Sarah Ann Cochrane Chapter, NSDAR

DAR, Sarah Ann Cochrane Chapter, NSDAR, Plymouth, Michigan

Committee Descriptions

Following are brief job descriptions of the National-level committees. Ideally, every committee should have a Committee Chair within our Chapter.

American Heritage – Promotes preservation of American cultural traditions and participation in contests for arts and sculpture; fiber arts; historic preservation; music; crafts, literature and drama; cultural events and traditions; and quilt oral history project.

American History – Promotes the study of U.S. history during the entire year through: the participation of students in the American History Essay Contest and the Christopher Columbus Essay Contest in schools; newspaper articles; spot announcements; displays in schools and libraries; and presents the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award. The committee oversees the approval process for the NSDAR Historic Preservation Award. [NOTE: Chair should visit schools, arrange publicity, distribute materials, work with teachers and community leaders, and meet deadlines. May also be the Historian.]

American Indians – Provides opportunity for projects by the chapter to support the Indian schools and scholarship fund, Bacone College, Chemawa Indian School, and Indian Youth of America Summer Camp Program.

Americanism – Community-oriented service with the objective of promoting knowledge, loyalty and love of country in the hearts and minds of American citizens, whether naturalized or citizens by birth. The committee oversees the approval process for the DAR Medal of Honor and the DAR Americanism Medal.

Chapter Achievement Award – Promotes efforts toward attaining chapter achievement recognition; assists with plans for programs, activities and budget; checks progress periodically; and reports per instructions. Meeting deadlines is important.

Children of the American Revolution – Promotes training in patriotism and leadership for youth from birth to twenty-second birthday.

Commemorative Events – Coordinates the celebration of National Society observances. [NOTE: Chapter chairman also coordinates state and chapter observances.]

Community Classroom – Encourage Daughters’ support of teachers and students in local schools.

Community Service Awards – Recognizes worthy residents from various walks of life, who have contributed to their communities in a praiseworthy manner through civic and benevolent activities or acts of heroism.

Conservation – Encourages study of and participation in conservation efforts. Conservation may be community oriented through awards and projects in natural resources. The committee oversees the approval process for the NSDAR Conservation Medal.

Constitution Week – Promotes special programs during the week of September 17-23 to inform and educate the public about the United States Constitution. [Commemorated the week in which 17 September falls.]

DAR Genealogy Preservation – Preserves the various printed records of the National Society by entering the information into searchable databases. The effort of these volunteers has resulted in the Genealogy Research System.

DAR Good Citizens – Recognizes and awards senior high school students who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen. The chair should work with school administrators, visit area high schools and distribute materials. She must ensure that entries are in proper form and deadlines are met. Details are in the DAR Handbook, National Information Packet and on the DAR Members’ Website.

DAR Magazine – Promotes subscriptions from chapter members. Contact the DAR Magazine Office Advertising Coordinator concerning advertising. The Newsletter Media Kit with complete instructions is available on the DAR Members’ Website.

DAR Museum Outreach – Informs members of the programs, exhibits and needs of the Museum. Promotes monetary gifts to the Museum to support exhibitions, purchase additions to the collection and pay for the conservation of objects.

DAR Project Patriot – Supports America’s service personnel in current conflicts abroad, by sending comfort items and other requested items.

DAR Scholarship – Promotes contributions to scholarship funds and publicizes available scholarships through high school guidance offices. The chapter chair forwards applications to the state chair.

DAR School – Promotes contributions and support of the two DAR schools and four approved schools. Programs are available to chapters along with opportunities for chapter projects. Complete details in the DAR Handbook.

DAR Service for Veterans – Provides opportunities for community-oriented projects for chapters near VA medical centers and nursing homes, volunteer service, and financial support.

The Flag of the United States of America – Promotes learning about the history and proper use of the Flag. Suggested activities involve the chapter and the local community in educational flag events and projects.

Genealogical Records – Preserves valuable unpublished records, such as Bible records. Essential information is in Instructions for Copying Source Records and Their Preparation for Library Use, available from the Office of the Corresponding Secretary General.

Historic Preservation – Promotes chapter historic preservation projects in their local communities. Presents the Historic Preservation medal to qualified individuals.

Insignia – This committee is concerned with the proper use and the proper placement of pins and bars upon the official ribbon. Details are in the DAR Handbook under “Insignia, Sash and Banner.”

Junior American Citizens – Promotes good citizenship and appreciation of American history and heritage by encouraging sponsorship of clubs in schools and other community groups. The chapter regent will receive information in the National Information Packet and the JAC link on the DAR Members’ Website has contest information. Materials and plans should be ready before the school year begins.

Junior Membership – Promotes active participation by Junior members (age 18 to 36). Financial support for the DAR schools is promoted through the Helen Pouch Memorial Fund. A Junior member as the chapter chairman could be beneficial. Each chapter is encouraged to sponsor a Junior for the Outstanding Junior Member Contest. Details in the DAR Handbook under this committee.

Lineage Research – Assists prospective members to obtain the required documentation for membership.

Literacy Promotion – Promotes literacy for adults. Chapter members may serve as tutors or personal advisors.

Membership – Provides ideas for membership development. Committee responsibilities include: promoting knowledgeable and active members; guiding chapters in gaining new members and retaining current members; maintaining accurate membership records; and recognizing outstanding achievement in membership.

National Defense – Promotes “enlightened public opinion” at the chapter level and in the community. The chapter chair gives a three-minute report at every chapter meeting except when the chapter program presented is on national defense. Recognizes outstanding citizens with the DAR Distinguished Citizen Medal for adults and DAR Youth Citizenship Awards to elementary through high school students, as well as youth service and patriotic organizations. Gold and Bronze ROTC medals are presented to outstanding high school and college cadets. It is recommended the report be taken from the National Defense message or other NSDAR materials. National Defense message is available in the Daughters Newsletter or on the DAR Members’ Website. Details in the DAR Handbook.

Patriot Records Project – Indexes genealogical information pertaining to the Revolutionary War period contained within various repositories.

President General’s Project – Promotes the President General’s Project. Chapters are awarded special certificates for 100% participation in the President General’s Project.

Public Relations and Media – This committee tells the DAR story. The chairman must be well informed about DAR in general and her chapter in particular, and must be able to work with the local news media to provide information about DAR activities. Publicity should be sent to the state chair and must meet state requirements. A media kit and brochures are available from the Office of the Corresponding Secretary General or on the DAR Members’ Website via the committee’s homepage.

Service to America – This committee encourages members to provide meaningful community service in order to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism.

Volunteer Genealogists – Conducts workshops and assists in the proper preparation and documentation of new member and supplemental application papers.

Volunteer Information Specialists – Promotes use of computer technology to facilitate the work of the society.

Women’s Issues – Serves as a platform to address current issues important to today’s women. The committee’s web page provides materials which emphasizes how DAR can be an integral part of the lives of women across the age spectrum.