THE October 2014
IVYETTE
Volume I4, Issue 10
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Zeta Chi Omega Chapter P.O. Box 25763 Alexandria, VA 22313
Greetings from the Basileus
Greetings Sorors, Fall is finally here and it’s time for us to “fall into action” as we kick off the last quarter of 2014 with service projects, pre-launch of our Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM International program platform, and membership reactivation events. AKALADES As we gear up for more to come, I want to personally thank the Membership Committee and all Chapter members who attended the Chapter Retreat held last month. With our theme, “Moving Forward: Strategy, Sisterhood and Service,” we learned about our new Launching New Dimensions of ServiceSM International program platform and gained valuable feedback from the membership on ways we can improve as a Chapter. As a reminder, please take a few minutes to preview the proposed 2015 Chapter calendar and provide your feedback to the Strategic Planning Committee at strategicplanning@akazco.org for consideration. “TEA ROSES” to Soror Audrey Prout, who served as program participant by providing a special grace. In addition, Soror Carol Turner facilitated an interactive dialogue regarding our 2011-2015 Strategic Plan initiatives and the ways our Chapter can move forward. A special “shout out” to Soror DeChane Dorsey, who did an outstanding job in serving as our Mistress of Ceremony, in addition to presenting the new International Program platform for 2014-2018. I’d like to personally thank the former Chapter Basilei who were in attendance as our special honorees at the Retreat. We truly have a legacy of leadership, and I am so thankful to each of you for paving the way! I’d also like to thank the Membership Committee for cohosting the Sisterly Relations and Reactivation event, in
partnership with the Ivy Foundation of Northern Virginia, Inc., held at Alex and Ani at the National Harbor waterfront. We appreciate all 45 sorors who came out and brought inactive sorors. Special thanks to Sorors Chandois Phillips, Inez “Chris” Pierce-Gray and Cora King for organizing this event. In addition to our internal focus on membership, the Chapter was quite engaged externally in the community, with the: Carpenter’s Shelter toiletries collection, A.I.C. Girls Project donations, AARP/Arlington Food Assistance Center food drive, Carpenter’s Shelter September Meal Service, Project StepOut, and Congressman Jim Moran’s Women’s Issues Conference. Sorors, thank you for continued generosity in helping others and taking genuine interest in the communities we serve. CONGRATULATIONS to Soror Ashley Huggins, our newly appointed Ivy Leaf Reporter! Soror Ashley has a professional background in Public Relations and will serve as the Ivy Leaf Reporter through December 31, 2015. We’d like to thank Soror Patricia Harris Thomas for her outstanding contributions as our outgoing Ivy Leaf Reporter. In addition, Sorors Adria Tippins-Owens and Amirah Salaam are our newly appointed Connection Committee Chairman and Co-Chairman, respectively. Please join me in thanking these sorors for their willingness to serve. ON THE HORIZON As a reminder, the 2015 Chapter budget, 2015 Chapter calendar and 2015-2016 Chapter slate of officers will be presented at the October General Membership meeting. Voting on these items will take place at the November General Membership meeting. There will be no mail-in ballots, so plan to be present at the November meeting to cast your vote. In addition, sorors are encouraged to pay Chapter dues now; installments are also accepted. (continued on page 3)
October 2014 Sun
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Executive Committee Meeting—7:00 PM
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Project StepOut 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. VA Voter Registration Deadline Bylaws Conf. Call
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ZCO History Book Reception 4:00 6:00 p.m. - Arlington Library
Membership Committee meeting 7:00 p.m. - Lee Center
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3rd Thursday: Transitions - - A Forum for Homeless Veterans 6:30 p.m. - LC, Gold Rooms 1 & 2
United Nations Day
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Project StepOut 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
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Executive Committee Meeting—7:00 PM
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Let us pray. Father, we thank You that we have been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of Your dear Son. We commit to live free from worry in the name of Jesus. We cast all of our cares—all our anxieties, all our worries, all our concerns—once and for all on You. We lay aside every weight and the sin of worry which does try so consistently to beset us. We thank you, Father, that You are able to keep that which we have committed unto You. We will not let our hearts be troubled. We abide in Your Word and Your Word abides in us. Thank you, Father, we are carefree. We walk in that peace which surpasses all understanding in Jesus’ name!
Soror Patricia Wallace, Chairman Spirit & Inspiration Committee
Desire – Ask – Believe - Receive Ask and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7. Are you a “worrier?” I suppose we all may have a tendency to worry. Some folks may be more pessimistic than others, and when they worry, it’s always the worst possible thing that comes to their minds first. Worrying is a great thief of time. I know someone who can go from distress to disaster in 5 seconds, and that has caused her no end of stressful days. Myself, well, I can get something stuck in my head, and it won’t let me go. That’s called “stewing.” Worriers believe they’re doing something positive about that troubling issue because they’re thinking about it. When actually what they’ve done is set off an escalating spiral that can ruin an entire day for themselves and those within their immediate vicinity.
Amen Basileus Report - cont’d. from page 1
Hosted by Upsilon Omega Chapter, the Northern Western Virginia (NWV) Cluster will be held in Richmond, Virginia, at the Richmond Convention Center on November 1, 2014. Registration details are forthcoming. All sorors are encouraged to attend. As previously announced and voted during our September General Membership meeting, the Chapter’s November General Membership meeting date has been moved to November 8, 2014 as a result of the NWV Cluster date. Our very own Soror Michelle Jones is the NWV Cluster Coordinator. Let’s show up - “Zeta Chi Omega” style!
