NATIONAL NEWSLETTER OF GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA NATIONAL SERVICE SORORITY
PERSPECTIVES Volume 57, Issue 1
www.gammasigmasigma.org
FALL 2010
Sometimes Being Different...is the Best Thing to Be By: Jen Jones, Perspectives Editor
One of my favorite parts about being a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma always has been, and always will be, the diversity between chapters/colonies and the unity of our chapters/ colonies. Unlike many sororities which have national mascots, membership-in-training (MIT) rituals, and families, Gamma Sig chapters remain unique to one another. Although the penguin remains a widely adopted mascot of Gamma Sig, other chapters adopted other mascots to represent their chapters, such as frogs, bunnies, panda bears, tigers, and butterflies. The Gamma Phi Chapter at St. Francis University adopted the butterfly as their mascot; at the end of their MIT process, new members become beautiful butterflies! While being the Perspectives Editor, I have been able to learn so much about how chapters/colonies interact with their campus and community. So many chapters make a difference that affects people across the world. No matter if the chapter is old or new, if the chapter is big or small, if the members are penguins or butterflies, we all come together to make an impact through our service to others. After the earthquake disaster in Haiti, our sorority pulled together and created the new policy: GSS C.A.R.E.S. (Collaboration to Assist in Relief Efforts through Service) in order to raise money toward relief efforts after disasters. At relays, walks, and marathons to raise money to make a difference, our sorority has walked countless steps, washed hundreds of cars, and raised thousands of dollars. When there’s an opportunity to make a difference, Gamma Sig is always there ready to lend a hand. No matter how different chapters/colonies of Gamma Sig may be, the diversity—yet unity—of Gamma Sig is what makes our sorority truly one of a kind.
PERSPECTIVES
LITTLE
PINK
HOUSES
OF
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HOPE
By: Amy Faby, Service Director
Jeanine Patten-Coble, sister-in-law of Delta Chi alum Diana Patten, founded Little Pink Houses of Hope while dealing with aggressive breast cancer at the age of 39. Instead of running away from her diagnosis, she channeled her energy into developing a beach retreat for breast cancer patients and their families. Since then, she has been blessed with many people stepping up to make this vision a reality. The Little Pink Houses of Hope provides a fun-filled environment designed to make family the priority, survivors and their loved ones are able to laugh, connect, play, and heal. A beautiful beach setting with a staff dedicated to making sure that the only worry that families have is answering one question: “What do we want to do?” Cleaning, cooking, and laundry are all taken care of so that families can celebrate each other and get the pampering they deserve. Houses are secured through caring individuals willing to donate weekly beach homes for breast cancer families and rental agreements. Little Pink Houses of Hope’s goal for 2011 is to serve seven families for seven weeks. They are currently seeking their first big funding through the Pepsi Refresh Project. For more information about Little Pink Houses of Hope and how to help their organization, visit their website at http://littlepinkhousesofhope.org.
2009-2011 • •
I.M.P.A.C.T.
Educating At-risk Youth National Kidney Foundation
SERVICE • • • • •
PROJECT
PARTNERS
March of Dimes (MOD) Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) American Red Cross (ARC) American Cancer Society (ACS) Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) Don’t forget to check the mass mailings for additional information regarding service projects and events!
