In 2011, I had the privilege to visit 15 local associations. Those visits were most rewarding to me as LCUSA president. I look forward to visiting and meeting with more associations during 2012. For your hospitality and for all you do in serving your local communities, I want to thank you on behalf of the Ladies of Charity of the United States of America (LCUSA).
As we begin 2012, I would like to mention ongoing opportunities available through national for your local association. These opportunities include grants for hands-on ministries and enriching the lives of children and adults through a literacy program. Many associations have already taken advantage of these opportunities. LCUSA looks forward to hearing from others who would use these grants to benefit their work among those less fortunate.
This year dues-paying members will be eligible to receive our national newsletter, Servicette. Subscriptions will start in April when members’ information and dues are received at the National Service Center by March 1. For a family member or friend, gift subscriptions are available ($5.00) so they too can join LCUSA’s circle of readers. Call Maureen at 314-881-6017 or go to LCUSA’s website https://aic.ladiesofcharity.usto add their names to our subscription list.
The Annual Report, which is due by February 15, will be mailed directly to association presidents from regional vice presidents. That form, as well as others, can also be downloaded from the website under ‘Resources’ where LCUSA Forms are listed. If you have any questions or comments, please contact your regional vice president. Annual reports are compiled by each region and sent to the National Service Center by the middle of March. Your association’s statistics and information can be used to apply for local grants. The same is the case with national. Any grant application or fundraising event benefits from the volunteer hours and ministries that you perform in your community.
Our Spring Board Meeting will be held in Evansville, Indiana, during the week of April 16. If there is anything you wish for the board to address, please let me know so it can be added to the agenda. Important for you and your association are grant applications that will be reviewed and awarded during the board meeting. Refer again to the ‘Resources ‘button listing LCUSA Forms for instructions, applications and a check-off list to be included with the grant applications. The deadline for applying for these grants is March 15.
While marking these dates on your calendar, make plans for LCUSA’s 2012 National Assembly in Bethesda, Maryland, September 14 – 16, with two days prior for tours. The theme is ‘Giving in Faith and Love.’ There will be a smorgasbord of workshops enabling you to bring new ideas back to your association. Attending inspirational liturgies and participating in roundtable discussions will strengthen bonds of unity and fellowship within our membership. Important for 2012 is elections to LCUSA’s Board of Directors that will be held during the assembly. When you receive information from the Nominating Committee, please consider serving as a board member.
The board appreciates your commitment to LCUSA and realizes that we are all here to serve. You are important to us and we want to be important to you. Your financial support continues LCUSA’s challenge to strengthen the bonds which unite all of us in the struggle to provide charity and justice for all.
If you have suggestions or comments on any of the above, please let me know. I appreciate all you do for those less fortunate and thank you for sharing in the Vincentian way of life.
Sincerely,
Lucy Ann Saunders
LCUSA President