TOPS UPDATE

Barb Cady’s Lesson

Find the Way

Of the many life lessons lived during this year, the most significant one is that we have to keep looking for a solution. We cannot let obstacles, challenges, problems, detours, roadblocks and events stop the journey.

This has been a year of not-so-terrific “firsts” in TOPS. For the first time in 72 years, chapters were forbidden from meeting throughout the U.S. and Canada. For the first time in 65 years, we were not permitted to host an international recognition event. Many people offered negative opinions about what the future might hold for us. However, these people and circumstances have not defeated the TOPS spirit. In fact, we became stronger, closer and more determined as each circumstance was faced, addressed and resolved.

Chapters both got back to basics and moved into the future with equal ease. Folks began writing and sending actual letters and calling each other or the phone again. Reassurance was found in long-tested ways. People learned new skills to teleconference and hear each other’s voices in a group setting and even added seeing each other as we talked. We reported in during the times of our weekly meetings to keep accountability present, discuss progress and share how we were doing. We found ways to stay active together and still social distance. We found ways to share and encourage eating healthy. Drive-by events acknowledged each other’s accomplishments. We would not let “no” be the answer. We kept on meeting, supporting and caring every week. Our commitment to our mission is stronger. Quarantine was not an “excuse.”

When events had to be delayed or reformatted, we saw great creativity expressed to assure recognition of success achieved and efforts made. We were determined to find a way to honor achievements appropriately.

Using social media offered even more ways to show how much we care at every level. Using messages, memes and live feeds, we openly shared support and kept each other’s spirits high. Just like times when you know you have honestly worked your plan but the results do not seem to show, we leaned into it, breathed through it and kept looking for the way. We affirmed our determination with each other and kept reporting in. Moreover, the activity is continuing even though restrictions are lessening in some areas.

We are definitely getting back together and are stronger than ever.

I Care, Barb

TOPS UPDATE

(Updated May 14, 2020, at 11:10 a.m. Central time)  

TOPS President Updates When and How Meetings Will Resume

Dear TOPS Friends,

For the safety and protection of our members, a meeting ban in compliance with national, state and provincial guidelines was put in place on March 16 all across TOPS Nation. TOPS chapter meetings (and weigh-ins), KOPS Society meetings and other TOPS-sanctioned events were included in the ban.

Both US and Canadian governments have issued guidelines regarding when we can start returning to normal. Governors in each state and Premieres of each province will set target dates on how to re-open for various levels. Your Coordinator will inform you of the date government officials in your area will permit chapter meetings and other TOPS events. Even if your state/province/county/municipality has re-opened, the actual building where you meet may not allow public gatherings or may limit the number of people who can meet. Therefore, there is no absolute date when all TOPS chapter meetings and events may resume. 

TOPS Headquarters continues to operate with a reduced staff. As restrictions are gradually lessened, more staff will return to Headquarters. A small essential staff continues to process all renewals, fulfill award and TOPS tools orders received, write and publish the July/August issue of TOPS News and prepare for IRD 2020-21.

As always, your questions and concerns are important to us, and we will continue to provide answers as they become available. Your Coordinator is your best source for area-specific information. All decisions are being made in the best interest of our members and our great organization.

We will continue to update you as events unfold.

Sincerely TOPS,

TOPS UPDATE

TOPS President: TOPS Members Are Safer at Home Until at Least May 4

After careful consideration—talking with your Board of Directors and Field Staff around TOPS Nation and reviewing government recommendations—for the safety and protection of our members, the meeting ban that began March 16 is extended. All TOPS chapter meetings, (including weigh-ins), KOPS Society meetings, and events of any kind continue to be banned, with a tentative date to resume meeting the week of Monday, May 4, in areas where gatherings are allowed.

We realize that a lot can happen between now and May 4 and will be monitoring the situation closely, which is why the date listed is tentative. Expect any change to this date to be announced toward the end of April. With TOPS Nation spanning the better part of a continent, having a one-size-fits-all solution after this time is unlikely.

TOPS Headquarters is operating with a reduced staff to continue supporting your weight-loss efforts as you remain safer at home. As always, your local Field Staff are available to answer questions and provide basic chapter supplies and are your go-to resource for all things TOPS. In addition, many useful resources are available to all members in the Members Area of www.tops.org, which was recently revamped to provide a more personalized experience and ease of use. We encourage you to take this time to enjoy the many tools designed to keep you inspired and engaged in your weight-loss efforts while at home.

Your questions and concerns are important to us, which is why we have answered many of them on this webpage. We will continue to update you with details and answers as they become available. Keep reading for more about all the TOPS services still available during this time.

We’ll get through this together.

March 16, 2020

TOPS meetings are canceled until

April 12, 2020

Coronavirus Statement from TOPS President Rick Danforth

(March 16, 2020) Because the health and safety of our members is of utmost concern, effective immediately, all TOPS chapter meetings and KOPS Society meetings are canceled through Sunday, April 12. We will be monitoring the situation closely in the coming weeks and are prepared to extend the meeting ban if circumstances warrant.  

For those of you with upcoming State, Provincial and Area Recognition Days, your Coordinator will be reaching out to you in the coming weeks with updates. At this time, we are not issuing a blanket cancellation for all events since many are 8-16 weeks out, and some are already in the process of being rescheduled as facility availability allows. Leaders will be informed of any changes as soon as details are finalized in your area.  A list of rescheduled events appears below.

Please review the list of Frequently Asked Questions below for guidance on International Recognition Days, membership renewals, KOPS status and more.

March 12, 2020

This week's meeting has been cancelled.