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IN
YOUR
FALL
2010
PERSPECTIVE
Members wanting to send a question for this section of Perspectives can send it to info@gammasigmasigma.org. Questions will be selected to respond to in each edition. Can a graduate student join a collegiate chapter? Yes, graduate students are permitted to join collegiate chapters, as long as the college or university allows for such membership. Gamma Sigma Sigma used to use the term “undergraduate” to describe those members who joined a chapter at a college or university. Graduate students were not permitted to join these chapters. The sorority then changed this designation to “collegiate” so that both undergraduate and graduate students could join the same chapter on campus. Ranita Williams, Membership Director If you are interested in starting an alumni chapter. How would a person go about trying to do that? We are growing by leaps and bounds in the both the Collegiate and Alumni areas. On a weekly basis another member is asking for information about the starting of an Alumni Colony. The first step is to contact Andrea Powers, the new Alumni Director (alumni@gammasigmasigma.org) to notify her of your interest. Our past Alumni Director put together a great packet of information that Andrea can forward to you. If you would like more information you can refer to the Staff online and it gives you the step-by-step process. Keli Connor, National President
How many alumni chapters will a city be allowed to have? I worry that these small "interest groups" will pop up and fizzle out. Usually when a new alumni colony that is in the same area as another writes a petition the Alumni Director will ask a few questions about why a separate colony and who this colony will reach out to. Our common goal is service and if several members want to get together and form a colony that they feel is better suited for their needs (i.e. Conference calls, meeting times, or types of service) then the national organization feels that they should be allowed, even if there is a chapter in the area already. Many of the area’s that have multiple alumni chapters are large metropolitan areas and bigger cities that can support multiple chapters in one area. Are they going to fizzle out? We aim to assist them as much as we can so that this does not happen, however the reality is that we currently have several inactive alumni chapters and collegiate chapters. If we had not allowed those members to start we would have missed out on the those service opportunities that they shared with us. Keli Connor, National President
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PERSPECTIVES
ACTIVE • • •
ALUMNI
COLONIES
Arrowhead Reactivating Alumni Chapter (Duluth, MN) Magnolia Alumni Colony (Mississippi) Greater Atlanta Alumni Colony (Atlanta, GA)
ACTIVE • • • • • • • • • • • • •
COLLEGIATE
Old Dominion University Colony Congratulations to the new Tarheel State Alumni Chapter!
Congratulations to the new Omicron Alumni Chapter!
Congratulations to the new Serenity Rose Alumni Chapter!
DELTA
GAMMA
The Delta Gamma Reactivating Chapter at University of Arkansas – Fayetteville got together during the summer to help out with Hogs for Haiti, a university organization dedicated to helping rebuild Haiti. They participated in the 24-hour long event by assembling and packaging dry meals. During this time, they got to meet wonderful people from the university and community while personally packaging over 1,000 meals to be sent to Haiti. The grand total of meals they helped package reached over one million! 1,420,638 meals ended up being sent to Haiti with their help. They look forward to their fall semester filled with weekly service projects, recruitment, and showing more of their Gamma Sig pride!
COLONIES
Delta Theta Reactivating Chapter Zeta Theta Reactivating Chapter Delta Gamma Reactivating Chapter Epsilon Kappa Reactivating Chapter Eta Alpha Reactivating Chapter Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Colony Buffalo State College Colony Pennsylvania State-Behrend Colony Auburn University-Montgomery Colony Gannon University Colony Wright State University Colony Elizabeth State University Colony Old Dominion University Colony
Buffalo State College Colony
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ETA
FALL
2010
IOTA
The Eta Iota Chapter at the University of Texas – Dallas has illustrated a melting pot of all races and creeds united for the purpose of providing service to those in need since their beginning as a colony. Their chapter is proud to have been dubbed the “rainbow brigade” at their recent Leadership conference. They literally represented one of the most diverse groups of Gamma Sigs that District 8 had ever seen! They are excited that they can be part of showing the world that, regardless of race of creed, all people can have hearts to serve others. Every time their chapter brainstorms positive traits, diversity is always a top quality, high valued, and cherished. The members hope to welcome new members to contribute to their diversity knowing that they will help their chapter grow and flourish. Let’s taste the rainbow! ZETA
IOTA
The Zeta Iota Chapter at Prairie View A&M University look forward to several service events in the fall. They plan on having a car donation to MADD, a campus coin drive for the March of Dimes, and a week-long canned food drive to donate to the Houston Food Bank. They look forward to a successful semester! GAMMA
ALPHA The Gamma Alpha Chapter at Florida A&M University inducted 15 new members in the spring semester. They started the fall 2010 semester by hosting Welcome Week where they helped freshmen move-in and gave campus tours. The fall semester will be a unity semester for the chapter. Instead of inducting new members, they will focus on service projects for Project I.M.P.A.C.T., build stronger bonds in friendship within their chapter, and continue to nurture a harmonious chapter united in service.