We must recognize the pattern of entering that "worrying state of mind” and stop in midflight with a gentle reminder, in order to experience much more inner harmony, even under difficult circumstances. When you find yourself fretting over an issue, instead of working yourself into frenzy, STOP! Think about everything that’s going well. Then PRAY; have a conversation with the Father. “Have a little talk with Jesus; tell him all about your troubles. Hear our fainted cry, answer by and by. Feel a little prayer wheel turning; know a little fire is burning. Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right.”
As part of the new One Million Backpacks SM effort, sorors are asked to bring backpacks and school supplies to the October General Membership meeting for distribution at the NWV Cluster. There are several events and projects planned for October, including: Homeless Veterans Forum, History Book Release event, Connection Community Town Hall, and more. Please come out and support our Chapter events… get engaged today!
To affirm and claim God’s help, even before it’s given, is to receive it! Lift up your worries and ask for grace to get you through the rest of the day. There is an abundance of amazing grace available to all of us if we simply learn to ask for it. Ask with a grateful heart and you will be heard. In the words of Maya Angelou, “I know that when I pray, something wonderful happens. Not just to the person or persons for whom I’m praying, but also something wonderful happens to me. I’m grateful that I’m heard.”
Yours in sisterhood and service,
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Officers’ Reports As a part of Target Area V: Global Impact, let’s educate ourselves on the UN’s role in a strong US foreign policy and on our partnership with the UN.
Anti-Basileus
Soror Rhonda Luss
THINK HBCU KICKOFF! Each soror is to add the name of their college to their AKA online member profile. Simply, go to the sorority’s website at http://www.aka1908.com, log into “Members Only.” Once logged in, click on “My Degrees” and “Add Degrees/ Certifications.” This will allow you to add the name of the college you attended along with your degree(s). If your college is a HBCU, then HBCU will be shown with your college name.
Sorors, you did it again – completed another successful month of programs! The Health Initiatives Committee hosted a health information table at the Nauck Civic & Community Pride Day at Drew Model Elementary School on Saturday, September 20, 2014 from 12 noon – 5:00 p.m. While at the Nauck Civic and Community Pride Day, the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Initiative Committee, a sub-committee of the Health Initiatives Committee, took time to participate in the Adopt-A-Block cleanup of the block assigned to Zeta Chi Omega near the school. “TEA ROSES” go out to Soror Kim Speed and the Health Initiatives Committee for completing two community service projects in one day. This was a great demonstration of time management and great leadership.
Chapter sorors initiated at an HBCU are also asked to update profile information in our Chapter's database. To update your profile: (1) login to the 'Members Only' section; (2) click on 'Edit ZCO Membership Information; and (3) enter the name of your HBCU in the 'Historically Black College/University Name' field. We are asking sorors to update member profiles with both the Corporate office and Chapter by October 31, 2014. Thank you in advance for your prompt cooperation.
The Global Poverty Committee did it again! The committee served over 30 residents, including men, women, and children of the Carpenter’s Shelter on Sunday, September 21, 2014. The committee also presented toiletry items to the manager of the shelter. “SHOWERS OF IVY” go out to Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey and the Global Poverty Committee on a job well done.
Don’t forget to participate in the ’08 campaign by donating a minimum of $8 to your favorite HBCU. Just log into the sorority’s “Members Only” website, go into the online store and click on “Donations – HBCU.”
The next “Third Thursday” program is “Transitions” - A Forum for Homeless Veterans, presented by the Global Poverty and Social Justice & Human Rights (SJHR) Initiative Committees. Details are on page 6.
Lastly, share your HBCU pride on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter by sharing pictures, texts, or videos. Start your post with: ‘Are U Connected? I am because…….’ Don’t forget to tag @akasorority1908 and use hashtags #ThinkHBCU, #AKA1908.
LAUNCHING NEW DIMENSIONS OF SERVICE In support of Target Area I: Educational Enrichment, One Million Backpacks program, the Service Project Committee will be collecting backpacks for the Northern Western Virginia Cluster. Please donate a backpack.
NOVEMBER IS HBCU T-SHIRT MONTH!
UNITED NATIONS (UN) DAY OBSERVANCE On October 24, 2014 Alpha Kappa Alpha will observe UN Day. Alpha Kappa Alpha has celebrated United Nations (UN) Day since 1948. UN Day marks the anniversary of the enforcement, in 1945, of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the UN officially came into being.
All sorors are asked to wear their HBCU t-shirts at the November 8th General Membership meeting. HBCU photo sessions will be scheduled before and after the meeting. Be sure to come out and bring your HBCU spirit! 4
Program Initiatives Valid Virginia DMV-issued Veteran’s ID card Valid United States passport Other government-issued photo identification cards (must be issued by the US Government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or a political subdivision of the Commonwealth Valid college or university student photo identification card (must be from an institution of higher education located in Virginia) Employee identification card containing a photograph of the voter and issued by an employer of the voter in the ordinary course of the employer’s business, or Virginia Voter Photo ID Card obtained through any local general registrar’s office
Connection Committee
Soror Adria Tippins-Owens, Chairman Soror Amirah Salaam, Co-Chairman Greetings Sorors! Under the new leadership of Soror Adria Tippins-Owens (Chairman) and Soror Amirah Salaam (Co-Chairman), the Connection Committee is off to a good start: engaging new connections, participating in community functions, and spreading the wonderful spirit of “service to all mankind.”
