August 8, 2022
Report on the proceedings of the AOH National Convention held on July 13 – 17, 2022.
Brothers, it was an exciting and illuminating experience participating in the 101st National Convention. It was a joint convention with the National LAOH. And it was our brother Vice President Dan O’Leary, and me at our first National Convention.
The convention started with the icebreaker on Wednesday evening with an excellent buffet and a not-so-open bar which was fine. There was talk of course all day before the ice breaker as to the expected convention discussions with of course the “big question” whether there will be a vote on the proposed amendment to remove the male-only clause from the National Constitution.
Although not many, one of the biggest disappointments of the convention was the lack of a usable agenda. To be frank, it was pale and in great need of details of which there were only a few. This was troublesome as except for the couple of details within the posted agenda, Dan and I had no idea what was going to be discussed. And as Wednesday evening moved to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, and Friday to Saturday; a mountain of topics where proposed, discussed, voted upon, and/or simply presented for the convention body’s edification. This guessing was unnecessary as the National Constitution, a fairly well constructed document, details the National Convention agenda in ARTICLE XII – CONVENTIONS Section 4 ORDER OF BUSINESS. Please, if you are interested, the section in question is in the current constitution (which is going to be updated) on page 20.
The first fumble of the convention for Dan and myself occurred about 15 minutes before the convention was to convene. The National President Danny O’Connell announced that to vote, each delegate had to have his “Delegate Card”. Dan and I did not have our cards as we had no idea this was required. So, we quickly left the room along with several other surprised delegates to the room issuing the cards. We gave our names, and states, and showed our membership ID cards. Then we were issued our magical cards. Who knew! So, a lesson to anyone who has not attended a convention and will be a voting delegate: you’ll need to get your credentials verified and receive your handy-dandy voting credential card so to be authorized to vote.
Another perhaps obvious fact but one I didn’t see till arriving at the convention, was that any division member can attend the convention. You don’t have to be invited, just sign up for the convention. The obvious restriction is that you cannot vote and I also believe you could not comment on any of the proceedings of the convention but I may be wrong on that point.
So, Thursday officially opened the National Convention by our National President: Danny O’Connell. The opening to the convention is very similar to the opening of our regular divisional meeting with a prayer by the Chaplin, Pledge of Allegiance, Call of Officers etc. Also, the Ladies AOH was present for the opening of the convention. They were only present for about 15 – 30 minutes then broke off to their meeting room for their discussions.
An interesting addition to the convention was the reading of Credentials. One of the national deputy organizers (I think) read the total number of delegates allowed per state and the number of delegates present at the convention. He did this for every state each day of the convention as the number of delegates present changed day-by-day. Virginia was allowed 30 delegates where our worthy VP and myself were two of those delegates. By Saturday morning, Virginia had all 30 delegates present. There was only one other state that had 100% participation of all their delegates. And, I also think or was told that we had eight alternates present too.
I attempted to keep notes of the proceedings but in the end, my notes where somewhat dis-jointed and a bit incomplete. Therefore, I’ll try to present mostly my thoughts, impressions, and feeling on what appeared to me as focal points of the convention and what National believe is important for the AOH of America as a whole.
The pillars of Freedom For All Ireland (FFAI) and Project St. Patrick seemed to interlace into most discussions. It became clear and obvious these are critical aspects to the National Board. The convention body viewed clips from the Taoiseach of Ireland: Michael Martin and Tánaiste of Ireland: Leo Varadkar, and also a 30+ minute clip of proceedings in our own government concerning House Resolution 888. This resolution condemns the violence and killing of 14 individuals on Bloody Sunday 50 years ago in Northern Ireland and supports justice for the victims and their families. The resolution urges the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to ensure peace and stability in Ireland. The British Government is apparently trying to give amnesty for all the atrocities that occurred on Bloody Sunday (named the Legacy Bill). The point being is that the British Government is perhaps trying to sweep this under that rug, and many, including the AOH of America, are doing all they can to prevent this injustice. Like I said, the issue of FFAI and the specifics of the Legacy Bill where a huge topic throughout the convention.
