Message from the Grand Madam President

Jean Kerr, the 2009-2010 Grand Madam President, joined the Moose Jaw Auxiliary in 1975 as a Charter Member and has held numerous leadership positions including all chairs of the Moose Jaw Auxiliary, provincial and regional president, Grand Madam Trustee, Grand Madam Conductor and Grand Madam Inside Guard. She believes in the fundraisers and the grassroots programs hosted by our members. Jean enjoys sports, gardening and camping and believes that by keeping busy, helping others and working helps keep her healthy and her mind active. Jean’s charity is the Fraternal Order of Eagles Memorial Foundation.

It is a wonderful time of year in our fraternal calendar. It is during this time when emerging leaders from across the U.S. and Canada gather regionally to set their course for a new year. Through a series of four Incoming Presidents Meetings and a Regional Incoming session in Iowa, our organization strives to touch each new leader – imparting knowledge, sharing vision, encouraging success.

Leadership is defined in various ways, but one definition I recently ran across seemed most fitting for our organization. It went something like this: “Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen.”

You see, through all my work with our organization, and through all my travels this year, I have been very clear that leadership isn’t as much about me as it is about “you” and “us.” When I speak to incoming leaders, I am always sure to say that our visibility and accessibility are keys. Leaders need to be present – fully present. And perhaps most importantly, good leaders are good listeners. Just spend some time listening to your brothers and sisters, and you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible about the things that work in our organization, and the things that don’t. Because I listen – whether in a casual conversation or a more formal setting – I have always been very clear about what is expected of me.

Brothers and sisters, as you continue your work with The Fraternal Order of Eagles, please do consider a leadership path. Those of you who are about to lead your state or province, do so with an open heart and an open mind. Remember always that your leadership is about all of us. Together, I do believe without question we can make something extraordinary happen!

Yours in sisterhood,
Jean Kerr

Grand Madam President Charity T-Shirts

To purchase a T-shirt to benefit Grand Madam President, Jean Kerr's Special Projects, please contact her Historians.

T-shirts are $12 each and available in sizes Small - 3X while supplies last.

Grand Auxiliary Historians