buckeye District, for their support. But foremost my family brought me here today. My husband, George, and sons, Demetri, Chris and Nicholas have allowed me to take the journey from the District Lodge through the Grand Lodge. I also grew up in an AHEPA family. My grandfather, father, brother and husband were, or are, members. Even my son Demetri is a fourth generation Ahepan in Louisville. Elaine M. Sampanis A The 87th Supreme Convention took us back to San Francisco where the Daughters of Penelope was born 80 years ago on November 17, 1929. During the convention many remarked on the difference between this convention and the last one held there 30 years ago marking the 50th anniversary. Where there were thousands in attendance before, there were only a couple of thousand this time. Why? The organization is 30 years older, which means the members are also 30 years older. We are not getting many new participants, and the new faces we attract may not be able to travel due to children, finances, or other personal reasons. This brings us to the future of the AHEPA family. Our future depends on one basic factor—membership. Without members we don’t need District Lodges or Grand/Supreme Lodges. The Daughters and AHEPA are made up of families. These families through their extended families bring in members. When our youth move away, many times they lose their ties to the organization and do not transfer. There are many reasons why this may occur primary of which is lack of outreach. This leaves it up to us to extend a hand to newcomers in the community. In the Daughters of Penelope we learn from our glorious past, live in the enriched present, and look and leap into our bright future. These words describe all of our Orders. We don’t want to fade away remembered as a once strong organization. Those of us who are dedicated members of the AHEPA family are passionate about our mission statement. All we need is a “back to basics” approach. We have to strengthen our chapters, and find projects that will entice others to join or become active again. Having members in our organization is good; having members come to meetings is better; but having members involved in the planning, execution, and achievement of our goals is optimal. Our vision will bring a brighter future. This is the basis of all inventions, organizations, schools, and industries. We need to act upon our ideas and nurture them to help our organization realize its true potential. www.ahepa.org Spring 2009 the ahepan http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Spring 2009

The AHEPAN - Spring 2009
Table of Contents
AHEPA President's Message
Daughter's of Penelope President's Message
Sons and Maids Presidents' Messages
AHEPA Family News
AHEPA Family Leaves Its Heart in San Francisco
Housing
Athletics
AHEPA Family Chapter News

The AHEPAN - Spring 2009