Starting a New Chapter is Easier than You Think
Courtney Teddy was so impressed by the stories her mother told about dressing children in need with Assistance League of Columbia Pacific in Astoria, OR, she searched for a chapter in Tacoma.
While there are five Assistance League chapters in Washington, none were easily accessible for Teddy and the type of volunteers she hoped to meet: a mix of men and women in their 30’s with limited time but a great capacity and desire to make a difference in their own community.
Teddy contacted Assistance League, then called her friends, including current president Rebekah Nelson, and told them to bring their friends, their mothers, their husbands, their boyfriends.
“I am so proud of our founding members,” said Teddy, who served as the first president of the South Puget South chapter and is currently serving as VP of Philanthropic Programs. “Most are still active despite full time jobs, marriage and babies.”
“It has been a challenging, but very rewarding journey to start a new chapter,” Teddy continued. “With guidance from the national organization, we have really been able to make this chapter our own to fit with the needs in our community.”
Amy Freeman, a consultant with the National Assistance League Chapter Formation Committee, has been working with the South Puget Sound chapter in formation since September 2013. She will continue to counsel them throughout the process and two years after they become a chapter. All chapters receive guidance and instruction from philanthropic program, finance and marketing consultants.
“Our job is to see that a chapter in formation has all the help members need to become a viable, successful chapter of Assistance League,” Freeman said
With men on the board and membership roster, South Puget Sound is one of the chapters that is redefining the longtime Assistance League image. The group has a great social component that includes an annual bowling fundraiser that is both lucrative and fun for the community. With double the turnout in 2015 from the previous year, South Puget Sound is financially able to add a third school district to its Operation School Bell® program.
“Each time we have Operation School Bell, I am reminded ‘this is what it is all for’,” Teddy said. “We have definitely had our struggles. But when we see the kids with their clothing bags and know that they are going to go to school on Monday feeling proud and good about themselves, it makes every minute we have put in worth it.”
On the opposite end of the spectrum is Assistance League of Southern Utah, a chapter of 90 percent retirees that was started in 2005 by members of the Salt Lake City chapter who wintered in St. George. Originally operating as a satellite of Salt Lake City, the group of dedicated women and men were brought to the attention of the National Chapter Formation team and embarked on the journey to become a full-fledged chapter.
Southern Utah was chartered as a chapter in 2013 with 57 members. The chapter has grown to 90 members, including a dozen men who actively participate in programs, including Operation School Bell shopping events and literacy programs. Men also serve on the board.
“Unfortunately the number of children living below the poverty level is very high here,” said current president Martha Heuer. “Many residents do like to acknowledge this. On clothing, we barely scratch the service. The Literacy Program is reaching many children. At this point, those are the two programs that have been successful for us.”
Heuer moved to St. George from California and attended an Assistance League fundraiser, which was followed up by the chapter’s personal approach to recruiting. Phone calls, coffees and a membership drive called “Tea and Generosity” are just some ways prospective members are encouraged to join.
“I fell in love with the organization,” Heuer said. “Most retired people want to do something with their time. What we want to do is give back.”
Which is why people of all ages join Assistance League. Some are fortunate to have a chapter in their community, while others, like Courtney Teddy and the winter residents of St. George, chose to start a chapter. Thanks to the skilled and personalized guidance offered by the Chapter Formation Committee, they’re glad they did.
For information on forming a chapter contact Cindy Burgess, Director of Chapter Formation, at chapterfomation@assistanceleague.org.
