Pat Durham, the 2008-2009 Grand Madam President, joined the Olympia Auxiliary in 1975. She has served a number of offices on the local, state, regional and international level including Grand Madam Chaplain, Grand Madam Trustee, Washington State Charity Chairman and Membership Chairman, Washington State Zone President, among others. Pat’s other Eagle interests include Ritual Team and Protocol Committee.
Thirty or 40 years ago, the Eagles and our auxiliaries represented a social outlet
for many American women. Often, the FOE was one of the only social opportunities
available to women
Today, we are in a race—or even a battle—for our members’ and potential members’
time. Most women have jobs and work outside the home. They have families, commitments
to their children’s schools and sports organizations, church and charity work. Often,
they find it difficult to keep their heads above water.
Our auxiliaries represent a viable social outlet for many women, although, in some
instances, we may need to cater to the younger women and be flexible enough that
they can join our organization and participate as active members. Women of all ages
need to know that the Eagles auxiliary represents a wonderful support group—whether
they are facing every day challenges or dealing with a personal crisis.
As Eagle members, we must be willing to embrace change and be receptive to new ideas,
which is necessary to progress. We cannot grow stagnate because we have always done
something a certain way in the past. During the coming year, I will work with many
of you to identify new approaches to help streamline some of our events and update
some of our traditions.
If you look at my itinerary on the Web site, you will see that I have a very busy
schedule in the months ahead. I look forward to visiting the various states and
auxiliaries and talking to you about your ideas and suggestions. During our visits,
I encourage you to share your opinions about what we are doing right as an organization
and what we might do to expand or change.
In future presidential letters, I plan to focus on one word and expound upon how
that word relates to the FOE and our goals as an organization and individual members.
If you have a key word that you would like for me to address, please let me know.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback—and I look forward to serving you
and our charities throughout the year. Thank you for your support and for the opportunity
to work with our Grand Auxiliary and Grand Aerie officers and staff to advance our
Order together.
Yours in sisterhood,
Pat Durham