Our Activities

Historic Preservation – To perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence.

Promote Education – To promote knowledge of American History through study, essays, and community events.

Patriotic Endeavor – To cherish, maintain, and extend the institutions of American freedom, foster patriotism and love of country, and aid in securing for humankind the blessings of liberty.

To support these objectives, the Santa Lucia Chapter is involved in the following activities:

Constitution Week Display

Our chapter honors Constitution Week annually in a variety of ways. In September we create a month-long display in a local library to commemorate this important occasion.

Serving as “Virtual Volunteers”

The National Society Daughters of American Revolution needs volunteers to log lineage records and other documentation.  Some of our members are assisting with the Genealogical Records Committee's indexing of books in the NSDAR.  One member has earned her Bookworm Pin for her concentrated effort in indexing hardbound books onto computer discs for future reference.  She is now helping with the Master Every Name Project.  Another member volunteers on the NSDAR Website Review Committee. 

Participating in Community Events and Patriotic Activities

Our chapter enjoys participating in parades, memorial ceremonies, and community celebrations.  We had fun donning handmade mob caps to join in the Parade of Lights in our community.  We commemorate historic events such as the Signing of the Treaty of Paris, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Flag Day, and Veteran's Day.

Conservation Efforts

Our chapter has "gone green." Several members have supported the California State DAR's 'green bag' sales, which help provide eco-boxes at the California Condor exhibit at the Santa Barbara Zoo.  A speaker from the Ventana Wildlife Society in Salinas provided an education meeting on this endangered bird at one of our chapter meetings.  Our Regent writes a monthly newsletter to all members, the majority of which are emailed to members with internet access. Our chapter has planted trees to assist with beautification projects.

Recognizing Students

Through essay contests, history contests, and Good Citizenship Awards for Senior High School students, our chapter is active in supporting students in our community.  The student who receives the Good Citizenship award receives a DAR Good Citizens pin, certificate, wallet recognition card, and a monetary award. This student then becomes eligible to enter the DAR Good Citizens Scholarship Contest.  In addition, we honor ROTC units in our area with medals and recognition at our annual Awards Program and Tea.
 

Helping DAR Schools

Our chapter is honored to be active in assisting NSDAR recognized schools, including two DAR schools, two schools for American Indian students, and three other DAR approved schools.  We lend support through the Campbell Soup Labels for Education Program and the General Mills' Box Tops for Education Program, as well as financial donations. 

Serving our Veterans

Our Santa Lucia DAR has donated toward a Fisher House in the Northern California region. Supporting America's military in their time of need, Fisher House provides "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury. 

We also collect dozens of calendars each year which are donated to veterans at the Veteran's Hospital in Palo Alto.  In 2007 we donated funds to "liberty carts" ~ golf carts that can be used by our Veterans at Veterans Hospitals to get around.  We also supported the California Veterans Cemetery project.

DAR Project Patriot

As part of our participation in DAR Project Patriot, we send dozens of Holiday Cards and treats to our seriously wounded active duty military personnel who are receiving care at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.  The husband of one of our members is in active duty, stationed in Afghanistan.  Our chapter has adopted his military unit so that we can send care packages and letters of appreciation.

Providing Flags

We are proud to see the American Flag, a symbol of our country, promoted and used properly. Our chapter provides flags to schools, libraries, and various other places.  We also give Certificates of Appreciation to local businesses that proudly fly the American flag. 

Community Volunteering

We are an active group of women who strive to make positive contributions in our communities. Many of our members are involved in our community as volunteers in libraries, schools, and museums, including coaching for the First Tee Youth Golf Program, gardening at the First Mayor’s House, tutoring children at schools and libraries, and serving as a Patron of the Valley Guild for the Steinbeck House.

The historic Steinbeck House (above) where author John Steinbeck was raised.