Americanism Commission
Meeting Minutes
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Department Headquarters
Bloomington, IL
10:00 AM
The Americanism Commission met at 10:00 am on October 6, 2007 at the Department Headquarters in Bloomington. Chairman Mette opened the meeting with the salute to our flag, prayer, and the pledge to our flag.
Present were Commission members:
Philip Mette, Chairman, 5th Division
Micheal Carder, Vice Chairman, 1st Division
Dave Ralston, 2nd Division
Craig Fetzer, 3rd Division
Earl A. Rients, 4th Division
Kathy Cisna, Auxiliary Department Americanism Chairman
Bill Geary, SAL Liaison
Guest: Department Commander Myron Kirby
Chairman Mette began the meeting by beginning a review of the oratorical brochure and noted the change in the title which was "The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program – A Constitutional Speech Contest." A typing error was also noted on the back of the flier and it would be sent to the print shop to for reprinting. It was approved by the committee that a copy of brochure would to each district commander for their information and distribution
In discussing how to find contestants is was the view of the commission that finding contestants began at the post level and that each chairman had to make personal contact with prospective contestants, schools, fraternal groups, and youth groups.
Chairman Mette stated that the National Committee was considering 2010 as the year when a decision would be made as to the status of the oratorical contest. The commission also decided that the dates of post, district, and division contests should be sent to department for publication in the department newsletter. Also, the date would be sent to Katy Cisna for further distribution
Chairman Mette reviewed the contest forms noting that the contestants must sign their registration forms and each district must send the contestant registration form forward to the next contest.
Commission members asked how they were to obtain the awards medals for the contestants and Chairman Mette advised the members to contact Assistant Adjutant Bill Bechtel with their requests.
Department Commander Myron Kirby came into the meeting room and he announced that six commercial spots for membership would play during the University of Illinois and University of Missouri football games andthey would be heard mainly in the central part of the state and plans were being formulated for rest of the state. He went on to state that during the department convention events were going back to tradition with the Commanders and Presidents Dinner being held on Saturday night and on Friday night plans were being made to block the street between the hotels instead of going to Springfield Post which had been sold and the post was now located near the fair grounds in conclusion he stated that all 100% Districts and Division commanders would be compel for their service.
Following the Department Commander, Chairman Mette reviewed each line of the Commissions Budget. As a way to save money it was decided to drop the post contest refreshments and Chairman Mette was directed to explore looking for a new venue for the recognition dinner on Friday night for the contestants.
The commission discussed stronger promotion of the Essay contest and Chuck Zelinsky explained the Flag Recognition Program to the new commission members. A packet can be obtained from Joy at department cost $10.00.
Former commission member Jim Hill will meet with the ISHA on October 19th, 2007 in Peoria to promote the Oratorical Contest and develop better communication lines. Vice Chairman Mike Carder will contact Past Department Commander Art Rawers in regards to the names of Boys State attendees who participated in that events oratorical contest.
The next commission meeting will be March 29th, 2008. The meeting was adjourned at 12:30pm.
Micheal M. Carder
Americanism Vice Chairman