Inspiration Springs From Advisory Organizations Conference

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Faithe Colas

“Francis Green, in her article, ‘Ten Things Nonprofits Must Do in the Twenty-First Century’, places as the two top items on her list, 1.) Become a Learning Organization and 2.) Become an Organization of Transformational Leadership.  Your presence today shows that you are all Lifelong Learners and Tranformational Leaders,” were the opening remarks of Divisional Commanders Majors Robert and Nancy Thomson as they hosted the Wisconsin Upper Michigan Divisional Advisory Organizations Conference (DAOC) on May 4-5.

Conference highlights included keynote speakers Central Territory Commander Commissioner Paul Seiler, retired Green Bay Packer and inventor of the ‘Lambeau Leap’ LeRoy Butler and news anchor Charles Benson, of Today’s TMJ4, the NBC television affiliate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Butler and Benson, both men of faith, shared with more than 120 advisory board members, workshop presenters, Salvation Army Officers and development and public relations staff their personal and inspirational career and life experiences emphasizing the hand of God in their lives.

The conference opened with a spectacular luncheon.  Commissioner Seiler, introduced by Wisconsin Upper Michigan Divisional Commander Major Robert Thomson, brought greetings and welcomed conference delegates to what he believed would be an outstanding weekend of information to further the mission of The Salvation Army.  He encouraged conference attendees to be sure to take back one idea they can use on their Corps team in their respective communities.

Major Robert Thomson then introduced guest speaker LeRoy Butler to a partisan crowd of ‘Packer-backers’.

GOD HAD A PLAN FOR ME ALL ALONG

LeRoy Butler, charismatic, warm and personable, wowed the crowd as he shared his testimonial journey.  He began his remarks with, “I just tweeted to my fans I’m having lunch with the Commissioner of The Salvation Army.” To which the crowd gave him another rousing round of applause.

Retired Green Bay Packer, author & motivational speaker LeRoy Butler, (second from right) inventor of the often imitated but never duplicated 'Lambeau Leap' was the keynote speaker for the opening session of the Wisconsin Upper Michigan (WUM) Divisional Organizations Conference recently held in Wausau, Wisconsin. Pictured with Butler are (l-r) WUM Divisional Commander Major Robert Thomson, Major Nancy Thomson and Central Territorial Commander Commissioner Paul Seiler. (Photo by Gail Valenti)

As a young boy LeRoy Butler received his first pair of new shoes from The Salvation Army. Mr. Butler humbled us with his story of receiving that simple gift.

Butler grew up in Jacksonville, Florida in a crime-infested housing project.  He was born extremely pigeon-toed and doctors had to break his legs at eight months old to correct his disability.  He wore leg braces and was in a wheelchair much of his youth. His sister, Vicki, in a rush knocked him out of his wheelchair breaking the leg braces.  Butler not only found he could walk, but also run and did so out the door to a nearby neighborhood ball game.  He played high school sports and college football where he was named All American.  In 1990 he was drafted by the NFL Green Bay Packers football team.  During a -17 degree typical Wisconsin winter afternoon Packer game the ‘Lambeau Leap’ was created when Butler made his first run and leap into the stands and into the arms of a fan.

FAITH ONE OF THREE PILLARS

Rounding out the conference was Charles Benson, a respected journalist and familiar face in Wisconsin. His family, his work and God are the three teams that have had a strong impact in his life.

Anchor and Reporter of Today's TMJ4 the NBC Milwaukee affiliate Charles Benson (far right) was the closing conference keynote speaker at the Wisconsin Upper Michigan (WUM) Divisional Organizations Conference recently held in Wausau, Wisconsin. Pictured with Benson are (l-r) Major Nancy Thomson, WUM Divisional Commander Major Robert Thomson and Central Territorial Commander Commissioner Paul Seiler. (Photo by Gail Valenti)

In shaping who he has become, Benson drove his message of teamwork home with the showing of You Tube video of Team Hoyt, ‘World’s Strongest Dad’ with the backdrop of the song  ‘My Redeemer Lives.’  It was riveting and inspirational and not a dry eye was left in the house.

