Laws Communique #3
Lorette Noble, Chairperson
October 5, 2009
Greetings
I send greetings to past presidents and am sure by now you have settled into the role of “she who must be consulted”, when a question of constitution, policy or procedures arises. I do hope this year will be as fulfilling for you as when you were in the president’s chair.
When questioned on policies and procedures, my experience has been that it is most helpful, whenever possible, to speak directly to the person who sends in the query. Often there are other circumstances influencing the reason for the query and it is worth arriving at the core of the situation before giving a written response.
Resources on the CWL Web site
I would suggest that past presidents should download two important and informative documents which are useful in focusing the approach to laws and archives. One is the Handbook for Past Presidents http://www.cwl.ca/supplies&forms/Past%20President.pdf and the other is the Archives Guidelines for League History Provincial, Diocesan and Parish Councils http://www.cwl.ca/index/laws/archives%20guidelines.htm.
Archives
Adding new material to archives is a task best done at least on an annual basis, as has been discovered at national level. Some councils, from parish to provincial level, will have celebrated significant anniversaries this past year. All of these councils should update their histories, and send at least two copies to national office. For those who have not yet compiled their council’s story, now is as good a time as any. Life members and others with years of League experience are wonderful resources. Try the interview method of getting their stories. Use tape recorders so that the reminiscences are lively. This could be a wonderful exercise for younger members and an interesting way for them to learn about the League. The stories can be shared at monthly council meetings.
Archivists Wanted
All chairpersons are asked to send out an appeal for archivists among members. Archivists render valuable service working with a team of those interested in keeping a record of League history. Please advise national office of any interested members.
League Policies
The Constitution & Bylaws and the National Manual of Policy and Procedure are often consulted as reliable references. Past presidents are asked to facilitate and encourage the study of these two documents to better understand and appreciate how the League works. Margaret Ann Jacobs, past president of Ontario, has created an Activity Package on the Constitution & Bylaws with, as she puts it, “10 short, fairly easy, and hopefully fun activities that could be used at parish council meetings.” Contact Ontario Provincial Council at http://www.cwl.on.ca/ if you are interested and you will receive the package via e-mail.
Elections
As the time draws near for elections, many past presidents can encourage renewal in councils. All three aspects of faith, fun and fulfillment are vital in this renewal process. Past presidents are urged to encourage those who have never held office to let their names stand, and those who have already been chairpersons to try a new standing committee. The comment is often heard, “I’ll let my name stand only if I can be the chairperson of ……….standing committee”. Interest in new positions and challenges allows members and the League to grow in wonderfully unexpected ways. It’s never too early to start encouraging members to let their names be added to the nominations list. May there be many happy outcomes this coming year.
May Our Lady of Good Counsel continue to smile upon us and guide us and may God bless us all. |
