I have heard of a couple of situations recently where members are saying their chapter is not keeping in
touch with them. I am sorry to hear this. These are people who don’t attend meetings regularly but they
still want to hear about what is going on. Most members have email and I hope chapters are regularly
keeping in touch that way. I know in my chapter, the Worthy Matron sends an email to all members
before each meeting or special event. Our secretary also emails minutes and OES communications
received prior to each stated meeting.

As Worthy Matron of Acacia Chapter in St. Louis Park this year, that made me look at our roster to see
who we do not have email addresses for. I have checked with other members to see if anyone has email
addresses for these folks. For those where we do not have an email address, I plan to call them to see
how or if they want us to keep in touch with them.

So what about people who do not have email? At the beginning of each chapter year, my chapter sends
to each member by USPS the program for the year. Some chapters have a newsletter they send
periodically by USPS. This a great way to keep in touch but there may be financial or other reasons
where this is not an option for a chapter. For the small number of members who do not have email, how
about putting important info in a postcard a few times a year and send by USPS. Or occasionally pick up
the phone and call. Members don’t want to be forgotten. One Worthy Matron sent postcards to
members on their Eastern Star Anniversary. And even for those who have email, sending important info
by “snail mail” is a good idea from time to time, especially for those who are not regular attendees.
People can be overwhelmed by and may not always read what comes by email.
What other ideas do you have?

By Kathie Brown, PGM
Chair, Grand Chapter Membership Committee