Three Million Hours of Community Service in 2013!

[Palos Verdes, CA] –DAR Sees Record Growth in New Members in 2013

With the final 2013 membership statistics now collected, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recorded its most significant gain in new members in the history of the 123 year old organization. A record 13,906 new members were welcomed into the DAR in 2013! The previous record was set more than 90 years ago in 1921 when 13,805 women were accepted into the organization in that year.

At the core, DAR is a grass roots organization with members primarily volunteering their time on the local level. In addition to increased technology, the growth of DAR membership can be attributed to DAR chapters making a great impact in their local communities, illustrating how DAR is a meaningful and relevant organization that today’s woman should want to join. Prospective members see that DAR members are making a substantial difference in their communities, contributing to a combined 3 million hours of community service around the world in 2013 alone. Many women also recognize that joining DAR is a way for them to honor and preserve their family history, because when their DAR application is approved, all of the genealogical family history that is included with it is conserved by the DAR for all future generations.

Point Vicente Chapter, with over 100 members is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and is one of the 114 chapters in California that have contributed to the three million hours of community service this past year. Below are just a few examples:

• Local students were recognized with awards and DAR scholarships for academic excellence, good citizenship and knowledge of American history.
• Outstanding members of Junior Reserve Officer Corps (JROTC) from local high schools were awarded medals for outstanding service.
• Local American veterans and VA institutions were given many hours of volunteer services by the chapter. A public Veteran’s Day Ceremony included placing a wreath at the Veteran’s Memorial at Green Hills Memorial Park.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history, and support better education for our nation's children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 177,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world's largest and most active service organizations. To learn more about the work of today's DAR, visit www.DAR.org.