130th Continental Congress Format

Unfortunately, the forecast does not contain as much sunshine as I had hoped, making it impossible to plan for an in-person Congress once again this year.  As of today, March 30, the District of Columbia is still in Phase 2 of its reopening, meaning that indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people and capacity of staff working within the building remains at just 25 percent. Because there are no assurances that restrictions will be suitably eased by late June, we have no responsible choice but to move our annual conference to a virtual format. I’m deeply sorry – I was so very much looking forward to welcoming you back to your home at 1776 D Street, especially to see our restored DAR Constitution Hall.

While it is sad to share this decision, I take solace in believing that members from around the world will again have the opportunity to take part in our annual gathering – and I assure you, that we will stage an event that will be worthy to be called the 130^th Continental Congress.  I am determined that we will not allow the pandemic to stop us from recognizing the outstanding work of our members and the achievements of our award winners over the past year, and I am proud that we will conduct the business of the Continental Congress using technology. Please join me in accepting this difficult decision and embracing this reality to make the most of it.

Authority to Conduct Official Business Online

We must abide by the laws of the District of Columbia, the Bylaws of the National Society and parliamentary authority in order to conduct the official business of the 130^th Continental Congress in an online manner. According to D.C. Code, "An emergency exists for purposes of this section if a quorum of the directors cannot readily be assembled because of some catastrophic event." It also states, "Corporate action taken in good faith during an emergency to further the ordinary affairs of the nonprofit corporation binds the corporation." Although the National Society’s Bylaws do not authorize electronic meetings, they do give the National Board of Management "all power and authority over the affairs of the National Society during the interim between the meetings of the National Society."

By an official electronic vote this week, the National Board of Management approved a recommendation from the Executive Committee to present Continental Congress as an online virtual experience. I am grateful to the members of our National Board of Management for their support in this difficult decision, and I am deeply appreciative to so many of you who have offered your wishes and prayers as this date approached.

Electronic Voting Policy

Voting for the election of seven Vice Presidents General and one Honorary Vice President General, as well as any other pertinent voting matters, will again be conducted through the secure, independent electronic voting platform, Simply Voting – the same system that was used for the 129^th Congress. Please note that, per the National Bylaws, only those members who are identified as voting delegates on the Chapter Credentials Report postmarked no later than April 15 will be eligible to vote electronically.

Refund Policy

At my request, the National Board of Management voted to waive all registration fees for the online 130^th Continental Congress. Chapter Regents currently completing their online credentials have the option to indicate if they would prefer to have their registration fees voided/shredded or donated to the President General’s Project. If your Chapter has not yet submitted your Chapter Credentials form, there is no need to send a pre-registration check along with the form, unless you would like to donate those funds to the President General’s Project. As for other refunds:

• Members with reservations within the DAR hotel block will have their reservations automatically cancelled by the JW Marriott. As per our contract with the hotel, the cancellation of the in-person 130^th Continental Congress falls under force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract). As a result, the National Society and members have no financial obligation to the JW Marriott for rooms or event spaces. You should receive a confirmation notification of this cancellation. There will be no fees associated with the cancellation of your reservation.
• Members who may have a reservation at the JW Marriott that is NOT part of the DAR block will need to individually cancel their own reservations.
• Members who have lodging reservations at hotels that are NOT the JW Marriott, will be responsible for coordinating their own cancellations.
• Members will be responsible for coordinating any alterations or cancellations of their personal travel arrangements.
• Members who have already paid for state events or special activities must contact the event organizer directly; no funds were accepted by the National Society for event registration purposes.

While we will be unable to replicate the full in-person Continental Congress experience, plans are underway to present the pertinent business and reports of the Society, as well as provide other engaging content, online throughout the week of June 28 - July 4, 2021. Having learned much last year, we will strive to bring you an even more interactive, engaging and enjoyable virtual Congress experience. I encourage you to plan to connect with us and other members virtually during Congress week. Details will be developed and shared in the weeks ahead.  Let’s not allow the pandemic to rob us of the camaraderie we share, whether in person or online.

There is even still a fun way that you can “attend in person” the historic unveiling of the restored DAR Constitution Hall. Watch for details about the ability to place your Congress Cut Out photo in a brand-new seat for the debut of our newly renovated Hall – and even the opportunity to be joined by your family and/or chapter members from throughout the decades in celebrating the restoration of our National Historic Landmark. Watch for forthcoming details.

Additionally, with the hope that District of Columbia pandemic gathering size restrictions will be lifted throughout summer and fall, state delegations will be invited to schedule a visit to DAR Headquarters in order to tour the newly restored DAR Constitution Hall, research at the DAR Library, tour the DAR Museum, etc., just as soon as such visits are allowed. More information will be sent to State Regents as plans are developed for these future tour opportunities once restrictions are officially eased by the District of Columbia.

I know that being unable to gather in person for the 130^th Continental Congress is disappointing for all; for me, it is truly heartbreaking. But I ask you to join me to embrace this opportunity to come together virtually to celebrate the success of our Society. Let us hold our heads high, our faces to the sun and move forward together in our mission of service to America.