We Have a New President!

On Saturday the delegates voted and elected a new Sons of Norway International President! It is with great pleasure that I can announce the Sons of Norway International President for the 2008-2010 biennium is Dan Rude!

New International President, Dan Rude

Past International President, Ted Fosberg, passing the gavel to new International President Dan Rude.

Please join me in congratulating Dan on his great accomplishment! I'm sure I speak for everyone at the Sons of Norway Headquarters when I say that we look forward to working together towards a bright future for our beloved organization!

Sons of Norway Unveils New Mission Statement

As many of you may know, one of the hotly debated issues at this year's International Convention was our Mission Statement. In fact, there were two separate resolutions this year that hoped to adjust the mission statement. Proponents of both resolutions felt that the current mission statement was not in line with our current members backgrounds and that it was too exclusive. The proponents felt that because many of our lodges are located in areas with a large Nordic community we needed to be more inclusive in our mission.

After much debate on both resolutions, the end result was a hybrid compromise that the delegates felt better represented our members and the work we do. So, without further adieu, the new Sons of Norway Mission Statement is:

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic Countries, and provide quality insurance and financial products to our members.

Convention Closed: The Banquet

Last night was the end of the 60th Biennial International Convention in San Diego, Ca. It's been a long week of hard work by staff and delegates alike, but it was also a very fruitful week. As we mentioned earlier, delegates discussed and voted on a number of important issues, helping chart the course of our beloved organization for the future.

Saturday night's closing ceremonies were a great time for all. First there was a sumptuous banquet, followed by an awards ceremony that acknowledged the hard work of many lodges and members. Here are just a few photos from the night.

Marge Grorud being presented with a rosemaled bowl, presented to her upon her
retirement from the Sons of Norway International Board.

Sverre Aasgaarden receiving a Lodge of the Year Plaque

Mary Beth Ingvolstad receiving a Lodge of the Year plaque for Vikings of Lake lodge 6-166.

Folk Art Competition Best in Show Winner

Executive Admin, Liz Reque, being recognized by CEO John Lund for all her hard work on the convention.

Friday Night Harbor Cruise

On Friday night delegates set sail on the California Spirit for an evening harbor cruise. The dinner cruise was a memorable experience that combined 25 scenic miles of magnificent San Diego Skyline and fine dining. While cruising, the San Diego Bay welcomed us with a gorgeous sunset, beautiful views of the San Diego skyline by night, Coronado Bay Bridge, Seaport Village, the Star of India – the world’s oldest active ship and the Pacific Fleet which is host to some of America’s most historic warships such as the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan and the retired aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Midway.

San Diego sunset from the deck of the California Spirit

U.S.S. Midway

Delegates and guests had a great time on the 2 1/2 hour harbor dinner cruise, which included a glass of champagne upon boarding, a three-course dinner and dancing with DJ entertainment.

Delegates Enjoying Dinner

Foundation Director, Cindy Olson and International Secretary, Marit Kristiansen have dinner with delegates.

The DJ played a variety of music for our listening and dancing pleasure. And let me tell you, it was a great time! Just take a look at Dan Rude on the dance floor if you don't believe me.

Dan and Betty Rude cutting a rug during the Friday night harbor Cruise

Overall, it was a great night. There was plenty of fun to be had, sights to be seen and time to be spent unwinding from a long couple of days of delegate meetings. Everyone had a great time and we were all sad when the evening was over. After a night like this, the folks hosting the 2010 convention in Coeur d'Alene, ID, sure have their work cut out for them, but I'm confident they are up to the challenge.

Thursday and Friday Business

Thursday, Friday and Saturday were busy for the entire delegation. They reviewed, discussed and voted on a number of proposed law changes and resolutions. The issues ranged from a reordered constitution to streamlining of membership categories. There were 23 issues voted on, but in order to keep this post from being too overwhelming, it will just cover some of the highlights.

First up was a vote on a reordering of the constitution. Back in 2006, the board determined it was time to review the Sons of Norway Charter and Constitution. During the past biennium a committee was chosen and put to the task. They have since reordered the document to make it more user friendly and the resolution has passed.

Next, there was a discussion and vote on the issue of International Director Term Limits. The reasoning behind this proposed law change was that District Presidents are now serving multiple terms so their terms expire concurrently with the International Director's. Distrtict 3, who proposed this law change, felt that this stymied the development of good, capable people with fresh ideas who wished to become a DP. This proposed law change was defeated.

Members from District 1 had proposed a resolution for the International President to appoint a committee to review and help simplify membership categories in the next biennium. The reason being that current membership categories are many and complicated, which can hinder recruitment efforts of our members. This resolution passed.

Of course there were many other issues discussed, but in the interest of brevity we just wanted to give a taste of the issues being voted on. Please make sure to check your future issues of Viking magazine for a full report on the convention resolutions.