A voter who does not bring an acceptable photo ID to the polls will be offered a provisional ballot (http://sbe.virginia.gov/). Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
CONGRESSMAN JIM MORAN’S WOMEN’S CONFERENCE On September 13th, several Zeta Chi Omega sorors, including Soror Kendra Gillespie, attended Congressman Jim Moran’s Women’s Conference at Washington Lee High School, Arlington, VA. The keynote speaker was Ms. Neera Tanden, who is the President of the Center for American Progress and Counsel to the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Ms. Tanden led a discussion on current legislation related to employment benefits, private pay systems, and updates to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Photos are on page 19.
MARYLAND SORORS: October 4th is the deadline to register to vote, and early voting for the General Election opens Thursday, October 23, 2014 through Thursday, October 30, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Please visit the following website for additional information http:// elections.state.md.us/voter_registration/index.html. Upcoming Event: During the third or fourth week of October 2014, the Zeta Chi Omega Connection Committee, in conjunction with the NOVA Urban League will host a Town Hall to discuss how high school students and the community-at-large should interact with the police. This event comes on the heels of the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. While details are being hashed out, we ask that you keep your calendars open. Additional information will be included in the Weekly Broadcast.
CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS CONFERENCE The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation convened its 44th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) during the week of September, 24-27, 2014 at the Washington, DC Convention Center. This four-day conference featured more than 70 policy sessions, a national town hall, a job and contract procurement fair, the annual Prayer Breakfast, the Phoenix Awards Gala (President Obama Dinner)—and much more. Zeta Chi Omega sorors were in attendance. VOTING REGISTRATION - NOVEMBER 4TH ELECTIONS VIRGINIA SORORS: October 14th is the deadline to register to vote on November 4th. Please note, there is a change in the voter identification law in VA (effective July 1, 2014) that will be enforced. The following identification cards are acceptable to vote:
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Program Initiatives The forum will promote awareness of Homeless Veterans and ongoing efforts to address this issue (at the federal, state and local levels). The forum will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center/Gold Rooms 1 & 2, 1108 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, VA. There will be a “Meet and Greet” at 6:30 p.m., followed by the forum at 7:00 p.m. We are in need of sorors to volunteer to assist with this program. If you are able to assist, please contact Soror Saundra McCulloughCobey. More details will be forthcoming.
Global Poverty Initiative
Soror Saundra McCullough-Cobey, Chairman TOILETRY COLLECTION Thank you sorors for your toiletry items donated over the past few months. You gave a total of 3,147 items that will be donated to the residences of the Carpenter’s Shelter. The items were presented on Sunday, September 21, 2014 during the meal service.
Project Giveback
Soror Sade Demery, Chairman Soror Carol Gibson, Co-Chairmen
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” – John Holmes
On Saturday September 6, 2014, the Northern Virginia (NOVA) Project Giveback Committee (pictured below) celebrated their 5th anniversary.
FOOD COLLECTION Global Poverty Initiative partnered with AARP to collect food items to end hunger. Of the 51 million people in the US who are at risk of hunger, 6 million are over the age of 60. Though this problem is large, AARP Foundation believes it is solvable. Through “Drive to End Hunger,” the Foundation seeks to put an end to senior hunger, by engaging in anti-hunger work at the local and national levels. AARP’s long-term goal is to shift the paradigm, so that our focus is less about short-term solutions that seek to put food on the table, and more about providing long-term sustainable solutions that solve the issue of senior hunger, increase food security among seniors, and decrease the numbers of hungry seniors in our country. Food items were collected at the Charles Houston Community Center in August and at the September General Membership meeting. Your donations were delivered to Arlington Food Assistance Center 2708 South Nelson Street, Arlington, VA and weighed by the food center. Our donated food items weighed 211 pounds. Sorors, thank you for your generous donations.
This celebration highlighted milestones and recognition of local community partners of their continued support towards the mission of feeding families in need, in the Northern Virginia communities during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Zeta Chi Soror Angela Turner (2nd right) received Award on behalf of Omega was Zeta Chi Omega awarded a plaque for our “Outstanding Support and Dedication to NOVA Project Giveback!” (continued on page 7)
“THIRD THURSDAY” PROGRAM Sorors, please mark your calendars for the next “Third Thursday” program, “Transitions” - A Forum for Homeless Veterans presented by the Global Poverty and Social Justice & Human Rights (SJHR) Initiative Committees. 6
Program Initiatives (continued from page 6)
Some women should be screened by a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, in addition to mammograms, because of their family history, genetic tendency, or other factors.
Project Giveback is celebrating their 20th anniversary of distributing Thanksgiving Baskets in the DMV this holiday season.
If you, a family member, or a friend are diagnosed with breast cancer, there are several resources you can go to, including the American Cancer Society’s website. There is useful information to assist in making treatment decisions, coping with side effects, handling financial matters, caregiving, and living well after cancer. In addition, the American Cancer Society has programs and services to help you manage cancer treatment and recovery and find the emotional support you may need.
Under our new 2014-2018 administration (Launching New Dimensions of Service), NOVA Project Giveback falls under our targeted areas that focus on "Family Strengthening!” Sorors, are you ready to continue to set high-standards and make a difference in our community? SIGN UP TODAY! Please sign-up at projectgiveback@aka-zco.org for the upcoming Thanksgiving Basket Distribution Day November 22, 2014 (additional details will follow).