PACKED DIVISIONAL ADVISORY ORGANIZATIONS CONFERENCE SESSIONS

Friday and Saturday breakout sessions included a star-studded line up of local and national presenters covering topics on:

  • Recruiting Younger Board Members And Donors And Soldiers

Captain Rob Reardon, National Young Adult Initiative Coordinator, Salvation Army National Headquarters-Alexandria, VA

  • New Ways To Fill The Kettle: 21st Century Techniques

Robb Waugus, Director of Communications & Financial Development, Fox Cities & Appleton, WI

Tom Thuecks, Service Extension Director, Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Divisional Headquarters

  • Community Relations: Speaking To The Community-What They Want To Hear & You Want To Say

Faithe Colas, Community Relations Director, Milwaukee County, Christina Steder, President, Clear Verve Marketing, Milwaukee, WI

  • Media Training: What To Say When The Microphone Is Shoved In Your Face

Matt Meenan, Xenophon Strategies, Washington, DC

  • National Initiatives: What Is Being Planned At National Headquarters That Affects Your Corps!

Jennifer Byrd, National Public Relations Director, National Headquarters, Alexandria, VA

  • The ‘Million Dollar’ Store: Words Of Wisdom From The Corps Officer With A Thrift Store That Grosses $1 Million Each Year!

Major James Beardsley, Black Hills Area Coordinator, Rapid City, SD

  • Advisory Board Playbook: Changing Our Culture To Move Into The Future By Empowering Board Members & Officers!

John Marshall, J.B. Associates, Kansas City, MO

Advisory Board Playbook: Changing Our Culture to Move into The Future By Empowering Board Members & Officers was just one of eight powerful breakout sessions at the Wisconsin Upper Michigan Divisional Organizations Conference. Pictured is John Marshall with J.B. Associates from Kansas City, MO presenter of this workshop. (Photo by Gail Valenti)

  • Building A Building: From Visioning To Opening!

John Schroeder, The Timothy Group,Grand Rapids, MI


Luncheon festivities also included Salvation Army presentations to LeRoy Butler and Charles Benson for their outstanding community service and support to The Salvation Army. Several gift drawings which included autographed LeRoy Butler and GreenBay Packer memorabilia and a Kindle Fire courtesy of John Schroeder with The Timothy Group were crowd pleasers.

Best practices tables showing successful public relations and fundraising activities conducted by Corps within the division, gave attendees practical and replicable ideas they can use at their Corps setting.

In his closing remarks, Commissioner Seiler thanked those present for their commitment to The Salvation Army.  He talked about ‘The Army Behind The Army’ reminding advisory board members they are Salvation Army ambassadors who can help the Army understand the community and the community understand the Army.  He asked those assembled, “How many of you can take back to your Corps at least two ideas from this weekend’s conference?”  The answer was a room full of raised hands.

Central Territorial Commander Commissioner Paul Seiler gives closing remarks at the 2012 Wisconsin Upper Michigan (WUM) Divisional Organizations Conference held in Wausau, Wisconsin. He talked about 'The Army Behind The Army' reminding advisory board members they are Salvation Army ambassadors. (Photo by Gail Valenti)

Contributor:  Faithe Colas, Community Relations Director, The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County Divisional Headquarters.

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Who Are These Salvationists?

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Major Allen Satterlee

Who Are These Salvationists? An analysis for the 21st Century, provides a definitive profile of The Salvation Army.

Drawing on scholarly research and Salvation Army service on five continents, General Shaw Clifton, who served as International Leader of The Salvation Army, 2006-2011, has written a seminal study that explores the Army’s roots and theology.

In the preface, Clifton writes: “It is my hope and prayer that the material, which here and there has deliberately been allowed to retain its college lecture origins, will stimulate Salvationist readers to further reflection upon our identity as a Army of God and as part of the body of Christ on earth, and that our many and valued non-Salvationist friends will find much in these pages to deepen their understanding of the Army as we enter the twenty-first century.”

The author explores four themes of the Protestant faith: evangelicalism, sacramentalism, pragmatism and internationalism, stating that he does “not intend to suggest that these are the only bases on which Salvation Army distinctives can be discussed. They do, however, provide a contemporary opportunity to explore who we were, who we are, and who we ought to be in the twenty-first century.”

In Chapter 1, Clifton asks the question, Is The Salvation Army a Church? He delves into the historical development of the Army, asking us to envision a scenario, in which, “if we could turn back the clock and sit down with the Army’s founder, William Booth, to discuss whether he saw the Army as a church, we might get a different point of view.”

