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ImpactM A G A Z I N E

A H O W - T O G U I D E F O R M O D E R N W O O D M E N V O L U N T E E R L E A D E R S

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imakeanimpact.org

TAKE THE LEAPVirtual activity ideas you should try now

Together for Good reward p. 5

Updated premier requirements p. 11

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c o n n e c t w i t h S T A F F

We can agree the COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for fraternal leaders. You’ve stepped

up and addressed those challenges with an open mind and a can-do spirit!

It’s easy to let the dark cloud of the pandemic overshadow the good that’s happening in 2020. Let’s

take a second to remind ourselves.

• Together for Good, the 2020 fraternal campaign, began in January and remains a priority. You’ve

hosted fundraising events for wheelchair-accessible baseball fields; assembled sensory bottles for

children with autism; and organized educational events to help members better understand the

experiences, needs and capabilities of their neighbors living with disabilities.

• In February, Modern Woodmen launched a new financial literacy program, MoneyMasters. This

best-in-class, blended learning program offers public and private schools, home-schools and youth

organizations the opportunity to prepare young people to be financially savvy now and in the

future. (Learn more about it on Page 10.)

• In March, April and May, you helped local organizations addressing needs and issues caused or

exacerbated by the pandemic. More than 1,300 chapters, Summit chapters and youth service clubs

donated $1,073,874 through the COVID-19 Relief Program.

• Throughout the summer, chapters and clubs have been making an impact while social distancing.

And you’re quickly learning how to use closed Facebook groups and Zoom to host fun and

educational virtual events for members – from virtual bingo, scavenger hunts and trivia nights to

demonstrations of how to tie-dye clothing and presentations on fraternal benefits. (Get more

ideas throughout this magazine.)

That’s a pretty impressive first half! We look forward to seeing what more you do in the months to

come. Thank you for remaining positive and staying focused on fraternalism!

Kristen Roberts

@ModernWoodmen1883

Find us on:

@ModernWoodmen

Modern Woodmen fraternal leaders (group)

@ModernWoodmen

@ModernWoodmen

Stay calm and host virtual activities

CHIEF FRATERNAL OFFICERJill Lain Weaver

EDITORJulie Fuhr Corporate Communications

DESIGNERJodi Spurling Corporate Communications

EDITORIAL ADVISORHannah Glaub Fraternal Department

FRATERNAL DEPARTMENT STAFFAbigail BerntgenHelene DeVineCynthia FloresMelissa GottwaltAnn HeldBritney HolstMelissa MayersTammy MielkeKaren MiznerMartha NelsonAmber NicholsKristen Roberts

IMPACT MAGAZINEOfficial fraternal publication of Modern Woodmen of America1701 1st Avenue PO Box 2005Rock Island, IL 61204-2005

800-322-9805imakeanimpact.org

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l o o k i n s i d e S U M M E R 2 0 2 0

4 Follow the leadersHow a chapter and two youth service clubs came together for good.

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Do it differentIdeas for virtual social activities.6

Plan a projectFall holidays that can lead to unique activities.9Tips & trainingTools to use, updates and important reminders.10Make it yoursA little inspiration from Jimmy Dean.12

In case you missed itHighlights and ideas from the Facebook group for leaders.

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Get to know …

Melissa MayersShare an interesting project idea you’ve heard. A leader plans to hold a virtual trivia night. The chapter will have a pizza delivered to the winner’s home.

What do you like to do in your free time?Go outside and do things in my yard, like planting, pruning or just hanging out with a book.

What’s something that’s recently touched your heart?My grandfather is in a nursing home. It’s hard not being able to go in to see him, but I can see through the window how the staff are taking care of him and treating him like he’s a member of their family.

If you won $1 million, what’s one completely unselfish thing you’d do? I’d get a U-Haul, go to Walmart and ask the employees to fill it for Toys for Tots.

Melissa shows off the nearly deserted fifth floor of Modern Woodmen’s home office. A majority of home office employees continue to work remotely.

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When Alisa Trease, a chapter activities coordinator from Utah, first read about the 2020 Together for Good campaign, she knew she wanted to be part of it.