Information and statistics contained in this article came from the American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/research/cancerfactsstatistics/ breast-cancer-facts-figures http://www.cancer.org/healthy/findcancerearly/ cancerscreeningguidelines/american-cancer-societyguidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer http://www.cancer.org/treatment/index
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Soror Sade Demery, Chairman, or Soror Carol Gibson, CoChairman. Health Initiatives Committee
Soror Kimberly Speed, Chairman
Soror Jackquelyn Jones, Co-Chairman
NAUCK COMMUNITY PRIDE DAY Zeta Chi Omega’s Health Initiatives Committee would like to thank Sorors Kendra Gillespie, Rhonda Luss, Hazel Cameron, and Virginia Graves for assisting with the Nauck Community Pride Day Mini Health Fair which was held on Saturday, September 20, 2014. OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH More than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices like not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active, and getting recommended screening tests.
Sorors Kim Speed and Rhonda Luss disseminate Health materials at Nauck Community Pride Day.
Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health. Get a clinical breast exam (CBE) about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over. 7
Hodegos
Officers’ Reports
Soror Tiffany Montgomery Graduate Advisor
Soror Melanie Mickie
Sigma Alpha sorors attended the Undergraduate Roundup in Durham, NC on September 26-27, 2014. They had a great time and received good information to put to use in their chapter. Additionally, they donated several bookbags for the international initiative, One Million Backpacks.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS Tonya Perkinson – 3 Wanda Smith -- 4 Connie Greene – 5 L. Michelle Fontaine - 5 Tamara Brown – 9 Linda Newman – 10 Nikki Bellamy – 12 Theresa Tindall – 12 Patricia Edwards – 14 Carolyn Rowe – 14* Courtnay Williams – 16 Iris Phillips- Pulliam – 17 Natalie Fant – 19 Darhyl Jasper – 19* Joyce Brooks – 20 Gwendolyn Williams – 21 Jessica Nickens – 22 Darlena Ricks – 24 Aja Charity -- 25 Janice Evans – 29* Chiquita King – 30
Sorors Ashley Revell, Danielle Hogan, Tori Watkins and Cailyn Thomas taking a break for the camera at their “Welcome Back Marymount” event.
*Denotes Golden Soror In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, Sigma Alpha will host Remember with a Ribbon. Students can donate one dollar and write the name of a loved one or someone they know who has been affected by breast cancer on a pink ribbon. The ribbons will be posted on a Breast Cancer Awareness board for the month of October and the money collected will go to Breast Cancer Research.
Join the October birthday celebrants for lunch after the Chapter meeting at Indigo Landing Restaurant, One Marina Drive, Alexandria, VA 22314. CONGRATULATIONS Soror Breanna Gray was recently inducted into Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) – Prince Georges County Chapter, on Saturday, August 30th. Soror Carol Gibson passed the Board Certification exam for Nurse Case Management through the Commission for Case Management Certification. Soror Angel Livas gave birth to son, Nelson Ace, on September 14th. Little Nelson, Angel and “honey do” are doing well.
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Officers’ Reports (continued from page 8) Soror Pat Wallace welcomed a new addition to her family. Her grandson, Ellis Ryan Atkinson, was born on Saturday, September 13, 2014, weighing 7lbs, 9.9 ounces. Her daughter, Kim, son-in-law, Ron, and big brother Ethan, are all doing well.
Tickets are now on sale for "Christmas at Blues Alley” with Negleatha "drj" Johnson December 2, 2014 TWO SHOWS 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Tickets are only $20.00 and can be purchased at www.bluesalley.com
Sorors, let us continue to keep each other lifted up in prayer in trials and celebration. We are stronger when we come together in love, support, and understanding. FAMILY LOSSES
For additional information, please contact:
Sorors Maudy Mays and Blanche Maness recently lost their cousin, Mr. Ervin A. Barksdale, of Petersburg, VA.
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Soror Negleatha Johnson
SAVE THE DATE
Soror Sherry Billingsley
The Northern Western Virginia Cluster will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2014 Time 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Check-in Starts: 7:00 a.m.)
Philacter
Soror Annette Champion, Co-Chairman
(Registration and agenda information will be shared with the Chapter once received)
Communication Committee
Hosted by: Upsilon Omega Location: The Richmond Convention Center Community Service Project: Collection of Backpacks
Greetings Sorors! When signing in at Chapter meetings please: Proceed to one of two lines based on the first letter of your last name: “A-L” and “M-Z; Initial the roster; If your contact information is inaccurate on the sign-in roster, please correct it. In addition, sorors may send updates of their contact information to: s.billings1908@gmail.com.
Vendors
REGIONAL NEWSLETTER NAMING CONTEST The Mid-Atlantic Region Communications Team/ Newsletter Committee presents: The Mid-Atlantic Regional Newsletter Contest September 18, 2014 through October 22, 2014.
Reminder: In order to attend a Chapter meeting, a guest soror must show proper credentials; otherwise she will not be admitted into the room. The required credentials must be one of the following:
Chapters are encouraged to provide input to the development of the regional newsletter. Chapters interested in designing, developing and naming the 2014 Regional Newsletter should submit their draft template for consideration. You may use the Regional Awards criteria, the Doris Asbury Newsletter as a reference to help assist with the design, development, and naming of the regional newsletter. The Regional Communications Team/ Newsletter Committee will review all submissions and recommend to the Regional Director the chapter that is entailed. Please send your submissions to Soror Joyce Putman at jeputman@msn.com.
A financial card (old or current); A copy of her Certificate of Initiation; A faxed verification letter or an email confirmation from the Corporate Office.
