National Veterans Service Commission
Tips for District Chairs
As district chairman, the first thing you should do is compile a directory with the names, addresses and phone numbers of every Exalted Ruler, Lodge Secretary and Lodge National Veterans Service Committee chairman in your district. Make yourself known to each because your relationship with them will determine the measure of your success.
Then get to know your state chairman and VAVS representatives, and try to secure from them a list of activities that they would like to see carried out during the year. Add to this some thoughts of your own. Check out Tips for Your Program for ideas.
The next step is to visit each Lodge in your district (if not geographically feasible, use the phone) and arrange a meeting with the Lodge chairman and the Exalted Ruler. Go over your list of programs and select at least one activity the Lodge would like to handle. Ask the Exalted Ruler for permission to address the Lodge, and explain to him what you are going to say.
Have the basic thought of your speech prepared ahead of time; speak briefly and enthusiastically. Express your confidence in the Lodge chairman and urge that the Lodge support his efforts. Incorporate the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Video into your speech. If the Lodge has a VCR available, show the video. It's only seven and a half minutes long. It vividly tells our story and will accentuate your message.
Some state associations provide reimbursement for excessive travel. If you have a question about reimbursement, ask your state chairman. Please keep in mind that funds provided by the National Veterans Service Commission are to be applied to programs benefiting our nation's veterans only and are not to be used for personal expenses incurred.
You are the link between the state chairman and the Lodges. In order for you to succeed, the lines of communication must be kept open at all times. You must familiarize yourself with the financial capabilities of all your Lodges. You should use utmost care in getting a Lodge involved only in programs it can handle without putting pressure on their budget.
Occasional district meetings with all the Lodge Chairmen present can be very helpful if conducted properly. If you encourage open discussion, you will more than likely come up with some useful ideas. Do not place the Lodges in a position of competing against one another, but keep stressing the importance of each Lodge doing its part to help our veterans.
You will find your District Deputy most cooperative because if the district involves itself 100 percent, he stands to get special recognition from the National Veterans Service Commission. Use his office, as well as the vice-president's, to put your program together. They will be happy to pitch in, and your task will be made much easier.
If your District achieves 100 percent participation in the annual Veterans Remembrance Report, you will receive a special citation from the National Veterans Service Commission.
