PRESIDENT’S | message
Embracing Opportunities in P.E.O.
Opportunity is a fascinating concept—it is a chance to do something. When confronted with challenges, how we approach them makes all the difference in the world. We are living in momentous and demanding times— and not just for P.E.O.—but for all of society. With those challenges come difficulty AND opportunity. Winston Churchill phrased it well, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” It might seem convenient to ignore the impact COVID-19 has had on our sisters and the uncertainty some feel as we take steps toward more inclusion. While those matters influence our decisions and actions, how can we respond to them in ways that move our Sisterhood forward and strengthen what makes P.E.O. so special? Is it by remembering that even as our sisters’ perspectives and approaches may vary, we have far more in common that brings us together—the loving concern we have for our sisters and the positive impact we provide for our project recipients? I think those are what set P.E.O. apart and make it so special. A challenge we face is a decrease in membership, as noted in our annual reports. We will never truly know why sisters chose to not remain active. Was it due to a life-altering change from COVID-19 or a shift in priorities from months with less social interaction? Was it a consequence of amendments passed at Convention of International Chapter in 2021, or even a misunderstanding of their effects? We may never know. To move forward, it is more important to focus on the positive things that are occurring for P.E.O. and take the opportunity to reach the aspirations we share for our Sisterhood. So now is our opportunity to step forward to help our Sisterhood shine. “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work,” Thomas A. Edison once said. Isn’t that the truth? Yes, it does take effort to promote our wonderful projects by
P.E.O.s are happy to give that effort. We see examples of that time and again. Consider the great impact of how we care for each other. There’s an important reciprocal aspect to P.E.O.—we give to each other and we receive from each other. We give each other the strength and inspiration to be better persons, grow as leaders and serve our communities— all to make a positive difference in the lives of others. P.E.O.s take the opportunity to go that extra step by the way we care for each other and share our lives with each other—both in good times and in bad. In these hectic days when women are pulled in so many directions and it can be hard to form deep and lasting bonds, that sense of connection is a very special benefit of membership. That impact is also apparent throughout our communities and by the assistance we offer our project recipients, as we work as a team in furtherance of our shared mission. While we strive for self-improvement and growth in ourselves, we also delight in helping others to better themselves through education. P.E.O.s are seldom happier than when we can help project recipients toward their goals through financial support and encouragement. Now is the time to embrace these opportunities to move P.E.O. forward through actions to express our loving concern and support of our projects. Thank you for all you do for P.E.O. Together we Raise the Bar to the Stars! With best wishes and P.E.O. love, Patti
by Patricia L. Brolin-Ribi, President, International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
DURING THIS CONVENTION SEASON, our P.E.O. sisters are finding joy and renewal in the opportunity to be together once again. After two years without an in-person convention, I’m excited to reconnect and hope you are as well! This time allows for reunions with dear sisters, forging new friendships, celebration of our projects, business and inspiration. It also allows us to regroup and find ways to move P.E.O. forward and take advantage of opportunities.
supporting them financially and identifying students who would benefit from them. It also takes a concerted effort to nurture our current sisters and find new ones. Yet those opportunities are so worthwhile and produce such positive rewards that
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May–June 2022 | THE P.E.O. RECORD
WWW.PEOINTERNATIONAL.ORG
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