Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/192534
three fraternal societies that were recognized for their generous gifts. 126TH ANNUAL MEETING BY JON MOCOL , NATIONAL TREASURER In Hollywood,FL, September 5-8, members of multiple fraternal organizations came together for the annual meeting of the American Fraternal Alliance. This year, National Catholic Society of Foresters sent Executive VP Jay Schenk and National Treasurer Jon Mocol. The conference gave us the opportunity to show what fraternal societies can do as a collective group in terms of a fraternal activity. This year we were to bring gift cards for a homeless shelter in the Miami area. The Society made a contribution and was one of Some of the highlights of this trip were hearing John Maxwell speak about the five steps of great leaders in organizations. The first level is the POSITION, which he said people have to follow because of the title. Second level is PERMISSION which states that people follow because they want to follow. The third is PRODuCTION which means they want to follow based on what you have done for the organization. Fourth level is PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT, which states that people follow because of what you have done for them. The final level is the PINNACLE which means that people follow because of who you are and what you represent. There were also sessions that discussed the Affordable Healthcare Act and how we are approaching a crisis in the fraternal world about designing programs to help increase membership, community involvement and visibility. The session on the courts focused on how the times are changing and that, as a viable society, we need to think outside of the traditional ways of our court activities. The most humbling event at this year's conference was the speaker at the final luncheon. A young man named Craig Kielburger, who started a worldwide mission to improve the quality of life in some of the poorest countries of the world. He spoke about the great work we do as fraternals – and that he was humbled to be amongst those who do so much for their communities and the world. Craig's mission came out of the tragedy of a young 12-year-old boy who was murdered; he read about it in the paper and decided that he needed to make a difference. The name of Craig's organization is Free the Children. His organization does not only go into underprivileged areas and create a better environment in the short term but leaves a legacy to make the changes sustainable with a revenue source created through the entrepreneurial spirit that is left in the community. Craig also has a program that rewards young people for doing charitable work at a local and global level. The name of the program is We day and they are having a celebration this year in two spots: one in Canada and the other in St. Paul, MN. It is always time well spent with the AFA, sharing our stories of how to increase membership, serving our community, succession planning, and good governance in our Societies. Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 the NCSF Chapel / Meditation Room – Our daily prayer is for the intentions of our members and employees, and for the growth of the Society. Please join us in spirit! Wherever you are at 3:00 p.m. Central time Monday-Friday, stop for a few minutes to recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Fall 2013 — www.ncsf.com 23