Please don’t forget to turn in your voter’s card at the sign-in table at the end of each Chapter meeting.
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Officers’ Reports The Parliamentarian, at the request of the chairman, may offer an opinion to the assembly. The Parliamentarian is not the sergeant-at-arms and should not be expected to control the order of the assembly.
The Financial Corner Soror Robin McCoy Tamiouchos
BYLAWS REVISION The Bylaws Committee is reviewing the Bylaws and has discovered several technical changes that are necessary to make the Bylaws grammatically correct. Also, some revisions are necessary to avoid ambiguity. The Committee should complete its review shortly and will make its recommendations to the Executive Committee for possible action by the Chapter.
Chapter Budget Timeline: (Excerpts taken from the “Manual of Standard Operating Procedures,” Chapters 2 and 3 - Financial Operating Procedures) The Finance Committee provides and has oversight of fiscal planning, budget development, cost control, investments, financial accountability, and financial policy formulation for the Chapter. The Finance Committee:
The next meeting for the Bylaws Committee will be October 14, 2014 via conference call.
Develops an annual budget based upon the submission of budget requests from the officers and committee chairmen. Submits the annual budget to the Executive Board and membership for approval. Timeline: August - Collect Budget information October - Prepared budget given to the chapter November - Chapter votes on the budget
Standards Committee
Soror Vanessa Jackson, Chairman; Sorors Yolanda Gibson, Vendella Jordan, and Danyale Dow, Co-Chairmen The end of year is approaching, and every soror has an opportunity to assist with the end-of-year reporting by completing the annual Chapter Self-Assessment.
Officers and committee chairmen can submit requests for new line items or an increase in existing line items after the budget requests have been submitted in August to the Executive Committee for approval and then to the Finance Committee and then to the Chapter.
Please take a few minutes to complete the four-page Chapter Self-Assessment Form (pages 15 - 18) and return to Soror Vendella Jordan or Soror Vanessa Jackson at the October General Membership meeting.
DUTIES OF THE PARLIAMENTARIAN
The following information was taken directly from the AKA Sorority, Inc., “International Soror Hazel Cameron, Chairman Constitution Resource Guide Bylaws Committee 2010-2014.”
Membership Committee
The Parliamentarian is a consultant, who advises the Basileus, other officers, committees and members on matters of parliamentary procedures. During a meeting the Parliamentarian’s role is purely an advisory and consultative one, since the chairman (the Basileus) alone has the power to rule on questions of order or to answer parliamentary inquiries.
Soror Cora King, Chairman; Sorors Jennifer Brooks, Chris Gray and Marquita Davis, Co-Chairmen NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION A Fall Orientation will be held for newly reactivated or transferred sorors on October 4, 2014 at the Alexandria (continued on page 11) 10
Committee Reports (continued from page 10) Police Department at 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Information will be presented on Chapter operations, programs and history, as well as on protocol and other great topics. If you are new to the Chapter and have not yet attended an orientation session, please plan to attend. This is also a great opportunity for you to meet other new sorors. A light lunch will be served.
Tamiouchos: serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee Anti-Pecunious Grammateus: assists the Pecunious Grammateus Epistoleus: serves as Chairman of the Newsletter Committee Hodegos: serves as Chairman of the Courtesy Committee Nominating Committee (4 positons): prepares the slate of nominees If you have questions, please contact Soror Yvette Darnaby via email at mrsdarnaby1908@aol.com or by calling (301) 646-1777. Also, you may contact any member of the nominating committee.
Please RSVP to the Membership Committee (membership@aka-zco.org) by Wednesday, September 30th if you plan to attend. BRUNCH WITH THE BASILEUS Help us recapture a “lost pearl” by inviting her to a brunch with our Basileus, Soror Kendra Gillespie. Invite an inactive soror to join Soror Kendra at Finn and Porter Restaurant, Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road Alexandria, VA 22311 on Saturday, November 15th at 10:30 a.m. Invitations will be available at the October and November meetings. The Membership Committee meeting will be held October 20, 2014 at 7 p.m. at the Lee Center. The 2014 Election of Officers will be held Soror Yvette Darnaby, during the November 2014 General MemChairman bership meeting. DurNominating Committee ing this election, we will elect our leaders. Sorors, the Nominating Committee members are counting on you to self-nominate and/or assist us to identify qualified candidates to serve as leaders within our Chapter.
Soror Mathelle K. Lee, Chairman; and Soror Brenda Lamberson-Sias, Co-Chairman; Soror Blanche Maness, Co-Chairman (not in picture) 2015 Founders’ Day The 2015 Founders’ Day Committee will “kick off” its ticket sales campaign at the October Chapter meeting. Tickets: $35. Tickets also available via PayPal for $37.00.
We are soliciting candidates for the positions below. Please review the Chapter Bylaws for a full description of the qualifications and duties of these positions. The Chapter Bylaws and the Officer Nomination Form are available under the “Members Only” section of the Chapter’s website.
SAVE the DATE January 31, 2015 Fort Myer-Spates Hall 12:00 noon- 3:00 p.m.
