P.E.O. International will post the official results of amendment voting, including vote counts, on its member site today.
Click here to see the verified results.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Monday, September 27, 2021
Positive P.E.O. Messages Collection
Since April 2020, the Positive P.E.O. International Facebook account has shared positive messages every Sunday to radiate light during an unprecedented time. This week, it closed out this series, with this message from Brenda J. Atchison, former President of International Chapter.
International Convention - Highlights Video
Click on this picture, and you'll see the 3-minute highlights video of the first-ever virtual Convention of International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, September 20-25, 2021. We made history!
This is what was posted on Facebook about this video. "As we close the books on this Convention of International Chapter, we have much to be thankful for and much to be excited about. Our core virtues of faith, love, purity, justice and truth, will guide us as we come together to continue our important work -- in our local communities and across the globe!"
Other Facebook postings shared this information.
Total number of people registered for this convention: 7,750.
Total number chapter delegates: 996.
Total number of past presidents of S/D/P: 853.
Saturday, September 25, 2021
First-ever Virtual Convention of Int'l. Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood!
What a marvelous first-ever virtual Convention of International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood this week! The virtual platform allowed us to put ourselves on the cover of our magazine, "The P.E.O. Record!" What fun!
Celebration of Life Service - Blog Entry 1
We were treated to a marvelous service this morning! "Sisters across the United States and Canada paid tribute to those past presidents of International, state, provincial, and district chapters who passed away between the dates March 1, 2019 and February 28, 2021."
Three descriptive words were used to celebrate the life of each Sister.
The challenge for each Sister is to determine which three words she wants to describe herself and then to be intentional about becoming those words. What a life; what a legacy! (Note: Here are a few of the women whose lives were celebrated.)
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Convention - Projects Celebration Night
Tonight, we celebrated "Projects Night" during the Convention of International Chapter! We heard from recipients of our six philanthropies, and we took a moment to celebrate what can happen when Women Help Women Reach for the Stars!
Click here to read about the Convention's Blog Post about this night.
"Projects Night WOWS: Celebrating what happens when Women Help Women Reach for the Stars. Last night we gathered for what many consider the highlight of Convention–Projects Night–where we get to hear directly from some of the women whom we have helped pursue their dreams.
Videos of all the speeches will be available at
beginning October 15. These videos are great to use at your local chapters meetings. They are sure to inspire your sisters and get them fired up about finding potential project recipients. Brief overviews of each speech are below, but for maximum impact, please watch and share the videos! ...
Convention Booth Info - PSA Scholars' Map
We celebrate Molly McDermott as being a recipient of a P.E.O. Scholar Award. Our P.E.O. Chapter JI sponsored her in 2020.
Convention Booth Info - Scholar Awards' History
Our Historical Path: At the 1991 Convention of International Chapter in Omaha, Nebraska, members of convention adopted P.E.O. Scholar Awards as the fifth project of the P.E.O. Sisterhood. Early planners and trustees had high hopes for the project, creating the framework for an internationally recognized premier award for women. Through financial support and enthusiastic participation of P.E.O. chapters and individuals, the new project began to grow and develop its legacy, touching the lives and encouraging the hopes of outstanding women scholars. Since its inception, P.E.O. Scholar Awards has provided over $30,000,000 in support for nearly 3,000 women in doctoral programs in the U.S. and Canada.
Convention Booth Info - Scholar Awards - Learning Legacy
Our Legacy of Learning: In the time that P.E.O. has been in existence, we have advanced to a place where women now earn more bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees than do men. And P.E.O. has been part of that rapidly rising journey for women. This is a great triumph, but women still need our support and encouragement to be able to leverage their educations to gain parity in leadership, and therefore the access to fully use their education, skills, and gifts to make a difference in the world.
We know that education is transformational. Our quest to offer access and support for education for women is a shared purpose for us. A particularly important aspect that distinguishes P.E.O. from other organizations that offer similar awards is that we also offer nurturing support to our recipients. When we interview past Scholar Award recipients, we consistently hear about how they were both surprised and encouraged by the women behind the award.
After 30 years, P.E.O. Scholars have now assumed leadership positions in their professional careers in university professorships, scientific research, medicine, law, the performing arts, international economics, history, government, and other demanding fields. Their positive impact on society affirms the outreach of P.E.O. and reinforces the goal of P.E.O. Scholar Awards to become one of the premier academic awards for women in the United States and Canada. P.E.O.s can justifiably be proud of how their investment in remarkable women is producing significant dividends.
We know that education is transformational. Our quest to offer access and support for education for women is a shared purpose for us. A particularly important aspect that distinguishes P.E.O. from other organizations that offer similar awards is that we also offer nurturing support to our recipients. When we interview past Scholar Award recipients, we consistently hear about how they were both surprised and encouraged by the women behind the award.
