Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
Launching into the NEXT Dimension of service Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat
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Island Soror Chelle Luper Wilson, Regional Director Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Supreme Basileus Soror Jullette Spivey, Southeast Texas Cluster Coordinator Beta Phi Omega & Gamma Omega Omega, Host Chapters Galveston, Texas Saturday, November 14, 2015
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INCORPORATED®
Alpha Kappa Alpha Corporate Office ▪ 5656 South Stony Island Avenue ▪ Chicago, IL 60637-1997 ▪ (773) 684-1282
OFFICE OF:
Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Supreme Basileus P.O. Box 250841 Milwaukee, WI 53225 August 11, 2015 Soror Chelle Luper Wilson South Central Regional Director 2525 Woodland Drive Crossroads, TX 76227 Greetings, Sorors! Welcome to the 2015 South Central Region Cluster Conference! This is a time of excitement for our Sorority as we continue our strong program efforts in Launching New Dimensions of Service across the globe. Alpha Kappa Alpha is a unique sisterhood that sets the standard for supreme leadership, service and scholastic achievement. In January of 1908, our Founders ignited a flame on the campus of Howard University that shines even brighter today. We continue to be the beneficiaries of their dreams for a better tomorrow. Let us never forget, "To whom much is given, much is required." That is why we need the continued support of all sorors in this Cluster. These annual meetings are our opportunities to learn and share about our dear sisterhood in a more intimate setting. I certainly appreciate you taking the time today to delve into learning more about our current International Program, Launching New Dimensions of Service. With only one year under our belt, we are already making a major impact worldwide. Be sure to connect with other sorors in attendance to learn more about best practices and tips you can take home to implement locally. We are also using our Cluster Conference to focus on Membership Matters and learn how to effectively advocate through our Connection A.C.T. I. O. N. platform. Our upcoming programming year is shaping up to be busy and historic. I look forward to visiting your chapters and hearing about your various achievements! Please feel free to contact me by email at president@aka1908.com and look for me on Twitter or Instagram (@AKAintpres). Thanks again for everything you do on behalf of our beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha! Sisterly yours,
Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Supreme Basileus
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated “Create a success habit…it changes your life…”
To the Sensational Sorors of the Southeast Texas Cluster! Welcome to Galveston and to the 2015 Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat. These past few years have been nothing short of amazing. One that has allowed me to grow spiritually and to be more focused mentally. Our Host Chapters, Beta Phi Omega and Gamma Omega Omega have been working tirelessly to ensure that you have an enjoyable and memorable experience. Our Retreat Theme: “Launching ino the Next Dimension of Service on Galveston Island”, reflects on our sorority’s commitment of “Service to all Mankind”. I hope that this weekend will give us the opportunity to fellowship and gain valuable information that will help us continue to conduct the business of the sorority. It is always an honor to be in the midst of four of the most phenomenal and influential women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, two former Supremes, Soror Mattelia B. Grays, and Soror Faye B. Bryant, and former Regional Director’s, Soror Polly Sparks Turner, and Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley. The Southeast Texas Cluster Sorors will forever be inspired by you to continue to do things that are worthwhile. Congratulations to our Stunning, Outstanding, and Sensational South Central Regional Director, Soror Chelle Luper Wilson. We can now mark in our history books, four successful years of Cluster Retreats in Southeast Texas. You have proven in many ways to be an outstanding leader and you have represented the South Central Region exceptionally well. Your class, dignity, and your commitment to ensuring that this region continue to provide excellence in service and sisterhood, will be a huge part of your legacy. It is my hope that every Soror depart todays retreat committed to serve and ready to “Launch into the Next Dimension of Service”. It has been an honor to serve you. Sisterly, Jullette Spivey Jullette Spivey Southeast Texas Cluster Coordinator
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated BETA PHI OMEGA
Greetings Sorors; I am blessed and honored to welcome each of you to historic Galveston Island and the 2016 Southeast Texas Cluster, while �Launching into the NEXT Dimensions of Service�. Galveston is an old city, founded in 1816, rich in black culture and history. Galveston was the first city in Texas to provide a secondary school and public library for African Americans. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery, June 19, 1865 at Ashton Villa in Galveston. Galveston is the home of Norris Wright Cuney, an activist, business leader, politician, and highest ranking African American appointed as United States Collector of Customs in 1889. In addition, World heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, and entertainer Barry White also called Galveston home. On March 19, 1938, Regional Director N. Viola Butler conducted the chartering ceremony for Beta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated in Galveston Texas. Three South Central Regional Directors have come from this chapter; charter members, Olivette L. Jones-Morgan and Lois T. Davis-Martin, plus 21st Regional Director Shirley Fisher. Beloved Maggie Williams was the first to hold position of Southeast Cluster Coordinator. Beta Phi Omega has hosted three (3) South Central Regional Conference; April 19, 1940, April 14, 1950 and March 29, 1984. Thanks to Sensational South Central Regional Director Chelle Luper Wilson. With grace and vision, Madam Regional Director, you have inspired small chapters like Beta Phi Omega chapter to have bigger and stronger involvement in all aspects of sorority business. Congratulations and enjoy the Island. In Service and Sisterhood,
