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2024 MOPHA National Convention Will Be VIRTUALY HELD on AUGUST 9-11, 2024. An Unofficial Auxiliary Symposium will be held during the MOPH National Convention in Orlando July 15-17, 2024. 

Your leadership team has come to the difficult decision to host the 2024 National Convention via ZOOM ONLY. The tentative dates of the virtual convention will be August 9-11. This decision was not made hastily or without due diligence, and only made after careful consideration, thorough analysis, with full awareness of its potential impact. The motion to conduct the 2024 National AUXILIARY Convention was carried by the vote of the National Executive Committee (NEC).

 

This change and decision will ONLY affect the Auxiliary. The MOPH (Patriots) will continue to have an in-person convention in Orlando July 15-18, 2024.

 

You may be wondering "Can we still attend the Orlando MOPH Convention"? The simple answer is "YES". Many Auxiliary members will still travel to Orlando with their Patriots, or by themselves to enjoy the camaraderie that the National Convention brings.

 

1) If you are an Associate Member of the MOPH, you may register via the Department of Florida's website by clicking here. (You can also access the website by visiting www.PurpleHeart.org, then click the "About" tab, then click the "National Convention" tab.)

Only MOPH Associate Members are allowed in the Patriot meetings. Registered attendees will receive a box lunch on Wednesday July 17, 2024 but it is unlikely that you will be able to have lunch with your Patriot since they will be in caucus.

 

2) The Rosen Plaza has several restaurants that offer food and beverage close to the meeting rooms. There will be no food & beverage provided for guests who have not formally registered on the Dept of Florida's website.

 

3) For MOPH Associate members and/or Auxiliary Members who wish to participate in the convention but not attend the MOPH meetings, there will be alternate activities available. We have named the Auxiliary portion of the meeting a SYMPOSIUM to differentiate it from the Patriot's convention. Auxiliary Members in attendance can participate in the Joint Opening, participate in arts & crafts, take place in a special cupcake party in honor of President Barabra Hale Ray, package toiletries for homeless Veterans in the Orlando area, and (with much hope), receive new information regarding caregiver benefits, respite care, meditation techniques, and other interesting topics. Speakers are currently being solicited. There is no guarantee professional speakers will be provided, but we are working hard to make it happen.

 

4) There will be no cost to anyone who wishes to join the Auxiliary Symposium in Orlando; however, we will need a headcount in order to have enough "treats" and items for attendees. There is no dress code, nor are you obligated to bring any supplies. Convention bags will not be offered to non-registered attendees. Anyone can register, at a cost of $125, on the Department of Florida's website if they wish to support the Department of Florida; but you can only attend meetings if you are an Associate member of the MOPH.

 

5) The Department of Florida, the host of the 2024 MOPH National Convention, is experiencing difficulty raising funds for the convention. It is encouraged to visit the Dept of Florida website and purchase commemorative items and/or gala tickets. The Department of Florida is also seeking ads for the convention booklet and sponsorships for the hospitality room, etc.

 

6) The symposium is not an official Auxiliary meeting, we wish to provide our members who will be in Orlando, an opportunity to get together outside of the meeting rooms. Crafts for children will be available.

 

We certainly understand that not having an Auxiliary National in person Convention is not as exciting and fun as our traditional-style convention; however, Zoom meetings offer several advantages, particularly in today's digital age where remote work and virtual collaboration have become increasingly common. Some of the key advantages of Zoom meetings include:

 

1. Accessibility: Zoom allows participants to join meetings from anywhere with an internet connection, making it convenient for individuals who may not be able to attend the in-person convention due to geographical or financial constraints or mobility issues. We will guide anyone unfamiliar with Zoom through the sign-in process. We plan on holding a "mock sign-in" event in late June.

2. Cost-effective: Zoom eliminates the need for travel expenses associated with in-person meetings, such as transportation, accommodation, and meal costs. This can result in significant cost savings for organizations, particularly for ours. We estimate that we are saving nearly $50,000 by holding a virtual convention. The registration fee for the Zoom Convention will be a total of $25. This fee will cover technology expenses.

3. Time-saving: By eliminating the need for travel, Zoom meetings save valuable time that would otherwise be spent commuting to and from meeting locations. This allows participants to allocate more time to productive work or personal activities. We are striving to make the virtual convention as streamlined as possible. Resolutions will be announced and discussed before the Virtual Convention so that attendees are familiar with potential changes and can vote without being uneducated about the topics.

4. Flexibility: Zoom offers flexibility in scheduling meetings, allowing participants to join from different time zones or accommodate varying schedules. Additionally, Zoom's recording feature enables participants to revisit meetings at their convenience, providing flexibility for those who may not be able to attend in-person conventions. We will be considerate of our members' time zones from the Pacific Islands to the East Coast.

5. Enhanced collaboration: Zoom provides various features such as breakout rooms, which can be used for caucuses and regional discussion. Voting will take place in the same way as an in-person convention will.

 

While you are at your Unit or Department Conventions, consider having a Zoom "Watch Party" and meet with fellow Auxiliary Members who want to participate in the Auxiliary National ZOOM Convention, but also want to have fellowship an in-person convention brings.

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Get Involved. Consider running for office.

We are a valued part of the Purple Heart Community. Consider sending in nominations for office.

ALL offices are eligible for nominations, but we are actively seeking nominations for National Jr. Vice President, Region 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 Presidents. (If anyone wishes is interested in the webmaster position, I will gladly assist you until it is learned. If not, I will gladly serve, but would like for others to learn our programs.)

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What do YOU want to learn?

Your leadership team needs to know what type of speakers do YOU want to hear from? Do you want to hear from speakers on benefits, relaxation techniques, caregiver needs, etc.?

Let us know so we can plan an educational and informative symposium.

Email webmaster.MOPHA@gmail.com and let us know.

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Convention Items for Sale

Convention Coin Only

$6.00

Order Here

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Convention Coin & Pin

$25.00

Order Here

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Gala Dinner

July 17, 2024 - Orlando Rosen Plaza

Formal/semi-formal dinner. Please make sure to choose Chicken, Salmon, or Vegetarian meal for each Gala ticket purchased when completing the registration process.

$89/person.

Order Here

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100% Silk Regimental Tie

$ 49.00

Order Here

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Convention T Shirts

$ 26-28

Order Here

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MORE SYMPOSIUM INFO:

For those that would like to purchase a hotel room in Orlando for the Symposium, it is $139 per night plus tax. Please use this link to book a room:

91st MOPH National Convention Hotel Reservations Link

 

If you are interested in purchasing a Sponsorship/Convention Book advertisement, please click the link below for more information.

Click here for the 2024 Convention Sponsorship form.

 

Click HERE for information on scooter rentals. The prices range from $35/day to $60/day with a 2-day minimum rental.

 

NOTE: ***If you are having issues with payment on the Department of Florida registration website, please call your bank and inform them that you are trying to register for the Military Order of the Purple Heart National Convention and the charges are legitimate. ***

 

Also, there are many Rosen hotels in Orlando, please make sure you will select the Rosen Plaza at 9700 International Drive in Orlando.