FROM OUR DISTRICT MASTER - ARNE DUNHEM

Dear Members of VASA Pennsylvania District No. 9 - Drott Lodge, Nobel-Monitor Lodge and Svea Lodge.

As we welcome the new year, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for all that lies ahead in 2025. Our District is not only a cornerstone of Swedish and Scandinavian heritage, but also a vibrant community of individuals who come together to celebrate tradition, foster camaraderie, and support one another. Together, we’ve built something truly special, and I’m confident that this year will bring even greater opportunities for growth and connection.

Celebrating Our Achievements

Before looking ahead, let us take a moment to reflect on all that we accomplished in the past year. From the success of our cultural events and activities to the meaningful bonds we’ve strengthened within and between our Lodges, you have each contributed to making our District a place where traditions thrive and friendships flourish. Thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and generosity of time and energy.

Priorities for 2025

This year, as the new District Master, I am committed to supporting all our Lodges in their missions, fostering collaboration, and advancing our shared goals. Here are my top priorities for 2025:

1. Strengthening Membership Engagement: We will continue to focus on attracting new members, especially younger generations, while deepening the connection and involvement of our current members. With the help from modern technologies like Wild Apricot, MailChimp, and social media platforms, we can create a vibrant and dynamic community that meets the needs of all age groups. We will show the world that we are not an “old school organization”.
2. Enhancing Communication: Transparency and regular updates will be a cornerstone of my approach. Whether through our newsletters or websites, Lodge meetings, or online platforms, I aim to ensure that every member feels informed and included in our District’s activities.
3. Encouraging Collaboration: This year, I invite each Lodge to explore opportunities for joint events, shared initiatives, and cross-lodge projects. By working together, we can amplify our impact and enrich the experiences of all members. The ReEnergize & ReBuild Working Group we created in 2023 will continue to work with a focus on activities and collaboration between our Lodges. What about, as joint events, celebrating Leif Ericson in Cleveland, OH or John Ericson in Washington, D.C. or Discover Presque Isle and Swedish history in the Erie, PA area? 
4. Modernizing Operations: To better serve our Lodges, I am encouraging the adoption of streamlined tools including Wild Apricot for membership and event management, and website and newsletters together with MailChimp for effective communication, and modern bookkeeping platforms for financial transparency. We might even try out Instagram besides our Facebook pages. These resources will not only simplify administrative tasks but also open the door to exciting possibilities for growth and connection. I will focus on training on these technologies for members that volunteer to manage and operate them. Maybe the younger generations can take active leadership in managing the modern technologies? Again, let’s show the world that we are not an “old school organization”. 
5. Preserving and Promoting Our Heritage: At the heart of everything we do is our Swedish and Scandinavian heritage. This year, I encourage each Lodge to prioritize cultural programming—from celebrations of Swedish and Scandinavian traditions and holidays, to include e.g. traditional crafts and baking classes to genealogy workshops and maybe even some language classes. How about sailing Kalmar Nyckel and rowing a replica of an old Viking longboat? How about Scandinavian traditional dancing? Let’s inspire the next generation to carry these traditions forward.

An Invitation to All Members

Each of you play an essential role in the success of our District. Your ideas, talents, and energy are what keep our community thriving. I encourage you to:

• Attend Lodge meetings and events—your presence makes a difference.
• Share your ideas for programs, activities, or improvements—your voice matters.
• Invite friends, family, and colleagues to join us—let them experience the joy and warmth of our VASA family.
• Volunteer—be part of planning and organizing an activity or event.
• Become active with various committees formed in your Lodge—cultural, nominating, finance etc.
• Assist in forming a Youth or Children’s Club for your Lodge.

A Bright Future Together

I am inspired by the dedication and passion I see in every corner of our District. Together, we have the power to make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and celebration. Let’s embrace the opportunities ahead with open hearts and a shared commitment to making our Lodges places of joy, learning, and friendship.

Thank you for all that you do for our District and our individual Lodges. I am honored to serve as your District Master and look forward to working alongside you in the coming year.

Wishing you a year 2025 filled with happiness, health, and success.

In Generosity, Truth and Unity,

Arne Dunhem
District Master
VASA Pennsylvania District No. 9