Jacqueline R. Williams Soror Jacqueline Williams, Cluster Chairman SETX Co-Cluster Coordinator
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated BETA PHI OMEGA
Greeting Sorors,
It is indeed an honor and a privilege to welcome the participants of the Southeast Cluster Retreat. As the Co-Host Chapter of the 2015 Southeast Cluster Retreat, I am so excited to have my beautiful, intelligent and classy sorors in Galveston, Texas. The host committees have worked very hard to make this a very enjoyable Cluster Retreat. We hope this experience will afford you the opportunity to increase your knowledge, bond with sorors, and build your leadership skills to Launch New Dimensions of Service! We have been challenged by our Supreme Basileus, Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson to move Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority to greater heights. For nearly 108 years, our great sisterhood has been providing great service to our communities and throughout the world. Thank you so much Soror Chelle Luper Wilson for entrusting Beta Phi Omega Chapter to co-host this great event. This has been a great opportunity to serve and shine as a small chapter. Again, welcome to sunny Galveston, Texas. I am confident you will enjoy your visit and Cluster Retreat. Sisterly, Constance D. Jackson Norfleet Beta Phi Omega Galveston, Texas
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated GAMMA OMEGA OMEGA
Welcome my Sorors of the Southeast Texas Cluster. It was an honor when Gamma Omega Omega was asked to cohost the 2015 cluster with our Sisters by the Bay. We have tried to plan a cluster that will be informative as well as entertaining as we further “Launching New Dimensions of Service.” Thank you Sorors of Gamma Omega Omega for always accepting the challenges placed before you and completing the task. Thanks to our Cluster Coordinators for their leadership and guidance during this process. This experience has been one that I will always remember. Last but certainly not least, we thank Soror Chelle Luper Wilson for her leadership as the South Central Regional Director. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Again, welcome to Galveston Island’s gathering of the Southeast Texas Cluster. God bless each and everyone one of you, and safe travels back home. With sisterly love,
Joyce Schells Soror Joyce Schells Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat Co-Chairman Gamma Omega Omega, Basileus LaMarque, Texas
2015 Southeast Texas Cluster Retreat “Launching into the Next Dimension of Service on Galveston Island� Soror Jullette Spivey, Cluster Coordinator~ Presiding Introduction of Dais and Very Special Guests Soror Crystal Williams, Beta Phi Omega Chapter Meditation Soror Kelley Romar Beta Phi Omega Chapter Greetings Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Supreme Basileus Soror Mattelia B. Grays, 18th Supreme Basileus Soror Faye B. Bryant, 21st Supreme Basileus Welcome Soror Constance Norfleet, Basileus, Beta Phi Omega Soror Joyce Schells, Gamma Omega Omega, Basileus Introduction of Regional Director Soror Jacqueline Williams, Cluster Chairman, Co-Cluster Coordinator State of the Sensational South Central Region Soror Chelle Luper Wilson, South Central Regional Director Workshop I Soaring to Greater Dimensions of Service International Program Committee Presentation Soror Regina Carrington - International Program Committee Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter ~Sisterly Activity~ Workshop II Launching New Dimensions: Sorors Take A.C.T.I.O.N. Soror Myra McKenzie-Harris, International Connection Committee, South Central Representative Phi Alpha Omega Chapter ~BREAK~
Cluster Luncheon Soror Jullette Spivey, Cluster Coordinator ~ Presiding Soror Jacqueline Williams, Co-Cluster Coordinator~ Presiding Greetings Soror Polly Sparks Turner, 20th South Central Regional Director Soror Gwendolyn J. Brinkley, 23rd South Central Regional Director Meditation and Grace Soror Comeka Diaz, Gamma Omega Omega Chapter Chapter Roll Call Soror Kim Little, Gamma Omega Omega Chapter ~Lunch is Served~ Service Project Challenge ~ One Million Backpacks Soror Sandra Green, Community Service Chairman American Heart Association – South Central Partnership Kelley Hodges American Heart Association Afternoon Session Workshop III Membership Makes Me Smile Launching New Dimensions of Membership Soror Emile Blaine, International Membership Committee, South Central Representative Alpha Xi Omega Chapter Acknowledgements Closing Remarks Soror Chelle Luper Wilson - South Central Regional Director
Workshop Presenters
Soror Regina Carrington Representative to the International Program Committee As a loyal and dedicated member, Soror Regina has served as Basileus, Anti-Basileus, Member-at-Large, and Graduate Advisor to the Gamma Psi Chapter, (where she was initiated 42 years agor). This Life Member and Silver Star has been appointed by our supreme Basileus, Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, to serve as International Program Representative for the Sensational South Central Region. Soror Regina looks forward to this special journey “Launching New Dimensions of Service” throughout our region and working with our dynamic sorors.
