To the Members of the First Serbian Benevolent Society,

I am writing to you to request that the bylaws of the Society be updated to allow women to become full members. The Society would benefit greatly from the addition of female members, as it would increase the resources available for outreach and community building and it would foster a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

Allowing women into the Society would increase membership and the funds available to the Society from annual dues. More members leads to more involvement in the coordination of events, scholarships, and outreach. Women are half of the Serbian-American population here in California and we want the opportunity to give back to our community through the Society. Personally, I have always enthusiastically participated in Serbian cultural activities, from attending and volunteering at Camp St. Sava in Jackson, to dancing in Mladost (a youth folklore troupe in San Francisco), and regularly attending services at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Saratoga. I have even participated in FSBS events, like attending the annual picnic with my family and modeling the traditional Montenegrin costume at the unveiling of a memorial statue at the Colma cemetery. By joining the FSBS, I would bring that energy and participation as a full member.

As a proud third generation Serbian-American, myself and other women would like to give back to the community that has been a central part of our lives and families. The First Serbian Benevolent Society is a haven for new immigrants and their families to find culture, community, and aid when they fall on hard times. The Society has donated to the building of the church in Saratoga, as well as other local churches, and tended to the upkeep of the cemetery in Colma. Additionally, the efforts made by the FSBS have contributed to cultural education and outreach by hosting events to celebrate art, history and a unification between generations. Many of us also have benefited greatly from the scholarships awarded to us by the Society because our fathers or brothers are members, allowing us to purchase textbooks and further our education. I am excited to see what the Society could accomplish by allowing women to join as full-fledged members.

As the oldest Serbian-Montenegrin organization in the United States, other Serbian benevolent institutions look to you as an example. You would be a catalyst for change and propelling the Serbian-American community into the 21st century if you allowed women to join your ranks.

I thank you for your time and consideration and look forward to hopefully working with you in the future as a member of the First Serbian Benevolent Society.