DAR COMMITTEES
"We are a service organization with a genealogical anchor."
"NSDAR came into being when patriotic women connected by the commonality of an ancestor who fought to make us a nation created an organization dedicated to ensuring that their ancestors' sacrifices were neither in vain nor forgotten. Today we represent those patriots and those founding Daughters. To match their service requires work on our part. That is what being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution is all about." - Lee Gentemann, Mary Ball Chapter Regent, 2014-2018
What is YOUR passion? How do YOU want to serve? Within DAR, we accomplish the majority of our work by a committee system. Each chapter chooses its committees based on its own special character, defined by its members' abilities, talents, and interests. The committees work to carry out NSDAR mission objectives while fostering leadership, cooperation, and friendship among our members. Mary Ball Chapter has many active committees on which you may serve. They are listed below and most have a link to the corresponding DAR national committee webpage. Chapter members have many of opportunities to serve annually at any level that is comfortable for your time and ability!
Please contact the Regent or Executive Board members with your questions and offers of service. All service work counts to Service to America totals!
Please contact the Regent or Executive Board members with your questions and offers of service. All service work counts to Service to America totals!
Service Committees
American Heritage: Promotes the preservation of American heritage in the fields of arts, crafts, drama, and literature. Member contests are available in all fields.
American History: Promotes American History throughout the year. American History and Christopher Columbus are essay contests for schools. Promotes Women in History with local selection of a notable community contributor and recognizes outstanding teachers of American History.
American Indians: Encourages awareness of American Indian heritage. Provides funding for Bacone College, Chemawa Indian School, Indian Youth of America Summer Camp, and financial assistance for educational opportunities benefitting American Indians.
Americanism: Oversees the approval process for the DAR Medal of Honor and the DAR Americanism Medal and encourages DAR members to become involved in their local naturalization process and assist new immigrants with citizenship.
Chapter Achievement Awards: Measures the health of our chapters.
Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.): Encourages DAR support of C.A.R. work and principle. The C.A.R. organization guides young people so they may grow into good citizens and honor the principles which are shared with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Commemorative Events: Coordinates the celebration of National Society observances as well as commemorative events in the state.
Community Service Awards: Provides a unique opportunity for chapters and states to provide a non-competitive recognition to worthy individuals and organizations for outstanding voluntary service.
Conservation: Educates members and promotes wise use, repair, and restoration of our earth's resources. Awards the Conservation Medal for conservation achievements. Promotes DAR forests.
Constitution Week: Brings the U.S. Constitution and the importance of its preservation to the attention of the general public. Constitution Week is celebrated annually September 17-23.
DAR Good Citizens: Works with local high schools to recognize and reward high school seniors who possess and exhibit “Good Citizen” qualities. Administers Good Citizen Award & Scholarship Contest.
DAR Library: Supports the DAR world class genealogy library by informing members of the libraries "Wish List" and assisting members in donating items to the library
DAR Magazine: "American Spirit" Promotes subscribing to the magazine in the chapter and assists members in the subscription process.
DAR Museum Outreach: The Mission of the DAR Museum Outreach Committee is "to support the National Society’s goals of preservation, education, and patriotism by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the material culture and social history of pre-industrial America."
DAR Project Patriot: Supports America's active duty military service personnel especially those involved in current conflicts abroad.
DAR Scholarship: DAR sponsors various scholarship awards to students for higher education.
DAR School: The committee supports five schools, one DAR School and four DAR approved Schools.
DAR Service for Veterans: Volunteers at local hospitals and assists with VA activities. Local chapters supply comfort items, reading materials, monetary support, and other material items as requested. Awards for service include the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer, the Outstanding Youth Volunteer, and the Outstanding DAR Service for Veterans Volunteer Award.
Genealogical Records: Collects, preserves and increases the holdings of unpublished genealogical source materials in the DAR Library and makes those same records available world wide through an online, every-name index. Also, collects unpublished records for the WSSDAR Library.
Historic Preservation: Promotes historic preservation of all kinds to include sites and properties. Historic Preservation Medal and Historic Preservation Awards are available as well as opportunities to participate in the chapter contest.
Insignia: Assists members in the proper use and placement of insignia, various service pins, and bars upon the ribbons as authorized by the National Board of Management.
Junior American Citizens (JAC): Helps children from preschool to 12th grade learn what it means to be a good citizen and promotes civics education, American heritage and history, love of country and service.
