A Busy, Productive February NBOM Meeting

• Seeking a vehicle through which to express our love of country during these difficult days, we authorized a one-time photography contest for members under the auspices of the Americanism Committee focused on “Rise and Shine: What America Means to Me.” Full details will be forthcoming, including within the National Information Packet.
• Executives approved the National Society’s sponsorship of the February 22 virtual event being staged by Mount Vernon to commemorate the birthday of George Washington – and you’re invited! Watch for a Today’s DAR blog this week for full details as to how you may be a part of this meaningful celebration.
• We accepted the invitation of Wreaths Across America to establish a DAR Revolutionary War Patriot Grove within its Maine tree farm.
• The authorized number of State Application Team volunteers has been increased for those states that have more than 500 women waiting in the Prospective Membership Database in order to keep up with demand.  
• The 2021 topic for the Junior American Citizens Committee is “The 100^th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Solider: Rise and Shine for Duty, Honor and Patriotism.”
• In addition to the $22,500 provided to Bacone College in Muscogee, Oklahoma, during my recent visit there, Executives also authorized the allocation of $193,000 worth of support for two of the DAR Schools to fund day treatment programs, clinical scholarships, utility costs, labor expenses, maintenance and repairs. Additionally, $10,000 was provided to the DAR Scholarship Fund at the Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon.
• We reviewed and approved the purchase of various fundraising items for the Junior Membership Committee and authorized software funding to transition the Outstanding Junior Member Contest application to a digital format for 2022.
• Updated Social Media Guidelines have been approved regarding several popular platforms and approval of Patriot biographies. These guidelines will be posted soon.
• A $5,000 donation has been authorized to update the Ellen Hardin Walworth Exhibit at the Saratoga Springs History Museum; Mrs. Walworth was a DAR Founder and member of the Saratoga Chapter.
• Reports from the Administrator and several key department heads were presented, and the Long Range Planning Commission met via a virtual platform.

It was particularly delightful to provide the members of the National Board of Management, the National Chairs and the members of the Development Committee a virtual “behind-the-scenes” glimpse of the massive restoration of DAR Constitution Hall – which is being made possible by your generous support. This live conversation with the project’s architect and engineer was recorded, and a link to it will be shared with all members later this week so that everyone may appreciate the magnitude and progress of the project. Thank you for making possible the progress of Phase III of the Restoration of DAR Constitution Hall: The Next Act!