Today's DAR
A busy weekend of virtual and in-person visits with Daughters in two states illustrated once again that DAR is, indeed, thriving, thanks to the combined impact of meaningful purpose and determined local leadership. Both were on full display as I spent time with Daughters from North Carolina and New Jersey for their 121st and 129th state conferences, respectively. I was rejuvenated by their members’ enthusiasm – and I know that you will be, too.
NC and NJ Visits Prove: DAR Is Alive and Well!
North Carolina
Carole Nunalee Weiss serves as North Carolina State Regent, with a theme of “Tying the Past to the Present is our Gift to the Future.” Elected in 2018, she has spent the majority of her three-year term leading her North Carolina Daughters through the throes of the pandemic – but were it not for the virtual format of her conference, you would never have known that. For the reports of officers and committees, caliber of honorees and levels of accomplishment were simply outstanding – no one would have guessed that so much could be achieved against such headwinds. In fact, these women rose splendidly to serve our mission – reporting 219,459 reported hours through the Service to America tally during 2020, nearly five times their statewide goal. WOW!
The North Carolina Daughters have supported Mrs. Weiss’s project to finance living spaces for five female veterans at the Veterans Life Center in Butner, NC. They have also been exceptionally generous toward The Next Act campaign, including restoration of their State Seal and Box and other significant facets: renovations to the Conductor's Room, such as bathroom upgrades, new curtains, replaced floor and walls; an advanced stage monitoring system to be used for the platform during Congress and other shows; and a black curtain to protect the stage mural. I was honored to discuss the progress on the project during my live remarks on Friday evening to the hundreds of North Carolina Daughters joining in the virtual event. More than $211,000 has been contributed by the NCDAR and its members, including dozens of chapters that have met their 100% participation goals. WOW again! – and thank you!
More than 400 delegates voted, and as many as 350 logged on at one time or another to participate in various programs throughout the course of the weekend. Clearly, these chapters are engaged – and it is little wonder that they are growing as a result. While our national membership has posted a 14-percent net increase in the last decade, North Carolina grew from 6,219 Daughters in 2011 to begin 2021 with 7,750 members – a gain of 1,513, or 25%! Triple WOW!
These thoughtful Daughters presented me with a beautiful gold Dogwood flower charm that I will forever treasure. Mrs. Weiss explained its history as the State Flower of North Carolina, noting that it is a symbol of durability during life’s difficulties, for though it might seem small and delicate, the dogwood survives in harsh conditions. What a marvelous representation of these women, who demonstrated to me their resolve to flower even amidst the coronavirus.
New Jersey
Bonnie Nevard Matthews serves as the New Jersey State Regent and led her Daughters through a three-day “hybrid” event that was both enriching and enjoyable. Reports had been recorded in late March and were edited together to create a seamless viewing experience that culminated with a live session on Saturday afternoon, when I had the privilege of addressing these busy members (with about 35 in attendance and hundreds more participating online). It was so delightful to join them for what felt like an intimate “fireside chat.” The setting was certainly inspiring: it was held at the Atlantic oceanfront hotel The Breakers in Spring Lake, NJ. I was so touched that these generous women even included my supportive HODAR in their invitation – it was a very special treat for us to soak up the sunshine here for a few days.
Mrs. Matthews selected a Colonial-inspired candle as the symbol of her administration, and she has inspired her Daughters to work under a theme of “Like a candle shines, so does our membership.” And that they have! With more than 71,200 hours of service to America in 2020, the New Jersey Daughters have shone brilliantly to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. I have challenged them to embrace our 202ONE membership campaign to encourage each Daughter to welcome at least one new member this year – and I can scarcely imagine the even larger impact they could make with even more dedicated women to carry forward our mission.
Mrs. Matthews’s State Regent’s Project has raised funds to support the organization Semper Fido, which unites wounded veterans suffering from PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury with rescued canines that have been trained as service dogs. You can learn more about this project and the Daughters of the Garden State in this brief interview with Mrs. Matthews.
The New Jersey Daughters have also been especially supportive of The Next Act, contributing thus far more than $85,000 toward the restoration of DAR Constitution Hall. All 46 of the state’s chapters have achieved 100% participation in providing $7.50 per member toward the monumental undertaking. New Jersey may be a small state in terms of land mass, but it clearly has a large heart that is devoted to the good works and needs of DAR.
In fact, there is a particular sense of camaraderie in New Jersey that speaks to their fun attitude as “Jersey Girls.” And so, it was a special treat for me to become an Honorary Jersey Girl as part of the conference – complete with certificate! I feel blessed to join this group of women who are united in our mission to serve America – while sharing a unique sisterhood in fun and engaging ways.