OPEN POSITIONS Anti-Basileus: serves as Chairman of the Program Committee Anti-Grammateus: serves as Chairman of the Directory Committee
Due to limited seating capacity, sorors are encouraged to purchase tickets early. 11
Awards Committee
Committee Reports 2014 Zeta Chi Omega Chapter Award Nominations The Awards Committee is asking all sorors to consider nominees for the following Zeta Chi Omega End of the Year Chapter Awards:
Soror Carla Haynes Harper, Chairman Soror Amirah Salaam, Co-Chairman
ATTENDANCE AWARD This award is given to the Soror who has attended the most Zeta Chi Omega Chapter events for the 2014 year. MS. PRECIOUS PEARL This award is given to a soror who has recently joined Zeta Chi Omega in the past year and has distinguished herself by participating in many phases of Chapter work, including committee work, and support of activities and events. SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD This award is given to a soror who has done outstanding work or performed outstanding service to the Chapter and/ or community in efforts toward a single event, or over a period of time. MISS PINK AND GREEN AWARD This award is given to a new soror, recently initiated or transferred, who has been in the Sorority less than five years and has distinguished herself by participating in many phases of Chapter work, including committee work, and support of activities and events. SOROR OF THE YEAR AWARD This award is based on written justification and documentation presented by the nominating Soror. UNSUNG HERO AWARD - Do you know a soror who stepped up and volunteered without being asked, can quote bylaws and history, or has reached out to sorors to offer get well wishes or condolences? If you know of a soror who is always on time, and makes being a member of our fabulous sisterhood even more of a joy, please send her name and a brief description of what makes this soror an “Unsung Hero� to Soror Amirah Salaam at asalaam3@hotmail.com. All nominations are due no later than November 1, 2014 and will NOT be accepted after that date. Please send your nomination(s) via email to Soror Carla Haynes Harper at carlahaynes@msn.com. MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL (MAR) AWARDS The 62st Mid-Atlantic Region al Conference is scheduled for April 8-12 2015, in Richmond, VA, and it is time to start preparing your portfolios so that you do not miss out on this opportunity to be recognized for your hard work and service throughout 2014. A complete listing of the Regional Awards can be found in The Awards Handbook on the Mid-Atlantic Regional website, including an updated version of the General Guidelines. Award submissions will automatically be returned if the requirements and documentation are not complete; therefore, it is important that you review the Awards Handbook for information on the criteria and report format for each award. Submissions due dates are listed on page 13. (continued on page 13) 12
Committee Reports (continued from page 12)
SORORS CAN SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING AWARDS:
Clara M. Hines Award (Humanitarian and Caring Soror) Leah K. Frazier (Leadership w/Global Perspective) Marguerite Adams Award (Political Action) Graduate Leadership Award (Outstanding Leadership in Region) Helen Cauthorne Award (Graduate Advisor Award) Eula Edmonds Glover Award (Volunteer Community Service) Annie L. Harvey Award (Outstanding Graduate Soror) Pauline C. Morton Award (Alumni Basileus of the Year) Margaret B. Moss Award (Outstanding Retired Graduate Soror) Evelyn R. Syphax Award (Outstanding Graduate Writer) Bernardine Stoneham Smith Bailey Award (Graduate Journalism) Elizabeth Schmoke Randolph Award (Civic Leader) Barbara K. Phillips Award (Leadership Development Award) Mid-Atlantic Region Arts and Crafts (Class I – X) Economic Security Initiative Program Award (Citizen of the Year)
TIMELINE: MAR AWARDS SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE
EVENT
SUBMIT TO:
Nov. 01, 2014 - 2014 Regional Award nominations due............................ Carla Haynes Harper - carlahaynes@msn.com Nov. 08, 2014 - Review Session: Reviewing the Regional Awards Criteria Lee Center, 9:00 - 9:45 a.m. Nov. 15, 2014 - Chapter-endorsed Award Narratives due: ......................... Carla Haynes Harper Outstanding Graduate Soror Citizen of the Year Dec. 06, 2014 - **Chapter-endorsed Award nominees selected** Dec. 06, 2014 - GLTTS - Electronic submissions due (.doc or ppt format).....Amirah S. Salaam - asalaam3@hotmail.com Dec. 06, 2014 - Exhibit/Arts & Crafts applications due....................................Amirah S. Salaam Dec. 13, 2014 - Crop Party – Location TBD Final Scrapbook and Portfolio Review Session/Walkthrough Jan. 03, 2015 - Submissions Due-Drop off only - Lee Center
For inquiries, please contact the Awards Committee at awards@aka-zco.org.
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Committee Reports
Soror C. Starr Garrett, Co-Chairman Soror Joyce Brooks, Co-Chairman
Other upcoming activities sponsored by NPHC of NoVA and member organizations include: Northern Virginia 2014 Small Business Expo hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Chi Omega and Xi Upsilon Omega Chapters. This event will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Freedom High School, 15201 Neabsco Mills Road, Woodbridge, VA. There will be vendors, shopping, seminars, networking, food trucks and door prizes. For additional information and vending opportunities, please contact sbexpo@omicronchiomega-aka.com or 703-399-4919. The Annual NPHC of NoVA will hold its Scholarship Raffle on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. First Prize is $250, Second Prize is $100, and Third Prize is $50. Tickets are only $1.00. Please see Soror Chiquita King or Soror Angela Turner to purchase raffle tickets at the October General Membership meeting. Save the Date: The NPHC of NoVA will host its Fall Happy Hour on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at the Cheesecake Factory in Tysons Corner Galleria from 5:00 p.m.- until. Soror Chiquita King is one of the chairmen of this event, so please come out and support her and socialize with fraters and sorors in the Northern Virginia Area. Additional details will be provided later. The NPHC of NoVA will partner with the Prince Georges County, MD NPHC quarterly for a “Walk across Woodrow Wilson Bridge.” This is a great opportunity to get some good exercise and socialize with fraters and sorors in the Northern Virginia and Prince Georges County, MD areas. The dates of the walks are November 15, 2014, January 17, 2015, March 21, 2015, May 16, 2015 and July 18, 2015 unless otherwise stated. Additional details will be provided once they are available.
