My View

by Ed Verbeke, USAC Executive Director

  It is getting to be that time of year again when we prepare for the changing of regional directors, district governors and club officers for the next fiscal year. The regional directors and district governors will be gathering in either Las Vegas or Atlanta for their training and planning conferences, and the incoming club officers will be gathering throughout the country for the Spring Leadership Planning Conferences (SLPC’s). I am not sure if all of our Serrans are aware of the time, effort and money that these dedicated people put into preparing for their leadership positions.

I am impressed by them and the job that they do. Leaders have been coming forth to support the mission of Serra since those four men met and started the Serra journey. To all of them, both past and present, I say, “Thank you. You have made Serra what it is.”

People volunteer for these leadership positions for various reasons. These people need to be supported. They need to be prepared to take over their new offices. In order to do this, the USA Council has prepared manuals and descriptions for each position. The Leadership Development Committee has developed very thorough training programs for use at club officer and district governor/regional director training sessions.

Unfortunately, some of our volunteers don’t take advantage of these programs; a few don’t even read the manuals. Sometimes the failure to read the manuals have cost their clubs some serious money! I recently talked to another club that was purchasing unneeded insurance — unneeded because they have always been covered by insurance purchased by Serra International and the USA Council. I encourage each of you who are taking over leadership positions to take advantage of the offered training sessions. Please don’t opt out by saying, “I was the club VP of ________, before.” You just may be the person with the knowledge and experience necessary to help a new club officer. Or, you just may be the person who really doesn’t know everything there is to know.

The regional directors and district governors are required to travel throughout their regions and districts. They need to be financially supported. The USA Council recommends that each Serran and spouse member contribute $5.00 ($3.00 for the district governor; $2.00 for the regional director) to partially cover their out-of-pocket expenses.

Each Lent I re-read a number of favorite books. I would like to recommend to you one of my favorites. The Passion of Jesus Christ by Father Donald Senior, C.P., 1997, Catholic Book Publishing, New Jersey.

Return to Top