Starting in 2006, you were asked to provide personal, but not Chapter information for the “Charms Connection Newsletter.” Some members have questioned this requirement asking, “Why the change?” We feel compelled to respond.
Years ago, when we were “Squaws”, we began publication of our newsletter, known as “Smoke Signals.” It was designed to provide information only about members and their families while information about chapter events was chronicled in the respective Chapter Presidents’ reports which were included in the national minutes.
Continually, our Constitution has required that, “All chapters shall file written reports annually during Executive Board Meeting . . . . Reports shall contain membership activities and sponsored affairs. “ (Constitution, Article V., Section 3 (g), at page 12). There is not now, nor has there ever been, a requirement that these reports include individual member news.
In the 1990’s, we ceased publishing the newsletter. Chapter Presidents then began including member news along with Chapter news in their annual reports. This was a practical approach inasmuch as there was only one vehicle for disseminating both types of information. In the twenty-first century, we resumed publication of the newsletter. It logically followed that the distinct purpose for which the newsletter was originally created should also be restored.
Each of these two separate reports has a different purpose, or, raison d’aitre. Now that we have resumed publishing both documents, we should highlight and embrace the differences between the two.
So, if you want to know about the kinds of activities in which your sister Chapters are engaging, and whether those activities are consistent with the requirements of Article V, Section 3 (c) of our Constitution, then you should direct your attention to the Chapter Presidents’ Reports which are a part of our national minutes. Alternatively, if you want information on the exotic locations to which your sister Charms traveled during their recent vacations, or what accolades have been awarded Charms and their family members, then you should check out the newsletter. You are invited to read both and to enjoy both!