{"id":1217,"date":"2025-09-17T19:54:21","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T19:54:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esuus.org\/palm-beach-new\/?page_id=1217"},"modified":"2025-09-23T17:04:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T17:04:31","slug":"message-from-the-chairman","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.esuus.org\/palmbeach\/message-from-the-chairman\/","title":{"rendered":"Message from the Chairman"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dear Friends of the English-Speaking Union,

June traditionally marks the time when I write to you\u2014our loyal members and friends\u2014to ask for your continued support by renewing your ESU membership, or, if you are not yet a member, to warmly invite you into our fold. This year, however, tradition is meeting innovation.

We are in the midst of implementing a new membership database\u2014a modern system that will help us to stay better connected with you, provide more timely and personalized communications, and make joining and renewing simpler and more flexible than ever before. This new system will allow us to roll out several exciting upgrades to our membership program. As a result, this year the annual membership renewal process will start in October, when the new software will be fully implemented. But rest assured\u2014this change brings with it new opportunities to better serve our members and to strengthen the bonds that unite our ESU community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ESU Members at the 2023 AGM in Kansas City<\/em>

What\u2019s new? Quite a lot, actually.<\/strong>

We introduced rolling renewals last year, allowing memberships to be active for a full year from the date of joining or renewal\u2014no more worrying about the June deadline. The new system will make this process smoother, more reliable, and easier to manage for everyone.

You\u2019ll also notice more flexible membership categories designed to reflect the diversity and vibrancy of our ESU family.

One particular welcome addition is our new Educator Membership, offered to teachers who have participated in the ESU\u2019s hallmark programs: TLab, the National Shakespeare Competition, the International Public Speaking Competition, and the Middle School Debate. This special category comes with a lower membership fee and additional benefits designed with educators in mind, including:
\u2022 Exclusive professional development workshops
\u2022 Special curriculum resources and downloadable lesson plans
\u2022 Invitations to member events in New York City during the ESU National
\u2022 Shakespeare Competition Finals weekend
\u2022 Exciting add-on experiences to TLab programs

These educators are the torchbearers of English language learning and global understanding, and we are proud to welcome them more fully into the ESU family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ESU TLab and Shakespeare Educators<\/em>

Equally exciting is the newly reimagined Dual Membership\u2014formerly known as Couple Membership. Recognizing that meaningful partnerships come in many forms, we\u2019re expanding this category to include a friend, relative, child, or colleague\u2014not just a spouse or partner living under the same roof.

All of these changes set the stage for something truly momentous.

In 2026, the United States will mark its Semiquincentennial\u2014250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The ESU will celebrate with a commemorative campaign \u201cThe English-Speaking Union and the American Revolution.

This campaign will be anchored by our Annual General Conference in New York City, taking place April 23-26, and coinciding with two major milestones: the 2026 National Shakespeare Competition Finals and the 25th anniversary of the ESU House. Together, these events will create a dynamic and inspiring gathering that highlights our mission, celebrates our history, and energizes our future.

ESU Headquarters in New York City<\/strong>

The \u201cESU and the American Revolution\u201d campaign will deepen engagement between members and Branches, welcome new supporters into our ranks, and raise funds for expanding programming across the country. Additional highlights will include:

\u2022 A student essay writing contest inspired by themes of liberty, language, and legacy.
\u2022 America250 events hosted by ESU Branches nationwide\u2014and here, we\u2019re appealing to each of our Branches to participate by sponsoring a celebration in their community.

These events can be held in person or virtually and will be open to local members as well as guests and members of other Branches who may wish to travel for the festivities. We\u2019re thrilled to share that ESU Boston has already raised its hand and will host a celebration in the fall of 2026.

A line of ESU\/America250-branded merchandise and commemorative items to mark the occasion in style\u2014perfect for celebrating this once-in-a-generation milestone and showing your ESU pride.

The United States Semiquincentennial is a unique opportunity for the ESU to reflect on our shared history, celebrate our mission, and bring people together through the power of our shared language. It\u2019s a chance to learn, connect, and have fun along the way\u2014and we hope you\u2019ll be part of it.

So, while you won\u2019t be receiving your renewal notice this month, I hope you\u2019ll take this message as an early invitation to stay involved, stay inspired, and stay with us. Your commitment makes our mission possible.

Warm regards,

Dr. E. Quinn Peeper
Chairman
National Board of Directors
The English-Speaking Union of the United States<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dear Friends of the English-Speaking Union,June traditionally marks the time when I write to you\u2014our loyal members and friends\u2014to ask for your continued support by renewing your ESU membership, or, […]","protected":false},"author":55,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1217","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMessage from the Chairman - 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