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Who Are We?
When you describe wfla to outside members, what do
you say? How do you describe our organization? Recently
the American Fraternal Alliance, the fraternal benefit society
trade association dedicated only to the concerns and issues of
fraternal benefit societies, released research results about how
fraternal organizations are perceived. The bad news is that no
one (outside of active members) has any awareness about what
fraternal organizations do or how they are structured. The good
news is that when individuals are told about the community
service, the member-govern structure, and the not-for-profit
status - they LOVE us! The key, as told by the research, is to
mention certain key words to describe who we are in a way
“outsiders” can understand. Using words about how we are both
a community of members and that we help in the communities
of our members is very powerful. Another great aspect is to
explain that we are a not-for-profit organization and that we do
not report to share holders, only our board that is composed
of our members and who are elected by members. Combining
those points with our secure financial situation makes us look
great compared to the for-profit companies. Remember, when
explaining what wfla is, look for ways to highlight not only our
great past, but also the future.
YOUTH IN THE NEWS
Members Abby and
Mitch Van Dyke of
No. 7, Cedar Rapids,
IA participated in the
IA All State Music
Festival. This is
Abby's 4 th time in the
Orchestra playing
the double bass
and Mitch's 1 st year
playing tuba in the
band.
Member Kelsey Zoubek of
No. 389, Western, NE was
the winner of the guessing
game at the November 30
meeting.
YOUTH IN THE NEWS
Goals and Planning
After the garland and tree comes down, it is time to start
thinking about what you want to accomplish this coming year.
What a perfect time to start thinking about how to increase
your membership and decide on a few goals for growth this
year. I am sure that most, if not all, of this information is not
new to any of you, but it is always good to have a reminder. The
best way to start creating goals in a group is to dedicate time
to get all ideas out in the open. What is the most pressing item
for your lodge? What actions must your lodge take for survival?
What actions are only fun, but not as urgent? Whittle those
down to the most critical items and write a statement about
what you want to accomplish.
Ex. Goal 1: Lodge XX will increase the number of
activities in 2013.
After the vague statement or goal has been made, your
lodge should decide on how to achieve this. The action steps
you put into place, after the goal has been determined, are
called the objectives. They determine exactly how your group
will accomplish the above goal. One important thing about
creating objectives is to make sure they are measurable by
including numbers.
Objectives for Goal 1:
1. Each member will bring one new project idea to each
meeting this 2013.
2. Officers will enforce doing two activities that have never
been done before by 2014.
3. Lodge XX will do one additional project for young members
that is not a collection or donation in 2013.
By setting specific goals and objectives down at the beginning
of the year to determine what you want to accomplish, it
becomes much easier to see how far you have come, and what
your lodge must do to continue. If you have any questions or
comments please email klogan@wflains.org
Member and Senior Mary
Bjorklund of No. 44,
Hayward, MN was crowned
Homecoming Queen at
Northwood-Kensett High
School. Mary is active in
sports and is a member of
the National Honor Society.
She is the granddaughter of
Marcella and Lowell Nelson.
January 2013 11