“I love that we’re encouraged to connect those with and without disabilities,” she says. “I want to help raise awareness that we’re more alike than different!”

Alisa’s nephew has Down syndrome as does a grandson of one of her fellow chapter members. The member told Alisa about the impact GiGi’s Playhouse has had on their family. This volunteer-run organization provides educational, purpose-ful, fun and free programs for individuals living with Down syndrome.

In June, Alisa and her chapter made sensory bottles and donated them to Gigi’s. After getting the activity approved, Alisa:

• Searched the internet for ideas for different types of sensory bottle contents.

• Placed supply orders online.

• Divided supplies and delivered them to the porches of members who expressed interest in helping out.

• Encouraged members to get creative and look for other ideas in addition to those she supplied.

• Arranged for pickup and disinfected each bottle.

• Delivered them to GiGi’s Playhouse.

“Members learned about an organization they weren’t aware of, and we felt great making an impact!” says Alisa. “I would love to do another event like this one. There are 48 locations, see if there’s one near you!”

Alisa says the sensory bottles were fun and easy to make. The chapter made 40 in all and kept costs under $200. She loved the noisemaker bottles that members created with items such as branches, beans, birdseed and rice. Tip! These types of bottles were less expensive to make than some of the others.

f o l l o w t h e L E A D E R S

Service projectSummit Chapter 18233Salt Lake City, Utah

Stimulating the senses

“It’s definitely possible to do no-contact service projects. It may be more important than ever to keep our service projects coming,” says leader Mary Blom, Iowa. “You just have to involve members in a different way.”

And that’s exactly what she did last month for her youth service club’s Together for Good project. The club packed and delivered gift bags for adults with intellectual disabilities living in group homes.

Mary had heard these residents were unable to leave their homes due to COVID-19. The gift bags would give them fun activities and tasty snacks to enjoy. Better yet, this gesture would let them know somebody is thinking of them.

Due to social-distancing restrictions, the club split up duties. She and her son packed the items. Then club members (and their parents) helped make deliveries to the homes – calling ahead and dropping the bags off on front steps to avoid contact.

Looking back, Mary wishes she would have asked her club members to make cards to add to the bags. Something to remember for next time. And she says there will be a next time.

“It’s wonderful to have the privilege to spread joy during difficult times.”

With help from parents, Mary and her club members

delivered 46 bags to adults

with intellectual disabilities.

This February, before COVID-19 closed down Rush Strong School, leader Karen Smith and her Tennessee youth service club members came together for good.

Karen invited a member’s mother (Mrs. Lamb, a special education teacher) to talk about the special populations that exist within the school. She shared strategies the club members could use to help all students feel included.

“It hurts my heart to see someone left out of a social or educational situation because they learn differently or move differently,” says Karen.

Mrs. Lamb shared ways to interact with students with special needs and how to respond to friends who might be trying to exclude these children. She let club members know some of the reasons why kids might act in different ways.

Karen recommends:

• Contacting a special-needs expert in your area. Every school has at least one teacher; most schools have several.

• Giving the speaker some guidance about what you’d like your members to know.

• Thinking of some questions for the speaker ahead of time in case your members are nervous to ask questions.

“This was just the best event!” Karen says. “The kids responded well, and it made a difference in our school.”

This educational event was held in person back in February. However, your chapter or club could easily turn it into a virtual activity that meets current guidelines. Invite a special-needs expert to speak via Zoom or Facebook Chat!

Educational eventClub 7810-1Strawberry Plains, Tennessee

Learning empathy

Service projectClub 385-1Marshalltown, Iowa

Delivering cheer

Have you held your project yet? Modern Woodmen’s 2020 Together for Good campaign is designed to help all of us recognize the needs that exist in our local communities and take steps to make sure people with disabilities feel included and supported.

From Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, every chapter, Summit chapter and youth service club is encouraged to plan at least one activity that centers on supporting people with disabilities. Given the current circumstances, the Fraternal Department has widened the scope to also include projects that help people/organizations affected by COVID-19.

