ImpactLITE

F O R M O D E R N W O O D M E N V O L U N T E E R L E A D E R S

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Activity update

Reminder about Modern Woodmen’s phase II fraternal response to COVID-19

The COVID-19 Relief Program has end-ed (see the amazing stats to the right), but you and members can still make an impact … from a distance.

Remember, you can request:

• “Normal” Matching Fund projects with fundraising through crowd-sourcing and mailed and electronic payments.

• Service projects with a service- at-home approach.

For all activities, members must be involved from a distance. No gather-ings of any size except for households that are already sheltering in place or social distancing together. You must follow any additional guidelines and orders set by your local officials.

Refer to the COVID-19 page of imakeanimpact.org for more specifics about activities you can do at this time.

Food, internet and Chromebooks for at-risk students learning from home.

Food, supplies and special care for the elderly and disabled.

Medical supplies for hard-working heroes on the front lines battling this pandemic.

Support for nonprofits, such as those that help with domestic violence, which has increased since the pandemic started.

Donations helped purchase:

chapters and youth service clubs participated.1,300

donated to local organizations to fund relief efforts.

$1,073,874separate projects nationwide.1,429

COVID-19 Relief Program … at a glance

FRATERNAL DEPARTMENT STAFFAbigail BerntgenHelene DeVineCynthia FloresHannah GlaubMelissa GottwaltAnn HeldBritney HolstMelissa MayersTammy MielkeKaren MiznerMartha NelsonAmber NicholsKristen Roberts

IMPACT LITEFocused tips and ideas from Modern Woodmen’s Fraternal Department1701 1st Avenue PO Box 2005Rock Island, IL 61204-2005

800-322-9805imakeanimpact.org

CHIEF FRATERNAL OFFICERJill Lain Weaver

c o n n e c t w i t h S T A F F

Thanks a million!You are awesome.

The past few months have definitely presented a few challenges. But when presented with a challenge, Modern Woodmen fraternal leaders rise to it. Every time.

When faced with community needs, you reach out to help. Every time.

Through the COVID-19 Relief Program, you identified local organizations affected by the pandemic and helped them continue their important work.

• 1,429 direct monetary donations by chapters and youth service clubs.

• $1,073,874 in total relief.

Nearly $1.1 million donated in two months. Talk about making an impact! And it was so much sweeter because you were at the heart of it all.

Modern Woodmen could have written one big check to a national organization like so many others did. But how many local organizations wouldn’t have gotten the assistance they needed? Because of you, this program helped first responders, families, children, and even cats and dogs in hundreds of communities nationwide!

That’s our fraternal difference. That’s our YOU difference. You are the heart and soul of Modern Woodmen fraternalism.

As we look to the weeks and months ahead, I know you’ll continue to rise to the challenge.

Thanks so much for all you do,

Get to know …Cynthia FloresHow are you managing working from home?Being home all day, every day and doing nothing but work (housework, homework and actual work) became overwhelming. I’ve tried different things and feel a lot better now. We keep to our schedule, like we would if I was at work and my daughters at school. My “home office” allows me to stay focused, since it can be easy to get distracted by the dirty dish pile. And we go on walks daily to help us feel better, stay active and enjoy fresh air.

What keeps you motivated?Getting dressed for the day shifts my mindset. Also, keeping in touch with family and friends through social media, video calls or a simple phone call. We look forward to family down time where we shut off electronics and come together to dance, play or read. And I look forward to “mom time” where I can recharge at the end of the night and have some time to myself.

Share a special quarantine memory.We recently celebrated two birthdays in our home. Although it was com-pletely different than what my girls are used to, they had one of the best times of their lives.

Jill Lain WeaverChief Fraternal Officer

@ModernWoodmen1883

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Modern Woodmen fraternal leaders (group)

@ModernWoodmen

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a c t i v i t y I D E A

Sensory bottle service project

Get your members involved:

• Ask members to sign up for the activity. Your chapter or youth service club could purchase some of the needed supplies, or members could use items they have around their homes.

• Make it easy for members to participate by providing written or video instruc-tions. Consider doing a Facebook Live event to demonstrate how to create the sensory bottles. (Get Facebook Live how-tos and other tips for your closed Facebook group by visiting the COVID-19 page on imakeanimpact.org.)

• Adhere Modern Woodmen “donated by” stickers to the bottles (or the boxes used to transport the bottles to your recip-ient). You can order the stickers in the Supplies area of imakeanimpact.org.

• Use curbside pickup if the recipient offers that or identify a drop-off location for members to use.

Sensory bottles are clear plastic or glass bottles filled with a variety of materials that allow children to explore different elements in a mess-free environment. They’re perfect for children with autism and sensory sensitivities.

The best part: They can be very easy for anyone to make with items found around their homes. Make it a service project! Encourage members to make their own bottles to donate to a local organization for children with or without disabilities.

How to make a sensory bottle with oil:1. Fill half the bottle with water and the other half with oil.

2. Add a few drops of food coloring.

3. Add small decorative items of your choice for extra fun.

4. Seal the bottles with glue so they don’t leak and can’t be easily opened.

Alternate: For a slow-motion bottle, fill the bottle with corn syrup, shampoo or hair gel. Then add 2 tablespoons cooking oil and a few drops of food coloring.

Find more ways to make sensory bottles online.

Bonus! This project supports the Together for Good campaign! If your chapter or youth service club decides to do this activity, be sure to select the “Special Campaign” category when you submit your activity request.

f o l l o w t h e L E A D E R SSteal these ideas and make them yours!

Chapter 142 in Haverhill, Massachusetts, held a mask drive for the local mutual aid society. The chapter purchased some supplies (fabric, thread and bias tape) for members who wanted to make (vs. purchase) the face coverings. Members also put together comfort boxes filled with tissues, wipes, lip balm, protein bars, candy, ear savers, a coffee gift card and a thank-you card for hospital first responders. Thanks for the ideas, Kathy Kaczor!

Here for hospitals

Chapter and club members in Hagerstown, Maryland, worked with their community to purchase items and assemble 2,222 GOLF (going on low fuel) bags for their local hospital. The goal was for everyone from the janitor to the CEO to get a bag. “It means a lot to know the community is behind all of us during this time,” said a hospital staff member. Thanks for the idea, Rick Bibbee!

A chapter member from Springfield, Ohio, rang doorbells and ran, leaving behind a gift bag for senior citizens in her community. Thanks for the idea, Daniel Blevins!

Door dash

When a local nonprofit for individuals with developmental disabil-ities had to cancel its summer camps due to COVID-19, Chapter 14051 in Dayton, Ohio, stepped up. Chapter members collected and purchased items and then put together care packages for the disap-pointed campers. Thanks for the idea, Katie LaVelle!

Turning frowns upside down

F a c e b o o k S P O T L I G H T

In case you missed itHighlights from the Modern Woodmen Fraternal Leaders closed Facebook group

A: Youth service clubs only need to hold one educational event to qualify for premier status. However, you can choose to split the $200 in allotted funds and hold up to two per year.

Can my club hold more than one educational event in a year?