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 Dear fellow members,
While reading a recent American Legion newspaper, I came across an article entitled Complacency Kills. The author told about seeing signs Complacency Kills! Complacency Kills! all about Camp Atterbury where our young soldiers are training for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. They read these signs everyday and how true it is.
The author went on to say: "Stop and think about it. And not only does that apply to the mission these young brave warriors will take on, but it can also be said about The American Legion in so many words and meanings ... the Legion could look at this and apply it to the membership numbers and their Post homes. Sit around doing nothing gets you nothing, and certainly not members." Substitute Sons of Norway for American Legion, and ask yourself if these statements apply to us as well.
On page 32 of your February 2010 Viking, there is a story about a Lodge -Valhall- who did not sit around! Greg Ragan and a few key players not only increased attendance at meetings, but also attracted new members. I am sure that after you read the article, you will look forward to hear more from Greg and his team at June's District Convention. It only takes one or two people in a Lodge to make a difference. Robert Bellah wrote about the 2% Solution. Bellah thinks that if 2% of the population has a vision, they can change an entire culture. If your Lodge is losing members and is unable to recruit new ones, remember that it takes only one or two people to make a change. Are you that person? Or is there someone else who is "raring to go" if given the opportunity? If so, empower them, give them support and encouragement and then stand back and get out of the way. At our forthcoming District Convention three lodges will be rewarded with $400 checks for achieving the highest percentage of net growth for the period January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 in their size group (as determined on 1/1/09). The size groups are as follows: Small - 65 or less members; Medium - 66-99; and Large - 100 or more. Since our 59th lodge, Music City Vikings, has just been instituted, it is not included in this competition. After a review of the December 31,2009 Membership by Lodge Report: Valkyrien 5-53 has the highest percentage of net growth in the small category, Solvang 5-457 in the medium category and H. R. Holland 5-549 in the large category. Congratulations are extended to these Lodges and we plan to suitably recognize them in June. At the June Convention it is planned for these Lodges to be included in activities where they can share with you their experiences. Valkyrien Lodge hosted a membership dinner on a Sunday evening last November. At this recruiting event, Valkyrien signed 19 new Adult and 2 Heritage members! The Lodge also welcomed three transfer members. If you are considering having a recruiting membership breakfast, lunch, or dinner, be sure hear what the Valkyrien team has to say at the Convention. If you are planning an event before then, and want some ideas, contact Don Hermanson, Valkyrien President, or Vice President Chuck Brictson, who organized the event. In January I had the pleasure to present a Charter to the Music City Vikings Lodge in Nashville, Tennessee. Sixty-two members received their Charter pins! In September 2008 we presented a Charter to Vikings of the Smokies Lodge in Knoxville, Tennessee. Who would have thought that many persons interested in Norway and Scandinavia would be living in Tennessee? Arlene Christopherson did, and these two lodges came into being. Arlene was also instrumental in the formation of lodges in Arizona. Before moving to Arizona, she and Bob were members of Skjold Lodge. We are so fortunate Arlene and Bob returned to District 5! If enough members can be found to establish Lodges in Tennessee, Arizona and Atlanta, Georgia, there is no doubt that you can find potential members where you live. Please make plans to have your Lodge represented at the District Convention. Fraternally,
Burt Bittner, District Five Vice President
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