Your reward Yes, there’s more than just the great feeling that comes from

helping others! You could also receive a Modern Woodmen apparel item when you support the Together for Good campaign. Or, choose to make a monetary donation of equal value to a local cause.

To qualify:• Your chapter/club must earn premier status in 2020.• The chapter/club must hold at least two activities in

support of Together for Good.• The activities must be from two different activity categories

(one service project and one social activity, for example).• The activity requests must clearly indicate the projects

are part of the Together for Good campaign.

Once you meet the qualifications, complete the online request form. The Fraternal Department will send the form in the fall, once the premier-earning period has ended. The first 200 leaders who submit the request are guaranteed to receive the reward.

Note: You can only request/receive one shirt, regardless of how many chapters/clubs you lead.

Review the campaign details and access available resources on the Training Materials site at imakeanimpact.org.

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Invite members to prepare their dinner tables and eat their meal of choice while visiting with Modern Woodmen friends during a Zoom chat.

This checklist can help you plan.

Invite members❑ Set up the meeting with your Modern Woodmen Zoom

account.

❑ Submit your activity request.

❑ Add key details to the postcard. - Include the Zoom meeting ID and password (the Event

Location section is a good place for it). - Briefly describe the activity and instructions for members.

❑ Consider offering door prizes (mention that on the postcard too) to encourage members to attend. You can use the $2.50 per person reimbursement to help cover the cost. Or consider using funds for:- Materials, supplies or postage/shipping costs.- Winning prize for the best table setup, unique meal, first few

attendees to join, etc. - Thank-you gift for each family ($5 gift card or e-gift card).

d o i t D I F F E R E N T

Before the event❑ Purchase door prize(s), if needed.

❑ Set your dinner table for those in your household. Consider using your finest plates and glasses to make the event feel special.

❑ Prepare appetizers, such as a cheese tray, and drinks ahead of time.

❑ Choose and prepare a special meal for your household, whether homemade or carryout.

❑ Set up your laptop or electronic device at or near your table.

At the event❑ Join the meeting a few minutes before the event to check

your video and greet guests.

❑ Encourage members to use the Gallery View feature in Zoom, so everyone is visible at one time. Tip! Zoom also has a feature where the screen of the person who’s speaking has a green-yellow border. This makes it easier to follow who’s talking.

❑ Make a list of everyone in attendance. Use this as your sign-in sheet for your report … and for selecting door prize winners, if needed.

❑ Guide the conversation, so everyone has a chance to talk. You could start by asking everyone to share what they’re having for dinner. This could lead to conversations about recipes or restaurants to try. Tip! Prepare some additional conversation starters in case you need them.

❑ Take a photo of your screen showing everyone who attended.

❑ Randomly select your door prize winners just before the event ends and people sign off.

After the event❑ Send a thank-you to attendees. Tip! This could be a simple

shoutout on your chapter’s closed Facebook group. Be sure to include the photo you took of the attendees.

❑ Submit your activity report, including your photo and guest list.

Host a virtual dinner party

Put a modern twist on a classic social activity

“While [seniors] may not be able to or want to participate in the virtual events, this is a GREAT opportunity to get your younger members/families

involved who may not usually attend due to busy schedules. I’ve been using this opportunity to reach out to those members who aren’t usually active

and get ideas from them.” – Amber Reynolds, Alabama

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?DON’T HAVE A MODERN WOODMEN ZOOM ACCOUNT? REQUEST ONE! 1. Visit the COVID-19 page of the Training Materials site at imakeanimpact.org.

2. Click the green link near the top of the page to request a Zoom account.

3. Complete the online form.

4. Submit.

Please allow up to one week for the Fraternal Department to process your Zoom account. Then look for an email sharing next steps and additional support materials.

Note: Zoom accounts must be requested through the Fraternal Department. Personal accounts are not allowed.

NEED A LITTLE VIRTUAL HELP?Check out the Virtual Tools Training document on the COVID-19 page of imakeanimpact.org (found on the Training Materials site). This document includes helpful links and tips for hosting virtual fraternal activities. Find out how to schedule a Zoom meeting or start Facebook Live, Watch Party or Messenger Room in your chapter’s closed Facebook page.

