Proposal for Biennial International Conventions on the Ballot in Greensboro
 As the mainstay of its leadership continues to age and since younger generations are often not inclined to join organizations for long-term leadership roles, the Int'l LLL Board of Governors has discussed new ways to reach more grassroots supporters and to be better stewards of ministry resources.
Attendees of this summer's international convention of the Int'l LLL will vote on a proposal to adopt biennial international conventions beginning with the 2010 international convention in Omaha, Nebraska. If approved, beginning in 2011 regional meetings would be held in place of the international convention in off years. The Board would also begin preparing the actions needed for adoption at the 2010 international convention to facilitate changes in corporate bylaws and policies to deal with matters such as convention timing and the election of officers.
"The world around us is changing the way it does business, the way it communicates, and the way people engage in service activities," said Mick Onnen, President of the Int'l LLL. "That's why we believe bringing our meetings closer to the grassroots every other year will make them more accessible to the younger working class, which will allow us to reach more people with the excitement of the ministry and provide outstanding training and motivation to all."
Onnen continued, "Although significant cost savings could be expected, greater exposure, accessibility and engagement with participants are the primary benefits."
The proposal calls for conducting approximately 15 odd-year regional conferences scattered throughout the U.S. and Canada. The staff of Lutheran Hour Ministries would work with Int'l LLL districts within each region to make arrangements and plan the program for Bible studies and worship, ministry updates, motivational speakers, training sessions, and perhaps a servant event to promote community involvement and attract new supporters.
"International conventions will continue to serve the valuable purposes of energizing the laity, sharing the LHM story, and staying in contact with our most involved supporters," said Onnen. "But we also recognize that reaching new people with our story is critical for the future of the league. Please give this your prayerful consideration as we further evaluate and present this ballot issue at the 2009 convention."
A question and answer session will be held at the convention to make sure everyone is clear about the proposal before a vote is taken. More information about the proposal can be found online at www.lhm.org/convention.
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