Junior Membership: Encourages young women (ages 18- 35) to become active members of the NSDAR. Holds Outstanding Junior Member Contest yearly.
Lineage Research: Helps prospective members research and obtain documentation for their DAR applications.
Literacy Promotion: Promotes literacy in both children and adults. Is defined as reading, writing, and speaking English as well as processing information well enough to function on the job and in society.
Membership: Promotes membership in DAR. Volunteers serve as liaisons between NSDAR and members.
National Defense: Supports a strong educated citizenry which then creates an enlightened public to support and defend our country. Collects and presents articles of interest regarding national defense. Recognizes patriotic students, elementary through high school. Provides patriotic materials to students. Presents DAR Youth Citizenship and DAR Distinguished Citizen Medals, JROTC/ROTC awards.
President General's Project: The President General’s Project is an opportunity for all Daughters to rise up in support of endeavors that will allow our National Society to shine.
Public Relations and Media Press Coverage: Writes publicity articles for newspaper, television, and radio. Arranges for publicity when DAR members are in public community activities. Participates in social media websites to communicate informally with current and prospective members online.
The Flag of the United States of America: Promotes a strong patriotic feeling and respect for the American flag while teaching about its correct usage.
Volunteer Genealogists: Volunteer “Genies,” who are NSDAR-trained, assist with the completion of well-documented applications and with verification of supplemental information. Field Genealogists conduct workshops for both members and prospective members. Outstanding Volunteer Genealogist Award is presented in this field.
Volunteer Information Specialists (VIS): VIS Committee members are the sunbeams that help DAR Rise and Shine for America and are members who use computer technology skills to serve on the chapter, state, and national levels monitoring website and social media use. Chapter VIS committee webmaster and committee creates and maintains chapter website and social media, plus performs various computer work as needed by the chapter.
Women's Issues: The Women’s Issues Committee is designed to be a special place for Daughters, focusing on Health, Career, and Family; we educate and empower ourselves to serve the Society and our communities.
American History: Promotes American History throughout the year. American History and Christopher Columbus are essay contests for schools. Promotes Women in History with local selection of a notable community contributor and recognizes outstanding teachers of American History.
American Indians: Encourages awareness of American Indian heritage. Provides funding for Bacone College, Chemawa Indian School, Indian Youth of America Summer Camp, and financial assistance for educational opportunities benefitting American Indians.
Americanism: Oversees the approval process for the DAR Medal of Honor and the DAR Americanism Medal and encourages DAR members to become involved in their local naturalization process and assist new immigrants with citizenship.
Chapter Achievement Awards: Measures the health of our chapters.
Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.): Encourages DAR support of C.A.R. work and principle. The C.A.R. organization guides young people so they may grow into good citizens and honor the principles which are shared with the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Commemorative Events: Coordinates the celebration of National Society observances as well as commemorative events in the state.
Community Service Awards: Provides a unique opportunity for chapters and states to provide a non-competitive recognition to worthy individuals and organizations for outstanding voluntary service.
Conservation: Educates members and promotes wise use, repair, and restoration of our earth's resources. Awards the Conservation Medal for conservation achievements. Promotes DAR forests.
Constitution Week: Brings the U.S. Constitution and the importance of its preservation to the attention of the general public. Constitution Week is celebrated annually September 17-23.
DAR Good Citizens: Works with local high schools to recognize and reward high school seniors who possess and exhibit “Good Citizen” qualities. Administers Good Citizen Award & Scholarship Contest.
DAR Library: Supports the DAR world class genealogy library by informing members of the libraries "Wish List" and assisting members in donating items to the library
DAR Magazine: "American Spirit" Promotes subscribing to the magazine in the chapter and assists members in the subscription process.
DAR Museum Outreach: The Mission of the DAR Museum Outreach Committee is "to support the National Society’s goals of preservation, education, and patriotism by collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting the material culture and social history of pre-industrial America."
DAR Project Patriot: Supports America's active duty military service personnel especially those involved in current conflicts abroad.
DAR Scholarship: DAR sponsors various scholarship awards to students for higher education.
DAR School: The committee supports five schools, one DAR School and four DAR approved Schools.
DAR Service for Veterans: Volunteers at local hospitals and assists with VA activities. Local chapters supply comfort items, reading materials, monetary support, and other material items as requested. Awards for service include the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer, the Outstanding Youth Volunteer, and the Outstanding DAR Service for Veterans Volunteer Award.
