The intent of the policy is to encourage more efficient use of this valuable and unique service, while making the continuance of the service financially viable. A G E Membership continues to grow March marked the thirteenth consecutive month that the Society's membership grew, this time by 511 new members to 34,456. That is an increase over last year of nearly 2 percent. The figure is also up by 231 members over the end of 1996. During March, we brought in 480 new and reinstated members.
Retention continues to improve as well.
We have seen a higher percentage of renewals than in past years, which has led to 14 districts showing growth over last year. Add to that the six new charters that have been awarded so far this year, and we're growing on all fronts. A G E Celebrate our service projects at Indy A lot of you will be in Indy for the international convention this summer. On Tuesday night, come to the free Celebrate Youth Ice Cream Social in the spectacular Indianapolis Artsgarden. The world-renown Indianapolis Children's Choir will be highlighted at this event, as will some of the quartets who will compete in the MBNA America College Quartet Contest.