To: Members of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League

 

A proposal to consider moving to biennial International conventions was offered to the Int’l LLL Board of Governors and District Presidents at the opening session of their January joint meeting. The proposal examined our aging membership base and dwindling convention participation, a need to make our conventions more accessible to younger and/or working folks, and opportunities to bring conventions closer to the grassroots and reach more people with the excitement of Lutheran Hour Ministries, offer greater exposure to the ministries, and provide outstanding training and motivation to all. Although significant cost savings could be expected to Lutheran Hour Ministries, the value of greater exposure, accessibility, and engagement with participants are the key benefits. If approved, International conventions would be held in the even numbered years, therefore running in opposite years of the national LWML conventions.

 

In the odd numbered years (beginning in 2011), the proposal calls for conducting approximately 15 regional conventions of a day and a half in length. The staff of Lutheran Hour Ministries would work with Int’l LLL districts within each of these regions to make sure these conventions expand upon the business activities of “regional” events now being held by some districts and offer many of the same opportunities of the International convention in a condensed format. Content could include Bible studies and worship services, ministry updates, motivational speakers, breakout sessions offering training and education, and a servant event to promote community involvement and bring in new supporters. Participants could choose to attend the location most convenient for them without regard to established League regional boundaries. 

 

After evaluating the possibilities for conducting biennial conventions, the District Presidents recommended that the Board of Governors place the concept of biennial conventions on the 2009 International convention ballot this summer in Greensboro, North Carolina. If the measure passes at that time, the Board will develop the actions needed for adoption at the 2010 International convention facilitating changes to several corporate by-laws and policies for such things as the convention timing and the election of officers. 

 

This proposal does not imply that the International convention no longer serves a purpose. We believe it remains an important way to energize the laity and stay in contact with our most involved supporters. But we also recognize that we must find ways to reach new people and we believe regional conventions, with an expanded publicity effort in the areas where these conventions will be held, will help us connect with more people.

 

I encourage you to pass along this letter within your district so everyone is aware of why we are considering this change. This proposal will also be publicized in LHM’s upcoming print and electronic communications, on LHM’s convention Web site, and in a letter sent to everyone who has attended the International convention the past few years.

 

Thanks for all you do for the Int’l LLL and Lutheran Hour Ministries. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

In His Service,

Mick Onnen, President

To: Members of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League

 

A proposal to consider moving to biennial International conventions was offered to the Int’l LLL Board of Governors and District Presidents at the opening session of their January joint meeting. The proposal examined our aging membership base and dwindling convention participation, a need to make our conventions more accessible to younger and/or working folks, and opportunities to bring conventions closer to the grassroots and reach more people with the excitement of Lutheran Hour Ministries, offer greater exposure to the ministries, and provide outstanding training and motivation to all. Although significant cost savings could be expected to Lutheran Hour Ministries, the value of greater exposure, accessibility, and engagement with participants are the key benefits. If approved, International conventions would be held in the even numbered years, therefore running in opposite years of the national LWML conventions.

 

In the odd numbered years (beginning in 2011), the proposal calls for conducting approximately 15 regional conventions of a day and a half in length. The staff of Lutheran Hour Ministries would work with Int’l LLL districts within each of these regions to make sure these conventions expand upon the business activities of “regional” events now being held by some districts and offer many of the same opportunities of the International convention in a condensed format. Content could include Bible studies and worship services, ministry updates, motivational speakers, breakout sessions offering training and education, and a servant event to promote community involvement and bring in new supporters. Participants could choose to attend the location most convenient for them without regard to established League regional boundaries. 

 

After evaluating the possibilities for conducting biennial conventions, the District Presidents recommended that the Board of Governors place the concept of biennial conventions on the 2009 International convention ballot this summer in Greensboro, North Carolina. If the measure passes at that time, the Board will develop the actions needed for adoption at the 2010 International convention facilitating changes to several corporate by-laws and policies for such things as the convention timing and the election of officers. 

 

This proposal does not imply that the International convention no longer serves a purpose. We believe it remains an important way to energize the laity and stay in contact with our most involved supporters. But we also recognize that we must find ways to reach new people and we believe regional conventions, with an expanded publicity effort in the areas where these conventions will be held, will help us connect with more people.

 

I encourage you to pass along this letter within your district so everyone is aware of why we are considering this change. This proposal will also be publicized in LHM’s upcoming print and electronic communications, on LHM’s convention Web site, and in a letter sent to everyone who has attended the International convention the past few years.

 

Thanks for all you do for the Int’l LLL and Lutheran Hour Ministries. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

In His Service,

Mick Onnen, President