
Priorities – How are they Determined? (And what are they?)
Some might say this is the slowest time of year for our organization. However, this is the busiest time of year related to our job duties here at headquarters. Department, as we are called, doesn’t just process membership and ALAMIS applications. Think of our organization as a business with the same responsibilities as any other company.
Priorities are mainly determined by deadlines set forth by the Federal government, State government, the ALA National Organization and our own calendar of activities. I have tax obligations/paperwork to complete with our 3rd party auditors and our 3rd party accountants. Organizing and gathering that information started many months ago. We must have W-9’s on file for any and all 1099’s that are provided by the end of January.
As most of you know, this is ALAMIS renewal/new access time. National provides each Department a list of all current users and their access levels. It is my responsibility to confirm our members are following the guidelines that are set by National. We need to confirm that every member on the list has requested access and that payment has been received. National then bills us for all users on the final list, which is around $ 4,000. Accuracy is extremely important for this project.
It might surprise you, but I am already working on the Girls State event that will be held at Michigan State University in June. The contract for this event had to be reviewed and signed last month. The paperwork and reservation related to the activities/inauguration that occur at the State Capital are completed in January.
Winter Meeting is almost here, and I have been working on the details for months. I am receiving reimbursement requests and reports from all the deputies at the Veterans’ facilities, homes and hospitals. All this documentation must be reviewed, proofed and entered in our system either as an expenditure or a reimbursement to the representative.
The best part is we received two new charter applications in the past 60 days. I just received confirmation from National that one of those applications for Unit 31 in Chelsea has been approved and all dues paid. The other will be Unit 194 in Petoskey once all necessary documents have been received.
This position is like no other, and it is very unique. There are not enough hours in the day for me to complete everything that is outstanding. I have never had a job where the days just disappear due to the pace and plethora of activities that must be completed. My previous career was in the manufacturing/litigation field, and it doesn’t even hold a candle to running the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Michigan! Rocking 4 our Veterans!