Or try this …Invite members to these social activities using Zoom or Facebook Chat in your chapter or youth service club’s private Facebook group.

• Virtual breakfast, lunch party, coffee break or ice cream social.

• Virtual trivia night. Use the Trivia Contest Kit found on imakeanimpact.org (under Training Materials > Project Guides). Or participate in a virtual trivia event organized by another organization.

• Virtual bingo event.

• Virtual fitness class, such as yoga or Zumba.

• Virtual karaoke party.

• Virtual concert/talent show.

• Virtual tour.

• Virtual paint night.

• Facebook Watch Party for your chapter or youth club’s closed group.

Get more activity ideas on the COVID-19 page of the Training Materials site at imakeanimpact.org. Page 1 of 2

Virtual Tools TrainingTraining and resources focused on approved

virtual tools for hosting fraternal activities.

Click here to learn how to request a Zoom account through Modern Woodmen.

Click here to learn how to start a closed Facebook group for your chapter/club.

ZoomZoom is a cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars

across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems. Zoom will help you bring

members from your chapter and/or youth service club together in a zero-contact format. Zoom

meetings using a fraternal leader’s basic account will be limited to 40 minutes and 100

participants. For longer meeting times and more participants, work with your representative to

use his/her Zoom account. Not all features shown on the Zoom website will be available.

• Getting startedo Learn about the basic features of Zoom on Windows and Mac.

• Scheduling a Zoom meetingo Zoom offers multiple methods to schedule a meeting. Follow the instructions that will

work best for you and your members.• Establishing and adding a co-hosto The co-host feature allows the host to share hosting privileges with another user.

Learn how to enable and use a co-host during your activity.

▪ It is recommended that the co-host feature be used for the membership

coordinator, sponsoring agent, and/or guest speaker.

• Host and Co-host controls in a meetingo Host controls allow you as the host to control various aspects of a Zoom meeting.

Learn about the features available to you to make the most of your virtual activity.

• Inviting others to join a meetingo Learn the various ways to invite members to your scheduled Zoom activity.

▪ Postcards are required for all chapter and Summit chapter activities, except

service projects, and are required for youth service clubs Matching Fund

projects.• Share your Zoom Meeting ID and Password on the postcard when it is

sent to members.• Have members RSVP with an email address for the Zoom link,

Meeting ID and password can be sent to.

• Zoom online resourceso Find the most commonly used resources for Zoom. This includes support during the

COVID-19 pandemic, FAQs and trainings.

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We are going to be doing an at-home scavenger hunt and escape room. Our chapter purchased escape room kits from Lock Paper Scissors. You get 10 kits for $129 that are for several different age groups. Each kit includes all of the directions, pictures, etc. My plan is to have each family RSVP, and I will email them the kit. We will get together on Facebook Live to share our results and give out prizes.

Sarah May-Trowbridge, South Dakota

F a c e b o o k S P O T L I G H T

Find more on Facebook!Join the Modern Woodmen Fraternal Leaders closed Facebook group. Exchange ideas (like those shared here), ask questions, get tips and more!

In case you missed itHighlights from the Modern Woodmen Fraternal Leaders closed Facebook group

Youth club leaders:

Looking for some fun virtual educational event ideas?Try one of these:• Scavenger hunt – Give your

members a short list of items to find around their houses, then do a quick show-and-tell.

• Fort making – Provide tips or step-by-step instructions for how to build a great in-home fort with blankets, chairs, etc.

• Kid-friendly recipe(s) – Do a short cooking demonstration with easy-to-follow directions. (Include supplies needed for the recipe in your post-card invitation.)

• Rock painting – Teach members about the history of rock art or kindness rocks as you create your own. (You’ll need rocks, acrylic paint and paintbrushes.) Option: If you create kindness rocks, this could be a service project. Ask members to drop their rock creations off at neighbors’ homes. Or you could collect them and deliver to a nursing home or other facility.