Genealogical Records: Collects, preserves and increases the holdings of unpublished genealogical source materials in the DAR Library and makes those same records available world wide through an online, every-name index. Also, collects unpublished records for the WSSDAR Library.
Historic Preservation: Promotes historic preservation of all kinds to include sites and properties. Historic Preservation Medal and Historic Preservation Awards are available as well as opportunities to participate in the chapter contest.
Insignia: Assists members in the proper use and placement of insignia, various service pins, and bars upon the ribbons as authorized by the National Board of Management.
Junior American Citizens (JAC): Helps children from preschool to 12th grade learn what it means to be a good citizen and promotes civics education, American heritage and history, love of country and service.
Junior Membership: Encourages young women (ages 18- 35) to become active members of the NSDAR. Holds Outstanding Junior Member Contest yearly.
Lineage Research: Helps prospective members research and obtain documentation for their DAR applications.
Literacy Promotion: Promotes literacy in both children and adults. Is defined as reading, writing, and speaking English as well as processing information well enough to function on the job and in society.
Membership: Promotes membership in DAR. Volunteers serve as liaisons between NSDAR and members.
National Defense: Supports a strong educated citizenry which then creates an enlightened public to support and defend our country. Collects and presents articles of interest regarding national defense. Recognizes patriotic students, elementary through high school. Provides patriotic materials to students. Presents DAR Youth Citizenship and DAR Distinguished Citizen Medals, JROTC/ROTC awards.
President General's Project: The President General’s Project is an opportunity for all Daughters to rise up in support of endeavors that will allow our National Society to shine.
Public Relations and Media Press Coverage: Writes publicity articles for newspaper, television, and radio. Arranges for publicity when DAR members are in public community activities. Participates in social media websites to communicate informally with current and prospective members online.
The Flag of the United States of America: Promotes a strong patriotic feeling and respect for the American flag while teaching about its correct usage.
Volunteer Genealogists: Volunteer “Genies,” who are NSDAR-trained, assist with the completion of well-documented applications and with verification of supplemental information. Field Genealogists conduct workshops for both members and prospective members. Outstanding Volunteer Genealogist Award is presented in this field.
Volunteer Information Specialists (VIS): VIS Committee members are the sunbeams that help DAR Rise and Shine for America and are members who use computer technology skills to serve on the chapter, state, and national levels monitoring website and social media use. Chapter VIS committee webmaster and committee creates and maintains chapter website and social media, plus performs various computer work as needed by the chapter.
Women's Issues: The Women’s Issues Committee is designed to be a special place for Daughters, focusing on Health, Career, and Family; we educate and empower ourselves to serve the Society and our communities.
National Special Committees
America 250! The U.S. Congress has established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to begin planning for 2026. DAR has established the America 250! Special Committee to plan DAR’s involvement and maximize its visibility during our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. DAR state societies and chapters are asked to name chairs.
Community Classrooms State Regents are encouraged to appoint a Community Classroom State Chair and ask their chapters to appoint a Community Classroom Chair. Chapter Community Classroom Chairs are encouraged to assist their chapters in adopting a classroom or school to provide time and/or financial support.
DAR DNA Network Since 2016, the DAR DNA Network Committee has worked with members and partners to educate on the use of DNA testing for genealogy, encourage more members to test themselves and family members, and understand how to better utilize DNA information in the application process.
Educational Resources The Educational Resources Committee was established to electronically provide lesson plans focusing on America, its history, government, heritage, genealogy, as well as related language and/or math topics.
Leadership Training Member Training Courses provide an opportunity for members to learn more about DAR and how to become active and engaged participants in DAR at all levels — chapter, state, and national. Currently, the following courses are available: Members Course – Explore the many aspects of DAR and what it means to be a Daughter. Committee Leaders Course – Learn what it takes to be a more effective committee leader, from the chapter level all the way up to national chair. New Horizons Course – Build confidence and leadership skills as an aspiring or current DAR leader.
Patriot Records Project The work of the Patriot Records Project Committee will make finding and identifying Revolutionary War patriots in hard to search collections easier than ever. The project will forward the names names of men, women and businesses who helped to finance the War for Independence.
Service to America Daughters are encouraged to devote time to meaningful service promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism within their communities in order to demonstrate the vibrancy of Today’s DAR.
