2015 Model Lodge Best Practices Guide Topics for SPJST leaders to consider and discuss in building a more enjoyable and satisfying fraternal experience for our members and for the communities that we serve.
Fraternal Life Insurance Isn’t a Relic.
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What about you? Are you ready to accept the the challenge and become an SPJST Sales Agent? SPJST is interviewing qualified men and women over the age of 21 who believe in the power of fraternalism and fraternal life insurance. SPJST sales agents earn competitive commissions, join in exciting incentive programs and receive superb training and support. Contact the SPJST Insurance Department at 800.727.7578 for details!
Accept the Challenge.
Become an SPJST Sales Agent! 2
Thank You for Your Willingness to Accept a Leadership Role.
Leadership is An Art Leadership is a art. As such, it requires talent. To be effective at what they do, it is essential that leaders be able to formulate inspiring visions and the strategies for achieving them. The SPJST Model Lodge Best Practices Guide seeks to better equip SPJST lodge officers, sales representatives and others with the guidance necessary to being effective SPJST leaders.
SPJST is financial. Life insurance, annuities, IRAs and mortgage loans . . .
First things first: For the SPJST to remain relevant in the lives of its members — in order for the Society to grow — it’s important that we as leaders possess a solid understanding of the role that SPJST seeks to fill in the lives of its members and in the life of the community.
SPJST is social. Events such as the Corpus Christi Getaway weekend, lodge dances, picnics and events celebrating family including wedding receptions, anniversaries and reunions . . .
Let’s get started by answering the simple question, “Why is SPJST here?” The fact that SPJST touches so many and varied aspects of our members lives makes that a challenging question to answer. Think about it:
SPJST is educational. Consider the talent and skills displayed at our youth achievement day programs, the SPJST scholarship program, the Leaders-in-Training program,
SPJST is cultural. We support the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogical Center and so many other Czech heritage initiatives, organizations and events throughout the state . . .
It’s important that we as leaders possess a solid understanding of the role that SPJST seeks to fill in the lives of its members and in the life of the community. 3
the monthly Vestnik projects and youth essay contests . . .
about it . . . Here’s a suggestion: “SPJST is a fraternal benefit society. Its basic mission is to do good. To do good for each other and to do good for the communities that we seek to serve.”
SPJST is recreational. The SPJST camp program, the SPJST Education and Nature Center, SPJST state tournaments and contests . . .
Doing good for each other and for the communities that we seek to serve: Therein, resides the heart of the SPJST’s fraternal objective. Even so, it’s easy to expand on that definition. As stated in the SPJST By-Laws, “The purpose of this Society is to provide security for its members and the families of the insured, through the various certificates issued in accordance with the fraternal insurance laws of the State of Texas.”
SPJST is all of those things and so much more: SPJST is family-oriented, SPJST is patriotic, SPJST is democratic and SPJST is service-oriented. You get the idea. The strength of the SPJST resides in its diversity. The challenge for us — as SPJST lodge leaders — is threefold:
Second: To identify the mission that the SPJST seeks to fulfill statewide and within our community; and
There’s more: “This Society promotes providing a wholesome family environment for the entire family unit and endeavors to promote our common bond by keeping alive and encouraging the cherished traditions of the Czech history, culture, heritage, and family.”
Third: To convey that message through our words and by our actions to our fellow members and to the community at large.
SPJST’s Mission and Vision Statements All of those elements come together in the SPJST Mission Statement: “Insuring and Enriching Lives.”
If a friend were to ask you, “What is SPJST?” what would you say? Think
The SPJST Vision Statement expands on that mission:
First: To identify our strengths as individual members and as a group;
Doing good for each other and for the communities that we seek to serve. Therein resides the heart of the SPJST’s fraternal mission and its reason for being. 4
It is through service to others and fraternal activities on the lodge, district and state levels that enables SPJST to convey a sense of purpose and tradition. “Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.”
women, boys and girls of many backgrounds. Lodges help to keep members informed of the life insurance programs and the array of fraternal benefits afforded through membership in the SPJST.
Our SPJST Mission and Vision Statement reflects the hopes and intentions of the SPJST Supreme Lodge. Even so, they don’t always accurately portray the way things currently are in SPJST so much as the way we would like things to be. It our desire to achieve the great deeds which are possible, that spurs us toward excellence and toward creating a better Society. If there are times when SPJST fails to measure up to its stated Mission and Vision, let us take it as an opportunity to realign our reality closer to our mission and vision. The future we will experience tomorrow is created one step at a time today.
It is through service to others and fraternal activities on the lodge, district and state levels that enables SPJST to convey a sense of purpose and tradition. To help achieve these worthy objectives, the SPJST Supreme Lodge developed the SPJST Model Lodge Best Practices Guide. The SPJST Model Lodge Best Practices checklist is not connected to any SPJST incentive program nor is it considered a competition. Rather, it is our belief that thoughtful consideration and discussion of the components of the Model Lodge Best Practices guide may lead to a more meaningful and enjoyable lodge experience for you, your family, our members and for the communities that are served by our lodges.
It is through the SPJST lodge system that we as leaders are able to define and convey this sense of purpose. SPJST lodges are the life and foundation of our Society in the communities that we seek to serve.
The guide is divided into twelve “Best Practice Sections” for lodge leaders to review, to consider and discuss with their
Lodges bring people together, establishing a common bond among men, 5
fellow members in building their fraternal program. Please know that this guide represents an evolutionary process — a work in progress. Not every topic may apply to your lodge in its current stage of growth. Some of the topics have a tendency to overlap and others may warrant greater discussion in subsequent revisions. Your input and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. The guide represents a work in progress.
9. Lodge seeks to recruit and involve sales agents. 10. Lodge hosts an annual member appreciation event. 11. Lodge raises SPJST’s profile and stature within the community. 12. Lodge leaders know parliamentary procedure to bring structure and order to meeting process.
Updated versions of the guide are available online at www.spjst.org for all lodge members to review or download.
Section 12 is followed with information about the recently approved SPJST Foundation and the role that this 501(c)3 nonprofit organization seeks to fulfill in supporting non-profit initiatives, including the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center and the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm. The guide concludes with a summary outlining the basics of fraternalism and of the SPJST and its origins and evolution.
The twelve “Best Practices” sections are as follows: 1. Lodge writes a clearly defined mission statement. 2. Lodge constructs an annual calendar of events. 3. Lodge elects a full slate of officers. This section includes a description of each lodge officer position and its duties.
Thank you, lodge leaders, for the important work that you are doing and for your willingness to review and embrace the Best Practices presented herein.
4. Lodge meets regularly and fulfills Home Office reporting requirements.
Fraternally, Brian Vanicek President
5. Lodge communicates with the members and the public. 6. Lodge is a relevant force within the community. 7. Lodge supports the youth and has an active youth club. 8. Lodge achieves a pattern of sustainable growth. 6
Best Practice Number One
Lodge Has a Clearly Defined Mission Statement The broad mission of the SPJST — as defined and adopted by the SPJST Supreme Lodge in October 2013 is simple:
Simply stated, a mission statement answers the basic question of why your lodge exists and describe the needs that the lodge seeks to fill. The mission statement enables the lodge to clarify the values that are important to the members of that lodge.
“Insuring and Enriching Lives.” The SPJST Vision Statement expands on that mission:
The mission statement can be a powerful tool for attracting both members and non-members to get involved in your lodge activities.
“Our vision is to provide a wholesome family environment; to encourage cherished Czech traditions; and to provide high quality, competitive life insurance for our members.”
Developing a mission statement for your lodge can be an excellent — even enjoyable — first step to rejuvenating your lodge and making sure its fraternal efforts stay on track.
How does your lodge fit into this picture? That’s where a lodge mission statement can provide you with some direction. While every lodge has an obligation to support the SPJST mission statement and vision and statement, every lodge is encouraged to draft its own mission statement.
In constructing a mission statement, you are fulfilling a key obligation as a lodge leader: You are putting your hopes and aspirations for the future of your lodge into words. Words that are clear and easy for everyone to understand.
The mission statement can be a powerful tool for attracting members and non-members to get involved in your lodge activities. 7
You will be providing your lodge with a road map — or at least a compass point — to the future.
statement that any lodge could have, such as, “Our lodge seeks to spread fraternalism.” Which lodge doesn’t intend to spread fraternalism?
Lodge leaders, here’s your challenge: Write a mission statement for your lodge. Consider setting aside time at a meeting to under “new business.” It’s that important.
At the very least, this is an exercise that gets the lodge members talking about the goals, objectives and purpose of the lodge.