Soror Emile Blaine Representative to the International Membership Committee Soror Emile Pendarvis Blaine was initiated in Delta Rho Omega Chapter on March 28, 1999. Soror Emile has previously served as Parliamentarian, Grammateus, Chaplain, Standards Chairman, Business Manager and Chartering Basileus of Chi Sigma Omega Chapter, chartered in 2004. Prior to returning to South Central Region in 2009, Soror Emile served on the North Atlantic Region Leadership Development Training Task Force. She is a proud member of Alpha Xi Omega Chapter in Dallas, Texas and is the Vice President of the Ivy and Pearl Foundation of Dallas. She is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, a member of Friendship West Baptist Church and the happy wife of Vincent Blaine, her high school sweetheart. She is the mother to Little Vinnie and two hopefully future sorors, Taylor and Sydney.
Soror Myra McKenzie-Harris Representative to the International Connection Committee Soror Myra McKenzie-Harris is an Associate General Counsel in the Legal Department of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. in Bentonville, Arkansas. She is licensed to practice law in Ohio and North Carolina and is a member of the American Bar Association. She is a member of the Phi Alpha Omega Chapter in Bentonville and currently serves as its Grammateus and the Kappa Iota Chapter Graduate Advisor. She currently serves as the South Central Region Representative to the International Connection Committee. She is an honor graduate of Spelman College where she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society and the University of Notre Dame Law School. She is married to Honey Do Christopher Harris and has a dog name “Nala.”
St. Vincent’s House’s mission is to provide the essential services, resources, and tools for economically disadvantaged, uninsured, and working poor individuals and families to sustain themselves and to build and become members of a community where each person is valued.
Serving Galveston’s least, lost and left out, including:
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Economically vulnerable individuals and families The unemployed and under-employed Medically uninsured and working poor Homeless travelers
The La Marque Independent School District (LMISD) Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program was implemented through the guidance of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), federally-funded 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grants. The Afterschool Centers are operated at the following locations: • La Marque High School ACE (grades 9 through 12), • La Marque Elementary School ACE (grades 1 through 6), • Renaissance Academy ACE (combined with La Marque Junior High) (grades 6 through 8) • La Marque Early Childhood Learning Center ACE (grades prekindergarten through kindergarten) The La Marque ISD 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) ACE serves as a supplementary program for at- risk, homeless and eligible students in need of assistance. The ACE program assists students in meeting academic standards in core subjects (math, reading, science, social studies) by providing out-of-school time services to students and their families through community learning centers that offer an array of enrichment activities to complement regular academic programs. The goals of the LMISD ACE have four core components: (1) academic assistance, (2) enrichment (3) family and parental support services, and (4) college and workforce readiness. In order to meet these goals, the LMISD ACE offers activities that are student-driven and focused on parental and family involvement. The afterschool program offer academic support through tutorials and project based learning. Enrichment programs are also provided at each campus. Some of the enrichment activities are broadcasting and Multi-media, Breakfast with Champions, Aviation, Tumbling, Karate, Art, Photography, Culinary Art, and Driver’s Education and much more. There is close monitoring of student course enrollment, course completion, course grades, and attendance, participation, and graduation rates to ensure the educational success of students. Great efforts are made to collaborate with school administrators, staff and community organizations. Through the use of educational, report cards and other data, targeted interventions are developed for students participating in the program. The La Marque ACE program has been able to address student deficient areas, provide additional resources and targeted academic support. This service and programs offered by the La Marque Independent School District strives to address skill gaps and enrich the learning environment for students who are off track and struggling.
Battle of the Heart Competition What is the Purpose of the Competition? The Issue: Approximately 78 million adults in the United States have hypertension (high blood pressure) and about 17 million of those adults are unaware or undiagnosed. High blood pressure is a universal risk factor for heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. respectively. The American Heart Association wants people to understand how they can monitor and improve their heart health by using Heart360 and engaging in communitybased health programs like Check. Change. Control.
The Program: Check. Change. Control. Is a four month program that utilizes both online and offline components. Online, participants join Heart 360, our FREE web-based health management tool. This tool allows an individual to track their numbers (blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol), as well as, track their risk reduction efforts (physical activity, weight). Offline, Check. Change. Control. offers participants education about hypertension, stroke, blood pressure management, nutrition and physical activity. This program is an opportunity for organizations/groups to partner with the American Heart Association to provide FREE resources and education to the chapter and communities that they serve. All participating groups will have the knowledge that they are helping to save lives, build stronger communities and healthier families. The top three scoring chapters will even receive money for a scholarship!
