As we enter into the month of November our Department goals for membership renewal will have increased to 65% and will increase an additional 10% in December.

It is easy to see that these are hard months to push membership renewals, with all the holidays that occur and the outlay of funds by our members to procure items to make the holidays festive and rewarding. However as I said in last months newsletter, our National strength is our voice to congress, and is is only as strong as its membership which comes from the Blue caps of the Post.

If we can't maintain our membership numbers, our Posts will ultimately dwindle away one by one and so goes our voice and support for veterans and youth. We must maintain contact with our members and let them know that they make the difference in the success of Legion Programs and the doctrine as stated in our preamble for community, state and nation.

I extend my personal congratulations and commend the members and the Commanders of Post 45 and 51, as they have done an exceptional job in going beyond their goal of 100% renewals in membership for 2007/2008.

There are other posts out there who are close to reaching their forecast goals and then unfortunately some who are falling behind. To those who are close keep your eye on the goal and you will achieve. To those who are falling behind, refocus on the goal and ask yourself what else needs to be done. Are you making the necessary contact with your members, providing the necessary two-way communication of how important they are to your Post's success? If not, why not?

If you need help and assistance ask for it. Your District Commanders and their officers were elected to lead and assist, as were your Department officers. They are a resource for those who are finding it difficult to reach their goals. Remember "Together we can make anything happen." "Divided we fail."

Your Comrade
Jerry A. Finley
Department 1st Vice Commander/Membership Chairman