Begin with a simple explanation: The mission statement is a concise paragraph that describes what your lodge does and for whom.
Setting aside time at a meeting to clarify your lodge’s mission is a little like restating wedding vows: You don’t have to do it; however, it can help to reaffirm your commitment.
To get and keep members involved, SPJST lodge meetings and activities have to be relevant. The lodge meeting has to be more than “going through the motions” for the sake of protocol.
You may go through several drafts, but eventually, what you want is a statement that’s short and inviting enough that anyone connected to the lodge feels comfortable repeating it. Consider the following examples:
Get lodge members involved in brainstorming, thinking and talking about the role that the lodge aims to play in your community. Lodge mission statements are best written collaboratively.
The lodge promotes family-oriented activities that seek to unite the community and promote Czech heritage in Pecos County.
Toss out a few questions and see what the group comes up with! Here are some suggestions:
The lodge maintains a community center that regularly brings together people of all ages in the Clarksville community for fellowship, special events and to communicate the benefits of life insurance and financial security.
How does our lodge contribute to quality of life in the community? What would be missing if our lodge were not an active part of the community?
The lodge partners with local church and school groups to support projects that help the needy and enhance the environment.
What is currently missing in the life of the community that our lodge could do to make a positive difference?
Once you decide on your mission statement, spread the word! Share the mission statement with your members, at your lodge meetings and events and through the Vestnik. Let your mission statement be your “measuring stick” in all that your lodge does.
Seek to construct a mission statement that is “timeless” — a purpose that will be as relevant five years from now as it is today. Avoid adopting a generic mission 8
Best Practice Number Two
Lodge Constructs an Annual Calendar of Events A lodge with a mission is a lodge with a purpose. In line with that purpose is that your lodge construct an annual calendar of lodge events, district activities, community service projects, planning sessions and fund raisers early in the year.
Consider having a copy of your lodge calendar for the coming year completed and ready for distribution at end of year meetings and/or celebrations. Constructing and then circulating a lodge calendar — either on paper or online — will provide everyone involved with a chance to plan and make time for lodge meetings, community service projects, socials and fund raising events.
Get started on this project immediately following the election of your lodge leaders; however, like the saying goes, “There’s no time like the present!” Because the SPJST is a democratic organization, it is vital that the membership also have input in this process. Out of this meeting, you should emerge with a yearlong calendar of events.
As more dates and activities emerge, they can always be added.
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Best Practice Number Three
Lodge Elects a Full Slate of Officers Electing a full slate of officers is important to the efficient running of your SPJST lodge. Each officer should be familiar with the SPJST By-Laws, the basics of parliamentary procedure and the duties of his or her position. The duties of each officer are outlined in the SPJST By-Laws. That part of the By-Laws is outlined at the end of this section.
Electing additional lodge officer positions (ie. Youth Leader, Reporter, etc.) can help facilitate the division and assignment of responsibility within an active lodge. Lodge officers are expected to attend all lodge meetings during their tenure. Per the By-Laws, a Board of Trustees may also be elected to provide regular and constant supervision in designed management areas as defined by the lodge.
Copies of the By-Laws and a parliamentary procedure guide are available through the Office of the State Fraternal Activities Coordinator.
In addition to every officer having his or her own duties and responsibilities, all officers are expected to work together and serve as dignified representatives of the lodge and Society in the community.
By definition a full slate of officers refers to separate individuals serving as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Lodge officers: 1. Sets annual goals that support long-range objectives of the lodge and SPJST.
In the event that your lodge does not have a youth club, consider the merits of electing a Youth Leader to “be there” for young people who do happen to attend meetings as well as to plan youth-oriented activities in conjunction with activities of the lodge.
2. Conveys a spirit of cooperation, service and team work to lodge members.
Each officer should be familiar with the SPJST By-Laws, the basics of parliamentary procedure and the duties of his or her position. 10
3. Sustains or increases the lodge’s membership base.
Get off to a good start following your next lodge officer election and review the duties of each officer and position as identified in the SPJST By-Laws.
4. Implements successful projects addressing the needs of the members and community.
Articles 56 - 64 of the SPJST By-Laws address the duties and responsibilities of SPJST officer positions:
5. Supports SPJST statewide initiatives through both program participation and financial contributions.
ARTICLE 56. (a) The local lodge president shall preside at all lodge meetings. He shall see that all by-laws, rules and regulations are observed by the members assembled. He shall entertain and put all motions made from the floor and pass upon all matters of procedure and his decision shall be final, unless same is appealed from the floor of the local lodge by motion properly seconded. He shall discipline members for improper conduct during meetings by reprimanding, expelling them from the meeting, or having charges preferred as provided in the by-laws, or shall exercise all three methods, whichever he deems proper under the circumstances. In the absence of the local lodge president, the local lodge vice president, and in the absence of both the president and the vice president, the secretary, or in his absence, any member shall call the meeting to order and a temporary chairman be elected to hold office during the absence of the president or vice president, unless such office is terminated by the entrance of the president or vice president. (b) Furthermore, the president shall from time to time visit sick members, appoint the majority of all appointed committees, sign letters and other documents, orders on the treasurer, and in general performs all duties which the lodge and the officers entrust to him.
6. Develops leaders capable of serving in SPJST at the lodge level, district and state levels. 7. Carries out the duties of their respective positions. 8. Are familiar with the lodge’s Rules and Regulations (if any), District Rules and Regulations (if any) and SPJST By-Laws. Neither the Rules and Regulations of the local lodge or district shall be in conflict with the By-Laws of the SPJST. 9. Have a knowledge and understanding of parliamentary procedure. (See Best Practice Number 12.) 10. Lead by example.
COMING SOON!
ARTICLE 57. (a) The first vice president assists the president in meetings, appoints the minority of members on all appointed committees, and generally performs all obligations incumbent upon his office as set out by the rules and regulations of each local lodge. (b) He assumes the president’s duties in the event of incapacity, absence, resignation, or death.
“Best Practices”related to lodge record-keeping, finances and auditing procedures are being drafted.
ARTICLE 58. The secretary maintains a record of attendance, accurate minutes of all deliberations in the meetings as provided in the constitution and by-laws, prepares all correspondence for the lodge and every month forwards to the financial secretary of the Supreme Lodge an account of all new members, all members who withdrew, were expelled, or died, and other
These guidelines will be mailed to lodge Secretaries, Treasurers and Presidents upon their completion. They will also be available on the spjst.org website. 11
changes in the lodge. Such report may be prepared by the financial secretary, if it is the wish of the lodge. The secretary further receives all mail and replies thereto at the request of the president of the lodge.
Lodge for fraternal services and other reports on lodge fraternal activities. ARTICLE 63. (a) In case of necessity and if the size and volume of business warrants it, a lodge may elect a board of trustees who are responsible for all lodge property and give a current account of that property to the members. The board of trustees may consist of as many members as the lodge deems expedient. (b) The lodge must elect or appoint an Auditing Committee, consisting of three or more members. If appointed, the president appoints the majority of the committee and the vice president appoints the minority. This is to be done in the annual meeting. The duties of the Auditing Committee are to audit at least once a year the income and expense of the operation of the lodge. This same committee must compare the books of the financial secretary and treasurer at least annually. (c) When a member resigns from an appointed committee or otherwise vacates such an appointed position, the officer who initially appointed such member appoints the new member. (d) The lodge may elect or appoint other committees as deemed necessary.
ARTICLE 59. (a) It is the duty of the local financial secretary to collect local dues from members and maintain an accurate record thereof in his books and to add to his books the exact names of all new members. (b) He delivers dues received to the treasurer of the lodge. (c) At the request of the lodge, he submits his books to the Auditing Committee, because the books must be audited at least once a year. ARTICLE 60. The treasurer receives all money and must render to the membership periodic reports of all lodge assets and resources, monetary and other. He pays all bills of the lodge and delivers all checks and statements to the Auditing Committee at each examination. ARTICLE 61. The flag bearer aids in initiation of new members and installation of new officers, and assists the president at his request.
ARTICLE 64. Vacancies in any offices, except that of president, which will be filled by the first vice president, shall be filled by election to be held at the next regular meeting of lodge.
ARTICLE 62. The fraternal activities coordinator will suggest, plan, and coordinate fraternal activities for the lodge. He complies with requests from Supreme
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. Andrew Carnegie 12
Best Practice Number Four
Lodge Meets Regularly and Fulfills Reporting Requirements Lodge and district meetings provide SPJST members with the opportunity for fellowship and community outreach. All lodges are required to meet monthly with the exception of those lodges which have been “grandfathered” on a quarterly meeting schedule. These meetings should enable members as well as non-members to learn more about the benefits of membership in SPJST.
contribute relevant discussion.
Organized meetings that are announced in the Vestnik and through the local media and feature interesting and relevant programs will enhance the meeting and reinforce the value of active participation in the local lodge.
The order of proceedings in SPJST lodge meetings is as follows:
If you’re an officer, please be on time and work with your fellow officers to make your meeting room inviting. Having music playing before the meeting is a great way to warm up the room on a chilly day. It also helps to fill the awkward, cold silence that sometimes comes before a meeting.
Effective meetings adhere to a clear agenda, observe basic parliamentary procedure and provide adequate information for members to make decisions affecting the lodge. Good meetings provide opportunities for members to ask questions and
1.
Convening of the meeting.
2
Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Tribute to departed members.
4.
Roll call of officers.
5.
Reading of minutes.
6.
Announcement of income and disbursements.
Effective meetings adhere to a clear agenda, observe basic parliamentary procedure and provide adequate information for members to make decisions affecting the lodge. 13
7.
Reading of communications received.
8.
Reading of reports of officers and committees.
9.
Reading of names of applicants and balloting thereon.
can optimize people’s ability to participate. What about your lodge? When and where do you meet and how do you think this affects your meeting attendance? Involving the community in an informative meeting or planning a special event could enhance your chances for success.
10. Initiation of new members. 11. Unfinished or deferred business.
Reporting Requirements The SPJST enjoys its 501(c)(8) nonprofit status on the basis of its ability to contribute to the public good. Accordingly, an objective of the SPJST Fraternal Department is that the Society accurately document the fraternal commitment of each lodge Your lodge’s timely cooperation in meeting these reporting deadlines is greatly appreciated.
12. New business. 13. Motions for amending local lodge by-laws. 14. Election of officers. 15. Adjournment of the meeting. 16. Dues are to be paid to the financial secretary before or at the end of the regular business meeting.
The data is collected on behalf of the American Fraternal Alliance, the national trade association of fraternal benefit societies, and is combined with information along from sister fraternal organizations in constructing a fraternal statistical analysis to inform elected officials as well as the general public, about the positive aspects of fraternal benefit societies.
The fundamentals of parliamentary procedure are addressed in the Parliamentary procedure summary appearing on pages 28 and 29 of this guide. Variety is the spice of life. Consider injecting low cost and/or novel meeting perks. Many lodges have utilized the covered dish dinner with success. Prizes for attendance ranging from lottery tickets, baked goods, SPJST promotional items and seasonal items are always fun.
It is necessary for your lodge to file these reports with the Home Office in order for your lodge to qualify to receive its annual premium refund incentives. For more details on the 2015 “Let the Good Times Roll” program, please refer to the incentive program guide. Copies are also available from the SPJST Insurance Department.
The old saying, “Charity begins at home,” cannot be overstated. Let your active members know by your words — and by your actions — that they are appreciated!
In recording your lodge’s fraternal and community support, please note that it is only necessary to document only those activities conducted under the auspices of the “SPJST.”
Getting people to attend lodge meetings regularly represents a real challenge. The lodge’s meeting times and locations 14
Best Practice Number Five
Lodge Communicates with Members and the Public Communication is simply the act of transferring information from one place to another. Being able to communicate effectively is one of the most important of all life skills. Enhancing your lodge’s communications can make a tremendous and positive difference.
follow-up stories and photos in the SPJST’s weekly newspaper, Vestnik. The publication deadline is the Wednesday before the publication date of issue. Lodge correspondents are also encouraged to share items of interest relating to member accomplishments outside of the SPJST.
First things first: Make sure that every lodge leader has each other’s telephone number and email address. Know, too, that a roster of lodge members and available phone numbers and email addresses is available on an annual basis to lodge secretaries through the Home Office.
Members love to learn more about their fellow members — including their lives apart from the SPJST. Maybe one of your members had been training for the last year and ran her first marathon. Maybe two of your longtime members just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Another member lost 100 pounds after dieting! Each of these member accomplishments would make an excellent article topic and would help to showcase
Use the Vestnik Regularly post your lodge news and information relevant to upcoming lodge meetings and special events as well as
Being able to communicate effectively is one of the most important of all of life’s skills. Enhancing your lodge’s communications can make a tremendous and positive difference. 15
the members of your lodge in the Vestnik.
coming up that is noteworthy, contact your local media outlets with an email or short letter covering or “pitching” the specifics of your upcoming event:
Lodge correspondents are encouraged to contact the Vestnik office for additional information relevant to article and photo placement in the Vestnik.
Keep your correspondence short and to the point — one page at most. Describe the relevance and timeliness of the event to the reader. Provide full contact information.
Use the Local Media The local media — and especially neighborhood and weekly newspapers — are interested in local stories and particularly if they are in conjunction with nationwide initiatives such as Join Hands Day in May or Make a Difference Day in October. They look for stories that are topical, original and have a human interest element — such as an article recognizing your lodge’s Fraternalist of the Year.
Use Social Media A lodge event is by nature a social affair. It makes perfect sense to use social media outlets such as Facebook to help plan, promote, and build excitement for any public event your lodge is hosting. Social media networks are also a great way to provide follow-up coverage for lodge events.
If your lodge has a story or an event
By communicating clearly, you can convey useful information as well as help to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflict with others. Image Source: projectmanagement.com
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Best Practice Number Six
Lodge Is a Relevant Force Within the Community To maintain its relevancy and leadership position within the community, lodge hosts interesting meetings as well as a diverse calendar of events that appeal to a range (age, gender, etc.) of members and prospective members.
programming. This could be in conjunction with Join Hands Day in May or at any other time during the year. Seasonal events, including Christmas and other holiday gatherings may provide the opportunity for lodges to work and even celebrate together.
There’s no shortage of good ideas to enliven your meetings and special events. Consider guest speakers — limiting their presentation time to ten minutes or so — addressing a range of topics ranging from financial planning, sports, local school and youth issues, senior topics, community services, current events and entertainment. Potluck dinners and seasonal programs can be both enlightening and fun!
Local businesses can also make great partners when it comes to fundraising or supporting a charitable cause. Consider approaching local restaurants, service providers, and retail shops to see if they have an interest in a fundraising partnership. What about your lodge? What collaborative ventures have you experienced with other groups or businesses in your community? Were they successful? Why or why not?
Partnerships Are Great! Partnering with other lodges or organizations in your area offers fellowship and networking opportunities while helping to diversify the lodge's
Some lodge events happen only once, such as a fund raiser or special anniver-
Partnering with other lodges or organizations in your area offers fellowship and networking opportunities while helping to diversify the lodge’s programming. 17
sary of your lodge or youth program. Other events take place on a regular basis — like monthly lodge meetings. Identify some of the major events that your lodge has hosted in recent years. Did the events achieve their objectives? What could have been done to make them even better?
those lodges with buildings and property to maintain. Even so, having a building isn’t a necessary prerequisite to host a fundraising event. The following listing of ten fundraising ideas represents a compilation of past lodge initiatives as well as efforts made by other fraternal and civic organizations. While it is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing, it does provide you with a place to start when considering an approach to your next fundraising event.
Lodge revitalization takes place over time and through a series of projects and activities. Seldom, if ever, is there “just one thing” that will address all of the challenges facing a dormant or relatively inactive lodge. It takes local leadership and vision to pull together the lodge and make good things happen.
1. Raffle One of the simplest of all fundraisers is the raffle. The Texas Charitable Raffle Enabling Act permits “qualified organizations” to hold up to two raffles per calendar year, with certain specified restrictions. As a lodge in good standing, that makes your lodge a “qualified organization.”
It’s important for lodge officers to understand that revitalizing a lodge program can be a slow and deliberate process, not one big project, and develop a variety of projects and activities that will lead to long term improvement of the lodge program. Patience and persistence pays off in the end.
By definition, SPJST lodges fit the definition of a “qualified organization.” For the complete definition, please refer online to: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cpd/ charities-nonprofits-charitable-raffles.
And on a Related Note . . .
The State of Texas defines a raffle as the award of one or more prizes by chance at a single occasion among a single pool or group of persons who have paid or promised a thing of value for a ticket that represents a chance to win a prize.
Fundraising Ideas for SPJST Lodges Premium refunds and incentives awarded by the Supreme Lodge can be substantial; however, they typically represent only a portion of what an active lodge needs to function effectively.
A qualified organization may offer any prize except money. “Money” is defined as coins, paper currency, or a negotiable instrument that represents and is readily convertible to coins or paper currency.
Private rentals, public dances and bingo are fundraising mainstays for many SPJST lodges — and in particular — for 18
In preparation, you will want to invite all of the bakers in your lodge to have them make their specialty. As an added attraction, suggest that they send a list of ingredients and recipe with their baked goods. Make sure to have an assortment of different types of desserts ranging from kolaches, strudels and cookies to muffins, cakes and pies. Some lodges and youth clubs have found it best to leave the pricing “open,” and allow the purchaser to pay whatever they believe to be fair. More often than not, this approach seems to result in a nice donation added to the “fair” price.
If the raffle organizers offer a prize which they have purchased or have given other consideration for, the value of the prize may not exceed $50,000, or $250,000 if the purchased prize is a residential dwelling. There is no value limit on prizes donated to the organization. Texas lottery tickets may be purchased and offered as prizes, even though the tickets’ payoff may exceed $50,000.
3. Auction or Consignment Sale Silent auctions as well as live auctions have long been a staple fundraising activity for many SPJST lodges. Auctions and consignment sales provide a great service for the community and have the potential to raise significant proceeds for the lodge.
The organization must have each raffle prize in its possession or ownership or must post a bond for the full amount of the value of the prize with the county clerk of the county where the raffle will be held.
Consignment sales work much like consignment stores. Sellers tag their own merchandise and take it to a central location to be sold. In exchange for hosting and handling the merchandise, the lodge takes a cut, varying from 20 to 30 percent of the profits from each sale. This can add up when a big consignment sale is hosted and lots of merchandise changes hands.
Proceeds from ticket sales must be used only for the charitable purposes of the qualified organization. For more complete information on this topic, please refer online to: https://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/raffle.shtml 2. Bake Sale This is an easy fundraiser to run as part of a larger community event, such as a holiday craft sale, sporting event or even as a stand alone activity in cooperation with a local business.
Typically, you will need a fairly large area to hold the sale such as a lodge hall, community center or easily accessible lot. The key is in securing a good location. Make the sale open to everyone. Sell19
ers bring items from home they’d like to sell – or give away – everything from household appliances and furniture to farm equipment, antiques and collectibles.
5. Reverse Raffle A reverse raffle is a twist on a traditional one that brings a new level of excitement and community involvement to the process. Several SPJST lodges have conducted reverse raffles in recent years with considerable success.
Assign each seller a number to track sales. You’ll need to provide tables for sellers to display their sale items. Charge a small entry fee and offer concessions. Shopping makes people hungry! Decide beforehand how much of a percentage sellers will keep from what they sell. The rest is profit for your lodge.
A “reverse” raffle refers to a raffle in which the last ticket or tickets drawn are considered the winning tickets. Here is a brief explanation of how a Reverse Raffle works: It is exactly what the name implies. Rather than the first ticket drawn winning the raffle, the last ticket drawn in a Reverse Raffle is the big winner. For instance, the lodge may opt to sell 300 tickets for the raffle at a cost of $100 each. The winning ticket (or the last one drawn) will win a prize valued at $10,000.
As soon as the location and date for the sale are decided, start getting the word out. Use e-mail, printed fliers, Facebook, radio, and TV to promote your sale. Post fliers in locations where people with kids typically go – schools, churches, restaurants, grocery stores and other social and retail establishments. 4. Garage Sale Garage sales can serve as an excellent source of revenue for the lodge or youth club.
This is a great return on a $100 investment. In addition, your $100 ticket also gains you (and a guest) admission to the party where you will enjoy dinner and entertainment. In order to keep everyone’s interest throughout the evening, the lodge may opt to offer cash prizes randomly as the raffle progresses.
You can sell furniture, jewelry, clothing items, and practically anything else of value. Proper advertisement of this event will increase the number of visitors resulting in higher prices for the most sought after items.
For instance, the first ticket drawn could win a $100 VISA card as well as every 25th ticket drawn for the remainder of the raffle. In other words, 12 lucky attendees would get their money back and enjoy a great evening of entertainment at no cost. To keep the evening interesting and even more profitable for the lodge, you may also want to host a live or silent auction — or both!
Benefitting SPJST 20
Make Sure It’s Legal! Always make sure that fundraising activities that your lodge pursues meets the legal requirements of the local municipality, county, and state. Some fundraisers such as raffles, games of chance, yard sales, etc. may require permits or may not be legal in certain areas. Before you spend too much time planning an event, check with county officials or the municipal office of the location where the fundraiser is to be held to make sure you are following the proper procedures. To be really successful, your dinner could offer something a bit unique (or considered difficult, time consuming, messy, or requiring special knowledge to make) such as Czech pork roast and dumplings.
6. Fundraising Dinner From fried chicken, barbecue brisket and sausage to hamburgers, spaghetti and chili, fundraising dinners remain a tried and true favorite for many lodges.
If you hit on the right recipes, these events can become yearly standards, anticipated throughout the community. Once established, you can increase profits with both plate service and take home portions or cartons.
It can be very successful for any lodge or youth club that has access to a community center or lodge hall with kitchen facilities and willing hands to prepare to serve.
It often helps to combine a fundraising meal with some other activity such as a dance or a fundraising auction.
To attract the general public, make sure you appoint a publicity chairman to get information and posters into neighborhood stores. Submit your event for inclusion in the community calendar in your local newspaper and on the radio. If you’ve chosen a unique menu, you might even get a human interest article. Also encourage your members to invite friends and neighbors.
Or, consider tying it in with an annual observance such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day – or even Czech Heritage Day — and you pick the day! When used as a prelude to some other activity, the meal need not be spectacular, merely filling and wholesome, served hot and efficiently.
7. “Show and Sell” Fundraiser In conducting a “show and sell” fundraiser, you order the products first, typically at a discount. Once the inventory is established, you sell. In SPJST, it’s typically been the youth clubs that pursue this kind of fundraising. Commissions typically vary from 25 percent to 75 percent.
Everyone likes to eat and enjoys getting together. You can choose any meal – breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything in between. It can be catered or home-cooked. Make it a one-time event or an annual affair.
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If you have not done product fundraising before, make certain that fundraising by selling a product would be acceptable to them. If it’s for the youth club, ask the parents if they are willing to help their children sell the product. If your potential fundraising sales force is not enthusiastic, you will not be able to pull off fundraising through product sales.
ing tournament is to charge an entry fee for each foursome, for example, $60 per team or $20 for an individual player. Invite lots of people and seek out plenty of publicity. Contact local radio and television stations well ahead of your event. Make sure non-bowlers know that there will be plenty of fun things to do besides bowl. Bowlers can also compete for prizes such as most strikes, most gutter balls, highest game, lowest score, best team, etc. Consider adding additional fundraising activities to your bowling event such as a silent auction, raffle for donated prizes or selling food items.
Choose your fundraising product well. Make sure that it is of highest quality, and is something that people really like. 8. Order Taker Fundraiser Order taker fundraisers are pre-sale fundraisers where adult lodge or youth club members use a product brochure with an order taker form to receive orders from customers ahead of time.
10. Theme Party Theme party fundraisers are limited only to your imagination and creativity and may combine multiple fundraising ideas ranging from dinner and dance to raffle and auction. Here are a few theme ideas to get you started:
Customers select products from the brochure and records the order on the order form. All order forms are tallied and sent to the fundraising company which ships the products to the contact person for your group fundraiser.
1950’s Theme Party 1970’s Theme Party Beach Theme Party Czech Heritage Theme Party Cruise Theme Party Casino Theme Party Cinco de Mayo Theme Party Disco Theme Party German Theme Party Great Outdoors Theme Party Halloween Theme Party Harvest Theme Party Mardi Gras Theme Party Masquerade Theme Party Patriotic Theme Party Polka Theme Party Spring Theme Party Sports Theme Party St. Patrick’s Day Theme Party Valentine’s Day Theme Party
Members then deliver the products to your supporters. Depending on your choice, your group can collect funds from their supporters when the order is collected or upon product delivery. 9. Bowling Tournaments Bowling tournaments have been held in the SPJST on the district level as fundraisers; however, the idea could just as easily be adopted to being hosted by a lodge. The event is simple to put together. Simply arrange with a bowling alley to rent a group of lanes, or the entire building, and start soliciting teams. One way to raise money with a bowl22
Best Practice Number Seven
Lodge Supports the Youth and Has an Active Youth Club An SPJST Youth Club can be a wonderful way to attract and get young people involved in your lodge. Even if your lodge does not have a youth club, consider electing a Youth Leader to be there for young people who do happen to attend meetings as well as to plan youthoriented activities in conjunction with activities of the lodge.
SPJST Summer Camp fosters a spirit of cooperation, forms an appreciation of the natural environment, and helps campers to achieve their leadership potential. SPJST Summer Camp is provided for SPJST young people at no charge on the basis of their active participation. SPJST sponsors Youth Achievement Day (YAD) competitions on the district and state levels as an educational activity for SPJST Youth Club members. Contestants field entries in a range of areas including arts and crafts, music, dance, drama, and public speaking.
The mission of the SPJST Youth Program is to provide a well-rounded educational, patriotic, and social program. It’s also about having fun! Through participation in local youth clubs, district outings and statewide events, youngsters between the ages of five and 18 develop a greater awareness of the common bonds that we all share. SPJST Youth Clubs may also work with schools, churches and other community organizations to tailor programs to fit local needs.
Young people who wish to participate in YAD must be a member by January 1 of the previous year in addition to meeting other contest guidelines. SPJST youth clubs help to widen contacts among young people and help to
The mission of the SPJST Youth Program is to provide a well-rounded educational, patriotic, and social program. It’s also about having fun! 23
structure informal social relationships between the adult and youth members. Most of the adults that young people interact with in their daily lives are authority figures such as teachers, parents and business people. Young people often expect adults to treat them as children and are amazed to be treated as a full partner and taken seriously. That’s the spirit that we need to convey in our SPJST youth clubs. SPJST Youth Clubs should be valued and supported by the Society and by the local lodge as the club can make a big difference in the lives of many young people and their communities. SPJST Youth Club activities can provide the warm, safe, friendly space for young people that they say they want. It can give them real power and ownership in the Society.
One of the great ideas to come out of the Supreme Lodge’s 2014 Strategic Planning meeting was that of the SPJST Youth Program Alumni Association. Its purpose will be to foster and strengthen relationships between former youth club members, scholarship winners and adult leaders through renewed active involvement in the SPJST. Alumni membership will be kept informed of relevant products, services and activities of the SPJST and SPJST Foundation via various forms of traditional and social media. Former youth leaders, district youth counselors and other adults who have been associated with the SPJST Youth Program will also be invited to be a part of the alumni group. As a former SPJST youth club member or scholarship recipient, you will automatically become a member of the SPJST Youth Program Alumni Association. The Fraternal Department plans to have the basic foundation of the program in place on or before the SPJST State Youth Leaders Workshop on March 21, 2015.
SPJST Scholarship Program Knowledge is power. SPJST encourages its outstanding young members to continue their educational development. Since its inception, the SPJST Scholarship Program has awarded more than $1.5 million to deserving, college-bound youth. Selections are based on academics and leadership. Active youth may also qualify for educational scholarships. If you have any questions about participation in the SPJST Youth Program, please browse the SPJST Youth Handbook. The book is available online at spjst.org. Hard copies are also available upon request from the SPJST Home Office. 24
Best Practice Number Eight
Lodge Achieves a Pattern of Sustainable Growth As lodge leaders, we want to see our SPJST lodges achieve a pattern of sustainable growth. We want to see our lodges grow from one year to the next as fraternal leaders within the community and as providers of affordable life insurance and related financial benefits.
As a membership-based organization, it is important that SPJST continually strive to provide its members with quality products, quality service and a quality fraternal experience. At that point, it becomes easy for lodge leaders to inform other family members and friends about the benefits of membership in the SPJST.
The more attractive the lodge experience looks — to current members and non-members as well — the more likely the lodge and SPJST are to attract new members. What Can We Do? As SPJST leaders, we are in a position to offer personal testimonials to others on the benefits of membership in the SPJST — both from a financial perspective and from a humanitarian and social perspective. Convey to nonmembers how involvement can benefit them, their children and the community.
It’s natural for a lodge to experience membership peaks and valleys on the way to achieving a pattern of sustainable growth.
The more attractive the lodge experience looks — to current members, and non-members as well — the more likely the lodge and SPJST are to attract new members. 25
Even as lodge leaders are encouraged adhere to the basic Order of Proceedings in SPJST Lodge Meetings, they are also encouraged to host programs that will complement their business meetings. Consider some of the following ideas and programs to make your lodge meetings more member friendly:
4. Meals and snacks can make a positive difference. People love snacks and refreshments. Consider assigning a meal or snack volunteer for each meeting so you change up the refreshments throughout the year. 5. Host a wine or beer tasting —after the meeting. On the flip side: Host a coffee or tea tasting.
1. Promote some aspect of Czech heritage and culture. If a large percentage of your membership is of a common heritage, take it as an opportunity to celebrate that culture. Consider, too, securing a speaker from the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center in Temple. Additionally, there are several very active Czech heritage organizations throughout the state. Consider contacting one of their representatives to make a presentation at one of your meetings.
6. Host a movie or documentary film night. Or, even better, bring in a guest speaker with the capacity to entertain, amuse and educate your members. 7. Game Night. Dominoes, cards and bunco are great; however, keep in mind that you're not limited to storebought games. For games like charades and the name game, all you need are strips of paper and a good imagination. Remember, there’s tarok, too. Don’t know how to play? Then it may be time for Tarok Training Night. ‘ 8. Host cooking demonstrations. Consider bringing in a cook or a chef from a local restaurant. Learn to bake kolaches!
2. Plan annual ceremonies and ritual events to build lodge spirit and help all members feel part of the group. 3. Involve the youth and provide them with an opportunity to showcase their Youth Achievement Day skits and speeches.
9. Host parties based on time of year. (Valentine’s Day, Czech Heritage Month, Christmas, etc.) 10.Consider a periodic “off-site” meeting or excursion. Consider meeting on site at a local business, restaurant, historical site, museum and let a tour of the facility be your program.
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Best Practice Number Nine
Lodge Seeks to Recruit and Involve Sales Agents The importance of having a self-motivated SPJST life insurance sales representative with a passion for helping and improving the lives of people serving your lodge and community cannot be overstated. Financial health and well-being are no less important than physical health. SPJST’s business philosophy — to work to establish a reputation for quality among members, sales agents, employees, and management remains an ongoing initiative.
nicate effectively and be a good listener. He or she needs to be knowledgeable about the products and be able to explain the features and benefits of what is being sold. Some of the same characteristics that define a strong lodge leader can also help one succeed as an SPJST sales representative. These include high ethics, perseverance, flexibility, energy, the desire to help and give back, commitment and passion.
Moving forward, one of the goals of the SPJST Insurance Department is to ensure that the life insurance and related financial needs of its existing members and their extended families are being effectively met.
Who do you know in the lodge — or in the community — who might be a good SPJST sales representative? It could be you! For more information on becoming an SPJST sales representative, please contact the Office of the Vice President at 800.727.7578.
The financial rewards of being an SPJST sales representative are limited only by one’s initiative. SPJST makes a significant investment in new SPJST sales representatives by providing a commission arrangement, training and continuing education classes for lodge sales representatives. Different traits comprise great fraternal life insurance sales representatives. Although there is no perfect formula for being excellent, a good sales representative will have good people skills — a good personality, friendly, the ability to commu27
Best Practice Number Ten
Lodge Hosts an Annual Member Appreciation Event Active members are essential to a strong lodge and SPJST. Demonstrating your appreciation for and recognizing member contributions to your lodge is important on so many levels. If you aren’t already doing so, please consider hosting an annual member appreciation event.
Member appreciation events can be fun to host but the challenge to a successful event — as in all things — is committing the time necessary to plan and host an enjoyable event. The magic is in the details. Something as simple as having pleasant background music can work wonders to establish an enjoyable atmosphere for your members and guests.
First and foremost, we want SPJST members to enjoy their experience and feel their efforts are appreciated. At the same time, saying thanks and formally recognizing members is important to keep them motivated and happy so they’ll stay active and involved.
Consider having a copy of your lodge calendar of coming events for distribution at your member appreciation event and/or end-of-year celebrations. These types of events could also serve as an opportunity to survey your members, getting their input on activities and programs that they would be interested in seeing — and assisting with — at your lodge.
People are naturally drawn to food so incorporating food and beverages into a member appreciation event is important. The magic of a member appreciation event or dinner — is in the details: the invitations, the food and beverages, the decorations, the music and the program and/or entertainment.
The SPJST Fraternal Department would be happy to work with your lodge in constructing a member survey to meet the needs of your lodge.
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Best Practice Number Eleven
Lodge Raises SPJST’s Stature Within the Community In the previous edition of this guide, this section applied solely to SPJST lodges with buildings. Statewide, 42 SPJST lodges have buildings. That reflects tremendous fraternal commitment. These properties, it was stated, have the capacity to attract and bring together a wide variety of people from the community for social, educational and recreational activities that could improve the quality of life for area citizens.
For those lodges with buildings, branding can also be about identifying your lodge property with a definitive “name” that members as well as non-members can relate to. For instance, in recent years, SPJST Lodge 84, Dallas, has identified its property as “The Czech Center of Dallas.” In other cases, SPJST lodge properties have been branding for generations — SPJST Lodge 47, Seaton is known far and wide as “Star Hall” while its sister lodge to the east, SPJST Lodge 24, Cyclone is “Flag Hall.”
While that remains true, the concept of “branding,” or working to establish a lodge’s identity within the community is an idea that can apply to all lodges.
Christening your lodge property with a name — It’s not required but it is something to consider. Something else to consider — especially if your lodge regularly meets in a public place such as a restaurant, library or community center — is signage.
Just as a well-managed lodge building raises the profile of SPJST, a lodge that meets regularly is working for the betterment of the members and the community is also well-positioned to raise the profile and stature of the SPJST.
Through the SPJST Fraternal Department, SPJST pennants and personalized signage are provided on a case by case basis. By arrangement, meeting facilities will often work with civic and other groups, allowing them to post signage, acknowledging their facility as the routine meeting place for the organization. Please call for details.
Your Lodge Brand Simply stated, your lodge “brand” is your promise to the membership and to the community. It is the public’s perception that preceeds you. It tells them what they expect from your lodge, your activities and it distinguishes you from everyone else. As it relates to this discussion, your lodge’s brand within the community is something that you can build upon and enhance. 29
Best Practice Number Twelve
Lodge Leaders Know Parliamentary Procedure Have you ever been to an out-of-control lodge meeting? A meeting where several items were being discussed at once? A meeting where you never had a chance to express your views? A meeting where a vote was never taken and, in the end, the president — or someone else — made the final decision? As a result, you may have left the meeting feeling as if nothing was accomplished or what was accomplished was questionable.
aware of five principles of parliamentary law:
An orderly, informative and efficient lodge meeting should be the goal of every officer and member. Parliamentary procedure helps the officers and members follow a logical order in conducting a meeting.
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Courtesy and justice to all.
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Consider one thing at a time.
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The majority rules.
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The minority must be heard.
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The purpose of the meeting process is to facilitate action.
Basic Parliamentary Procedure Guidelines The 15 points listed on the next page represent a procedural guideline for implementing the basics of parliamentary procedure in your lodge meetings.
For a presiding officer to conduct a good business meeting, the entire membership should have an understanding of the basics of parliamentary procedure.
Parliamentary procedure guides are available to lodge leaders at no charge through the SPJST Fraternal Department.
Each member needs to at least be
Parliamentary procedure helps the officers and members follow a logical order in conducting a meeting. 30
1.
Lodge president calls meeting to order. (“This meeting will come to order”).
calls on people to speak in favor of or against the motion.
2.
The president follows the prescribed meeting agenda.
3.
Only those who get recognized by the president may speak during a meeting which has “come to order.”
11. If someone who supports the basic motion wants to suggest a change within the motion, he/she may make an “amendment” in the form of a new motion. (“I move that the current motion be amended like this . . . ”)
4.
If someone wants to speak, it should be to the whole group unless the president gives permission to have a small side conversation for the purpose of furthering the meeting.
12. The motion to make an amendment either gets a second and the newly altered motion gets discussed or it dies and discussion returns to the original motion.
5.
The president acts as a neutral “gatekeeper” in discussions of matters to be voted upon. If the presiding officer wants to get heavy into the discussion, the president should turn over the meeting to the vice president or another designate.
13. Once a vote is taken by eligible voting members, the secretary announces the numbers and the president announces whether it passed or not.
6.
In order to discuss something the group needs to vote on, someone (other than the president) has to make a motion (“I move that . . . happens”).
7.
In order to even discuss a motion, someone has to “second” it. (“I second the motion”).
8.
The minutes need to reflect who makes motions, who seconds them and what exactly the motions are (so the secretary may ask the president to clarify these things at any time).
9.
14. The president then gives directions that appropriate action be taken by whomever is responsible to act on the motion that has been passed. 15. At the end of the meeting, the president asks for a “motion to adjourn.” Someone seconds and the president asks for a vote. If it passes, the meeting is officially over.
Did you know? Two taps of the gavel call the meeting to order. Three taps of the gavel is the signal for all members to stand in unison on the third tap. One tap follows the announcement of the completion of each vote or the announcement of a recess or adjournment.
If there is no second, the motion “dies,” meaning it will not be discussed.
A series of sharp taps is used to restore order during the meeting.
10. If there is a second, the president 31
Something New:
SPJST Foundation Opens New Avenues for Giving The SPJST Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. It was established to allow individuals to make tax-deductible donations to provide financial support to charitable purposes within the scope of I.R.C. 501(c)(3); including, but not limited to The Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center (Temple, Texas) and the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm (Ledbetter, Texas).
For honorary gifts, include the address of the person you are honoring. The SPJST Foundation will send a card to the family/individual to notify them that you have made a gift. Life Insurance The gift of an SPJST life insurance certificate provides a wonderful legacy to the Foundation. An individual may transfer ownership of an existing certificate or seek to purchase a new certificate for the Foundation’s benefit.
Management of the Foundation As a separate corporation registered with the Internal Revenue Service, the SPJST Foundation is managed by a board, separate from the Supreme Lodge. The Foundation’s trustees will meet periodically to conduct the business of the foundation. Inquiries may be directed to Brian Vanicek at 254.931.4095.
Non-Cash Assets as Gifts Gifts of non-cash assets may allow you to make a substantial contribution while receiving valuable tax advantages. Once again, prospective donors with inquiries related to the assignment of noncash assets or tangible properties may contact Brian Vanicek at 254.931.4095.
Donations small and large make a positive difference and all gifts to the SPJST Foundation are tax-deductible. Checks or money orders may be made payable to: SPJST Foundation; P.O. Box 100; Temple, Texas 76503.
Matching Gifts Some businesses match the personal gifts to charitable foundations made by their employees and their family members. Check any organizations with which you and/or family members are affiliated to determine whether your gift may be matched - effectively doubling the power of your personal giving.
To make a gift in memory of or in honor of someone, attach a note with your gift that includes the name of the person you are memorializing or honoring. For memorial gifts, also include the family contact name(s) and address(es).
Consult your tax advisor for information that may affect your specific situation. 32
What You Know Can Help You:
The Basics of Fraternalism and an SPJST Overview Through 102 lodges throughout the State of Texas, SPJST offers products and services that offer protection, that celebrate achievement and that bring people together. Insuring and enriching lives. That’s our mission statement. That’s what we’re all about.
Fraternalism and fraternal life insurance are founded upon the principle that every individual is his brother’s keeper and that each of us has a responsibility to help each other. It was this spirit of doing good to each other that inspired the idea of the earliest fraternal societies.
SPJST members need to be familiar with their Society, how it works and what it has to offer. Understanding the basis of “fraternalism,” how the SPJST started and how it grew all contribute our understanding of the Society and the high ideals of Benevolence, Humanity and Brotherhood that it seeks to convey.
Fraternalism — this spirit of brotherhood — was expressed in the loosely organized and semi-religious societies of ancient Greece which provided financial aid to their members in times of sickness and death.
What’s the meaning of “fraternalism?” SPJST is a fraternal organization. You hear that a lot. What does it mean? A good place is by examining the word itself. The word fraternal is derived from the Latin fraternalis which means “of, or befitting a brother.”
Fraternalism and fraternal life insurance are founded upon the principle that every individual is his brother’s keeper and that each of us has a responsibility to help each other. 33
These early societies had another purpose, too. In addition to providing financial support to the families of departed members, they recognized the social need of human beings for companionship. As a result, these early friendly societies and guilds provided a way for people to meet at friendly gatherings.
For more than 150 years, fraternal organizations have been a force for good in North America. In addition to providing life insurance, they serve their members and society at large through cultural, social, educational and various civic and fund raising activities.
SPJST’s Fraternal Roots Go Deep SPJST’s roots run deep in the history of the American fraternal benefit system. During the 1880s and 1890s, many Texans of Czech ancestry joined the nationwide fraternal order known as the Cesko-Slovanska Podporujici Spolecnost (C.S.P.S.). The organization is recognized today as the Czechoslovak Society of America (CSA). In 1897, there were 27 C.S.P.S. lodges in Texas. Founded in 1854 in St. Louis Missouri by Czechoslovak immigrants, the C.S.P.S was organized to provide security for their widows and children upon their death. The C.S.P.S. truly laid the groundwork for a modern fraternal in this country, which served as a model for many other fraternal benefit societies in America organized in later years.
Democratic principles are an important aspect of membership in a fraternal organization. Members elect their local officers as well as their society’s directors and officers. Strength in Numbers The American Fraternal Alliance, formed in 1886, unites 64 not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies operating in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. Alliance member societies represent nearly 10.5 million individuals. The SPJST is proud of its longstanding relationship with the Alliance. In re34
Czech Immigration to Texas Paved the Way for SPJST
cent years, various SPJST programs and members and officials have been cited for fraternal excellence, including top recognition in the Alliance’s Fraternalist of the Year program.
The Texas Almanac provides us with a summary outline of the history of Czech immigration to Texas. In December 1849, Rev. Josef Arnost Bergmann left his Czech homeland to minister to German Protestants in Texas.
Over the years, SPJST officials have also held various leadership roles within the Alliance. Each year through this unique structure, members of fraternal benefit societies invest more than 92.5 million hours in community works and contribute more than $414 million to charitable programs supporting community service projects making it one of the largest volunteer networks of community and social service providers in existence.
Pastor Bergmann and his family arrived in Galveston in 1850 and made their way to Cat Spring. There in Austin County he led the Easter service for the congregation that had hired him, and he soon wrote a letter praising Texas to friends and family back home.
In 2013, SPJST members contributed more than 109,000 hours in community service time and more than $468,000 to charitable causes.
That letter, published in the Moravské Noviny (Moravia News), suggested opportunity to the families struggling on the overcrowded farmlands of Central Europe. Also, it offered hope to merchants and craftsmen left frustrated after the failure of the 1848 social uprisings on the European continent.
On the statewide level, Texas-domiciled fraternals are united through regular participation in meetings and activities of the Fraternal Alliance of Texas (FAOT). Annual FAOT events supported by SPJST in 2015 include the FAOT Bowling Tournament in New Braunfels on February 7, 2015 and the FAOT Legislative Awareness Day at the Texas State Capitol on Wednesday, April 1, 2015.
Bergmann's letter was the catalyst of opportunity that has earned him the designation of “father” of Czech immigration to Texas.
In 2013, SPJST members contributed more than 109,000 hours in community service time and more than $468,000 to charitable causes. 35
By the Civil War there were about 700 Czechs in Texas, many with Unionist and abolitionist sentiments. However, some fought in the Confederate army, while others tried to remain neutral.
Those workers had a much higher mortality rate than the people living in Texas. As such, the premiums were considered to be overly expensive. Texas Delegation Takes Decisive Action Texas C.S.P.S. members I.J. Gallia and J.R. Kubena led the efforts to reform the national C.S.P.S. Shortly after the 1896 C.S.P.S. convention, Texas Czechs met in La Grange, Texas and set about the task of forming a new fraternal organization. Augustin Haidusek, Frank Cihal and J.R. Kubena were charged with the responsibility of drafting a constitution.
A second wave of Czech immigration in the 1870s and 1880s followed the war. These Czech settlers established themselves on the Coastal Prairie and the Blackland Prairie from Ellis County near Dallas in the north to Victoria County on the south. A third wave after 1900 moved eastward to Brazoria and Fort Bend counties near Houston. The Texas Czech immigrants settled in some 250 communities mostly within the Blackland Prairie. The Texas Coastal Plain region also attracted hundreds of families. Generally stated, that represents an area that runs from Corpus Christi on the south, through Central Texas and up to Ennis on the north. Fayetteville, originally a German settlement, became Czech by the 20th century. The city is often called “the cradle of Czech settlement in Texas.”
In March of 1897, the constitution was submitted to the Texas C.S.P.S. lodges for their consideration. Seven of the 25 C.S.P.S. lodges approved the constitution and withdrew from the older society.
C.S.P.S. Established Lodges in Texas As previously noted, during the 1880s and 1890s, many of the Texas Czechs joined a nationwide fraternal order called the C.S.P.S. — the Cesko-Slovanska Podporujici Spolecnost. In 1897, there were 27 C.S.P.S. lodges in Texas. In spite of the rapid growth of the C.S.P.S. in Texas, considerable discontent existed among the members from Texas and the Midwest. The primary concern was that C.S.P.S. insurance premium guidelines favored the industrial workers in the eastern part of the United States. 36
Pictured above is a celebration from around 1910 at SPJST Lodge 1, Fayetteville. Official records indicate that the SPJST — Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas — started operations on July 1, 1897 with 866 members and 25 charter lodges. The SPJST received its state charter on August 12, 1897.
The Early Years From the outset, SPJST made a positive difference in the lives of its members, providing them with the security of fraternal life insurance and the value-added benefit of belonging to a progressive social organization. In many families, the SPJST became an important part of life.
The SPJST’s first base of operations was located in Fayetteville, Texas. The central figure in administering the affairs of the Society, Secretary J.R. Kubena, had his business located in Fayetteville. Until his death in 1938, Kubena administered the affairs of the SPJST out of a single room in his general store.
During the SPJST’s first half century, American society and lifestyles changed dramatically. Texas and our nation became progressively more industrialized. Many people including the sons and daughters of our first-generation SPJST members moved away from the farms and into the towns and cities. Oftentimes,
The SPJST’s first base of operations was located in Fayetteville, Texas. Until 1938, Secretary J.R. Kubena administerd the affairs of the of the SPJST out of a single room in his general store. 37
they took the SPJST with them. It was during this period that many of SPJST’s urban lodges were chartered. It was also near the end of this period — in 1952 — that the SPJST relocated its Home Office to Temple.
SPJST Fields Active Youth Program SPJST’s fraternal program is the real deal when it comes to meeting its fraternal obligations on an everyday basis. Through active participation in local SPJST Youth Clubs and statewide events, young members between the ages of five and 18 develop a greater awareness of the common bonds that we all share. SPJST youth clubs also work with community-based organizations, tailoring programs to fit their local needs.
During the latter half of the 20th Century, the SPJST continued to provide its members with the security of fraternal life insurance and to reinforce a sense of Czech cultural identity. Lodge members worked diligently to establish the SPJST’s reputation as a proactive fraternal organization, sponsoring a wide range of familyoriented activities, including sports teams, dances, picnics, plays, orchestras, choral and dance groups.
SPJST’s summer camping program fosters a spirit of cooperation, an appreciation of the natural environment and helps campers to achieve their full potential. SPJST also sponsors Youth Achievement Day (YAD) competitions on the District and State levels as an educational activity for SPJST youth club members. Contest-
In 2015, there are more than 42,000 SPJST members in 102 lodges located throughout the state of Texas. SPJST’s life insurance certificate count exceeds 50,000.
Sarah Siptak of Lodge 4, Hallettsville leads the dinner prayer following the flaglowering ceremony at the 2014 Leaders-in-Training Retreat held at the SPJST Education and Nature Center at Cooper Farm located in Fayette County. 38
ants field entries in a range of areas including arts and crafts, music, dance, drama and public speaking.
tially joins the youth club must attend the majority of meetings to be eligible for camp. Another way to qualify for camp is to attend seven out of 12 adult meetings in lodges where there are no youth clubs. Non-active youth members may attend camp for a fee that is determined by their district’s District Youth Counselor. Youth camp funds come from an annual allocation funded by the SPJST Supreme Lodge.
State Youth Director Lynette Talasek and our District Youth Counselors plan and direct activities and programs as well as formulate the rules and regulations for our youth program. Sister Talasek, assisted by Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez, oversees SPJST’s youth program.
Youth Achievement Days Showcase Skills and Talents In addition to its summer camp program, the SPJST offers its young members a program encouraging them to participate in a range of individual skills and talent competitions. The program culminates with the State Youth Achievement Day (YAD) and Royalty Contest, held in Temple on the first Saturday in August.
It is difficult to overstate the value of the collaborative ties that exist within the SPJST youth program and that are nurtured by our statewide District Youth Counselors, their assistants and youth leaders. They know the importance of working together to achieve common goals. Their commitment represents a powerful and driving force behind the success of the SPJST youth program.
Annually, more than 300 young people from across Texas participate in State YAD, the grand finale of the summer long district contests. The competition covers talent, speech and crafts. It is cooperative efforts such as these that truly symbolize the great potential of the SPJST young and old working together to achieve common goals and enjoying life together.
How to Qualify to Attend SPJST Summer Camp Generally stated, SPJST camp is provided on the basis of participation in SPJST activities. To qualify for camp, active youth club members must attend seven out of 12 youth meetings in the months preceding camp. Any youth (previous member or new certificate) who ini-
Annually, more than 300 young people from across the state converge in Temple on the first Saturday in August to participate in State Youth Achievement Day. 39
SPJST Scholarship Program Since its inception, the SPJST has presented more than 2,100 scholarships valued at more than $1.5 million.
Lodge. All scholarship and grant applicants must: Have an active SPJST life insurance certificate in force for one year;
In the spring of 2014, the SPJST presented 60 $1000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors and college undergraduates. This total does not include the many scholarships that are also awarded by our local lodges. Additional royalty and merit scholarships were presented at State Youth Achievement Day in August.
Hold an active SPJST life insurance certificate for the duration of the scholarship or grant; and be a high school graduate or equivalent. General scholarship recipients may only receive one general scholarship. Active youth club members are required to apply for both the general scholarship and the leadership grant; however, they are only eligible to receive one.
General scholarships were established in 1982 for all SPJST members. General scholarships are funded by the Supreme Lodge and voluntary contributions by SPJST members. Accordingly, the more funds available, the more scholarships awarded. Leadership grants were established in 1996 for active youth club members. Leadership grants are funded solely through allocations by the Supreme
All required application materials must be postmarked by February 1. To request an application, please contact Assistant to the President Sandra Dubcak. You may also go online for more information at spjst.org.
In 2014, approximately 350 SPJST members converged on Corpus Christi Beach for the Eighth Annual Corpus Christi Getaway Weekend. Make plans to join your family and friends on the beach again in 2015. See details on page 43. 40
Fraternal Program Continues to Evolve Whereas Lynette Talasek tends to matters of business relating to the youth program, State Fraternal Activities Coordinator Frank Horak provides adult lodges across the state with assistance in the area of officer training, lodge development and fraternal programming. Brother Horak also helps to organize many of our SPJST statewide events and contests.
memorial is scheduled to be dedicated on November 9, 2015. Regional Rallying Points In recent years, SPJST has introduced several new regional fraternal rallying points for members and prospective members. Popular fraternal venues in recent years have included the Fraternal Alliance of Texas (FAOT) Bowling Tournament in New Braunfels, Heritage Day at the State Fair of Texas, SPJST Car Show and Czech Heritage Day Celebration (Temple and Seaton), Kolache Eating Contests at the Caldwell Kolache Festival and National Polka Festival in Ennis, Slavic Heritage Festival in Houston, Westfest Cultural Amphitheatre Presentation and Horseshoe Tournament, the Corpus Christi Get Away Weekend and Slavic Heritage Festival in Houston.
Fraternal Services Specialist Tammy Martinez, works in the SPJST Home Office, handling fraternal activity administrative functions as well as organizing SPJST statewide tournaments and assisting with local lodge and district activities. District Fraternal Activities Coordinators, elected at their district spring meetings, also facilitate many of the activities that take place in their respective districts. In recent years, the SPJST’s fraternal line-up has expanded to include a wide range of adult- and youth-oriented activities as well as opportunities for service and extolling patriotism. In 2009, SPJST took the lead role in leading the drive to construct the Fort Hood November 5th, 2009 Memorial. The site will honor the victims and provide a historic record of this tragedy in order to deliver a message of vigilance for generations to come. The
In June 2007, SPJST organizers coordinated and hosted Texas' first Legislative Awareness Week at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. That event was repeated in 2009, 2011 and 2013 with the Legislative Awareness Day picnic on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol — each of which has been attended by more than 500 state legislators and staff members. The 2015 event is scheduled for April 1.
In recent years, the SPJST’s fraternal line-up has expanded to include a wide range of adult- and youth-oriented activities and opportunities for service and extolling patriotism. 41
The grand panoramic image of the SPJST only comes into view when you step back and take note of the hundreds of local lodge events that take place throughout the course of the year.
trict Four), Larry W. Pflughaupt (District Five), Karen Kaspar (District Six) and Bob Bayer (District Seven). Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Roy Vajdak serves the Society in a hired capacity. Vestnik Editor/Director of Communication Melanie Zavodny, who is also elected statewide by delegates, is not a member of the Supreme Lodge.
Just look through any typical issue of the Vestnik and what do you see? Members doing good things for each other and for their communities. That’s what fraternalism is all about. In lodges all over the state, men, women, boys and girls commit their time and energy to supporting worthwhile causes. They are taking the best that the SPJST has to offer — a tradition of helping people to care for their families — and are extending these values to their communities. And that’s a positive reflection on us all!
The Supreme Lodge is solely responsible for administration of all business affairs of the Society according to the constitution and by-laws as approved by the delegate-body in the convention. The seven duly elected directors have constant control and supervision over all the management, business transactions, and general progress of our Society. The directors of the Supreme Lodge have the responsibility to see that all by-laws, decisions of conventions and the Supreme Lodge are strictly complied with.
Governing Principles One of the fundamental principles that distinguishes the SPJST from other business forms is that the members — not outside investors — control the organization. Member control is exercised through elections of officers and directors on the lodge district and state levels. Member control is further exercised through the convention which is held every four years.
Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC), a fraternal benefit society (fraternal) is a non-profit mutual aid organization that (1) insures members and their families against death, disease and disability, and (2) maintains an active lodge system. In general, the term “fraternal” applies to an organization whose members have a “common bond” and have banded together to aid and assist one another and to promote a common cause.
Responsibility for making sure things run smoothly is delegated to a 10-member body, democratically elected at our quadrennial conventions. This group is collectively referred to as the SPJST Supreme Lodge and consists of President Brian Vanicek, Vice President Clifton Coufal, Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Mikeska and seven district directors. Directors are as follows: Donnie Victorick (District One), Jesse Pospisil (District Two), John Engelke (District Three), Billy Rollwitz (Dis-
Strong Lodges Provide the Cornerstone As the law clearly states, lodges are the cornerstone of our fraternal order. By accepting a leadership role, lodge officers grow from the experience as they work to benefit their lodge and the community. 42
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL AT THE
NINTH ANNUAL
CORPUS CHRISTI GET AWAY WEEKEND AUGUST 7 - 9, 2015
Enjoy a fun-filled weekend with family and friends at the Emerald Beach Hotel in Corpus Christi. Located at 1102 South Shoreline, the Emerald Beach is the only beachfront downtown hotel.
Discount Rate: $109 Per Night Applicable Taxes Apply To make your reservations, please call the hotel directly at 361.883.5731 and refer to group code “SPJ” to assure that you receive the proper room rate.
SPJST members will be treated to a fun-filled Aloha Party upon their arrival Friday evening. Fun, games, refreshments and entertainment by the Cowboy Accordionist Chris Rybak. Saturday activities include the Sand Sculpture Competition, Horseshoe Tournament, Pizza Party, “42” and Bunco Tournaments. Saturday night’s theme party will be a spirited Mardi Gras celebration with lots of surprises! Golf Tournament and Deep-Sea Fishing Derby on Friday morning! Watch for details in the Vestnik!
The Pledge of Success Today is a new day, a new beginning. It has been given to me as a new gift. I can either use it or throw it away. What I can do today will affect me tomorrow. I cannot blame anyone but myself if I do not succeed. I promise to use this day to the fullest by giving my best, realizing it can never come back again. This is my life and I choose to make it a success. The “Pledge to Success” reprinted above was shared by Keith Edward Leo Wockenfuss with attendees at the District Five Lodge Leaders Workshop held Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Lodge 88, Houston. Keith, who is ten years old and a member of the Lodge 88, Houston Youth Club, attends Tom R. Ellisor Elementary School in Magnolia where the Pledge of Success is recited every morning as part of their daily routine. According to the Texas Tribune, students at Ellisor Elementary perform well above the state average in passing TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) scores. Could there be a connection? The author of “The Pledge of Success” is unknown. What is known is that it conveys the power of positive thinking and that it harkens back to these words, adapted from the Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do . . . excellence, therefore, isn’t just an act, but a habit and life isn’t just a series of events, but an ongoing process of self-definition.” We, as SPJST lodge leaders, have the power to define ourselves through our determination, our decision and our actions. Because as is true today and has been true for more than 2000 years . . .“we are what we repeatedly do.” Doing good for each other and for the communities that we seek to serve: Therein, resides the heart of the SPJST’s fraternal objective. It our desire to achieve the great deeds which are possible, that spurs us toward excellence and toward creating a better Society. The future we will experience tomorrow is created one step at a time today.
Thank You, Keith!