A Message from Chairman Dr. Quinn Peeper

Dear Members and Friends of the ESU Community,

We are approaching the start of a new program year on July 1 and I would like to invite you to renew your membership in the English-Speaking Union (ESU) and if you are not yet a member to join us in our community of Anglophiles who appreciate the power of the English language to build bridges and open up opportunities. I also encourage you to consider upgrading to National Patron status, joining the ranks of our most generous and loyal supporters.

I am also excited to announce a new membership renewal process that will be entirely electronic. Instead of a mailed membership renewal package in early July, you will receive a series of emails reminding you to renew or join. This year the renewal process will be starting on September 1 to give Branches time to adjust to the changes in membership. Additionally, membership will now be on a rolling one-year basis from the date you signed up. 

This new renewal process will offer several key benefits:

• You can join or renew at any time of the year, rather than being restricted to a specific renewal period. This allows you to become a member whenever it’s most convenient for you.
• You will enjoy uninterrupted access to all ESU programs without worrying about a lapse in membership. This will ensure that you can consistently take advantage of events, resources, and opportunities.
• You will receive timely and relevant renewal reminders tailored to your individual renewal date. This will make it easier to remember to renew and will reduce the risk of accidentally letting your membership lapse.
• And new members can join immediately and start benefiting from the membership right away, without having to wait for the beginning of a program year.

And now that I have touched upon on the how of the renewal process, let me move on to why you should renew or join.

As those of you who have been part of the organization already know, the ESU is a thriving fellowship where members enjoy enriching experiences and form lasting connections. The social events organized by our Branches are always lively and engaging occasions to meet like-minded individuals and share in our collective passion for the English language and culture.

ESU Greenwich Branch Garden Party

The popular ESU Happy Hour Program, already in its eighth season, allows members to enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from the comfort of their homes, while the ESU Evelyn Wrench lectures bring insightful and thought-provoking discussions by renowned international speakers right to our doorstep.

Evelyn Wrench Speaker Andrew Lownie at the ESU Headquarters

One of the highlights of the ESU calendar is the Annual General Conference, which this year will be hosted by the ESU Cleveland Branch, October 18-20, 2024. This conference will be especially notable as it coincides with the ESU of the Commonwealth's International Council Meeting, bringing to Cleveland representatives of ESUs from around the world. We promise that the conference program will be especially memorable, featuring substantive discussions about the ESU future, along with exciting social and cultural events that showcase Cleveland's rich cultural heritage.

But beyond these wonderful activities, the true reward of being part of the ESU is witnessing the profound impact of our programs on the lives of thousands of middle and high school students, teachers, English language learners, and new immigrants. The success and gratitude of the beneficiaries of our programs are a testament to the difference we make together.

And now I turn to all of you who have experienced first-hand the ESU’s remarkable programs and initiatives – our TLab, Luard Morse and Secondary School Exchange scholars, the families of our National Shakespeare Competition participants, the ESU volunteers, our ARNIC and English in Action alumni and everyone else who has been touched by the ESU. 

You know better than anyone the value of our work. Become a member and help ensure that these programs continue to thrive and benefit future generations.

The ESU needs all of you – new and returning members. But it needs you even more as National Patrons. 

Becoming an ESU National Patron holds immense value: it signifies a special commitment to our mission. It provides vital support not only to the national programs. Since half of your Patron's dues goes back to the Branches, you will strengthen your Branch's programs too - from sponsoring a TLab scholar to sending a student to New York for the National Shakespeare Competition, to supporting local charities, to hosting in-person local events.

The elevated National Patron status also comes with exclusive privileges. 

As a Patron you will enjoy special recognition at the traditional invitation-only National Patron reception during the ESU Annual General Conference. Prominent listing of your name in the ESU annual report and on the website will show your special place of honor within our organization. And you are invited to join the exclusive ESU National Patron Tours that present unique experiences of cultural enrichment and unforgettable adventures made possible by the ESU's network of connections built over a century. 

This fall, the National Patron Tour "Shakespeare and Palladio in the Veneto" promises an unparalleled journey to this marvelous region of Italy. Guided by our Italian host, art historian Count Stefano Aluffi-Pentini, the group will have behind-closed-doors access to private villas and hidden treasures scattered across the picturesque Veneto landscapes.

Dear friends, join us in this new program year. The ESU is a vibrant forum for cultural and enrichment, fostering connections and making a lasting impact through the power of the English language. I promise you an exciting year filled with new experiences, new friendships and the profound sense of reward that comes from making a difference in the lives of others. Together, let's make this coming year our best yet.

With your generous support let’s continue to transform lives.

Best regards,

Dr. E. Quinn Peeper

Chairman

National Board of Directors

The English-Speaking Union of the United States