Dear California Daughters,
Welcome to the new DAR year – a year we begin by celebrating the 225th anniversary of the Constitution of the United States of America! A press release issued by NSDAR explains to the public the DAR’s involvement in promoting the observance of Constitution Week, September 17-23:
“The tradition of celebrating the Constitution was started many years ago by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, the Daughters petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into Public Law #915 on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the celebration are to (1) emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution, preserving it for posterity; (2) inform the people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life; and (3) encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.”
This officer hopes you will share your chapter photos and stories showing how your chapter celebrated this momentous event by sending them for posting on California Chatter.
As you know, September Council meetings are just around the corner. We hope you have registered and have read about what is planned for the meetings. Don’t forget to wear your chapter or personal name badge at the Council meetings. In order to keep costs down for our one-day meeting, we are not printing name badges for the event. You won’t want to miss the Friday night social that has been created to celebrate “CSSDAR Homecoming.” Bring your cameras so you can take photos of your chapter members and friends in the photo arch; photograph the chapter homecoming float contest, the homecoming queen, and even a special celebrity guest! Join the fun and dress in your favorite 1950’s or 60’s outfit. Information is available on the CSSDAR Members’ website under Council Meetings. You may register by mailing a form and check by the deadline, or by using a credit card at our new WebStore.
The deadline to register for Northern Council is September 3; Southern Council deadline is September 14. Three workshops will be held on Saturday morning before the main meeting and luncheon: Leadership, Financial Update, and Navigating the new CSSDAR websites. The exhibit room will have a large variety of committees with information for members; yearbooks, proceedings, and awards to pick up; and there will be fundraising items for sale. Chapters, make sure you pick up a “honey bear” container to use at chapter meetings to collect donations for the State Regent’s Projects. These will be available at the State Corresponding Secretary’s table.
The new CSSDAR Public website has been approved by the National Society and is now live. It can be viewed at www.californiadar.org. Don’t forget to refresh your browser so you can open the new site. Congratulations to the VIS Committee for creating our beautiful new public website! A brand new CSSDAR Members’ website will go online very soon. You will want to attend the workshop at council to learn about all the new features and tools. If you need help, please contact Lisa Fox, webmaster@californiadar.org.
As reported in July, the new California Clarion is now the sole source of information for the State Society, and encompasses the Clarion (with news from State officers, NSDAR, Committees), California Chatter (with reports of events from chapters, districts, and the State Society), and the State Communiqué (an archive of urgent messages broadcast to specific groups and members). Please check out the tabs in the Clarion header to learn about the different features of our new electronic State newsletter. Consider subscribing to the Clarion so news can be sent directly to your email box when it posts online. If you have any questions, please direct them to Christina Ramos, clarion@californiadar.org.
A very important matter needing attention is chapter updating of eMembership. It is imperative that chapters regularly update this vital tool. eMembership is the sole source for information for your chapter listing. The State Society no longer keeps a separate member database; the state registrar now pulls a full report each month from NSDAR eMembership so California has the most current membership information available. We have discovered that many chapters have not been updating eMembership. This means that the State Society does not have current addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses for many California members. If your chapter registrar needs help working with eMembership, please contact State Registrar Bev Moncrieff for help.
At the beginning of each new DAR year, we receive many inquiries about insurance coverage for chapters. As many of you know, churches, meeting halls and other such venues are now asking chapters for proof of liability coverage. The State and National Societies do not provide insurance coverage for chapters. It is recommended that the chapter regent or treasurer talk to her personal insurance agent or go to a reputable agency for advice on coverage. Costco also has low cost insurance available to chapters. Some chapters have opted to change their meeting places and use restaurant meeting rooms, community rooms at grocery stores or banks, or go to hotels. These organizations usually carry liability insurance that covers community groups who hold meetings on their premises.
This officer looks forward to seeing everyone at the fall council meetings, and can’t wait to applaud California Daughters and chapters for outstanding achievement at the National level. The list of National awards presented to our members is impressive!
Bee inspired and take flight!
Debbie Jamison
State Regent
regent@californiadar.org