America 250! Membership Task Force
Donna J Vanover
This committee has two exciting projects to promote this milestone celebration, the DAR Pathway of the Patriots and Our Patriots. America’s 250th anniversary affords each of us the chance to be a part of history, as we celebrate what will likely be the most exhilarating patriotic observance of our lifetimes. Much like the 1976 Bicentennial celebration, this observance provides an exceptional opportunity for community involvement, positive public relations and – most important – membership growth throughout DAR. Presenting our Patriot Minutes at meetings and in newsletters, promoting community activities to highlight patriot activities are a part of this committee.
Americanism
Kyle Homan
Community-oriented service with the objective of promoting knowledge, loyalty and love of country in the hearts and minds of American citizens, whether naturalized or citizens by birth. The committee oversees the approval process for the DAR Medal
of Honor and the DAR Americanism Medal.
American Indians
Donna J Vanover
This committee is entrusted to the continuing education of the history and culture of this community as well as the support of the educational and cultural pursuits of its citizens. Providing minutes at each meeting, supporting education for indigenous peoples and expanding on the education of non-indigenous peoples regarding history and culture of native Americans are emphasized. This committee provides opportunity for projects by the chapter to support the Indian schools and scholarship, fund Chemawa Indian School, and Indian Youth of America Summer Camp Program.
Children of the American Revolution
This mission of this committee is to encourage DAR support of C.A.R. work and principles. C.A.R. was a brilliant idea over 125 years ago by Harriett Lothrop, a DAR member, as she envisioned the need to create an organization which would guide young people so they may grow into good citizens and honor the principles which are shared with the Daughters of the American Revolution. Membership extends from birth to 22 years of age at which time the individual may join SAR or DAR. This committee aids in locating C.A.R. chapters for DAR members children and grandchildren and aiding in application completion.
Community Classroom
Pamela Carlson
Work toward adopting a classroom or school to provide time and/or financial support. Chapter JAC Chairs, DAR Good Citizen Chairs and American History Chairs also have contacts within your community schools. A second purpose is to provide sound lesson plans rich in historical facts to enable teachers to play the story of the development of the United States.
Conservation
Linda O’Hara
This committee has a focus on protecting and conserving our natural resources stressing the following:
• No Straw September
• Sea to Shining Sea Chapters are challenged to organize and/or participate in a community cleanup of a lake, river or ocean. The goal is for 250 chapters to organize a cleanup during the VanBuren Administration.
• Sunshine Gardens Members are encouraged to begin planting their own “Sunshine Gardens” using the Victory gardens of the past as a model for the future.
The NSDAR Conservation Medal is to recognize adult and youth volunteers, including DAR members, with distinguished conservation records; businesses that exhibit sustained efforts to improve the environment or to educate the public on conservation issues; and compensated individuals who go above
and beyond the requirements of their jobs. Chapters should have a Conservation Minute at every meeting or submitted to the monthly newsletter. Chapter chairman may read a brief news story, share an energy-saving tip, promote participation in a
citizen science project, etc. This practice helps to educate our members and promotes good stewardship. Earth Day and Arbor Day – Coordinate a community clean up event; host a conservation program open to the public; organize a nature walk; or volunteer to help with a local project. If your town has a public calendar or outdoor electronic sign, ask them to promote Earth Day and Arbor Day.
Constitution Week
Nancy Little
The Constitution is a living document that assures each citizen of the freedoms Americans cherish and appreciate. As members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, it is our responsibility to keep our ancestors’ legacy alive by promoting the ideals they fought valiantly to give their descendants. Goals of the group follow:
• Teach the public about the historical events surrounding the establishment of the Constitution and the men who framed the document.
• Hold events, give programs, put up displays, and write articles to celebrate the anniversary of the first resolution by the US Congress to observe Constitution Week, the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, and the anniversary of the ratification of the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights.
• Teach all citizens, especially youth and newly naturalized citizens, about our founding documents.
• Inspire all in your community to protect and defend the Constitution.
DAR Project Patriot
Nancy Little
This committee supports America’s service personnel in current conflicts abroad, by sending comfort items and other requested items. At the national level, DAR support is focused on active duty military service members and their families
at five locations:
• The Chaplain’s Closet at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany
• Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, Maryland
• The Warrior and Family Support Center in San Antonio, Texas
• Camp Atterbury, Indiana, a Mobilization Training Center
• Marine Corps Base Camp, Pendleton, California
Individual members and chapters are encouraged to support the men and women serving in uniform in any way appropriate. Activities could range from sending care packages to relatives of chapter members or supporting local Reserve/National Guard units and their families. Chapters are encouraged to record donations and special projects on the Chapter Master Report.
DAR Service for Veterans
Janet Sepela
Joan Sepela
This committee serves America’s veterans. The committee provides a tangible way for DAR members to say “thank you” by acknowledging and recognizing veterans’ service, sacrifice, and commitment to the preservation of our nation’s freedom. Of special importance is the recognition of and appreciation for women veterans’
service. Daughters are encouraged to serve as a volunteer and/or to nominate an outstanding volunteer. Service may include the following:
• Provide service by volunteering at a Veterans Affairs medical center, state-sponsored veterans facility, outpatient facility or nursing home.
• Support for stand-downs and other homeless shelters where veterans reside.
• Volunteer from home by sewing items needed by veterans’ facilities, make favors, write cards.
Literacy Promotion
Charlene Silvis
This committee was first established in1989, is to promote adult literacy and involvement in literacy programs for children and adults. This committee’s goal is to Shine a Light on Literacy as we examine the causes of illiteracy and how we can help fulfill the objectives of this committee. During the VanBuren Administration, this committee will focus on the areas below and may sponsor the Literacy Promotion Committee Outstanding Service Contest.
• Focus on literacy skills: reading, writing, vocabulary, spelling, and comprehension.
• Learning the root causes of illiteracy.
• Serving as an advisor
National Defense
Brenda Harkins
This committee strives to preserve our American heritage of freedom, to protect the US Constitution, and to ensure the survival of our national sovereignty. To this end, the committee advocates a strong military defense and unwavering faithfulness
to the ideals of the Founding Fathers as set forth in the US Constitution. The Committee Chair provides a report at each meeting concerning some aspect of our National Defense which is an educational opportunity for the chapter to review and understand current events surrounding our military deployments. It is recommended the report may be taken from the National Defense message or other NSDAR materials. National Defense message is available in the Daughters Newsletter or on the DAR Members’ Website. One of the National Defense Committee’s key missions is recognizing outstanding citizens with the DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal for adults and DAR Youth Citizenship Awards to elementary through high school students, as well as youth service and patriotic organizations. Gold and Bronze ROTC medals are presented to outstanding high school and college cadets.
Service to America
Judy Lenihan
This committee assists chapter members with their Service to America Hours Tally and Service to America Chapter projects, which includes our Society’s National Day of Service. For chapter tracking purposes, tally sheets may be created to send around each month at meetings so that members who have difficulty in logging in their own hours can still get credit. Clarifying activities that can count for credit and providing information to members related to community activities affording volunteer time is part of this committee.
Volunteer Information Specialists (VIS)
Nancy Little
This committee is responsible for creating our online presence by maintaining our website with both the public portion and a members-only portion. The members-only portion updated with bylaws, minutes, membership information and pictures.
Women’s Issues
Ann Heinrick
This committee serves as a platform to address current issues important to today’s women. Focus is on Health, Career, and Family in order to educate and empower ourselves to serve the Society and our communities. Each year an essay contest is conducted.