TO: Provincial Presidents and Secretaries
CC: National Officers (for information), National Life Member Liaison
FROM: Glenda Carson, National Vice-President
Please forward this message to vice-presidents.
R3 to 1, Unity! Taskforce—Building a Stronger League Together
Fall has arrived, and after a brief summer pause, League activities are once again in full swing. The same is true of national initiatives, including the R3 to 1, Unity! taskforce. As part of its mandate to support councils and strengthen membership, taskforce members will arrange parish council visits or follow up on visits already scheduled. This initiative is intended to help parish councils regain, recruit and retain members.
It is not a secret—membership has declined significantly over the years. Changing times, lower church attendance and church closures have all contributed, but the more important question is how to respond. How can the League retain members when a council closes, support members when a council is struggling and ensure its purpose and mission continue to resonate with members and others? How can we learn from successful councils and share their ideas more widely?
Parish council visits by taskforce members are more than a “nice to have”; they are valuable opportunities for dialogue and should be included in parish council planning. Taskforce members are not coming to take over or direct councils. They are coming to listen, learn and engage—to share insights, understand local challenges and invite members’ ideas for strengthening their councils and the League as a whole. The insights and information gathered during these visits are also shared with the national executive, providing a broader national understanding of where the League is thriving, where challenges exist and where additional support may be beneficial.
Parish councils are the heartbeat of the League. Work at every other level is successful only when parish councils and members are engaged. Councils need to continue their important service in their churches, parishes and communities while also reflecting on their role within the organization: How can we contribute? How can our council make a difference? How can we strengthen the League? How can we thrive as a council?
Like voting in an election, one person’s contribution may seem small. Yet when individual efforts come together, they create strength and meaningful change. The same is true of the League and the vital influence of its parish councils. Every council and every member has a role to play in strengthening the League and shaping its future.
Please ask your diocesan counterparts to encourage parish councils in your province to schedule a visit if they have not already had one. Even if a parish council has participated in a visit, a second visit can be valuable. Some parish councils have already requested a follow-up visit to build on the dialogue and ideas generated during their initial conversation. Please reach out to the R3 to 1, Unity! taskforce provincial lead with questions or requests from parish councils or to arrange a visit.
One council. One member. One conversation at a time.
Together, we can build stronger councils and a brighter future for the League.
Your sister in the League,
Glenda Carson
National Vice-President