Battle of the Heart Competition
Contest Rules Eligibility: Contest is open to AKA chapters that would like to create a culture of health in their chapter/community. Chapters must also identify a minimum of two (2) health mentors (health mentors do not have to be from the medical field) who will attend one health mentor training, agree to enroll participants only during the open enrollment period and have a blood pressure station located at chapter meetings and . One blood pressure cuff will be provided by the American Heart Association to every group participating in the contest. Extra points are awarded for participating in ancillary events. For more information see the scoring section.
Contest Period: Chapter launches take place: November 8-13, 2015 Program runs from November 13, 2015 – February 29, 2016 Winners announced by March 14, 2016 and awarded no later than March 31, 2016
How to Enter: Complete the attached entry form sheet and email it to kelly.hodges@heart.org by October 19, 2015. If you have any questions regarding the competition or how to submit your entry form call Kelly P. Hodges (832) 865-4722. Prizes: First Place
$600 scholarship, traveling plaque and bragging rights!
Second Place
$400 scholarship
Third Place
$250 scholarship
* In the event of a tie, the scholarship will be split equally amongst the winning parties.
Battle of the Heart Competition Scoring
Check. Change. Control. Enrollment 25 Points 75% of chapter enrolled
Up to 25 Points
10 Points 50% of chapter enrolled
5 Points 25% of chapter enrolled
Each Chapter will appoint a minimum of two health mentors to attend a 2 hour Health Mentor training. Health mentors will work with their chapter to enroll and retain participants in the Check. Change. Control. Program.
Check. Change. Control. Retention 35 Points 100% of enrolled chapter *retained
25 Points 75% of enrolled chapter *retained
Up to 35 Points 10 Points 50% of enrolled chapter *retained
5 Points 25% of enrolled chapter *retained
*Retained participants are defined as participants who enter their blood pressure readings on Heart360 (using the specific URL for their chapter) once a week for the duration of the program.
Hands Only CPR Video
10 Points
Each chapter who shows the 60-second, Hands Only CPR video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSgmledxFe8) to the chapter and submits the Hands Only CPR viewing sheet will receive a total of 10 points for this section. Viewings may take place any time during the program, however, viewing sheets must be submitted to Kelly P. Hodges before the competition ends. (Hands Only CPR viewing sheet provided during the Health Mentor training)
Battle of the Heart Competition Scoring Stroke Prevention and Awareness (Oct. 29th)
10 Points (BONUS POINTS)
Each chapter who includes stroke prevention and awareness messaging in their chapter bulletin will receive 10 points. Stroke prevention and awareness messaging will be provided by the American Heart Association. Messaging must take place in October and a copy of the chapter bulletin must be submitted to your AHA contact before the program ends. (Materials provided during the Health Mentor training) Participate in National Start Eating Healthy Day (November 4th) 10 points If a commitment to healthy eating seems too tough to swallow, then start with a taste test. National Eating Healthy Day (Nov. 4 — always the first Wednesday in November) is a great time to try some new habits that just may stick. Slow down on the sodium, pile on the fruits and vegetables, save your waistline and wallet by cooking at home. Take a photo and share (you select the hashtag or method to capture). Host a Simple Cooking with Heart Demonstration
10 Points
Each chapter who hosts a Simple Cooking with Heart Demonstration will receive 10 points. The American Heart Association will work with chapters to provide materials needed in order to host the event. (More information provided during the Health Mentor training)
Adopt Healthy Food and Beverage Guidelines
10 Points
The American Heart Association believes that everyone deserves to live a healthier, longer life. Through our science-based knowledge, we empower people, communities and organizations to build a sustainable culture of health, where the healthy choice is the easy choice. We believe that by addressing the environments where people live, work, learn and pray we can make healthier choices easier 100% of the time, at every eating occasion. Each chapter who is working to embrace a healthier community by adopting the Healthy Food and Beverage Guidelines will receive 10 points. (More information provided during the Health Mentor training)
Social Media – Awareness Campaign
Up to 16 points
Chapters will have the opportunity to earn 1 point per week (for a total of 16 points) just by posting photos of their chapter participating in program activities. Earning points in this area is as simple as connecting your chapter’s Facebook page with the American Heart Association’s Battle of the Heart Competition event page on Facebook, uploading photos and using the hashtags #CheckItHouston or #SimpleCookingHouston. (More information will be provided at the Health Mentor training.)
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Name of Contact Person for Program:
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Thank You Sorors!