Clifton maintains “that the Army cannot rightly or fully be understood in modern times unless seen as a worldwide evangelical Christian church (as well as a human service agency, and in many parts of the world, including the United States, as a non-profit corporation).”

Salvationists and non-Salvationists alike will find in Who Are These Salvationists? a penetrating and illuminating look back at the growth of this branch of Christianity and an optimistic view of the Army prospects for the twenty-first century.

You can order Who Are These Salvationists? online from Crest Books.

Visit the Resource section in www.mysaboard.org for more publications from Crest Books.

Notes From The Field welcomes Major Allen Satterlee as a guest blogger. Each month, Major Satterlee will present an overview of selected publications.
Major Allen Satterlee is Editor in Chief and National Literary Secretary for The Salvation Army in the USA. He previously served as Divisional Commander for the Western Jamaica Division. He is the author of several books, including Determined to Conquer: The History of the Salvation Army Caribbean Territory, Voices from Haiti, Salvation Assault: The History of The Salvation Army in Papua New Guinea, and Turning Points: How The Salvation Army Found a Different Path.

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He Weeps Over Us

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Marcia Larson

Ken Burton is known as the “gentle giant” – so named by the Assistant Principal of the public school where Ken serves as Director of The Salvation Army Phil Ramone Orchestra for Children in Manhattan.

I met Ken this morning, only my second meeting as a NY Local Advisory Board member – but I’ve been thinking about this “gentle giant” all day.

The first hour of the meeting we heard from NY Board of Ed reps, looked at funding options, learned about metrics and objectives from an NYU Dean.

But then Ken started talking.

He shared about the 51 children (and parents) being impacted by this program. And then Ken stopped talking and took off his glasses.

This tall, African-American man started weeping at the conference table over 2 children they had to dismiss from the program for disciplinary reasons.

I was deeply touched by Ken’s compassion, deep concern, and love for these children. Especially those who had to be asked to leave.

Ken’s demonstration of Christ-like love is a reminder that the Gospel is for the worst of us. Those of us who are given grace and yet walk away. Who are given chances over and over again and yet defy Him.

The Prodigal’s Son, the lost coin in Luke 5  – it is the 2 children who had to leave the program that remain on Ken’s heart. And mine. And the Lord’s.

Marcia Larson serves on the National Advisory Board for The Salvation Army.

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On a Mission to Serve

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Karen Cardullo

courtesy of Bob Donaldson of the Post Gazette: www.post-gazette.com

From a homeless shelter in Pittsburgh to the safe houses of Abu Dhabi, new National Advisory Board member Pamela Abdalla has been changing lives in the name of The Salvation Army for many years.

Pamela founded and maintained a coalition committed to bimonthly cultural, educational, and social programs at the Salvation Army’s Pittsburgh Family Caring Center (FCC). To support her work with the FCC, Pamela founded one of the nation’s most unique fundraiser, the “Annual Garbage Bag Gala.”

At The Gala, ladies wear fabulous couture gowns designed from trash bags and donate the money they would have normally spent on a designer dress. Pamela’s work with the FCC and the Garbage Bag Gala has earned several awards, including a 2004 Pennsylvania State Legislature Certificate of Achievement; the National Association of Women Business Owners’ 2005 “Make the Connection” Award; and in 2006, the Salvation Army’s Catherine Booth Award.

"Trashionistas" of the Annual Garbage Bag Gala donate what they would have spent on a gown to The Salvation Army!

Pamela previously worked in the demanding and hectic Allegheny County’s family court system, while juggling the responsibilities of wife, mother and volunteer. When her husband’s law firm took them to Abu Dhabi, she worked in the Islamic court system before deciding to focus on volunteering.

Her efforts have been extensive including community service in the safe houses for women in the Philippine and Indonesian embassies. She also developed support programs for migrant workers. And, she has formed and chaired The Salvation Army’s Middle East Advisory Board, the first Salvation Army outpost in the United Arab Emirates. While there, her goal was to unite the entire community of Abu Dhabi (expats, the locals, the NGOs, corporate sector, etc) through her work with The Salvation Army.

Recently returned to her Pittsburgh home, Pamela has regained her Salvation Army Greater Pittsburgh Advisory Board post and was recently inducted as a member of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board.

*We thank Pamela for her amazing service with The Salvation Army!*

Posted in Community Relations, National Advisory Board, Volunteering | Leave a comment

Developing a fund-raising advisory board

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Major Mark Brown

Money is a constant topic of conversation among nonprofit leaders: How much do we need? Where can we find it? Why isn’t there more of it?