DGS Committee
If you are new to the Chapter and have reached “jewel” status, please let us know so that your name can be added to our jewels listing. As a reminder, sorors, you have to be recognized by the Corporate Office (i.e., applied for and in receipt of your jewels certificate). Note: There is no charge associated with application for a certificate and medallion for Golden sorors. If you will reach jewel status in 2015 and want to be recognized at the 2015 MidAtlantic Regional Conference, please make sure you complete the appropriate form and submit it to the Pecunious Grammateus, Soror Crystal Lander, in a timely manner. As always, we extend bunches of “Tea Roses” to Buddy Sorors for your continuous support of the Buddy Soror Program by keeping in touch with your buddies and assisting as needed. Please know that your buddy appreciates you. If anyone is interested in being a “buddy” to a Golden or Sick/Shut-In soror, please let us know. We welcome you.
Soror Angela Turner, Chairman Soror Chiquita King, Co Chairman
NPHC—NoVA Committee
The National Pan-Hellenic Council of Northern Virginia (NPHC of NoVA) is off to another busy year. On August 16, 2014, the planning meeting was held to plan for the 2014-2015 year. We have many goals to accomplish during the year and look forward to Zeta Chi Omega sorors supporting our events.
The NPHC of NoVA meets the first Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise noted) at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA.
On Saturday, September 6, 2014, the Council was honored, along with several other organizations, by the Kappa Scholarship Educational Fund (KSEF) for their involvement with Project Giveback. Project Giveback is a community service activity in which needy families in the Northern Virginia area are given food boxes for Thanksgiving. 14
Committee Reports Standards Committee Report - continued from page 10
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Fundraiser at Alex & Ani
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Women’s Issues Conference
Sorors Kendra Gillespie, Elisabeth "PJ" Palmer-Johnson, Adria TippinsOwens, and Katrina Moss chat with Congressional candidate Don Beyer and NOVA members of Delta Sigma Theta and Zeta Phi Beta during the Women’s Issues Conference.
Sorors Chandois Phillips and Chris Gray paused to talk to media at the Alex and Ani fashion jewelry fundraiser.
Women’s Issues Conference Sorors Elisabeth “PJ” Palmer-Johnson and Kendra Gillespie share a moment with Congressman Jim Moran
Sorors Kendra Gillespie, Katrina Moss, Chiquita King with Congressman Jim Moran - Women’s Issues Conference 19
Making the Connection @aka-zco.org! Below is a list of all alias email accounts currently listed with @aka-zco.org. These accounts were set up to get you quickly connected with Zeta Chi Omega. These emails may be used for both internal and external use. They can also be found on our website in the ‘Members Only’ section. CHAPTER OFFICERS OFFICE Basileus Anti-Basileus Grammateus Anti-Grammateus Tamiouchos Pecunious Grammateus
EMAIL president@aka-zco.org vicepresident@aka-zco.org secretary@aka-zco.org directory@aka-zco.org finance@aka-zco.org payments@aka-zco.org
Epistoleus Parliamentarian Ivy Leaf Reporter Archivist Hodegos Graduate Advisor
newsletter@aka-zco.org bylaws@aka-zco.org media@aka-zco.org archives@aka-zco.org hostess@aka-zco.org gradadvisor@aka-zco.org
NEED FOR? General inquiries; approvals; escalations General inquiries; program reviews and approvals Committee report submissions; Agenda requests Directory updates; conference check-in Financial inquiries Payments and receipts; Verification of transfers and reactivations; membership cards Chapter correspondence Bylaws inquiries Ivy Leaf article submissions Donated items; request for items in Archives Announcements (i.e., engagements, weddings, funerals) Sigma Alpha inquiries
CHAPTER COMMITTEES -- (listed in alphabetical order) COMMITTEE Archives Awards Bylaws Connection Courtesy/Hospitality Directory Finance Health History Leadership Development Membership Music Newsletter Nominating Programs Public Relations Scholarship Standards Technology Weekly Broadcast Photos
EMAIL archives@aka-zco.org awards@aka-zco.org bylaws@aka-zco.org connection@aka-zco.org hostess@aka-zco.org directory@aka-zco.org finance@aka-zco.org health@aka-zco.org history@aka-zco.org leadershipdev@aka-zco.org membership@aka-zco.org music@aka-zco.org newsletter@aka-zco.org nominating@aka-zco.org programs@aka-zco.org media@aka-zco.org
NEED FOR? Request for archived items; Submission of donations Award nominations & submissions General Bylaws inquiries and submission of changes Suggested community partnerships Requests for Chapter announcements Directory updates All finance inquiries; budget assistance Health program inquiries or ideas Requests and inquiries regarding ZXΩ history book Request for internal training & presentations Membership inquiries/sales, transfers, & reactivations Requests for rituals, programs or AKA songs Ivyette submissions Nominating inquiries & submissions Chapter program & project inquires and ideas Request for Chapter article submissions, social media postings, public calendar postings, and PR campaigns scholarship@aka-zco.org Scholarship program inquiries & application submissions standards@aka-zco.org SOP inquiries; Chapter & program evaluations technology@aka-zco.org Technical assistance; website/social media postings weeklybroadcast@aka-zco.org Submit broadcast messages by Sunday 8:00 p.m. photos@aka-zco.org Submit/request photo information for website/Facebook NOTE: This does not represent a full listing of all alias email accounts. 20
