November 2017 Vice President’s Report

Membership Matters

  • Pursuant to our chapter’s by-laws, members who’ve missed two meetings have been notified
  • New VP Toolkit has been released from Nationals and includes this year’s materials for membership intake
  • Sponsorship Nomination Form is attached and available in the member only section of the chapter’s website
  • Please sign the code of ethics form – this is a National ask
  • Area Work Day
  • 24 registered mothers and 12 teens
  • November 17-19, Detroit
  • Saturday attire: Black button shirts, black or gray bottoms, name badges
  • Conducted the final sponsorship webinar
  • Total of 14 moms attended three calls; most recent Q&A attached

Committee Work

  • Committee met October 29 via conference call and locked down plans for Tea
  • Fall Tea
  • 14 guests
  • The Holiday Party is an open event – please invite prospective members by adding them to the EVITE
  • Consider inviting people who might simply be in your pipeline
  • Next committee meeting, January 5th
  • We will communicate via email and conference call as needed prior to that date

Sponsorship Nomination Forms

  • Attached to this report
  • Available on the members only portal of the chapter’s website
  • Due by December 15th at midnight
  • Current by-laws indicate last Tuesday so we will honor that date unless the by-law changes; we are asking that you consider the committee’s desire to fully present with our families over the holidays.

PNM Sponsorship Call Recaps

10/2

Suggested that the members who were listed as inviting guests, be made aware.

  • This action has been completed

10/16

How much information should be provided on a PNM? What type of questions are asked? Will details need to be shared?

  • No information will be on the form that is deeply personal. A sponsor should know a mother well enough to speak any question that might arise. Questions usually surround the FIT of the mother or her children.
  • It is advised that sponsors consider polling their immediate circle of sister-moms and get a feel for the PNM.
  • Ask other members to speak on the PNM’s behalf.
  • It is further suggested that if doubt exist, then possibly press pause on sponsoring the PNM and allow the chapter to get to know her better before bringing her before the body.

What would the response be to a PNM who’s not of AA descent?

  • No member on the call had direct experience with a non-AA descent member being in Columbus.
  • It is unknown for certain how the chapter would respond.
  • We’ve had members w/ non-AA spouses and one reported that her spouse didn’t feel connected.
  • It was advised that the current social climate be taken into consideration when brining any member forward for membership.
  • Further, it was advised that if a member felt strongly about sponsoring a member who for any reason might not get the vote, please allow the chapter to get to know the PNM better. Invite the PNM to events.
  • Please, please, please consider Chapter FIT! Friends don’t always make for a good member. Consider the culture of the chapter.
  • Go to events outside of Columbus and get a read on demographics in other chapters.

Can we add the topic of mothers of different races to the agenda for chapter discussion?

  • Yes, VP Ervin will make contact with CP Eaton

If a mother has two teens, can she be sponsored?

  • It was restated that the membership committee’s presentation of the demographics was simply to provide demographics. It was suggested that previous submitted reports be consulted as this topic has been addressed numerous times.

What would the chapter’s response be to a single mother?

  • Our membership is not 100% married. That holds true locally, regionally, and nationally.

It was stated that murmurings were happening surrounding single mothers.

  • No one on the call had heard or admitted to hearing the rumblings so the member was advised to discuss the topic with people who showed concern.
  • It was also advised the member take heed to what had been stated earlier on the call – invite the PNM out, let the chapter get to know her. Press pause if strong doubts exist. It is not worth damaging our brand.

Does the initiation cost cover every child?

  • Yes, the initiation cost is per family. However, mothers with teens will have an added $20 per teen to cover their Teen Per Capita.

Protecting our brand was mentioned:

VP Ervin has received emails from non-J&J members who are overly familiar with the happenings of the chapter and the process. To that point, the following are asks:

  • Please do not provide internal information surrounding our process to the public.
  • Invitation only events should only be mentioned to a PNM if you’re planning to invite her.
  • PNMs should not have information surrounding whether or not a member is sponsoring another PNM.
  • PNMs should not have detailed information surrounding the frequency with which we have New Member Initiation – especially when the information is wrong.
  • Protect our brand!