We have made tremendous progress with the Visionquest and Membership Programs in some Jurisdictions. I would challenge Leadership in each Jurisdiction to bring enthusiasm and empowerment to our entire membership, most importantly at the local Chapter level. It is imperative to involve all Members in the programs that work best in their area.

We need to let our Communities know what we are about and all of the good works that we do. 

I am a firm believer that new members should not be asked to fill a station or take an office for at least one year. I believe they need that time on the sidelines, or helping on committees to learn about our Order, the business and the Ritual. If a new member is anxious to fill an office, then by all means we should support that enthusiastic offer of belonging. However, new members should know that memory work is a requirement, and they may need to perform in a room of people at a visitation, etc., that mistakes will be made and that we all make mistakes! As our draw for membership is limited to our Masonic Brothers, with affiliations from Rainbow and Demolay, we need to concentrate on these wells of membership.

There are many Masons who are not members and there are many wives of Masons who do not know that the Order of the Eastern Star exists. I believe we should direct our attention to our Masonic Lodges and make ourselves known. We need to host teas, and other events to make the Masons aware of our charities and our involvement within their communities.

We must strive to make our meetings enjoyable and worth coming to! I believe publicity about our Order needs to have a new direction. There are several fraternal organizations that focus on one charity; the Shrine has their Hospitals, the Knights Templar has the Eye Foundation and the Scottish Rite have their Learning Centers. OES makes a lot of money for many charities.

If we were to concentrate on one central charity, support local foundations in that area and be very visible, we could become synonymous with that charity.

What should we focus on? I believe Breast Cancer should be the focus of the Order of the Eastern Star. Although we are not a "woman's organization," this charity focuses on a disease that has touched everyone in some way; through personal tragedy, family or friends. Breast cancer is not limited to women; although cases of men's breast cancer is not common. Are these areas that will be addressed by the upcoming General Grand Chapter line officers? I don't know, but they should be on everyone's agenda.
Will we have more members and be more vocal/visible by the time I am installed to the General Grand East in 2018? A lot can happen in twelve years and our focus may need to take a new direction.