It is at this meeting that we discuss various issues pertaining to SOAR, give District reports, as well as discuss ways of making SOAR more relevant to the locals and to strengthening our chapters. It is during listening to the District reports that we hear just how much SOAR contributes to the union and the communities in which we live. I think, for me, it is the most interesting and enjoyable portion of the meeting. I want to thank all the SOAR chapters that choose to become involved and contribute so much to what makes SOAR the institution that it is. It comes as no surprise that the chapters that are the most active are seeing the most growth; while other chapters are having a difficult time maintaining membership levels.
In an attempt to help the SOAR chapters grow and become more active, the Executive Board is supporting a proposal in which at-large members, those that belong to SOAR, but for one reason or another do not belong to a chapter, will be given an opportunity to join a chapter in their area. No one will be forced to join a chapter they do not desire to join; nor, will a chapter be compelled to accept new members.
After identifying chapters that are willing to accept members, we will be notifying the at-large members in the chapters’ area to see if something can be worked out. There are over 5,000 members of SOAR who are listed as at-large and reducing this number while growing the membership of area chapters should turn into a benefit for all.