In tough economic times, these types of questions become more frequent and pressing. When dollars become really tight, a chaotic fund-raising scramble is all the more likely to ensue. Too often, the result is that promising programs are cut, drawn in or never even launched.

The secret to successful fund raising, even in tough economic times, can be summarized in just two words: advisory boards. If you want to raise more money for your command this year, your board must be fully engaged in the fund-raising process. The reality is that our board members have connections that we simply don’t have and the real secret of successful fund raising is our ability to work with our board members and leverage those connections.

One of the top concerns I hear from officers is that their board members are not helping with fund raising. I usually ask: Have you included fund raising as part of the job description for board members? Have you provided them with adequate training? Have you given them the proper tools to raise funds effectively?

It is important to understand that when most people say they don’t want to do fund raising, what they are referring to is the actual “asking.” They either believe that they will be asking strangers for money or begging their friends for donations.

Neither belief is correct, so we need to dispel the myths and provide better education and training about fund raising. Here are some ways your board members can begin to get involved in fund raising without ever asking for money:

Thank donors – Thanking donors is probably the no. 1 way to involve board members in fund raising without them feeling like they are fund-raising. They can make thank you calls, sign thank you letters, thank people in person and send thank you e-mails.

Open doors – Opening doors means introducing friends, colleagues and family members to an organization they care deeply about.

Sign letters – Board members can sign (and add personal notes) to thank you letters, appeal letters, newsletters and any other mailing coming from the Army.

Forward e-mails – Whether it is an appeal, newsletter, or event information, it is very easy for board members to forward emails to their e-mail list. E-mails are more likely to be opened and read if coming from someone they know, rather than directly from the Army.

Bring guests – It is important that board members bring guests to our fund-raising and non-fund-raising events and introduce the Army to a wide circle of potential supporters.

Lead tours – Giving tours of Army programs is a great activity for a board member. It gets them involved and forces them to have a better understanding of our programs. Encourage them to bring their friends and colleagues for the tour.

Host receptions – Board members should be asked to host receptions in their home every few years. Receptions serve as cultivation events, and no money is solicited or collected.

Research and write grants – While this is usually done by staff, if your Salvation Army is small and understaffed, a board member can help with researching and writing grants.

All of the above activities are part of the fund-raising process. While not directly asking for money, they help identify, cultivate and steward donors, which are all critical to success in fund raising.

If your board members are not currently involved with fund raising, pick two or three things from this list to start with this year.

Many times we find that board members have not been helping with fund raising, or making their own gifts, simply because they have not been asked or trained properly.

This is an article written by Major Brown for the Southern Spirit, a publication of The Salvation Army USA Southern Territory.  Major Mark Brown is the Community Relations and Development Department Secretary at the Southern Territorial Headquarters.

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Why The Salvation Army Needs Its Advisory Organizations

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Major Mark Brown

I am very pleased to share with you about the importance of advisory organizations within The Salvation Army and how best these groups can be used to support our mission.

In this first piece we will discuss the importance of Advisory Organizations to The Salvation Army.

Even though The Salvation Army is one of the best known and most appreciated religious welfare institutions operating in the USA today, we also remain one of the least understood. Many in our communities know very little about the extent of our church and social service activities.

This is a challenge that has been recognized, and over the years it has become more and more evident that while the corps officer, ARC officer or area commander in the local command is highly motivated to drive the mission of The Salvation Army, the repository of community knowledge and influence affecting the Army needs to be entrusted to community-minded people who, typically, stay in a community longer than the average Salvation Army officer.

In response to this challenge The Salvation Army advisory board was born – a body of community-concerned individuals who give of their time, talents, money and knowledge to represent the community to The Salvation Army and The Salvation Army to the community. The advisory board gives advice and counsel as to how the Army can provide essential life-changing and life-saving spiritual and welfare services to the local community and make it a better place in which to live and work.

The advisory board is the lead (or parent) Salvation Army volunteer group in a command and gives oversight to the other groups that comprise a command’s advisory organizations: the women’s auxiliary, advisory councils and service unit committees. Typically the chairperson of these other groups also serves on the advisory board or may be appointed from the advisory board.

As with the advisory board, each of the advisory organizations provides valuable assistance, advice, business and fund-raising support.