Recruiter's Reception

As many of you may know, Sons of Norway held a recruitment contest this summer where any member who recruited a new, dues-paying member between June 28th and August 28th received an invite to a private recruiter's reception at the International Convention. Last night was the big even and there was a great turnout. We hosted nearly 90 members who had recruited more than 14o members during the two month contest!

Members Enjoying the Recruiter's Reception

During the reception members ate and drank together, sharing recruiting stories and their pride in belonging to Sons of Norway. Then, towards the end of the night there were some contests for who had recruited the most members and who had re recruited a new member from the furthest distance away.

Distirct 4 International Director, Elaine Nelson

Elaine Nelson, our D4 International Director won a hand carved bunad figurine for signing up 12 new members in less than 2 months! Also, it should be noted that D1 President, Bob Hoover recruited 11 new members in the same time period. This is a great example of what a recruiter can accomplish when he or she puts their mind to it! Congrats to Elaine and Bob!

Sons of Norway FBC's at the Recruiter Reception

I also think it's good to point out that it wasn't just members who were our star recruiters. Take a look at the photo above and you'll see a whole table full of Sons of Norway Financial Benefits Counselors who recruited new members for the organization. This is a great example of everyone pitching in to help Sons of Norway grow as an organization.

Overall, it was a great night for everyone in attendance and we hope to host more programs like this in the future!

Getting Down to Business (with a little fun on top)

Yesterday was a great day for the delegates. After the great time that everyone had at the Opening Ceremonies and President's Reception, the delegates were ready to get down to the business at hand.

Delegates and Officers being seated at Convention

First there was the roll call of delegates and then some discussion from the delegation, followed by a Q & A where the delegates could pose questions to CEO John Lund and International President Ted Fosberg. It was a lively discussion with many great questions and comments from the floor. One of the most talked about topics was the possibility of starting a new lodge in Hawaii (which I'd be more than happy to go and help set up--just putting that out there).

Former D1 President, Jon Tehven, and delegates from District 1

Next there were some great reports from a few of the committees before the delegation broke for lunch.

After lunch the delegates were treated to an afternoon of educational breakout sessions. The sessions covered a varity of topics ranging from how to host a New Member Recruitment Dinner to a brainstorming session on lodge programming. Also, during one ofthe breakout sessions, Sons of Norway's newest publication, the Lodge Programming Resources Booklet, was debuted.

After that, many delegates were treated to some more fun at a private recruiter's reception that evening (check back later for more about this great event).

In the end, a great time was had by all and the day wrapped with delegates heading back to their rooms, or out for dinner in San Diego; their minds full of new information and their hearts brimming with anticiaption for the next day.

Check back later to read about the great Recruiter's Reception we had last night!

President's Reception

The President's Reception was a great time for everyone! The Host Committee planned a gorgeous Hawaiin Luau for all the delegates and guests. There were Hawaiin Dancers (see previous post) and the best food and drink so far. But just as important, moreso in my humble opinion, the President's Reception gave everyone a chance to mingle and get to know each other.

Sons of Norway members and Headquarters Staff enjoying the luau

There wasn't a single point throughout the night that I didn't look around and see delegates from different districts sharing stories, reconnecting with old friends or making new ones. Not to get too sappy, but this truly is what Sons of Norway is all about. More to the point, that's what an International Convention is all about.

This year we've done a lot to bring in new programs and materials that really underscore the idea of fraternalism and togetherness. Delegates have been given Meet & Greet maps, to encourage making new friends and learning about issues outside their own districts, convention postcards for delegates to send back to their lodges descirbing all the fun and a commemorative delegate coin to bring home and remind them of the fun they had in San Diego.

If you are curious to learn more about these pieces, ask the delegates from your lodge when they get home or give us a call at the Headquarters Office.

Make sure and check back tomorro to learn about the great recruiter reception that we hosted to recognize our star recruiters!

Opening Ceremonies

Wednesday was the grand kickoff of the 2008 Biennial International Convention! The day began early with delegates arriving in the morning to check in and pick up their registration packets. The Headquarter's Office in San Diego was abuzz with activity again as we made final preparations for the big day ahead.

In the afternoon, after most of the delegates had checked in, it was time for the opening ceremonies and Presidential Reception. During the opening ceremonies, International Lodge Officers, VIP's and special guests were introduced and seated before the entire delegation. Then it was time for some musical entertainment from the Marine Band San Diego.



Next up there were greetings from the office of the Mayor of San Diego, Valhall Lodge and District Six President, Janie Kelly, which was followed by welcoming statements by Consul Geir Toennessen, Consul Sean Barr and Consul Gordon Kovtun.

The opening ceremonies then ended with remarks from International President Ted Fosberg and Sons of Norway CEO John Lund. Both had many great things to say about the delegates, staff and volunteers in attendance and shared their anticipation about the next 4 days. With that, the convention was officially opened by Ted Fosberg and delegates were invited to a luau President's Recption.

Hawaiin Dancers at President's Reception

Make sure and check back for more about the President's Reception later.

Insider's Note 2

We're back again with another Insider's Note! Today our feedster on the convention floor is going to share their impression of the opening ceremonies.

