September 7, 2008

This will be the wrap up from the convention.  I wanted to post something each day but I ran out of time and energy at the end of the day.

It was a very good convention.  They provided some great culture including a lot of excellent music.  The convention was well run by President Fosberg.

D3 played a prominent role in the convention.  D3 was well represented on the various committees.  Former International Director Audun Gythfeldt presented the proposed reorganization of the constitution that was approved by the Convention.  He also was elected International Secretary so along with our new International Director Barbara Berntsen, D3 now has two members on the International Board.  I was awarded the SON Outstanding Service Award. Not only was it a very nice bit of recognition but it came with $2,000 which will be donated to various SON venues.  (I have already advised our Counselor to expect a check.)  My personal congratulations go to Bernt Balchen 3-566 who was named Large Lodge of the year for 2007.  During the past four years there are not many, if any awards that the lodge hasn't received.  That is just great and well deserved.

As I mentioned earlier the home office arranged for several breakout sessions.  Much of this information will be made available to you later on.  One thing that was clear is that we are moving further and faster into the electronic age.  You can expect even greater improvement in the speed and amount of communications available to you in the future.

The committees were given an additional task this year and that was to provide ideas on how to improve the SON.  Many great ideas were presented to the convention and are being reviewed by the International board.  My number one idea was to rename Leadership Training to Udtveksling av ideer which translates to "exchange of ideas."  I can almost pronounce it now after a week of practicing.

While the International board did not meet the goal of achieving neutral growth over the past two years it was close.  The amount of membership loss was reduced 70% over the previous two years.  I am hoping for positive growth during this next two years.

You can expect to see a greater emphasis on Cultural and Sports programs.   The Insurance department is coming out with several new products.  Their Viking 23 policy has been very popular.    One great thing about this policy is that it can't be canceled when the policy holder turns 23 no matter what the condition of the holder.   Membership meetings continue to attract members across the country including 3 recent successful meetings in D3.  Loyal, Bernt Balchen and Norrøna all held successful membership meetings.

 There were several resolutions voted on during the convention.  The most controversial resolution was D3's resolution to change the Mission Statement.  The proposal was passed as proposed with a slight adjustment.

The mission of the Sons of Norway is to promote and preserve the heritage and culture  of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries and to provide quality insurance and financial products to its members�.

The following is the results of the majority of proposed resolutions.

1. Reordered Constitution   Passed

2. Membership  Paragraph 55A and 55 b Clarification of Central Lodge membership  Passed

3. Removal of Officers for Misconduct Passed

4. Resolution not to allow proxy or absentee voting. Passed

5. Increase the number of Delegates at the International Convention by lowering the number of members required for each delegate from 400 to 300.  Defeated

6. Resolution to allow the President to combine the Reports and Fraternal committees.  Passed

7. Resolution to reduce the term of the International Director to two terms. Defeated

8. Resolution to allow the District Board to be considered as members for determining existence of a quorum.  Passed

9. Resolution to increase the Board of Directors Compensation as follows. The President by $1,250 and all other officers and directors by $1,000. Passed

10. D3 resolution to send membership data to the VP and either the Financial Secretary or to the Membership Secretary of each local lodge.  Defeated

No bids were received for the 2012 convention so the International Board will be responsible for finding the site.

There was as usual much business that had to be conducted and completed but also as usual the fraternalism you find and the friendships that you renew and kindle are something that we should all have a chance to experience.  I hope that you become a delegate in the near future.  

Fraternally

Ralph Peterson
President
District Three
Sons of Norway