International President's Viewpoint

As you read this letter, the pandemic has been in our lives for a year. The void I feel from not seeing my sisters face-to-face is strong, and I am anxious to be reunited with those whom it is my great pleasure to serve.

Even through isolation, work/life adjustments and the toll of anxiety, our members have risen to the occasion. Collegiate members have shown tremendous dedication and innovation by adapting traditional Alpha Gam events—such as recruitment, Bid Day, chapter meetings—into a meaningful virtual experience. In fact, more than 1,600 chapter leaders attended our recent virtual Academy for Collegiate Officers—Alpha Gam's largest event to date!

Alumnae groups have developed inventive ways to safely celebrate sisterhood and still provide service to their communities. I look forward to seeing how creativity unfolds as we celebrate IRD this year.

While change can be a challenge, being forced to quickly pivot leaves little time for second-guessing. Rather, it pushes us to move forward with more intention and thoughtfulness.

In my own home, for example, my family has spent the last several months reassessing our space, keeping what we love and getting rid of things that no longer serve us.

Similarly, the Fraternity has examined many of our processes and policies. As our membership changes and grows, our practices must also evolve. One particular policy studied with great intention and

thoughtfulness has been the Fraternity's legacy policy.

When viewed through a lens of equity and inclusion, it became obvious the current policy gives preferential treatment to women from families with greater access to higher education. It hinders collegiate members’ ability to equitably enact the Membership Selection process and de-prioritizes their personal connections.

I invite you to learn more about these changes and the intent behind them in the Fraternity Updates section on page 7.

As the mother of a recent Alpha Gam alumna, I know first-hand how special the bond with a legacy member can be. Alpha Gamma Delta will continue to celebrate these relationships when a legacy joins the Fraternity while providing an experience rooted in deep connection with her chapter sisters.

As we navigate the delicate balance of navigating the ever-evolving landscape while honoring our history, Purpose and ideals, be assured the membership experience will remain paramount.

Loyally,

Dr.Lee Woodham Langub, International President, Gamma Alpha–University of Georgia