Tip! Consider giving members the option to pick up supplies from you ahead of time for the cooking and painting activities.

We took the leap yesterday and scheduled our first chapter educational activity on Zoom. Hoping to capitalize on the curiosity of members, who may be look-ing for information on how we are adapting activities to follow social-distancing safety guidelines.

Patrick Linehan, Maine

I’ve scheduled an online bingo night for each of my chapters. I’m going to use Zoom, which has an option for “clapping” and “thumbs up” that will ap-pear over [participants’] video. That way [winners] can make sure they have your attention. I’m planning to mail gift cards to the winners.

Cammie Jeffries, Oklahoma

My food pantry pickup idea was approved today! I’ll make a couple posts in my chapter closed Facebook page letting everyone know. Those who are interested can call or email me with their address. On our set day and time, we’ll drive around to pick everything up.

Jeanine Walentoski, Wisconsin

I highly recommend Oasis Camel Dairy for an affordable educational event! We did a Zoom with my youth service club yesterday, and they were great to work with and very fun. The call is 30 minutes and costs $75. They did live animal encounters with two exotic birds and a camel. It was interactive, and they allowed time for all of the kids/parents to ask questions about the animals.

Amber Reynolds, Alabama

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Upcoming holidays

2020SEPTEMBER

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

• International Update Your Resume Month: Invite a professional to teach members and their guests how to create a show-stopping resume.

• National Blueberry Popsicle Day – Sept. 2: Host a popsicle-making party!

• National Wildlife Day – Sept. 4: Explore the critters in your own backyard with an outdoor scavenger hunt.

• National Swap Ideas Day – Sept. 10: Schedule your board meeting and plan your next activities.

• National Make Your Bed Day – Sept. 11: How do you fold a fitted sheet any-way? Explore the different ways members do it and have a how-to demo. Or shop for bedding for a local organization in need. (Maybe a group for veterans or first responders in remembrance of 9/11.)

• National Play-Doh Day – Sept. 16: Learn how to make nontoxic play dough and donate it to a local organization that supports children with disabilities.*

• National Family Health & Fitness Day USA – Sept. 26: Host a fitness class for members of all ages.

• Veterans Day – Nov. 11: Place flags on veterans’ graves or invite a veteran to speak about his/her experience.

• National Family PJ Day – Nov. 14: Have a pajama party!

• Thanksgiving – Nov. 26: Host a virtual “Friendsgiving” social activity. (See Page 6 for a dinner party how-to via Zoom.) Or provide a tutorial on how to cook/ fry a turkey.

• Electronic Greetings Day – Nov. 29: Learn about different ways to stay connected electronically and/or create electronic greeting cards.

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• Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Work with an organization that supports people with Down syndrome.*

• National Pumpkin Seed Day – Oct. 7: Create a craft using pumpkin seeds.

• World Mental Health Day – Oct. 10: Invite a speaker to talk about mental health disorders and how to promote positive mental health. Or work with an organization that supports people with mental health disorders.*

• National Farmer’s Day – Oct. 12: Take a tour of a local farm.

• National Art Day – Oct. 25: Plan a group painting class or invite a speaker to share photography tips.

• National Magic Day – Oct. 31: Invite a magician to put on a show for members. Or work with members to create a fun magic show for residents at a local nursing home or other organization.

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You could plan any of these activities virtually or in person, depending on the guidelines in force at that time

*Bonus: These events could support the Together for Good campaign!

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T I P S A N D T R A I N I N G

From the home officeTools to use, updates and important reminders

Follow these simple steps to submit the signed forms by Jan. 31, 2021.

1. Share the Principles of Conduct form with your board members. (You can find it on the Training Materials site at imakeanimpact.org.)

2. Ask your board members to return the signed form to you via email or mail.

3. Scan the forms and upload them in the Board Member POCs area of imakeanimpact.org the next time you complete a board report. (Please don’t email the forms.) Note: This area is only for board members’ acknowledgment forms. Don’t include a form signed by you.

Contact the Fraternal Department, Operations team at fraternal@ modern-woodmen.org or 800-322-9805 with questions.