The effective continuity and growth of The Salvation Army’s work in a community is often largely dependent upon the strength of our advisory organizations. The Salvation Army needs the wisdom, involvement and support of these groups.  But advisory organization members, especially those serving on the board, cannot function to potential if they do not understand their role or the organization they are volunteering with. An orientation should be provided  and  include the history of The Salvation Army (international, national and local), administration, a tour of facilities, introduction to staff, introduction to programs, a thorough review of board operations and training manuals. They should also be encouraged to learn more about The Salvation Army online and invited to attend Salvation Army events and seminars.

We will look in more depth at our advisory organizations and ways that, together, we can move the mission of The Salvation Army forward.

This blog originally appeared as an article  from the Southern Spirit.

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Chicago Advisory Board’s Commitment is Key to Fundraising Event

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Bruce Williamson

For the past several years, the size and impact of the Starlighter dinner/luncheon has had diminishing returns. The Chicago Metropolitan Division’s development team did the best they could, but without support and commitment, the event had become a drain on resources, with little to show for it.

After the 2010 Starlighter luncheon, and somewhat disappointing results, Lt. Colonel Ralph Bukewicz pulled me aside and asked if this was the “best we can do.” I agreed it was not, and made the personal commitment to give next year’s Starlighter luncheon my best shot. Personally working with the development staff and the Chicago Advisory Board, we exceeded all our objectives (all be they modest for year one).

Serving on the National Advisory board, I was aware of the spectacular Starlighter luncheon event, held on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. After over 15 years of effort, the event now raises about $2 million annually. I quickly decided to follow their template as close as we could.

We received a big boost when a new Chicago Advisory Board Member, Pat Hemingway Hall, the CEO of Health Care Services Corporation, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, had recently completed meeting space for 325 people on the 30th floor overlooking Chicago’s lakefront and Millennium Park. The space was less than half of what we were accustomed to, but the free donation price was right and with the Chicago Advisory Board commitment, I felt we could meet our objectives.

  • We set an initial long-term goal to develop an annual tradition to organize a premier event that can raise $1,000,000.
  • Our 2011 goal focused on changing the annual event from a development staff driven event to a Chicago Advisory Board owned and driven event that extends awareness of the Salvation Army story and raises meaningful support for Army programs. Fund raising will focus on various levels of sponsorship acknowledged in the program.
  • Begin an annual tradition that over-delivers on attendee’s expectations of the event and The Salvation Army:

The Chicago Advisory Board set goals for the 2011 Starlighter Event:

  • 30 CAB members to attend – 23 members actually attended;
  • 20 CAB members to bring someone to event – 20 members brought a guest;
  • 10 CAB members to sponsor a table – 16 members bought a table;
  • Hope to have 300 people attend, with half having never been to the event before, 324 seats – 280 actually attended, and roughly 145 had never been to this fund raising event before;
  • To raise at least $100,000 through sponsorships – actually raised over $200,000 in sponsorships.
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Dishin’ out love in Dallas

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Megan Gandee

We sometimes wonder if Salvation Army National Advisory Board (NAB) Chairperson Charlotte Jones Anderson ever has a moment to relax!

Just two weeks after January’s NAB meeting wrapped up in San Diego, Charlotte was back in her hometown of Dallas yesterday serving lunch to 275 men and women at The Salvation Army’s Carr P. Collins Social Service Center.

Serving up chicken and crawfish maque choux, Charlotte was one of five Dallas executives volunteering to raise awareness for nonprofits such as The Salvation Army.

As Executive Vice President of Brand Management and President of Charities for the Dallas Cowboys, Charlotte’s active philanthropy life isn’t just limited to football season – this is a year-round game.

Even before she took over the role of NAB Chairperson in 2011, Charlotte’s been entrenched in the work of The Salvation Army. For 14 years she’s organized our annual Red Kettle Kickoff half-time show at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game. Additionally, she made possible the Cowboys Christmas Wish campaign this past Christmas which helped us raise an additional $4,000 towards our Red Kettle Campaign.

We are continually amazed by her enthusiastic devotion to help those in need through the work of The Salvation Army.

Inspired by Charlotte “doing the most good”? Contact your local Salvation Army to learn how you can lend a hand in your community!

