The AHEPAN - Fall 2009 - 5

Daughters of PeneloPe Teamwork is the Essence of Success By Daughters of Penelope Grand President Elaine M. Sampanis S ince my election to this position I have had the opportunity to attend affairs about which I had only heard. There are events taking place and projects in the works or completed that describe who we are and why we are in existence. The senior citizens housing program under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) emphasizes the empathy we have for those who could not live in a comfortable, secure environment without these types of shelters. In addition, Penelope House and Penelope Place provide a nurturing environment in an effort to help individuals out of dire situations no matter their education or economic stratum. Elaine M. Sampanis These are the larger examples of our efforts. However, every once in a while we need to be reminded that new and innovative ideas propel the Daughters of Penelope into new ventures. We continue to challenge ourselves with greater opportunities to serve others. Pioneering ideas come from associating with women from all walks of life from our diverse educational backgrounds to the way we were reared. Whether we are wealthy or “just OK” we try to give of ourselves and come up with new ideas that perhaps another person can bring to fruition. The Daughters of Penelope and even our AHEPA counterparts are a team. These ideas cannot become reality without the help of our teammates. Ideas evolve and strengthen when supported by other members of the organization. This year the Daughters of Penelope is celebrating its 80th anniversary. Our organization has evolved from our original composition to what we are now. Today, we are a non-partisan, non-denominational women’s group that wants to make a difference in the world around us. We endeavor to donate our time, goods (books, baby clothes, gently used clothes for Penelope’s Closet), and financial resources by hosting fund raising events for our various chapter, district, and national projects. Membership is essential in maintaining an aggressive organization. Many of you have heard me speak about a motivational membership program used on many college campuses to increase membership, known as LEAP. In an abbreviated version LEAP is simply four words that should bring others to us: Love, Energy, Audacity and Proof. We need to cultivate love, generate energy, inspire audacity, and provide proof. All of these points are basic truths to running and being part of an organization. We are a team. As leaders of this team we need to teach, communicate, and lead our members. In order to continue the work we do we need to increase membership in our beloved organization. We need to bring in new members who are willing to work in this fraternal association, believing in what we believe in, sharing similar ideas and goals, and looking into the future for further accomplishment. www.ahepa.org Fall 2009 the ahepan

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The AHEPAN - Fall 2009

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