The work of the A.R.O.Y. is carried out during the year by the various committees of the National Board.  Over the years, various committees have been established to meet the needs of the organization and complete the projects initiated by the A.R.O.Y. Conference and National Board.  If you have any questions about any of these committees, feel free to contact one of the individuals involved.

Membership


There is a great potential to expand the membership and works of our organization.  Our diocese numbers nearly 100 communities, so as the youth auxiliary of our Church we must reach out and integrate these young people and their respective parishes into A.R.O.Y.  The committee works with leaders and young people in parishes of the Episcopate to organize, activate and ultimately be able to maintain an active A.R.O.Y. chapter.

Fundraising


Much of our "good works" require financial support, so we must bring in funds in order to continue and expand our efforts.  The committee develops, solicits and presents profitable (and feasible) fundraising projects to the board for approval and implementation.  These efforts are separate from those that may be developed by the special projects committee, whose work is more directed toward specific causes, rather than general operating funds.

Congress


The visible presence of the A.R.O.Y. during the Episcopate Congress is an excellent way to make ourselves known among our parish communities.  The Congress is a once-a-year gathering of clergy, representatives and parishioners of our Episcopate at Vatra Românească for a weekend of meetings, services, meals, fellowship, and cultural events.  The committee is responsible to staff an informational booth and materials and make sure board members are present to answer questions, etc., and organize sports or other activities for those young people attending.

Special Projects


There is always room for improvement and new ideas, in addition to the "trusted and true" methods of the past.  The committee works with the president to discuss and develop new projects, either for specific charitable causes, or as new ways to demonstrate the ideals of our organization and better unify our membership.  Various projects are decided on by the committee and inserted into the calendar through the year (some on an annual basis).  Although these events are usually some sort of fundraiser, the funds collected may be disbursed as charitable donations to worthy causes on behalf of A.R.O.Y., and not necessarily used exclusively for the operating expenses of the organization.

Chapter Liaisons


Good and consistent communication with our chapters is necessary to help the organization work efficiently and to facilitate the work of the chapters to be in concert with the programs and calendars of the National Board.  The committee contacts and conveys directives, projects, etc., to the chapters, and in turn answers questions and keeps records of the activities of local chapters, presenting updates to the National Board on a regular basis.  Additionally, following up on communications from various committees of the National Board to the chapters acts as a reinforcement to efficiency and productivity.

Yearbook


Keeping professional, accurate, and thorough records of the activities of the organization is beneficial not only to the present generation, but, more importantly, to the preservation and archiving of the past for future reference, recollection and use.  The committee works with the chapters to obtain their respective historical records for the year, then pass them on to the designer for publication.  Additionally, advertisements and other items must be solicited in order to make the project financially profitable.

AROY Newsletter


For over 30 years, The A.R.O.Y. News has been the official publication of our organization.  The bi-monthly magazine acts as communicative tool to our chapter members, alumni, clergy, and other interested readers, and showcases announcements, spiritual, cultural and contemporary articles, photographs, current events, etc.  The committee gathers information from various sources, including members of the National Board and chapters, and submits them to the designer for publication.  Written contributions from the committee are also necessary and helpful to bring a variety to the newsletter.  The mailing list of nearly 1000 addresses across the United States and Canada is maintained by the committee, and may also be used as a master database by the National Secretary.

Public Relations


Marketing our name and purposes to the Episcopate, the larger Church and the general public help to inform our communities about who we are.  The committee develops and designs various materials to act as “P.R.” tools for distribution.  Additionally, a quarterly college-mailing is coordinated with the A.R.O.Y. Newsletter committee and National Secretary as an outreach to our members at college/university.

Religious Education


Our organization exists in part to offer and encourage programs and activities in which a good, Orthodox Christian environment can flourish through our members and those around us.  The Spiritual Advisor, with help as needed from the committee, formulates and integrates educational offerings into designated events and activities of the organization. Utilizing various themes, as well as contemporary or traditional issues as bases for educating and helping our membership learn about themselves and their Church, helps us all grow stronger.

Sports


Part of the A.R.O.Y. tradition is rooted in many years of sports and athletic competition.  Currently, two tournaments are held during the year (men’s and women’s touch football and soccer in the fall / men’s basketball and co-ed volleyball in the spring).  The committee works with the host chapters to organize the schedules, necessary facilities/personnel, and parish involvement, then contacts the local chapters and other supporters to advertise and promote the events.  The President, and National Board if found necessary, approves the schedules, prices, events, etc., of the weekends before the chapter begins their promotions and final preparations.  Deadlines for roster submission, and adherence to the rules of the tournaments, as well as the overall maintenance of the tournament weekend is under the authority of the sports director(s), in conjunction with the local chapter, and in consultation with the National Board.

Website


In the “information age” of today, promoting and introducing ourselves to the world via the “world wide web” is a very important resource and communication tool for the A.R.O.Y.  The committee develops and designs the site, and secures current events from local chapters and board members/committees.  Accurate and updated information on the website is a very useful addition to our organization, which allows us to better communicate and share our work with anyone who wishes to learn about us.

 

© The American Romanian Orthodox Youth