***

Open 24 hours a day, The Salvation Army’s Carr P. Collins Social Service Center is one of many Salvation Army locations nationwide that offer lodging and residential programs intended to transition homeless individuals and families to lives of stability. For more information, visit the DFW Metroplex Command’s website by visiting www.salvationarmydfw.org.

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Chicago’s Junior Advisory Board

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Karen Cardullo

Jessy Williamson, who serves on The Salvation Army Chicago Junior Advisory Board, submitted this post for our Notes from the Field blog.  Thank you, Jessy!

The Salvation Army Chicago Junior Advisory Board (JAB) began in 2009 with a group of friends interested in getting involved with The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division. As the average age of Chicago’s Salvation Army donors is over 65, the group recognized a need for them to help spread the word about The Salvation Army and its programs and services among the younger Chicago community.

The Chicago JAB is now comprised of more than 50 young adults from various industries, peer groups and backgrounds. The group supports many of The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division’s different services through volunteer work, fund raising and exposure among their peers and networks to help those in need in the Chicagoland area.  They work closely with The Salvation Army to stay in the loop about events, services and volunteer opportunities. Someone from the JAB attends every monthly Chicago Advisory Board meeting and two Salvation Army representatives oversee the JAB’s activities and act as its liaison to The Army.

In the past year, the group has implemented an executive committee to oversee areas such as membership, fund raising, volunteer, social and public relations. Through these leads, they participate in a wide variety of Salvation Army programs, hold social events and get their friends and families involved to help increase awareness about The Army.

In 2011, the JAB held its first “Back to School Bags Tournament,” which raised money for school supplies to benefit the children at LaVillita Community, held a “Christmas in July” Red Kettle fundraiser, ran a bowling fundraiser/coat drive, conducted mock job interviews, hosted computer lab hours at Army centers, participated in the “Hope Fore Kids” Golf Classic, packaged Christmas food boxes and more.

In 2012, the JAB looks forward to continuing to grow their membership and finding new ways to make a difference the Chicago community serving people in need by “Doing the Most Good.”

Posted in Young Adult Outreach | Leave a comment

Similarities of Need Across the Globe

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Pamela Abdalla

Having helped introduce The Salvation Army presence to the United Arab Emirates via chairing the inaugural Mid-East Regional Advisory Board, I was delighted, honored, and humbled to be inducted into the National Advisory Board at our recent San Diego meeting in January.  What an amazing group of individuals with whom to work; what an incredible institution and inimitable force for positive change the Army is!

I am struck by the realities and similarities of need across the globe — as we learned from our inspirational visit to the flagship Kroc Center, human trafficking victims in San Diego echo the same heartbreak I heard daily from Filipino human trafficking victims in Abu Dhabi.  And how powerful is the Army’s response to that need!    I have been busy sending off emails to the Mid-East Advisory Board so that they can experience the fact that they too are part of and represent that incredible force on the other side of the globe.

I shall never forget the moment when I walked out of our weekly Anglican Church service one Friday morning to find a banner proudly displayed across the entrance announcing that “The Salvation Army is here!”

An answer to our prayers for a Salvation Army presence in the UAE, after spending 18 months of providing assistance for Filipino refugees at the Filipino Embassy-run safe house for abused housemaids and 18 months of helping subcontinent laborers who struggle to send money home so their children and families can eat.  I knew that God answers prayer, but rarely do we get such a tangible result!

And I shall always be grateful for the Army’s international reputation for truly “doing the most good” — as Major Mike Hawley and I struggled to build a strong and purpose-filled Board, the Army’s reputation preceded us, marching along triumphantly and encouraging community leaders to step up to the plate.

Now, as our family repatriates to our home community here in Pittsburgh in the US, and as I rejoin the Salvation Army presence, both in my local, Western Pennsylvania Advisory Board and the National Advisory Board, I am inspired, humbled, and challenged by the work that confronts us:  increased need combined with decreased funding, particularly here in our Pittsburgh community, ongoing Board development challenges at the local and National levels, and firm establishment and entrenchment of the Army presence in the Middle East.

These global, large challenges do not intimidate me, though, as I contemplate the commitment and strength of the Army standing shoulder to shoulder with its local, national, and international Advisory Boards.

And now,  to roll up my sleeves and get to work!

Left to Right: Commissioner Nancy Roberts, National Commander Commissioner William Roberts, NAB Member Pamela Abdalla, NAB Chair Charlotte Jones Anderson

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