Community Classrooms State Regents are encouraged to appoint a Community Classroom State Chair and ask their chapters to appoint a Community Classroom Chair. Chapter Community Classroom Chairs are encouraged to assist their chapters in adopting a classroom or school to provide time and/or financial support.
DAR DNA Network Since 2016, the DAR DNA Network Committee has worked with members and partners to educate on the use of DNA testing for genealogy, encourage more members to test themselves and family members, and understand how to better utilize DNA information in the application process.
Educational Resources The Educational Resources Committee was established to electronically provide lesson plans focusing on America, its history, government, heritage, genealogy, as well as related language and/or math topics.
Leadership Training Member Training Courses provide an opportunity for members to learn more about DAR and how to become active and engaged participants in DAR at all levels — chapter, state, and national. Currently, the following courses are available: Members Course – Explore the many aspects of DAR and what it means to be a Daughter. Committee Leaders Course – Learn what it takes to be a more effective committee leader, from the chapter level all the way up to national chair. New Horizons Course – Build confidence and leadership skills as an aspiring or current DAR leader.
Patriot Records Project The work of the Patriot Records Project Committee will make finding and identifying Revolutionary War patriots in hard to search collections easier than ever. The project will forward the names names of men, women and businesses who helped to finance the War for Independence.
Service to America Daughters are encouraged to devote time to meaningful service promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism within their communities in order to demonstrate the vibrancy of Today’s DAR.
Chapter Committees
Chapter Website (VIS): Maintains and updates the public and private chapter Website and manages chapter social media accounts.
JROTC Awards Program: Organizes the presentation of JROTC/ROTC medals and certificates to local high school and college programs; recruits chapter members to participate in the awards ceremony at each school.
Wreaths Across America: Organizes chapter participation in the WAA program, to include fundraising to purchase wreaths that will be placed on veterans' graves at Camp Lewis Cemetery during a nationwide remembrance ceremony.
Social Media/Facebook: Administrates, updates and monitors private and public Facebook pages.
Directory/Yearbook: Prepares a yearbook annually, including rosters and bylaws or a supplement.
Newsletter: Prepares and distributes chapter newsletters.
Finance: Considers requests for funds and prepares and submits a yearly budget based on expected annual income.
Continental Congress: All daughters have an opportunity to be a part of Continental Congress by working on one of the 22 congress committees. Members interested in attending congress should submit their names to the State Regent by January 1 of each calendar year for submission to the Office of the President General.
Units Overseas: Promotes involvement, support and the development of DAR chapters outside the United States.
Chapter Audit: Audits the books of the Treasurer before the annual meeting.
Bylaws: Reviews and offers bylaw amendments and/or standing rule revisions when necessary or desired by the membership.
Ways and Means: Conducts the chapter fundraising events, including the basket raffle at the monthly chapter meeting.
Hospitality: Shall telephone members for meetings and greet members and guests at the door at Chapter events, including making and handing out name tags.
JROTC Awards Program: Organizes the presentation of JROTC/ROTC medals and certificates to local high school and college programs; recruits chapter members to participate in the awards ceremony at each school.
Wreaths Across America: Organizes chapter participation in the WAA program, to include fundraising to purchase wreaths that will be placed on veterans' graves at Camp Lewis Cemetery during a nationwide remembrance ceremony.
Social Media/Facebook: Administrates, updates and monitors private and public Facebook pages.
Directory/Yearbook: Prepares a yearbook annually, including rosters and bylaws or a supplement.
Newsletter: Prepares and distributes chapter newsletters.
Finance: Considers requests for funds and prepares and submits a yearly budget based on expected annual income.
Continental Congress: All daughters have an opportunity to be a part of Continental Congress by working on one of the 22 congress committees. Members interested in attending congress should submit their names to the State Regent by January 1 of each calendar year for submission to the Office of the President General.
Units Overseas: Promotes involvement, support and the development of DAR chapters outside the United States.
Chapter Audit: Audits the books of the Treasurer before the annual meeting.
Bylaws: Reviews and offers bylaw amendments and/or standing rule revisions when necessary or desired by the membership.
Ways and Means: Conducts the chapter fundraising events, including the basket raffle at the monthly chapter meeting.
Hospitality: Shall telephone members for meetings and greet members and guests at the door at Chapter events, including making and handing out name tags.
