District 15 Commander
November 2023
Well, at least it seems that way! Time is going fast on the one hand and slow on the other. We are already in November, yea, wow, and there is still much work to do, especially with Membership. The thing with Membership is that it is much better to be ahead of our goals and not just try to hit them. If you strive for the goal, that’s what you may attain, but if you shoot for the Moon, you are bound to hit your goal closer by accident, which is good. So do not limit yourself by only trying to reach your goal, but endeavor to do whatever you can to go beyond any limitations. And if anything seems to be blocking or getting in your way, find a way around it, over it, under it, or through it. Doing whatever is needed is the idea, and when you have a dedicated membership team, you can draw talents from each one’s strengths and harvest these to achieve new ideas that may not be within yourselves, but as a Team, the sky is the limit, shoot for the moon. If your Post does not have an active membership team already, get one today and the size of your Post determines the size; the larger the Post, the larger the Team, so start building for success. Although it’s getting later in the year, anytime is a good time to start.
Okay, shifting to the next gear, or how about a different vehicle, Programs? How are your Posts programs doing (this is addressed to Post Commanders)? Although your Post may have Chairpersons for all or at least most of them, Post Commanders are responsible for their success or, worse, their lack. So, Post Commanders should monitor them closely, especially if you’re not getting feedback. There are indicators that can be observed even without direct input, but even if you just use a simple “ How are we doing with the ______ program?” You’re not questioning them, but rather, Do you need anything that I (or another) could help you with? Be aware of where every program should be, like Boy’s State or Oratorical or another. Each program has benchmarks that should be met by specific dates, just like membership goals. You do not want to lose track of these benchmarks because they are sometimes, if you pass them, you can not back up and would miss or even cause a failure to that program, so stay abreast of these at all times.
Lastly, training: Although this was brought up at the Leadership Retreat (at least in Central Florida), it seems to be a slow start. At the Retreat, it was presented that the Department was imitating a “Back to Principles Training” program. And that District Commanders would be given latitude to work within their calendars and with those who would be best suited for facilitating this. However, it was conveyed that the Department Commander wholeheartedly wanted this to come to fruition. The three chosen to develop this worked hard to put this together and keep it simple, concise, and effective, yet aligned with the Officer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremonies. Plus, every District stays on the same page and does not veer off course, along with supporting segments and notes, as well as after action reports and critiques to help see what is effective and what is not. Most of all, it requires District Commanders to strive to get this completed and promptly, which is key to the success of the venture. Consistency in Post meeting, various report submissions to the Department or National, and not to mention the Federal Government, is vital to maintaining your Post and saving your Post money. Not filing your 990’s or Corporate Reports, not to mention filing your taxes, can and will create problems, real problems. These sorts of things do and have caused Posts extra money in both penalties, filing fees, reactivations, and more. Do not let this happen to your Post. Money is hard enough to come by, so why waste it if it is avoidable?
Remember: Proud to be Legion
Keep an eye on your District’s, Department’s, and your Post’s calendars, stay focused and keep your eye on the ball.
Randy Holeyfield
District 15 Commander
district15@legionmail.org