After 30 years, P.E.O. Scholars have now assumed leadership positions in their professional careers in university professorships, scientific research, medicine, law, the performing arts, international economics, history, government, and other demanding fields. Their positive impact on society affirms the outreach of P.E.O. and reinforces the goal of P.E.O. Scholar Awards to become one of the premier academic awards for women in the United States and Canada. P.E.O.s can justifiably be proud of how their investment in remarkable women is producing significant dividends.
Convention Booth Info - Scholar Awards - Giving Legacy
Our Legacy of Giving: P.E.O. Scholar Awards continue to provide substantial financial assistance to women who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in their fields. Women, especially single women, struggle because the financial undertaking of a doctorate is daunting and long. Our members in local chapters are a critical component of this astounding rise in funding support for women.
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards Laureate Chapter program, established in 2012, encourages local chapters to promote and support the Scholar Awards project and recognizes those local chapters that make a $500 or more lump-sum contribution to the project. Since inception, chapters have contributed almost $4,000,000 in Laureate Chapter donations. This financial support is critical to the history-making success of the project. As well, funds held in our Foundation provide valuable assistance to the project and are the anchor of the Endowed and Named Scholars program.
The P.E.O. Scholar Awards Laureate Chapter program, established in 2012, encourages local chapters to promote and support the Scholar Awards project and recognizes those local chapters that make a $500 or more lump-sum contribution to the project. Since inception, chapters have contributed almost $4,000,000 in Laureate Chapter donations. This financial support is critical to the history-making success of the project. As well, funds held in our Foundation provide valuable assistance to the project and are the anchor of the Endowed and Named Scholars program.
Convention Info Booth - Scholar Awards - Sponsoring Legacy
Our Legacy of Sponsoring: Our shared purpose shines in our support of the P.E.O. projects, both by nominating deserving women and by supporting them. Interacting with women in sponsoring chapters is immensely rewarding, and many Scholars report that it has boosted their confidence as an academic and professional. As one Scholar stated, “This award has allowed me to meet amazing women! Women who care and work to help other women be able to do the same. Women who were supportive, interested, and interesting, and who are making a difference. This experience has been inspiring and motivating!”
P.E.O. Scholar Awards has grown in prestige among, not only applicants, but also international colleges and universities. The exclusive availability of this award to women who are pursuing doctoral-level degrees has resulted in additional interest in applying for the award and increased recognition and visibility for local chapters and the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
P.E.O. Scholar Awards has grown in prestige among, not only applicants, but also international colleges and universities. The exclusive availability of this award to women who are pursuing doctoral-level degrees has resulted in additional interest in applying for the award and increased recognition and visibility for local chapters and the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Convention Booth Info - Scholar Awards - Initiating Scholars Legacy
Our Legacy of Initiating Scholars: Our Scholars also wish to give back to the project. For many, becoming a member is an avenue that directly helps other women to have access to the same opportunities that P.E.O. has afforded them. Scholars want to learn more about membership and are willing to speak about their experiences that were supported through this award. In fact, over 90% of our Scholars report an interest in learning more about membership.
Some Scholars are already members of our Sisterhood. One Scholar shared, “The P.E.O. Scholar Award has opened so many doors for me! In addition to becoming a Sister of Chapter AF in Ithaca, NY and giving back to the same organization that helped my own dreams come true, I have also been able to help spread the word to other deserving women in my department at Cornell.”
Indeed, some Scholars feel empowered and desire to open virtual communication channels with Scholars around the world. Because this award has catapulted their careers, allowed them to pursue avenues of research that were otherwise cost-prohibitive, and supported connections with colleagues for future collaborations, Scholars continue the legacy of the award by becoming members and participating in a linked electronic community.
We continue to celebrate the history-making impact of 30 years – Supporting Women . . . Changing the World!
Some Scholars are already members of our Sisterhood. One Scholar shared, “The P.E.O. Scholar Award has opened so many doors for me! In addition to becoming a Sister of Chapter AF in Ithaca, NY and giving back to the same organization that helped my own dreams come true, I have also been able to help spread the word to other deserving women in my department at Cornell.”
Indeed, some Scholars feel empowered and desire to open virtual communication channels with Scholars around the world. Because this award has catapulted their careers, allowed them to pursue avenues of research that were otherwise cost-prohibitive, and supported connections with colleagues for future collaborations, Scholars continue the legacy of the award by becoming members and participating in a linked electronic community.
We continue to celebrate the history-making impact of 30 years – Supporting Women . . . Changing the World!
Convention Booth Info - IPS (Int'l. Peace Scholarship) Fund Recipients
During this week's virtual international convention, I "l-o-v-e-d" exploring the interactive map that was featured in the virtual booth for this scholarship!
On the way to Glacier National Park, you might have stopped by the town of Bigfork, Montana, population 4,668 people. It is a small town with friendly folks and the fabulous Bigfork Summer Playhouse.