Modern Woodmen was built to handle uncertainties and times like these. Remind your members we’re strong and will continue to be here for them throughout the pandemic. Show the “We’re here for you” video at an upcoming virtual activity. Find it on Modern Woodmen’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/MWAHereForYou.

NEW WAY to submit Principles of Conduct forms

Share this video!

It’s time for chapter and Summit chapter leaders to submit Principles of Conduct acknowledgment forms signed by chapter board members. And now it’s more convenient to do so.

Help kids be wise with money!Tell teachers about MoneyMasters

No matter where you live, back to school will likely look a little different this year. Districts nationwide are making tough decisions about whether to hold classes remotely, in person … or perhaps both.

MoneyMasters offers flexibility. Featuring both online modules and in-class materials, Modern Woodmen’s new financial literacy program can be used wherever school takes place. The best-in-class program helps kids learn valuable lessons about personal finance. This is a much-needed topic that will impact kids well into the future.

• Free for schools, home-schools and youth programs.• Designed by former educators to meet the needs of K-12 classrooms.• Easy to access and implement into existing curriculum.• Aligns with Jump$tart standards.

Interested in MoneyMasters? Contact your Modern Woodmen representative with questions or to refer a teacher.

Principles of Conduct

Modern Woodmen of America1701 1st Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201

Phone: 1-800-447-9811www.modern-woodmen.org

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How can I quickly learn about current activity guidelines?

Modern Woodmen’s phase III fraternal response to COVID-19 started July 1. Learn more about the current guidelines for chapter, Summit chapter and youth service club activities … all in one place!

The Fraternal Guidelines for Phase III Training Module includes the highlights of phase III, updated activity guidelines with activity ideas, 2020 premier requirements, and in-formation about the approved virtual tools. You can find this module on the COVID-19 page of the Training Materials site at imakeanimpact.org.

Select the specific topic you’d like to learn more about or view the entire module by following along with the arrows.

What information do I need to include on my activity request at this time?

Please complete all areas of the request and provide as much detail as possible. Make sure the information you provide clearly shows how members will participate within the COVID-19 guidelines set by Modern Woodmen and your state/community. Your request shouldn’t imply members will be gathering together, since that’s not allowed at this time.

WHAT’S THE SAME?

Updated premier requirementsDue to current COVID-related activity restrictions, the Fraternal Department has adjusted how you qualify for premier status in 2020.

Note: Your dashboard on imakeanimpact.org will reflect these changes. However, the Premier Status Report will not be updated.

Activity

Educational event

Matching Fund

Service project

Board meeting

1 for chapters, Summit chapters and youth service clubs

1 for chapters, Summit chapters and youth service clubs

3 for chapters, 1 for Summit chapters

1 for chapters and Summit chapters (via conference call, email or approved online tool)

Requirement

Additionally, the rating period remains Jan. 1 – Oct. 31.

Activity

Social activity

Community Day

Service project

Hometown Hero activity

2 for chapters (previously 3)

4 for Summit chapters (previously 5)

5 for youth service clubs (previously 6)

No longer required for chapters, Summit chapters or youth service clubs

Requirement

WHAT’S CHANGED?

m a k e i t Y O U R S

When you were a kid, you likely had access to an encyclopedia to gain knowledge. But could you say “Hey, Siri” and get answers instantaneously? Did you have a microwave to cook your food? Air conditioning to cool you off? A dishwasher to clean your plates? A vehicle equipped with seatbelts, airbags and built-in Wi-Fi?

What invokes excitement in some of us, scares the dickens out of others. But over time, we all learn to adapt to the new normal. What was once unthinkable becomes commonplace. We may cherish the old, but we eventually learn to do things in new and different ways.

COVID-19 has caused many challenges – in our personal lives, work lives and volunteer lives. But our awesome fraternal leaders are learning to adjust their sails. The pages of this magazine prove that.

And when the wind once again changes course, we’ll all have a new breadth of knowledge to help us reach our destination. (Even if Siri isn’t there to guide us.)

Adjust your sails

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean