`CHANGING TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF FRATERNALISTS"
"Joining Hands To Touch Lives- Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation"
Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order of the State of Texas, Founded 1897 BROTHERHOOD
HUMANITY
BENEVOLENCE
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 March 22, 1995 ISSN-07458800 NUMBER 12 VOLUME 83 netnafialaV0.4",
Environment "full o su rises"
Lc age works offers response to changing time The SPJST must make a determined effort to look ahead and develop longterm strategies to meet the changing conditions of its members and prospective members. That was the message delivered by Tommy Engelke, associate vice president of the Texas Agricultural Cooperative Council to more than 450 local lodge representatives at the Annual Lodge Officers' Workshop held Saturday, March 11, 1995 at Lodge 177, Academy. "No one strategy is best for all lodges. Each lodge must find the game plan that makes the most sense, given its situation, opportunities, objectives, and resources," said Engelke, whose morning session was titled, "Blueprint for Dynamic Leadership." "The challenge of selecting an overall strategy for long-term survival and growth is called strategic planning," he said. "The environment is full of surprises. When management senses that the organization is drifting, it must renew its search for purpose." To aid in the lodge development process, Engelke presented a three-part exercise to help lodge officers evaluate and improve their performance. First, ten characteristics of the "model SPJST lodge officer" were identified. Participants were then asked to evaluate how effective they were in each of the areas identified.
As the final part of the exercise, workshop participants suggested ways to improve their performance in these areas. The ten characteristics of a "model SPJST lodge officer" and some of the suggestions for achieving them are as follows: BE SELF-MOTIVATED • Develop a more positive attitude; • Set personal goals and then work to achieve them; and • Be dedicated to the effort at hand. BE SINCERE • Be more understanding of others; • Show respect for the opinions of others; • Be kind and honest; and • Treat others as you would like to be treated. DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE IDEAS THAT CAUSE OTHERS TO ACT • Strive to be a more effective leader; • Do your homework in matters relating to lodge business; and • Give others the chance to provide input and participate. PERFORM AS A TEAM PLAYER • Be willing to do it yourself; • Be loyal; • Recognize that everyone is important; • Listen to what others have to say; and • Communicate. BE CIVIC MINDED • Give of yourself to others; • Help your neighbor; • Get involved; and • Make yourself aware of the needs of the community.
Lodge 177, Academy President Otis Beck, left, welcomes workshop participants. SPJST District Three Director and Supreme Lodge Chairman Sid Pokladnik looks on.
BE FRATERNAL • Put the emphasis on serving others; • Do your part on lodge projects; • Make more time for others; and • Demonstrate to others that you care. BE FLEXIBLE • Listen; • Be there for others;
''Getting A Closer Look" Planning strategist Tommy Engelke, standing, gets in for a closer look as SPJST Supreme Lodge Chairman Sid Pokladnik, seated at right, completes an exercise designed to help lodge officers evaluate and improve their performance. The worksheet was part of Engelke's program which was presented in conjunction with the Lodge Officers' Workshop presented on March 11 at SPJST Lodge 177, Academy. • Plan ahead; • Be cooperative; • Be willing to break traditions; and • Respect group decisions. DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO DRAW CONSENSUS • Listen; • Explain clearly; • Ask for others opinions; • Survey your membership; • Mediate; • Recognize that there is always room for improvement; and • Take time to build consensus. BE RESPONSIVE • Be willing and able to redirect your product and message; • Survey the membership; • Listen to the ideas of others; and • Be prompt. BE VISIONARY • Analyze lodge needs for the future; • Encourage younger members to serve and hold office; • Develop written, organized and methodical plans for growth; and • Observe and respond to trends in the marketplace. According to Engelke, for the lodge system to achieve its full dynamic potential, lodges must actively "court" and "romance" their members and prospective members. "That's so important. Times are changing and your members are too. Satisfying their needs and giving them what they want—that's the challenge."
Workshop Summary The Saturday morning session also featured a presentation by SPJST Legal Advisor Sidney Kacir who addressed the subject of lodge ad valorem taxes and how to deal with local tax appraisal districts. Supreme Lodge President Howard Leshikar also addressed the assembly, during which time he recognized Jerry Elzner of Lodge 79, Corpus Christi as SPJST's 1994 State Fraternalist of the Year. Brother Elzner acknowledged his wife, Milly, for her support and gave credit to the "fraternal ideal" which makes organizations like the SPJST possible. Following the lunch break, Supreme Lodge Financial Secretary Jerry Mikulas, talked briefly about the Lodge Recognition and Incentive Program. He also presented current information on the 1995 premium refund program for local lodges. Supreme Lodge SecretaryTreasurer Lanita Anglin followed, addressing the question of how to attract members to lodge meetings. Next, Supreme Lodge Vice President Leonard Mikeska provided attendees with a summary of Insurance Department programs and a summary of things being done in the sales area to reestablish contact with the membership. The afternoon session concluded with Supreme Lodge officers providing responses to previously submitted questions from workshop participants. This year's local lodge officers' workshop was coordinated by the office of Supreme Lodge Vice President Leonard Mikeska. —SPJST-