Fraternity-Testvériség, 2008 (86. évfolyam, 1-3. szám)
2008-07-01 / 3. szám
TREASURER'S NOTE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY/TREASURER This fall, the HRFA will hold its 38th Quadrennial Convention in historic Ligonier, PA. With several branches proposing major changes to the organization’s bylaws, this Convention is likely to represent an important chapter in HRFA’s history, particularly with regards to the interaction between the Home Office and Branches. In this regard, we aim to ensure that the promotion of fraternal activities be well balanced with the sale of our products. HRFA’s priorities related to the latter entail the recruitment and training of new agents along with the creation of an enhanced marketing program. To that end, at this meeting, we will discuss several initiatives that would help to broaden HRFA’s product line and engage independent agencies to sell our products. Delegates to the Convention may be reviewing proposed changes to the organization’s by-laws intended to better engage members in branch activities and resolutions related to training, expanded support for student aid programs, and the possibility of offering dividends to policyholders. Since we now live in an internet-age in which electronic media are supplanting print material, it is much easier to convey updated information to branches as well as members. To that end, HRFA is devoting resources to upgrading its website so that it may function as a convenient portal for both fraternal and policy- related news, questions, and articles. A new feature will consist of a site dedicated to fraternal activities to promote the awareness and appreciation of Hungarian- American culture and history. As a nation of immigrants, the United States offers ethnic groups an opportunity for assimilation and cooperation with other groups while challenging them to retain and/or redefine their unique identity and culture across multiple generations. Activities at the Kossuth House including language courses, movie nights and the like along with a partnership with the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, DC have shown the importance of actively engaging both recent immigrants and second- and third-generation Hungarian- Americans in a dialog on what it means to be a Hungarian- American. We intend that this new section of the HRFA website be a living document showcasing the lives of Hungarian Americans and the communities in which they live and conveying information on the history of Hungary and its future as a member of the European Union. The active support of branches is vital to the success of this project, and while several branches have seen a drop in attendance at branch meetings, a web-based project such as this would serve as a means for members to get the most out their affiliation with the HRFA and contribute more fully to the development of Hungarian-American communities across the country. Fraternally, Leslie László Megyeri 38th QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION OF HRFA CONVENTION INFORMATION Opening of the Convention: Monday, September 29, Ramada Inn, Ligonier, PA Opening Church Service: Sunday, September 28, Bethlen Home Chapel, 7:00 p.m. Dates of the Convention: Begins Monday, September 29, 2008 and Ends Wednesday, October 1,2008 Reorganization of the New Board of Directors: Thursday, October 2, 2008 Place: Ramada Inn, 216 West Loyalhanna Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 Phone: 724-238-9545 3 FRATERNITY - TESTVÉRISÉG
