Today's DAR
On the eve of our historic first virtual Continental Congress, it is a pleasure to share with you several of the highlights of the busy June meeting of your Executive Officers. Just as we had gathered to conduct business back in April, we convened via video conference for three days of meetings in order to carry forward the important work of our organization, culminating in our formal board meeting yesterday.
In addition to reaffirming the National Society’s commitment to equality, other highlights of the many actions taken included:
- Adopted recommendations to the National Board of Management (which will meet virtually on Monday) regarding the approval of motions that will allow the Virtual 129th Continental Congress to be convened next week and opened for business.
- Approved a recommendation to the National Board of Management for consideration at Monday’s meeting to accept autosomal DNA and mtDNA evidence as part of a genealogical analysis under guidelines set forth by the Genealogy Department. (Y-DNA evidence has been accepted since 2013; advancements in these additional genetic tools have progressed to provide potential benefit in helping to confirm family connections.)
- Supported education with the distribution of approximately $469,000 through various committees: approximately $116,00 from the DAR School Fund to support programs at Berry College, The Crossnore School & Children’s Home, Hillside School, Hindman Settlement School, Kate Duncan Smith DAR School and Tamassee DAR School; distributions of nearly $250,000 from the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund as requested by the Junior Membership Committee, including the distribution of $51,000 in local classroom grants; and the quarterly distribution of more than $103,000 of investment income from the Ella Atwell Fund.
- Recognized the need to raise public awareness of the sacrifices and accomplishments of our American Revolutionary War Patriots, and therefore approved two commemorative efforts that will be launched on Opening Night of the 129th Continental Congress.
- Determined that the DAR should properly focus its priorities on honoring the Patriots of the American Revolution and our own American History Essay Contest as the nation prepares to mark its 250th anniversary. As a result, we will discontinue the National Society’s administration of the Christopher Columbus Essay Contest, which we have conducted on behalf of the National Italian American Foundation since 1996, beginning with the 2020-2021 program year. The 2019-2020 winner will be recognized in October as the final installment.
- Updated personnel policies regarding Unpaid Leave and new hourly wage requirements in the District of Columbia.
In addition to these and other items of formal business, the Executives heard the reports of the NSDAR Administrator, Controller, Audit Committee Chair, Finance Committee Chair and Director of Public Relations. We were also updated on the progress of the DAR Insignia Store.
As the week closed, we were delighted to learn that the District of Columbia will enter Phase II of its reopening after three months of closures due to the pandemic. As a result, 25 percent of our employees will return to our headquarters beginning on Monday. Our department heads have prepared a comprehensive plan to ensure safe practices within the building, as we work to protect the health of our valued team members.
I do ask for your continued patience as we address a backlog of work that accumulated since March and the mandatory closure. You have my commitment that we will do our very best to get back to normal as soon as possible. Meanwhile, I hope that you are planning to log on to be a part of our historic Virtual 129th Continental Congress, which opens next week. Visit the Members’ Website for the schedule, the Insider's Guide and more information. Rise and Shine with Congress Online!
