FROM THE DESK OF THE REAR COMMANDER

Welcome to AUXILIARY POWER our newsletter. If this is your first visit - a Double Welcome. The newsletter has been on the Website for some time, however, this is the first time it will appear on the Website only. In the past our newsletter has been mailed (hardcopy), but due to fiscal difficulties mailings of all newsletters are on hold indefinitely.

Nevertheless, our newsletter will continue to be posted on the Web three times a year keeping you informed about Auxiliaries and their activities across the country. Please copy these newsletters and pass them on to someone who belongs or would like to belong to an Auxiliary. Unfortunately, many of these people do not have access to a computer.

Our meeting in Denver, as stated in the invitation, was a discussion group exploring ideas for future meetings. A subject most concerning those present was the need for Leadership Development in our Auxiliaries and, in fact, the Squadrons as well.Consequently, we have invited, and he has accepted, P/R/C Lewis W. Dance, SN, to address our group in Little Rock during the Fall Governing Board Meeting.He is past Chairman of the Operations Training Committee and presently a member of the National Rules Committee. His message, backed by years of experience, is sure to benefit each of us.Make plans now to attend and bring a friend.

We have submitted your Annual Report information for printing in our Directory.Hopefully, your Report arrived in time to have your current Officers listed. Have a happy, safe summer. See you in Little Rock!
 
 

Frank

R/C Frank Wright, SN

Chairman, Auxiliary Advisory Committee

Let’s Meet by the River The Arkansas River, That is, at the LITTLE ROCK Governing Board Auxiliary Advisory Committee Open Meeting  Saturday, 8 September, 0830, Little Rock  Statehouse Convention Ctr-Theatre 2C

R/C Frank Wright, SN, called the meeting to order at 0830. Stf/C Carmen Adame, P, introduced the committee members and their respective assignments. We had ten guests present and six members.

The minutes of the annual Meeting were approved as read.
 

The newsletter, Auxiliary Power, will not be distributed through the mail this year due to the budget. However, it should be published in the Ensign three times this year. This is what we are hoping can be done.

P/R/C Priscilla Clarke, AP, went over the Auxiliary website with the attendees. Also, all were reminded how important the Annual Reports are, so let’s try and get our Districts to get them in.

The guests were asked what type of program they would like us to present at our meeting.

P/R/C Pat Armstrong, JN, gave a brief overview of her 81-day cruise on the QE2 from which she had just returned.

P/R/C Clarke gave a report on the status of the Auxiliaries. We have 44 Auxiliaries with a membership of 1,542 members. We will be losing Santa Barbara, Venice and Waukegon Auxiliaries. P/R/C Clarke also discussed the website with the attendees.

The poster contest was discussed and it looks like we have 10 Districts to date with posters for Little Rock. We have three age groups this year; they are 6-8, 9-11 and 12-14. The posters need to go to P/R/C Clarke.

D/Lt Judy Holmes briefly discussed a program for children given by a member of D/5’s Main Line Power Squadron.

There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 1030.

Respectfully submitted,
 

Joyce

Joyce M. Bruner

Secretary

EDITOR’S NOTES

The National Directory of Approved Auxiliaries 2001-2002 has been completed and is ready for distribution. P/R/C Priscilla B. Clarke, AP, did a great job gathering the annual reports submitted by all Auxiliaries in USPS. The directory will be mailed to Auxiliary Presidents, Secretaries, District Liaison Officers and Commanders of Squadrons and Districts with Auxiliaries.  The membership figures are important in determining the Auxiliary which will receive the National Membership Enhancement Award for the largest percentage of increase in members. Nine Auxiliaries increased members and nine others lost no members. This is good news!!
 

Besides gaining and keeping members, another major task which all Auxiliaries face is recruiting new people for the bridge. Many Auxiliaries are forced to re-cycle the same officers year after year. The Auxiliary Advisory Committee is aware of this and that is why the model by-laws were amended in 1999 to encourage flexibility in officer duties. Article 4, Officers and Committees, Article 5, Duties and Powers of Officers, and Article 6, Qualifications of Officers and Committee Members, directly address the changes that were needed to help Auxiliaries attract new officers. 
 

The open meeting at the Governing Board in Little Rock, AR will be a forum for questions and, hopefully, helpful answers. P/R/C Lewis W. Dance, SN, will speak on items and lessons from the Operations Training and Leadership Development Programs taught by USPS to those members interested in assuming additional responsibilities. Please plan to join your fellow members at the open meeting on Saturday, 8 September 2001, from 0830 to 1015
 

Carmen

Stf/C Carmen Adame, P

Asst Chairman, Auxiliary Advisory Committee

•Organize a private cocktail party for your Squadron at a local museum. Many museums will allow this, particularly if a donation is given.
 

•If you have a local planetarium, see if you can arrange a Power Squadron night with a special planetarium program. One Auxiliary did this and even had refreshment and homemade snacks at the event.
 

•Consider teaching the USPS kids program in conjunction with the USPS Boat Smart or Boating course.
 

•Don’t hold your meetings at the same time as the Squadron meeting. Some ladies belong to both organizations.
 

P/D/C Fred Adame, SN

Erstwhile District Auxiliary Liaison Officer