Page 8 - Sojourner Newsletter FALL 2022

8 THE SOJOURNER

Speaking of procedures, I am thankful that Brother Harry Sanders, PNP, LOH, is a member of this
committee, and has drafted an updated, detailed policy and procedures manual that we will use as a living
document to standardize our methods. As a long-time chairman of the Americanism Committee, Brother
Harry was instrumental in developing many of the programs we use today.

Enhanced Communications
®
To ensure our successful delivery of National Sojourners Americanism Programs to the field, open
communication and coordination is key! Our Americanism – Main webpage remains the most accessible
source of Americanism program materials. We must use that forum to provide efficient tools to publicize all
program opportunities to schools within the Chapter’s catchment area. A review of all National Committee
membership rosters reveals that many key members belong to more than one committee. Some of our
members, in fact belong to two of the committees that I think have the most connection to our success, those
being the Bridge of Light Committee and the Education Committee. We must work closely with the Bridge of
Light Committee to coordinate outreach to Masonic bodies, especially assisting with Masonic youth
organizations, and perhaps to improve access to community groups to promote Americanism programs. We
must work with the Education Committee, conveniently chaired by our Patriotic Programs Subcommittee Vice
-Chairman Brother Paul Demerath, to promote our current procedures with our Order, especially at the Chapter
level. “Together Everyone Achieves More!”

Conclusion
We have lots of work ahead, but we have many talented members on our National Americanism Committee
to ensure we get the job done! So far, I’ve been figuring it all out for myself while working with select
individual “smart guys” in our Order. We must now begin to work within the committee to identify and assign
members willing and able to work on specific aspects of our goals. If you have, or know of anyone who has,
special expertise in our programs, and is willing and able to do the work, let me know. We have a seat on the
committee for them. I encourage the Chapters to take a good look at their Americanism programs, and to
educate themselves and their customers on current procedures for our three main youth programs – ROTC
medals, National Essay Contest, and the Spirit of America Youth Leadership Conference at Freedoms
Foundation at Valley Forge. If you have any questions or comments, I encourage you to contact me directly.
This helps to build my knowledge, and to identify any program enhancements that may be necessary. Thanks
for all you do to advance the Purposes of National Sojourners®, Inc., especially in the delivery of
Americanism programs to our constituents.

Stay well!

EIAR
Mike

Michael M. Wertz
LTC, USA(Ret)
Chairman, National Americanism Committee
mmwertz23@gmail.com