Greetings Dear California Daughters!

I can hardly believe that it has been 6 months since we last gathered at our California State Conference. Due to the pandemic our May “Meet the Officers” Spring Councils and BBQ at our beautiful State HQ were canceled. We participated in the first ever, virtual Continental Congress and we are about to make history again as our own Fall Council is held virtually on Sept. 25 -26th. While going virtual has allowed us to conduct the business of our Society, what this State Regent and her entire Board know for sure, is that we miss being with you all and are looking forward with hope, to it not being another 6 months before we are able to gather again.

I have heard it said during these last few months that DAR is dormant and that nothing will be happening until this pandemic is over. My dear Daughters, I would counter that DAR is anything but dormant. As we follow our President General’s blogs, our NSDAR and CSSDAR Facebook and Committee Facebook pages, California Clarion and Chapter and District newsletters, there is clear evidence that members are active and engaged. The use of Zoom and Go To Meeting have allowed for chapter and district planning meetings, for ice cream socials and book clubs. If your Chapter is feeling a bit overwhelmed and not yet familiar with these virtual platforms, our VIS team is ready and willing to help guide you through it, so that you too can be up and running. Social distancing and the wearing of masks has not prevented book donations and donations to homeless shelters, veterans and active duty military on the part of chapters. School supplies are being collected and distributed in support of Community Classrooms. Plans for the receipt of proclamations and bell ringing ceremonies with appropriate social distancing are in the works for Constitution Week Sept. 17-24th. Daughters across California are still sewing masks and contributing where the need is greatest.

When we last met in March, upon election I shared with you, that you are my tribe and that I am inspired by you – this could not be more true than now, when I see what you, our members are doing, and how you are reaching out to each other and your communities during this pandemic. CA Daughters are simply the best!

At the State level much has been happening behind the scenes as well. Our CSSDAR Members Website has been refreshed to reflect the Broderick Administration theme. Committee pages, forms and documents now have the latest information to help with your chapter planning. The webstore has a new and much easier format. The Yearbook has been updated and will be available in print form soon. I hope that you will make the time to log on and take a good look at all there is available to you as members and as chapter officers.

Fall Council will be held in a virtual format on Sept. 25-26. Council will be two full days, each with multiple tracks containing various seminars on membership, leadership and tips & tricks for VIS. Saturday, we will hold our business meeting and enjoy a presentation given by State Historian, Sherrie Stein – “Stories of American Courage, Service and Science- The Women Who Were Instrumental in the Allied Victory of WWII” Not to fear ladies – there will also be shopping !! State Council Chairs Lisa Fox & Sue Fitzpatrick, State VIS Chair Jo Olson and her team, as well as this Regent, DAR Leadership Development Chair Carole Curran and our presenters have been working together to ensure that we have something for everyone. Watch for the Call to Council coming out soon – You won’t want to miss it!!!

Unfortunately, California and California Daughters are again experiencing raging wildfires with Daughters being evacuated and at least one that we know of to date, having lost her home. If you would like to contribute, as in years past, to the CA Wildfire Fund, we again are opening the fund to donations of gift cards. Checks to purchase gift cards and donations of gift cards can be sent to the CA Wildfire Fund, c/o CSSDAR Headquarters, PO Box 1436, Glendora, CA 91740-1436.

Ladies, while we cannot be together yet in person, this State Regent and her Board would love to join you at your meetings and celebrations via Zoom or Go to Meeting. Please feel free to reach out to any of us with questions, issues that you need help with and invitations to join you. We look forward to being with all of you.

Thank you, Daughters, for all that you do, for all that you are, and for keeping our missions alive. We are needed in our communities today more than ever!

With much DAR love and appreciation,
Susan Broderick
State Regent, CSSDAR