Sr. Vice Commander's Notes

 Just a reminder

 
I apologize for last week, but I was dealing with health and work issues. Just in case it happens again, for those who are not aware, you have the ability to check our weekly standings. Visit illegion.org,  or at ilfirstdivision.org
1. Tab over to Membership, 
2. Look to the far-right column center of the page Reports & Forms
3. Click on Membership Report
4.  Click Top Sheet and 100 Posts
 
NOTE: You can also get the membership reoprts right on the  1st Division's Website;  Just go the the dropdown menu "Membership"  ilfirstdivision.org
 
The membership reports show where we stand as a Division within the Department and where each District is ranked. To know how your posts are doing within your district, follow the same steps above, click on District Summary and scroll down to your respective district. The report is published on Fridays by two o'clock.
 
Unfortunately, I did not save last week's report, however, I did look it over. Last week we were approximately 51.?? %. We are now at 52.62% . The 8th District has been holding the 10th spot in Department for more than four weeks. But this week the 9th took 10th putting the 8th District in 11th place. Both districts have exceeded the October 15th goal of 55%. They are 59.25% and 58.96% respectively. OUTSTANDING, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
 
In a former email, I stated wanting to reach the November target goal of 65% by October 15th. That may have been somewhat ambitious.  Although it is refreshing to see that the 4th District, 3rd and 5th are pushing and could reach 55% by October 15th. Understand, the 1st Division cannot make it to the top by meeting the standards; we must exceed them.
 
On September 29th , I hosted a Zoom meeting. I want to thank the 3rd, 4th 7th and 9th for attending. I shared and made suggestions to help increase and retain membership. One of my suggestions was to host a fundraiser for membership. Veterans, even the ones in your post could be experiencing hardship due to the government shutdown or other factors. Have a fundraiser and the proceeds go to help veterans in need.  The following are some suggestions:
 
1, Carwash ( might be getting too cold, but a great option for Spring)
2. Double Good Popcorn 50/50 split 
3. Cheescake Factory- excellent idea for the holidays
4. Portillo's - not sure of the profit, but you have to have a 501C(3)
5. Chili's- same as above.
 
Also shared that I will purchase coffee and donuts or pizza and pop for districts that will form a group of 5-10 people to conduct a three-hour Phone Blitz. What is a Phone Blitz you ask? Each person in the group is responsible for making 75 call attempts to members/2910's,  from the attempts the goal is to make at minimum 7 contacts from the contacts, the goal is to retain or gain 2-3 members. You can make the call team as large as you like but I am only paying for ten. If I do not have a scheduling conflict, I will help with the calls. We will follow-up on an alternate day to walk and canvass one of your district's catchment areas. It is easier to get a "yes" from a person face-to-face than over the phone. 
 
Lastly, I gave out dates for outreach events for potential recruiting opportunities.  Unfortunately, the Veteran's Resource Fair scheduled for November 6th will probably be cancelled because of the government shutdown. The following are events for the remainder of the year; that I am aware.
 
  1. Saturday, October 18, 2025- Veteran Resource Fair Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL Time 10 am - 2pm. If interested contact me
  2. Friday , November 14, 2025, Veteran Health Fair- 3rd District Post 2017, Commander Wade Hudson post is hosting this event. Location: Doubletree Hotel 5000 West 127th Street, Alsip, IL. Time: 9am -2 pm.   If interested contact him
  3. Friday , November 14, 2025, 2025 Chicago Winter Standdown, 1500 N. Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL: Time 8:30 am- 2:00pm. POC- TBD
 
This is all for now. As always see you at the top.
 
Yours in Service
Beverly A. Fitch
Sr. Vice Commander
 

 

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