Sertoma International News Service, April 8, 2004 Submitted by Connie Humiston, chumiston@sertoma.org, Communication Services Manager
* Web Site www.sertoma.org: Remember to check the site regularly, particularly the Members page, for a wealth of information and tools, including WISE EARS! materials for Better Hearing & Speech Month. The International Convention page is being updated as new details become available.
* International Convention July 8-11: Remember that International Leadership Training is combined with the Convention this year, and there will be an informative array of seminar topics: Level 1 Foundation Volunteer Training; Public Relations - How to Get Free News Coverage; WISE EARS!; Hearing Dogs International; International and Foundation Leadership Roles; Personal Finance Issues; Long-Term Care; Club Orientation; Club Presidents; Club Secretary; Club Treasurer; Growth Roundtable. Convention details and registration forms may be found on www.sertoma.org.
* Convention Program Ads: A reminder that ads are available for the Program - ads endorsing Sertoma candidates, ads showing support of your club's sponsorships, ads reflecting Sertoman-owned businesses, etc. Space reservations and remittance are due to me by May 1.
* Better Hearing & Speech Month Opinion Editorials: The February 4 News Service introduced two National Heritage Opinion Editorial samples (on the Members page of www.sertoma.org) to use during February for free publicity. Please see the two added May's Better Hearing & Speech Month Op-Eds. We encourage clubs to ask the editors for advice and counsel in getting these placed in your local newspapers. Please share your experiences with Headquarters, and feel free to write Op-Eds about your local projects, such as blood drives and other services you provide in your communities. Your participation will get your club's name and Sertoma's out!
* Dear Abby: Speaking of publicity, the following letter was sent to Dear Abby on April 5. Please let us know the impact for your club (assuming the letter is printed).
Dear Abby,
In 1978, Sertoma International, the nation's third oldest civic
organization, hosted a meeting of hearing and speech organizations. The result
was a joint public information program directed toward May as Better Hearing
& Speech Month. The Council for Better Hearing & Speech Month was formed
as an outcome of that meeting and stayed in existence until 1995. Sertoma has
continued to promote May as Better Hearing & Speech Month through individual
club programs. With May just around the corner, I am writing to ask for your
help in spreading the word that Sertoma's primary service project is assisting
the more than 50 million people with speech, hearing and language disorders.
From early infant hearing screening to providing new or recycled hearing aids to
senior citizens, Sertoma clubs throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico
and Mexico help people of all ages with communication disorders to lead full and
productive lives. Sertomans also present numerous community service projects,
such as public awareness campaigns about hearing loss prevention; operate mobile
hearing and speech screening units; conduct sports and summer camps for hearing-
or speech-impaired youth; and provide scholarships to undergraduates with
hearing impairments and graduate students studying audiology and speech
pathology. As part of our SERvice TO MAnkind, we also sponsor community projects
to promote freedom and democracy, to assist youth and to benefit a variety of
other local community needs, as identified by the more than 650 individual
Sertoma clubs. New volunteers are always welcome.
To get in touch with your local Sertoma club, check community resources or visit the "Club & Membership" page of www.sertoma.org.
If you're interested in building a club in your community, e-mail our Kansas City, Mo. Headquarters at infosertoma@sertoma.org. Making Life Worthwhile through SERvice TO MAnkind