I selected one scholarship recipient from England, Shayna Lewis, and I discovered that one of the listed "Partners in Peace" (PIP) chapters that is supporting Shayna is the P.E.O. Chapter BH in Bigfork, Montana! Wow! The P.E.O. connection really is a world-wide connection!
Convention Booth Info - IPS (Int'l. Peace Scholarship) Fund
From its humble beginnings in 1919 when at the Convention of Supreme Chapter in Denver, Colorado, Franc Roads Elliot introduced a peace resolution stating, “We P.E.O. women would join hands in any movement looking toward the abolishment of war,” to the first international scholarships being awarded to two students in 1949 using money from the P.E.O. Victory Fund (which later became the International Peace Scholarship Fund), IPS has supported education for international women students pursuing postgraduate degrees in the U.S. and Canada for 72 years.
As of June of 2021, a total of 6,549 women from 179 countries have received just over $47 million for advanced degrees. Our goal of “Fostering Global Peace Through Education” remains the core value of our mission where IPS students use their education to make a positive impact in their home countries as transformational leaders.
Local P.E.O. Chapters are encouraged to enhance chapter life through participation in the Partners in Peace (PIP) program. Chapters are paired with a student and are encouraged to support and communicate with these students who are so far from home and family. A record number of 1,005 PIP chapters participated in this program during 2020-2021.
As of June of 2021, a total of 6,549 women from 179 countries have received just over $47 million for advanced degrees. Our goal of “Fostering Global Peace Through Education” remains the core value of our mission where IPS students use their education to make a positive impact in their home countries as transformational leaders.
Local P.E.O. Chapters are encouraged to enhance chapter life through participation in the Partners in Peace (PIP) program. Chapters are paired with a student and are encouraged to support and communicate with these students who are so far from home and family. A record number of 1,005 PIP chapters participated in this program during 2020-2021.
The pandemic of COVID-19 reinforced the global connectivity of humankind. It was reassuring to see and hear of P.E.O. sisters reaching out to international students in their area to ensure their health and safety during the initial uncertainty of the pandemic.
This week's virtual convention featured a booth about this fund. A visitor to this booth's "Resource Library" could see “Notes of Gratitude” from some of our recipients, who have been so appreciative of the love and care they received. (And we could post notes of encouragement to them!)
Convention Booth Info - Cottey College
Cottey provides students with an academic experience that combines a commitment to leadership, global experiences, and a community dedicated to their success. Cottey alumnae go on to have dynamic careers in a myriad of fields. Additionally, they continue their special connection with the College and each other throughout the course of their lives.
The College is located in Nevada, Missouri, a small town with roots in rural America. The supportive community allows Cottey students opportunities for outdoor excursions, religious worship, shopping in the town square, and internships working with caring, local leaders. Nevada is approximately 100 miles south of Kansas City, which provides excellent cultural opportunities beyond the local community. It’s the best of both worlds!
For more than 90 years, Cottey and the P.E.O. Sisterhood have been partners in the education of women. Both organizations provide outstanding educational opportunities for women. Cottey values this partnership with P.E.O. and continues to strive to make the P.E.O. Sisters proud of their incredible college.
Convention Booth Info - PCE (Program for Continuing Education)
Over the decades, more than 51,000 women have received grants totaling over 65 million dollars. PCE’s purpose is unique. Grants are awarded to a diverse group of mature students from a variety of life situations including those with detours or major roadblocks to overcome in their pursuit of an education. Often candidates express an urgency to improve financial situations and a determination to succeed. Many candidates express a need to prove to themselves and their families that it is never too late to achieve their goals. PCE relies on the local chapter to find, recommend, coach and nurture a student through the application process, as well as through the entirety of the student’s educational program. The support given by the local chapter is often more inspirational to recipients than the grant itself.
PCE is funded by a combination of chapter gifts, endowed P.E.O. Foundation funds and distributions of undesignated funds from the P.E.O Foundation. How can your chapter help? The "Brighter Tomorrow Chapter" donation recognition level for a gift of $500 was launched in 2020. During the inaugural year, 1,036 Brighter Tomorrow donations were received from 986 chapters.
Once candidates experience the power of PCE support, they are often interested in paying it forward by becoming a P.E.O. and helping others reach their educational goals. This is a great way to increase the diversity in your chapter and opens new avenues “to seek growth in knowledge and culture and to obtain all possible wisdom” as we embrace women with the virtues we hold dear.
To date, there has been a total of 1064
donations
from 1011
P.E.O.
Chapters for a
grand total of
$758,446.58. Our P.E.O. Chapter JI is one of the 35 chapters in Colorado with this PCE “Brighter Tomorrow Chapter” Donation Recognition Level.
Our P.E.O. Chapter JI was delighted to sponsor Gillian Bozanic for the PCE award in 2020.
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