Answering the Call of Our Communities

On February 10th, Pioneers launched its annual Answer the Call Campaign - an initiative aimed at helping us expand our reach for financial support for Pioneering beyond our membership to include the communities we serve.
And serve we have.  In 1958, Pioneers officially declared that community service was part of our mission.  An excerpt from the 33rd General Assembly by Pioneers President, William V. Kahler had this to say about The New Tradition -

“Can you have fellowship without being loyal?  Can you have loyalty without serving some one or some cause?  Can you serve without a feeling of fellowship?  Almost all great social organizations are built on some variation of these principles.  Many of them have earned international reputations through them.  Our own activities in the field of public service have not been so imposing – and perhaps they may never be.  But our potential in other ways can be no less spectacular.  Think of the many times in the past we have reached out into the communities where we live and work, and pioneered a significant cause.  Some of our efforts have had profound effects upon the people involved – both those who gave and those who received.

We have built no buildings – erected no physical monument to mark the role we have played in our communities…except in the hearts of the people immediately concerned.  Yet – as Pioneers – we have been glad to serve – freely adding to our concept of service to the public through the telephone, a concept of service to the community through social concern."

Pioneers has proudly carried this New Tradition forward.  And in the present day, it is efforts like the Answer the Call Campaign that provide the resources needed to fulfill this Tradition. It also provides a great opportunity to educate friends, family and others in our hometowns about who the Pioneers are and how we meet our community needs through our volunteerism.

Join us in expanding our base of support by volunteering for this important campaign - an excellent way to celebrate Pioneers in our Centennial year. If you are not phoned to participate and would like to receive a kit, please email Christina Hemphill at Pioneers Headquarters.