Secretary Communique #2
Peggy Roche, Secretary-Treasurer
September 23, 2009

Greetings
Autumn is upon us and once again we enjoy the magnificent beauty of the trees and shrubs changing to their fall colours. Soon they will lose their leaves as they prepare for the oncoming winter, preserving energy for their rebirth in the spring. Let us reflect on this natural wonder and the positive changes that have happened in our own lives this year. With a positive attitude and the grace of God, we too, will be prepared to face challenges as they come our way. Welcome back!  We hope everyone had a very safe and enjoyable summer.

Thank You and Welcome
I wish to thank all retiring secretaries for a job well done and I encourage you to continue to share your gifts.  God bless you all!  At the same time, I welcome all new secretaries who have taken office. 

Handbook for Secretaries
The position of secretary is a very important role and most secretaries perform dual roles. The League has prepared the Handbook for Secretaries as a helpful guide to follow which clearly defines the role of the recording secretary and the role of corresponding secretary and includes the following:
·        guide to preparing an agenda
·        sample of agenda
·        recording the minutes
·        sample minutes
·        the elections register
·        style guide for League publications
·        personal letter writing Guide

If the you do not already have a copy, I urge you to please download and circulate Handbook for Secretaries, http://www.cwl.ca/supplies&forms/Secretary%20Handbook.pdf, or contact national office to receive a copy. You will find it to be a great resource.

The Elections Register
In January of each year the elections register is updated by the recording secretary and given to the chairperson of the nominations and elections committee. It will contain the names of all the current and past executive members who will be eligible to let their names stand for office. It is very important that this register is kept up to do date and passed on before the end of October. This gives the nominations and elections committee ample time to contact those who are eligible. Guidelines on the building of an election register can be found on pages 12 and 13 of the Handbook for Secretaries.

Thank You!
I thank you for your commitment and dedication and look forward to working with you and for you. Through your prayers and support we will achieve our goals as secretaries, growing in faith together in the League as Women of Peace and Hope.

May Our Lady of Good Counsel be with us always!