SHARE - Fall 2008 - (Page 12)

Libby Ramirez and Jim Collins. Meetings proceeded on time and in an orderly fashion. it seemed like a terrific idea since EWTN is such a wonderful voice for Catholics. However, when it was pointed out how very expensive even a one-minute ad would be, the resolution was defeated. Debate and disagreement were not limited to bylaws and resolutions. Those giving reports were sometimes asked to explain further and defend their positions. For example, in her presentation on exit interviews, First Vice National Regent Joanne Tomassi explained the reason for contacting women who had left the Catholic Daughters. Joanne said that communicating with members who have left, even if they are disgruntled, can provide valuable information to help courts sustain membership. Exit interviews have led to concrete suggestions -- for example, provide a “buddy” for each new member, form a “telephone tree” and “keep meetings interesting and under one hour.” Some members still didn’t see the merits, essentially asking “why bother? Why pay for a postage stamp? If a woman has quit, she’s quit. Let’s move on.” But others grasped the concept handily. At the end of the discussion, Claudia Bosch captured with trademark simplicity the reason that these kinds of discussions take place on the floor. “I hope,” Claudia said to the gathering, “that you now better understand why we are conducting exit interviews.” Membership loss was approached from a whole different angle in one of the eight workshops that were presented on the first day. The Leadership Team approached the topic of intergenerational communication as a cleverly presented narrative skit starring Lorayne K. Zimmerman as the traditional, quiet ‘50s wife; Vickie Broussard as a remarkbly groovy hippies chick; Lois Nelson as the tough, self-reliant ‘70s gal, and Lucretia Coates, who magically became “the woman of the ‘80s” before our eyes. The cute costumes, humor and playful antics of the presenters portrayed how rapidly society has and is changing and how women from various generations – even women who share a deep, abiding Catholic faith -- can view things so differently. This can create sharp friction, in meetings and among members. Being sensitive to generational differences can improve communication and save memberships. The membership issue was addressed again from the dais when Past National Regent Rayola McLaughlin spoke eloquently of the importance of acquiring new members. “We can truly say that we are women embracing humanity,” Rayola told the attentive and hushed crowd. “You have been given so much opportunity to make a change in the world. Each day we are given an opportunity to make a difference. Recruiting new Texas, the lone star state, was well represented in Albuquerque. Exhibiting their small flags distributed for the Patriotic Mass, three Daughters from Colorado display enthusiasm for their country. 12 Share Magazine • Fall 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHARE - Fall 2008

SHARE - Fall 2008 National Regent’s Message National Chaplain’s Message From the Editor’s Desk Mail Bag Book Corner CDA in Action National Convention Draws Record Crowd to Albuquerque Living as Women Embracing the Gift of Humanity A Tribute to the Retiring National Directors Vote November 4, 2008 Focus on Youth Anniversaries News & Notes People

SHARE - Fall 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.