Page 2 - Sojourner Newsletter-Spring 2025_Final

2 THE SOJOURNER

NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Brothers and Ladies, I am coming to the end of my 14-month term as your National President. It
has been a trying yet wonderful year serving you all. I have attempted to move the order forward
trying new ideas. Some have been successful, others have not.

The greatest thing we have done this year to help and move us forward first and foremost is the

New Horizon Campaign. At the time of this writing, we have well over $70,000 in the New

Horizons account. I am proud and thankful for the generosity of all of you. The job is not done if
we are to move forward as an order and we must all find ways to support its operations. This is a
continuing and long campaign. Please continue to give as you are able. Special shout out goes to
Brothers Charlie Odorizzi, Harry Sanders and Mike Sampsell for their work on this project. Thank you all.
Secondly, the relocation is happening and we are in the process of moving in to our new quarters. The relocation
committee will continue after the move. The reason for this is to discuss and plan our long-term future, 5,10, and 20
years down the line working with HQ, Trustees, CLMA and others to plan the best model and location for our
organization. Thank you, Brother Mike Wertz and your committee for all that you do.
The MWM was not as successful as I had hoped. We will continue to tweak the process to get the best bang for our buck
to move the Order forward. If you have some ideas or comments, please contact me. We are always looking for better
ideas so we can work smarter, not harder!
The Policy and Procedures manual is finally on the website. It contains a wealth of information. The document is now
two years old and needs to be reviewed. Committees need to look at their areas of responsibility and get them updated
ASAP through HQ and/or the webmaster. Brothers throughout the country also look at it and give feedback to the
appropriate Committee. Can you find the information you are looking for? What is missing? Everyone can help ensure
what we need to be better Sojourners is available, useful and correct.
Attendance vs. virtual—We attempted on a shoestring to hold the MWM virtually. The first day was rough, the second
day was much better. The number of people that signed up for the virtual portion was about half a dozen. This is not a
cost effective or manpower effective evolution. There will be no virtual at the ANC in Omaha, but maybe revisited at the
next MWM, but we offer no promises.
As of this writing we are still looking for a new Webmaster. If you know of a brother who has website and
WORDPRESS skills please get them in touch with me, ASAP.
As an elected officer, committee member or Area/regional representative you are required by the position you hold to
attend both the MWM and ANC. I understand that life happens as I missed the MWM. Much of what gets accomplished
there happens in halls, hotel rooms and over dinner, and it is always great to see old friends. If your health is failing or
you can’t travel anymore, please think of what is best for the National Sojourners. It is difficult with any committee to
run a meeting when only half of its members attend.
The last big project being worked on was email, phone and address verification. Brother Tom Gordon is diligently
working on this problem. Thank you, Brother Tom. Each chapter has been contacted. It is imperative that we can
contact all our members. So, if you get a call or message from Tom, your secretary, or someone from your chapter,
please respond to them. Don’t be that “missing link”
The ANC is in Omaha, NE June 5-10. Everything you need to register, etc. is on the website. I look forward to this being
a great convention. There is a lot of legislation to vote on, election of Officers as well as voting on the budget and
proposed fees. There are 3 tours scheduled. The last tour will be on the closing day so you may want to stay 1 extra
night. Remember that your Chapter Secretary needs to send in the Chapter delegate forms for all of your Chapter’s
attendees to be able to vote.
Lastly, it has been an honor serving as your National President. Both Lady Carolyn and I thank all who have been of
assistance to us, greeted us at the meetings, prayed for Lady Carolyn and her health, and showed us true brotherly love
and affection. I look forward to serving where and when needed in the future.
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Carl Diamond, National President
National Sojourners, Inc.