Chapter Venues and Directions General Membership meetings (GMM) are held on the first Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM at the Lee Center (LC) located at 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the US Route 1 exit towards Alexandria/Arlington, exit 177B. Continue on S. Patrick St., turn left on Gibbons St., turn left on S. Fayette St., turn left on Jefferson St. (parking - end of S. Fayette St.). Executive Committee meetings are held on the Thursdays prior to the GMM, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (7:00 PM). Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) - 301 S. Alfred St, Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the US Route 1, Alexandria (Old Town) exit, Continue on Route 1 (S. Patrick St.) to Duke St. — on the right on the corner of Duke and Patrick. Alexandria Police Department (APD) — 3600 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA — Off of Duke St.; near Quaker Lane. Charles Beatley Library (CBL) - 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA -- On the north side of Duke Street, east of Pickett Street, south of the Old Holmes Run Channel and directly across from the old Cameron Station. Charles Houston Recreation Center (CHC) - 901 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the US Route 1, Alexandria (Old Town) exit, Continue on Route 1 (S. Patrick St.) to Wythe St. — make a right at the corner. Durant Recreation Center (DRC)—1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA -- Merge onto I-495S/I95S/Beltway towards Alex. VA/ Richmond VA . Take US-1 N exit-Exit 177B toward Alex. Make slight right onto S. Patrick; left on Cameron Street. Franconia Governmental Center (FG) - 6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the Van Dorn Street exit towards Franconia, turn Right on S. Van Dorn Street, turn right on Franconia Rd., make a U-turn on Valley View Drive onto Franconia Rd. George Washington Middle School (GWMS) — 1005 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA -- From 495S, take the US-1 N exit-177B -towards Alex. Make slight right onto S Patrick St./US1 N. Turn LEFT onto King St. Turn RIGHT onto N. West St. Turn LEFT onto E. Braddock Rd. Turn RIGHT onto Mt. Vernon Ave. Lee Center (LC) - 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the US Route 1 exit towards Alexandria/Arlington, exit 177B. Continue on S. Patrick St., turn Left on Wilkes St., turn left on S. Fayette St., turn left on Jefferson St. Minnie Howard School (MH) - 3801 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA -- From 395, take the King Street East exit, turn right on Quaker Lane and right on W. Braddock Road. Mount Vernon Recreation Center (MTV) -- 2701 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take Route 1 North over the Monroe street bridge. Make a left on Monroe Street to Mt. Vernon Avenue. Make a right on Mt. Vernon Avenue to E. Uhler and make a left. Make a right on Commonwealth Avenue. From Washington DC, take Route 1 south to E. Clifford Street and make a right. Make a left on Commonwealth Avenue. Make a U-Turn on Commonwealth because the center is on the other side. NRECA Conference Center (NRECA) - 4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203 From I-66 East, take Exit 71; (Fairfax Drive); turn right onto Taylor St. From DC: Take 14th St. Bridge; exit to Route 110 N.; follow signs for I-66 West; take Glebe Rd./Ballston exit; turn left onto Glebe Road; turn left onto Fairfax Drive; turn right on Taylor Street. Saint John’s Baptist Church (SJ) -- 1905 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA -- From 395, take exit #8A towards Ridge Road, follow Columbia Pike/VA 244 exit towards Baileys Cross Roads, turn right on Columbia Pike. Continue on Columbia Pike for two blocks. Church is on the right. Samuel Tucker Elementary School (STE) -- 435 Ferdinand Day Drive, Alexandria, VA -- From 495, take the Van Dorn exit toward Franconia. Turn left on S. Van Dorn St.; right onto S. Pickett St.; right onto Cameron Station Blvd.; right onto Harold Secord St.; right onto Ferdinand Day Drive. 21
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated速 Zeta Chi Omega Chapter P.O. Box 25763 Alexandria, Virginia 22313 Email address: zetachiomega@gmail.com Website: www.aka-zco.org EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Basileus, Kendra Gillespie
Archivist, Monique Robinson
Anti-Basileus, Rhonda Luss
Scholarship Committee, Diann Burns
Grammateus, Katrina Anwar
Connection Committee, Adria Tippins-Owens
Anti-Grammateus, Chiquita King
Membership Committee, Cora King
Tamiouchos, Robin McCoy
Standards Committee, Vanessa Jackson
Pecunious Grammateus, Crystal Lander
Awards Committee, Carla Haynes Harper
Anti-Pecunious Grammateus, Katrina Moss
Contracts Committee, Irma Bogan
Epistoleus, Gloria Bell
Protocol Committee, Bonnie Jones-Moon
Parliamentarian, Hazel Cameron
Technology Committee, Nekia Freeman
Ivy Leaf Reporter, Ashley Huggins
Nominating Committee: Yvette Darnaby, Chairman Hazel Cameron Shi Evans Caroline Howard Geraldine Howell Stephanie Harrison Hubbard Cora King Whitney Majette Patricia Harris Thomas
Hodegos, Melanie Mickie Graduate Advisor, Tiffany Montgomery Philacter, Sherry Billingsley Immediate Past Basileus, Michelle M. Jones
The Ivyette Editor: Production Staff:
Gloria Bell (contactgloria@verizon.net) C. Starr Garrett Patricia Wallace