SPECIAL | feature
ONE OF THE GREATEST FORMS OF RESPECT YOU CAN SHOW ANOTHER PERSON IS TO LISTEN TO THEM. Over 1,000 P.E.O. members participated in the P.E.O. Listening Tour in January with Kathryn Ebert, organizer, International Chapter and myself, Jennifer Chittenden, Director of Membership, International Chapter. In preparation, we reviewed over 4,000 written responses from members. During the meetings, we celebrated creative ideas, guided each other through obstacles and strove to understand the challenges that affect many chapters. Based on member feedback from the Listening Tour, we have put together the following five steps you can take in your chapter to make sure everyone feels seen, heard, welcome, cared for and relevant. The topic was how to care for and engage with our sisters who, because of age and health, are no longer able to participate in chapter life the same way they could in the past.
by Jennifer Chittenden, Director of
Membership, International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
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Have a small group of members in your chapter designated to focus on outreach. They can coordinate special visits and regular correspondence on behalf of your chapter and ensure that your member feels connected throughout the year. Providing small and
Accommodate physical, cognitive, mobility and environment needs at your chapter meetings. While your member may not ask, simple gestures such as offering transportation, improving signage and front-row seating, may make the difference in whether or not your member feels able to attend. Many suggestions for hosting with these considerations can be found in the March-April 2022 P.E.O. Record. Make sure your member also knows that there is an audio version of The P.E.O. Record on the P.E.O. International member website.
Recognize that energy levels and health changes may lead your member to decline or limit opportunities. Provide options and acknowledge when it’s okay for your member to choose not to participate. A member may feel a bond through involvement. Inquire about special skills and interests so that they can still be included at a level that is appropriate for them.
Appreciate your member’s contributions to the chapter and
Involve family members in your chapter
and communicate what P.E.O. means to your member.
encourage them to voice their opinions and comments. Spotlight your sister as a chapter program, let them share their early memories of P.E.O. during meetings and socials, feature their biography in your newsletter or record an oral history to recognize their time and dedication to P.E.O. While they may not be able to be as involved as before, knowing how much they matter maintains a sense of connectivity.
Keep the family informed about
socials and events where they are also welcome, and let them know that you are also staying in touch. Family, in addition to staff at any residences, can also be of assistance in helping your member connect to the chapter or a group of members via Zoom or other technology. Work in tandem with the other people who also care about your member.
thoughtful gifts to your member
wherever they reside offers a regular visual connection to the chapter, and also catches the attention of other residents and visitors. When visiting, do so in pairs because your sister may also enjoy hearing you talk to each other as well.
WATCH FOR NEW RESOURCES, MORE TIPS AND INSPIRATION DEVELOPED JUST FOR YOU FROM THE P.E.O. LISTENING TOUR!
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THE P.E.O. RECORD | May–June 2022
Women helping women reach for the stars
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