Irish immigration was also a big topic and the use of E-3 Visa. What I know and think I understand is that the E-3 visa is a particular type of US visa that allows Australian professionals to enter the United States to take a professional position relevant to their specialty. At the convention it was noted that there were about 5000 unused E-3 visas and National is trying to persuade the US Government to allow Irish professionals who wish to immigrate to the US to use the unused visas. Apparently, this isn’t going to swimmingly. And if you are wondering what does the AOH have to do with Irish Immigration at the national level, just look at our by-laws which included National Constitution Preamble item 7: To encourage and equitable U.W. immigration law for Ireland…).
Also, I found there are several online forms which National would like all States, Counties, and Divisions to use but in general are not using. For instance, the Father Kelley Division spends a good amount of division time with fundraising and providing generous charities to many in need. These charities include our Veteran’s charities as well as Project St. Patrick (which has its own form), FFAI, and the 8 – 10 charities every year which we are not made known to National. Even some of the more simple activities such as our quarterly Road Cleanup and perhaps even the Fall Festival should be included in the account of our activities. See, it isn’t just charities: it’s Charities and Missions.
Everything Hibernian was discussed from elective officer positions such as Organizer to chair positions: FFAI, Pro-Life, Hibernian Digest, various funds and awards, Audit committee, Oversight Committee, new Digital Coordinator, etc., etc.
Let me talk just a moment on the Digital Coordinator. There is this National effort named “The National Hibernian Project” which is a non-descript name for restructuring our digital footprint. This is one of the reasons the national assessment increased, to pay for this restructuring. I’ll talk to this national assessment increase in a moment. The individual responsible for this restructuring is the individual who created the MLB web page. He knows his trade very well. The Hibernian Project is a multi-phased program and won’t be fully implemented for a few years but is well underway.
Lastly let me talk about the major votes. The nomination and voting for National officers and delegates were on Friday afternoon. The President, Vice President, and Treasurer: Danny O’Connell, Sean Pender, and Liam McNabb were re-elected to their positions. Jere Cole stepped down as National Secretary and the senior member of the national delegates, Edward Halligan was elected to the position of Secretary.
Saturday was the main event. Of the 1002 possible delegates, 408 where present. 1/3rd (334) of the delegates needed to be present to conduct business. Still under old business, there were 8 or so resolutions presented for discussion and vote. Some concerned honoring the work of specific individuals, social media use, anti-bullying and condemning domestic violence, support of the Ukraine and others.
Under new business there were nine constitutional amendments proposed. One concerned the increase in the national assessment from $16.00 to $24.00. I can tell you the convention body was very unhappy with this proposal. There was much discussion and the greater majority negative to the proposal. One gentleman spoke and recommended a $4.00 increase vice $8.00. Discussion was closed and the body voted on the $4.00 increase which was approved. Brother Dan and myself voted against the increase. There were other resolutions but none which contained too much controversy until the big Resolution to remove the “Male Only” clause from the Constitution.
Prior to this discussion, it wasn’t even known whether this issue was even going to be raised to the voting delegates. Well it was and the delegates spoke almost in unison against this resolution. Even the clergy represented were against this idea. The first speaker during discussion even tried to have the issue suppressed. His efforts failed but it was obvious, the National President was under fire and taking some incredible heat from the body. I could talk to this single point all evening but I won’t. It was exciting with pointed discussions overwhelmingly against the resolution. The vote was taken: there were a handful of Yeas, I’d say less than ten but certainly less than 20. The Nays where the remainder of the 408 delegates.
There were many other subjects discussed such as taking an oath against bullying and violence against women but there was just too many discussions and reports as a whole to place into one concise report.
Let me close with this point: The National officers are very committed to the point of obsession with Hibernianism: I think that is good. For the greater majority of the proceedings they were positive and respectful to everyone even during disagreements. It was an example I wish to follow. We need to always be respectful of each other. Discuss what must be discussed during the meetings, but discuss respectfully. Once the meeting concludes, we leave the meeting united as a division. Remember our Motto: Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.
It was an honor and true pleasure to be a part of the national convention. I gained a deeper insight into Hibernianism and what our national leaders are attempting to accomplish in the way of Friendship, Unity, Christian Charity, and support of our Irish heritage.
Respectfully Submitted:
Patrick A. Sullivan
President: Father Kelley Division AOH
