FROM THE PRESIDENT

from The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Spring 2022

CHAPTER NEWS

BY KELLY MCGINNIS BECK, ΕΚ, NATIONAL PRESIDENT

As part of our diversity, equity and inclusion work, it is important that we acknowledge where in our past there has been organizational discrimination. For some members, this will be diffi cult to read. It may make them angry or defensive. For others, this may validate their own experiences. It may even provide a welcome opportunity to learn and grow. For me, it has been thought-provoking.

The feature article in this issue of the Phoenix is not intended to shame anyone but rather allow us to listen to all voices of the past. It is intended to shed light on our history, acknowledge the harm our practices and behaviors caused to members and potential members and to recognize the impact these beliefs have had in shaping the organization we are today. While we know that our members – current and past - are known for their character and concern for others, we cannot pretend that discrimination in our organization did not exist. In order to remove barriers and foster a more inclusive environment, we need to accept that biases and prejudices infl uenced our policies, procedures and culture. Change can only happen when we acknowledge our past and work to do better for our future.

The world has changed and Alpha Sigma Alpha, too, is evolving. Our founders and those who have cared for our Sorority these past 120 years did not get us here by hanging onto the status quo. They recognized that to remain relevant and survive the next 120 years, our progression must continue. Change can breed fear and uncertainty which can fuel resistance. People fi nd comfort in what they know.

As sorority members, we hold close our individual membership experiences. We remember fondly receiving our bid, experiencing the Ritual, bonding with sisters and the excitement around recruitment and new members joining. And while these activities will always be fundamental to the Alpha Sigma Alpha experience, today’s college students don’t want all the same experiences that we had when we were in college, regardless of whether it was fi ve years ago or 50 years ago.

Student organizations communicate through GroupMe and recruit through TikTok and demand greater access to mental wellness resources. Faculty use open-source materials rather than requiring textbooks and include anti-racist statements in their syllabi while practicing inclusive pedagogy. Communal dorms have given way to suites. Classrooms are outfi tted with technology and classes have moved to hybrid or completely online. If campuses don’t continue to evolve, they will not be able to attract new students.

As I think about Alpha Sigma Alpha and our core values, the feature article you are about to read will provide all members an opportunity to grow, while providing our organization the chance to take responsibility for moments when we were not elevating the infl uence of all women. For our organization, our road to the future starts with examining our history, addressing our prejudices, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing positive change that provides an inclusive member experience for all. As we shed light on our shortcomings, may that also provide us with continued strength to remain steadfast and unifi ed in our shared commitment to elevate the infl uence of women in the world.

In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

KeLLY MCGINNIs BeCK, ΕΚ NatIONaL pResIdeNt @asaKeLLYM