The AHEPAN - Summer 2009 - (Page 4)

messAge From NicholAs A. KArAcostAs AhepA supreme presideNt Growing membership in Focus as 2009 draws to a close familiar deadline is fast approaching. For Ahepans, December 31 marks the administrative end of our annual membership drive (keeping in mind, of course, that membership recruitment and dues collection are ongoing tasks). As this important deadline draws near, I’d like to share a few key points on membership development. Nicholas A. Karacostas First, let’s work to ensure we create an environment that matches the expectations of those aspiring to join AHEPA. Why join AHEPA? What does AHEPA do? In this issue of The Ahepan we’ve taken time to address these questions that are so often asked of us by prospective members. Granted, what we’ve featured in this issue are programs offered and accomplishments achieved from a national perspective. However, the common thread that unites us at the national, district, and chapter levels is our worthy mission. Chapter members must be prepared to identify the programs offered by the chapter that a prospective member would find of interest. Perhaps a potential member has a child about to pursue a secondary education. Then the chapter’s scholarship program (or district program if a chapter one does not exist) would be of great interest to him. Perhaps he is looking for fellowship and camaraderie. The chapter’s annual fishing trip or sporting event outings would be of interest to the prospective initiate. Better yet, invite him as your guest to one of our four Regional Salute Banquets to introduce him to the broader American Hellenic community. Remember, the goal is to provide the environment that he is expecting to experience from becoming an Ahepan. At the national level, under the capable oversight of Supreme Vice President Dr. John Grossomanides, Jr., there will be special recognition given to chapters that achieve membership goals by the end of the calendar year. Prizes will be awarded to the top three chapters in the small (1-50 members), medium (51-100 members) and large category (101 and greater) for membership recruitment, and they will be honored for their “Best Practices” at a special awards breakfast during the 2010 Supreme Convention. Our “AHEPA e-News” issued weekly from National Headquarters will feature a “Membership Spotlight” section as this campaign goes forward. Secondly, once new members are inducted into AHEPA, we cannot automatically assume our job is complete. On the contrary, our work continues. We must inspire a new member to become active in a chapter program. Invite a new member to be an integral part of a committee of his interest or take a moment to explain how the chapter functions administratively. We must strive to make being an Ahepan relevant to our new members. Membership retention is equally crucial, if not more so, than membership recruitment. Therefore, as we approach the end of the year please bear in mind that membership recruitment and retention are equally important to ensuring we continue to meet our mission in the community. However, also keep in mind that quality should not be compromised for the sake of quantity. Good luck in your membership drives. the ahepan Summer 2009 www.ahepa.org http://www.ahepa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The AHEPAN - Summer 2009

The AHEPAN - Summer 2009
Contents
Supreme President’s Message
AHEPA Family News
AHEPA Goes Green
One Mission. . .One Fraternity. . .One AHEPA
AHEPA Answers the Call to Public Service
Education
Housing
Athletics
AHEPA Family Chapter News
Book Review

The AHEPAN - Summer 2009