Policy Discussion - Years of Service Pins #13

Prepared for William Higdon, President RCL Br 295 Chilliwack-Vedder

This discussion highlights several key issues and recommendations aimed at improving member engagement and administrative efficiency.

Issues

• Low Participation: There has been a disappointing turnout for the Honours & Awards presentation ceremony, indicating a lack of interest in the pins.
  
  

• Misunderstanding of Pins: It seems that many members consider long service pins at branch expense to be an entitlement when in fact they do not fall under Honours and Awards and are not recognized in any other legion documentation. They are merely an item available for purchase notwithstanding that many branches take pride in recognizing long service by presenting members with pins.

• Administrative Burden: Information Management and H&A volunteer time is disproportionate to the low attendance at ceremonies.

• Lack of Tracking: There is no automated system to track pin recipients, leading to confusion and inefficiencies. An effective tracking system would require precious volunteer hours.
  
  

• Resource Constraints: Limited volunteer resources hinder the ability to manage pin distribution effectively.

Recommendations

• Application Process: Implement a system where eligible members must apply for their pins, reducing administrative overhead. (Precedence: Highland Creek RCL Branch 258 Toronto)
  
  

• Eligibility Criteria: Present pins only to members with 15 or more years of service, as agreed in February 15, 2025, general meeting.
  
  

• Facilitate Procurement: Facilitate the purchase of 5 and 10-year pins at members own expense.
  
  

• Annual Ceremony: Hold an annual ceremony to publicly present pins, with applications due by November 30 each year.

These recommendations aim to enhance recognition while streamlining processes within the branch. Information Management will stand by to assist in furthering this matter, or stand down and forget about it.