2026 Virtual WorkshopsWhat is a Virtual Workshop? The Virginia SAR is proud to offer a growing series of Virtual Workshops designed to equip compatriots with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead, serve, and strengthen our chapters and communities. These online sessions bring together experienced presenters, practical guidance, and the shared wisdom of compatriots across the Commonwealth and beyond. Whether you’re a new officer, a committee chair, or simply eager to deepen your engagement, these workshops provide an accessible, supportive space to learn, connect, and advance the mission of the Sons of the American Revolution. Jan 2026
Participants will gain practical guidance on organizing their teams, strengthening member engagement, supporting state-level initiatives, and upholding the mission of the Sons of the American Revolution in their local communities. Whether you are leading a large, established chapter or a smaller, growing one, this workshop offers a grounded, encouraging start to your year of service.
Feb 2026
This session will provide clear, practical guidance on the federal reporting responsibilities of nonprofit organizations—knowledge essential for every chapter committed to transparency, compliance, and strong stewardship of member resources. Whether you are new to chapter leadership or seeking to strengthen your understanding of IRS expectations, this workshop offers timely, authoritative insight.
March 2026
This session can benefit people in all phases of their leadership development. The learning can be applied in the SAR and at work. In this session you will take an assessment to get a baseline on your leadership development. We will discuss how the leadership traits impact organizations. Participants will leave with a leadership development plan.
May 2026
Compatriot Ken Hawkins will discuss awards and answer questions about awards available to be presented by chapters and members. He will answer questions about how to nominate and recognize SAR members and members of the community.
Compatriot Jim Engler will be presenting the new NSSAR SMART tracker that is replacing the Americanism Report. The new tracker also combines several other reporting forms such as the Stark Report, Public Service and others into a single workbook. Learn about how this new reporting tool will be used and how your chapter can get the most out if it.
August 2026
This workshop provides an overview of the Patriot Research System (PRS) and its growing role in supporting NSSAR genealogy, historical preservation, and member engagement activities. Topics include Patriot records, lineage connections, record copy access, genealogy correction files, patriot grave documentation, the developing Patriot Tree, and opportunities for volunteers and chapters to contribute to improving and expanding PRS data. The session is intended for all SAR members, especially compatriots interested in honoring and preserving the legacy of Revolutionary War Patriots through active participation in the PRS program.
October 2026
Virginia Compatriot Chris Yohn will present The American Revolution on the Pennsylvania Frontier as revealed in his book Liberty’s Land. The men, women and children who settled the West Branch of the Susquehanna Valley made remarkable contributions to American independence and their real-life experiences are more compelling than anything that could have been imagined. In fact, contemporary writings confirm without these heroes, our nation may not have become a reality. But, few have heard of them and what they did.
The action covers the course of the conflict, as locals defend the valley and march with the Continental Army through the war’s major events. But, more than a simple war story, events veer into espionage, conspiracy and murder through a prominent local “patriot” who, unknown until the 1930’s, was a Tory spy who became Benedict Arnold’s agent and accepted the first payment for his treason.
November 2026
Virginia Compatriot Walter Bailey will bring an America 250 event to us on the Cherokee War of 1776. This is a history topic that is not as familiar as the Battle of the Capes or the Surrender at Yorktown, but took place in Virginia and land that would become neighboring states. Below is a brief opening to the presentation, but join us via zoom. We appreciate Compatriot Bailey for bringing his research and knowledge on this topic to our attention.
“The Cherokee War was not a separate event occurring somewhere on the margins of the Revolution. It was part of the Revolutionary War as it was experienced on Virginia’s southwestern frontier. In the summer of 1776, at essentially the same moment Virginians were declaring independence from Great Britain, the settlements along the Holston, Clinch, New, and adjoining waters faced a major Cherokee offensive. Virginia responded by mobilizing militia, strengthening frontier defenses, and ultimately mounting one of the largest military operations undertaken by the Commonwealth during the early Revolution.”
January 2027
The new SMART Report (that replaced the Americanism Report in 2026) has been a success and has begun providing the SAR with great information about the state of the State Societies and the local chapters. As with all new initiatives, there have been updates and changes to address feedback, and Compatriot Dale Corey will provide an overview of those. Join us so that your chapter can continue to get credit for the great work it is doing and keep Virginia strong in the new year!
TBD
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