Opening Ceremonies:
The Opening Ceremonies were great! The Marine Corps Band, San Diego was fantastic! Most of us felt shivers of excitement from their glorious music. We had greetings from the consul of Norway in the Consulate General from San Francisco, the honorary consul of Norway in San Diego, the consul of Canada and the Mayors Office. Then a wonderful invocation was offered by a local pastor. We had a great time meal and the Hawaiian dancers were awesome. But the best part, for me, was seeing International President Ted Fosberg get up on stage and give it a try! See the photo below and look in the center back row:

You may not be able to make out his face, but trust me, he's there!

Insiders Note 1

It turns out I have an insider on the delegate floor who is feeding me all sorts of great information! He/She will be providing me with some of the gossip and laughs from the convention, which I will be posting to share with you. It's just something more to help enhance your part of the convention experience.

Day 1:
San Diego by the bay is a great place for a convention. Fellow members and guests are having a great time and doing a lot of fun things. Speaking of which, members Roy B. and Ken J. went deep sea fishing during their down time and I've got pictures of their fine catch. Check it out below:

While Roy B. and Ken J. claim they were fishing for Barracuda, it looks to me like the biggest fish they caught were the ones in the bait bucket!

Another Productive Day in San Diego!

After all the hubub of the day, it's finally quiet enough to get some thoughts put down on paper...er...I mean screen. Today was day 2 on the ground in San Diego, making final preparations for the certain deluge of delegates that will be registering tomorrow, and it was a great day to be sure.

As an aside, it's days like this that constantly amaze me. Not just the day, but, more specifically the large group of people who come together every two years to make each International Convention a success. Often between the host committees, staff, volunteers and international committee members you have a group of people who have rarely if ever met each other or worked together. Yet, when the time comes, they form a cohesive team that ensures a memorable convention for all.

Today, was another busy day for everyone. The committees were hard at work again, reviewing materials and taking action to ensure that everything goes well for our delegates. The board also spent the day in meetings with headquarters staff and committee members, giving input and background information on everything from the proposed resolutions to financial matters.

It's been a great day and tomorrow there will be some great photos from the registration, opening ceremonies and president's reception. Make sure to check back tomorrow to keep up on all the excitement!

Monday: Getting Ready for the Convention

All day today the entire convention office was abuzz with activity. There were staffers unpacking boxes, officers preparing for their first meetings and committee members gettting down to business. It was quite exciting for everyone as we are looking forward to a very productive week.


In a couple of days all the delegates will be arriving and registering. Everything is ready for their arrival and there has been a great team assembled to help with the registration process. We all think the convention will be a very smooth operation and that everyone is going to have a great time.















Speaking of a great time, the host committee, HQ staff, Board officers and committee members all got together for a fine evening of fraternity at Tom Ham's lighthouse. Janie Kelly, District 6 President, said "It was a great night of fellowship with a beautiful view of the San Diego Harbor and skyline!"

I'd have to heartily agree with Janie. It was a great night of fun for everyone and a wonderful way to kick off the week!

Check back tomorrow for more information about what's happening at Convention Central!

Hitting the Ground Running

This will be just a short post, with longer articles to resume on Monday.

Even though it's a Saturday the Sons of Norway Headquarters staff is hard at work getting ready for the convention, which kicks off on Wednesday. Much of the staff arrived in San Diego today, with the rest getting into town tomorrow and Monday.

Right now the office/base of operations is being set up and early status meetings with the International Board of Directors and the Host Lodge are happening. Everyone is double checking logistical issues, making sure all the proverbial ducks are in a row and getting ready for a week that is sure to be full of fun and excitement!

For the delegates and guest who will be in attendance, we can't wait to meet you! This is going to be a great week and we have a lot of exciting things to do and share!

For the members who are unable to be with us in San Diego, don't forget that the blog will be updated frequently throughout the week so you can follow along and be part of the convention experience!

Also, don't forget that there is a commenting link below each post and we would love to hear from everyone!

Have a great weekend!

Convention Week is Approaching!

Hey everybody! It's almost that time again for the Sons of Norway Biennial Convention, which is being held in sunny San Diego California. It's shaping up to be a great week filled with fun and excitement for everyone who is going to be there!

What's that? You say you aren't able to go this year? Well don't be too down about it, because we're doing something new this year that will let you be part of the convention experience from the comfort of your own home or office.

For the first time ever Sons of Norway is going to be reporting on many of the convention happenings right here on the Sons of Norway Blog! That's right, if you keep checking back here, beginning on Monday, August 25th, you'll be able to see photos and read first-hand accounts of all the great things that the delegates and Headquarters staff are doing in San Diego.

What's even better is that if you have a thought, a comment or a convention memory to share with others, the blog is now equipped with a commenting function. All you have to do is click the "comment" link underneath any of the blog posts and you can share your thoughts with everyone else who is reading the blog!

Well, that's all for now, but make sure to keep checking back, starting on Monday, to see all the cool stuff we have in store!