VOLUME 11 NUMBER 3 SUMMER 2006 |
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AT DOINGS OUTSIDE OF THE ARIZONA
DIVISION AND CAMP OFFICERS OF THE ARIZONA DIVISION
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Compatriots: Eleven years ago I picked up an issue of a local paper "The Weekly", and read an article about the reenactment at Picacho Peak. The article told about the skirmish and the participants. Having taught U.S. History in the past, I found the article quite interesting. The article also contained information about The Sons of Confederate Veterans and their membership requirements.
After reading the article I wanted to find out more about the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Not knowing if I met the membership qualifications, I began to research what my family ties may have been in regards to the Confederacy. In doing so I uncovered a great deal of information, thanks to one of my Dad's cousins in Ray City, Georgia. Having learned of my Confederate Ancestors, I contacted members of Camp 1710, and was invited to their anniversary dinner. This was my introduction to the S.C.V. and my membership in an organization I'm proud to be a member of.
We all have stories of how our membership came about. Maybe you grew p knowing your relationship to a Confederate veteran, you may have visited with S.C.V. members at a reenactment, or like me read about the S.C.V. in a news article. However you became a member it was an important step in your life. Why was this membership important you may ask? For many reason. First and foremost it presented you the opportunity to honor your Confederate ancestors and the heritage they left you. It also allows you an opportunity to associate with others who have similar ancestry and interests. These are only two of many reasons why we should encourage others with Confederate ancestry to join the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Face it, every man born with Confederate ancestry has the blood of a Confederate veteran in his veins. This is a fact that will not change. I'll bet all who have this heritage get the urge to let out a Rebel Yell when they hear "DIXIE".
Recruitment and retention are the key factors in the growth of the S.C.V. Whenever the opportunity arises you should try to recruit a new member. Arizona has many men with Confederate ancestry who do not belong to the S.C.V. When the opportunity presents itself, recruit them. I'm always up for a challenge, so I would like to challenge each member of the Arizona Division, to recruit one new member this year. Think about what that would do for the Arizona Division.
Retention of members is another very important part of growth for the S.C.V. Growth stops when a camp loses two or three members and only recruits one or none at all. Encourage your camp members to maintain their membership. If a member has had financial problems pass the hat at a camp meeting so his dues can be paid. When he gets back on his feet, I'm sure he'll do the same for someone else. Each time your camp has a raffle, put some of it in a membership retention pool to assist a member in need of a little help. He can replace it when he's able. Remember membership retention is vital to our organization.
Division Adjutant Tipton has sent each camp their dues statements. Men, let's get them into him so he won't have to keep reminding us. Let's meet our responsibilities!
I Remain Your Obedient Servant,
John W. Mangum, Commander Arizona Division S.C.V.
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Copyright 2006 by the Arizona Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans. All rights reserved. Last Updated on August 29, 2006. Questions or comments about this site? Contact the Editor by
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