It's been a while!
As we stand together at the closing of 2024, it’s important to reflect on where we’ve been and how our journey shapes where we’re headed. AHEPA, since its founding, has always been about building bridges—between generations, communities, and across borders. Our history is one of growth, service, and unity, but we cannot dwell on the past and its accomplishments. It’s time to move forward with renewed vigor, especially as we approach the midyear 2024 meeting.
Our history is rich with stories of perseverance and dedication. Over the past five years, AHEPA District 10 has made great strides, even in the face of declining membership. We have lost about 200 members, but we also recognize that those numbers tell us something important: the heart of AHEPA is still beating, but we need to reignite the flame. Our legacy is strong, but a legacy is only as powerful as the actions we take now to honor it. This is the time to reach out to younger generations, to show them the value of our community, our traditions, and our mission.
District 10 has been recognized nationally for placing youth at the forefront. This acknowledgment is not just a badge of honor—it is a call to action. We’ve seen firsthand the impact that engaging with the younger generations can have on a chapter. The Omega Chapter, for example, has grown exponentially because of its focus on youth. Imagine what the entire district could achieve if every chapter committed to engaging more actively with the youth through organizations like HSA, OCF, YAL, and even revitalizing groups like the Sons of Pericles and Maids of Athena. These initiatives are not just about boosting membership—they are about ensuring the survival and growth of our cherished organization.
Midyear 2024: Reigniting Our Flame
As we prepare for the Midyear 2024 meeting on Nov. 16, 2024, at Holy Trinity in Lansing, MI, we must focus on the opportunities ahead of us. Our organization has reached a point where decisions must be made that will affect the future of AHEPA for years to come. This is why the midyear meeting is crucial—it is a time for honest reflection and, more importantly, action.
Youth Engagement and Expansion: The future of AHEPA lies in our ability to connect with younger generations and expand into new regions. Cities like Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Traverse City represent untapped potential. We talk about it but we must take action to plant the seeds that will sprout into chapters. Muskegon already has a thriving Daughters chapter, and now is the time to reactivate AHEPA Chapter 213. By working together—AHEPA and the Daughters of Penelope—we can bring new life to these areas.
Building an Active and Visible AHEPA: AHEPA is more than just monthly meetings and committees. We are an active, vibrant community, and we need to show that. Events like Greek Nights, fishing trips, and pedal bars attract both new and existing members, but we must do more. Let’s create more opportunities for members to connect and participate—be it social outings or community service projects. AHEPA must continue to work hand-in-hand with the Church and local community organizations, showcasing our commitment to the broader communinity. We already have strong ties with parishes through serving on their Philoptochos and parish councils, but we can do more. Invite priests, bishops, and clergy to our meetings and events. Let us work in unison with them to ensure that AHEPA is recognized as an integral part of the community.
Midyear Meeting Logistics: For this midyear meeting, I urge you all to register ahead of time to ensure adequate food and accommodations. There will be a Zoom option, though I encourage in-person attendance for a more engaging experience. If you do plan to join via Zoom, please use proper etiquette and submit any topics or questions in advance. We will be having Supreme Vice President Chris Kaitson and Supreme Governor John Karipedes in attendance from the AHEPA.
The upcoming district convention in Traverse City next May promises to be a highlight of 2025, so please start preparing now. Let’s make this the best convention yet!
Brothers and sisters, this is our time. We cannot rely on past accomplishments to carry us forward—we must act with intention. Let us embrace the changes ahead, engage with our youth, strengthen our ties with the local community, and come together as one AHEPA family. Together, we will write the next chapter in our history, one that honors our past while building a future filled with promise.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and seeing you all at the midyear meeting. Let’s make 2024 a year of action, unity, and growth.
Fraternally,
James Thomas
District Governor, AHEPA District 10
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