In September, we held our annual convention in Fond du Lac. Congratulations to the Wisconsin Moose Association for voting favorably to implement a Joint Association with the Wisconsin WOTM Chapters! This is a new and exciting change for our Association. For the first time, women Moose members can hold District and State officer positions. Working together, with men and women having an equal voice, will make our Association stronger and more sustainable. As of the last weekend of September, Wisconsin is one of 26 Associations that have implemented Joint arrangement. By the end of October, the number of Joint Associations is expected to total 32 (out of 43), with an additional five Associations expected to implement joint association in 2020. Note: implementation of the Joint Association does not impact the management of the local lodge and chapters.

During the first weekend in November, representatives from all levels of the Moose organization will meet in Orlando, Florida for the One Moose Town Hall to discuss the idea of establishing a single membership model that will provide enhanced opportunities for all members of the Fraternity.   For the past two years, the Grand Council of the Women of the Moose and Supreme Council of the Loyal Order of Moose have worked hand-in-hand to establish a strategic plan for women and men to have an equal voice, standing, and opportunity in every Moose Lodge throughout our Fraternity. The time has come for our Fraternity to take action and establish a path forward whereby a husband and wife, brother and sister, and female and male friends have the same opportunity to serve on the Board of Officers and have a lawful vote and voice into the business, programs and activities of the Lodge.  It looks like Wisconsin will be well represented at the Town Hall.

Don’t forget that the first week of November is Member Retention Week. This week long program should be embraced by the membership, as it is their week to focus on the fraternal aspects of the fraternity.  I hope that each lodge and chapter are planning retention efforts. Last year Wisconsin had the second best retention rate in the fraternity – let’s shoot for Number 1 this year! Please do your part.

Finally, please start making plans to attend the Wisconsin Tree Lighting Program at Mooseheart on December 7^th. This is the longest running annual program at Mooseheart and is a unique opportunity for our members to share a day with the children of Mooseheart. We especially want to encourage those members who have never visited Mooseheart before to make the trip. One trip to Mooseheart will ensure that a member never drops their Moose membership.