They recently held their first annual training session and look forward to their annual service week, which includes a Founder’s Day celebration with the Omicron Alumni Chapter. They also are proud of the members of Omicron for reaching their chapter status on August 1, 2010! Gamma Alpha is excited about National Convention next summer and hope to send as many members as possible.
PERSPECTIVES
ALPHA
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PSI
The Alpha Psi Chapter at Southeast Missouri State University activated 19 new members in the spring and completed over 1,900 service hours. They organized service projects, including bingo calling at a local nursing home and dancing with veterans, as well as participating with the Salvation Army’s Meals with Friends and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Their chapter raised over $3,000 for Relay for Life through various fundraisers. In addition to service projects, they focused on strengthening their bonds with each other. They held weekly events at restaurants and movie theatres, held Gamma Sig 101: Gammas in Pajamas, a Gamma Sig Game Night held by MITs, and danced the night away at their formal, the White Rose Ball.
BETA
GAMMA
The Beta Gamma Chapter at the University of Delaware had their largest pledge class in the spring semester, completed over 7,500 service hours, and raised over $11,130 for their philanthropy: Autism Delaware and the Johnston family. In addition, they also hosted their first Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which raised $2,000. In the 2010 -2011 year, they plan to focus their fundraising efforts for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, including benefit concerts, car washes, clothing sales, and working at the Blue Rocks game. BETA
PSI
The Beta Psi Chapter at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania held their first annual Walk It Out For Infants event, benefiting the March of Dimes. Not even the rain could stop them from walking for their cause! They held their walk inside their university’s gym. Their event was open to both the college and local community. Members handed out baked goods and water to walkers and gave participants handmade purple and white March of Dimes bracelets. Highlights of their event included games, March of Dimes t-shirts, and a dance contest! They also raised money for March of Dimes with car washes and candy flower sales.
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DELTA
FALL
2010
CHI The Delta Chi Chapter at East Carolina University is back in action! With doubling membership, recruiting the first member-in-training class since 2007, and getting back out into the service field, East Carolina University is seeing maroon and white everywhere! They are excited about continuing to build membership and bonds within the chapter while helping their community in as many ways as possible throughout the semester. In response to the natural disaster in Haiti, their chapter organized Help 4 Haiti on February 20th. Located at an intersection in Greenville, NC, members carried buckets and waved signs to collect donations from cars passing through. In addition to being a great experience, the event confirmed how much their community cared about the people of Haiti. The Delta Chi Chapter raised over $2,000 to donate to the American Red Cross to fund relief efforts.
GAMMA
KAPPA
The Gamma Kappa Chapter at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville continues their weekly service with several local organizations. In the spring semester, they voted to change their philanthropy to be the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley. The chapter held a very successful towel drive and a benefit concert for the human society during the spring semester, and they look forward to planning another event for the fall. They also participated in March for Babies, Walk Like MADD, Relay for Life, MS walk, and their annual Heifer Chef event, ending the semester with a grand total of 2,890 service hours, averaging 25.5 service hours each! They also hosted the Knoxville Leadership Conference. They thought it was wonderful seeing so many Gamma Sigs from other chapters and took away great information to make their chapter stronger. The chapter also made time for fun! They went on a retreat to Gatlinburg and had fun even with a leaky roof and freezing temperatures joining their retreat. They held a formal on a riverboat and said goodbye to seniors moving on to the next phase of their lives. ALPHA
IOTA
The Alpha Iota Chapter at the University of Minnesota – Duluth partnered with Tau Kappa Epsilon to plan and execute their annual 24-hour walk-a-thon to raise money for a charity of their choice. In 2010, they focused on Project I.M.P.A.C.T. and donated to the National Kidney Foundation in honor of their past president’s mother undergoing treatment for kidney disease. They raised and donated $1,750 for the treatment and clinical testing of kidney disease patients. Two of their walkers went beyond the required walkers: one walker walked 18 hours—9 of which being consecutive, another walked 11 hours, and others averaged 5 hours each. They exceed their goal and look forward to walking again next spring!
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PERSPECTIVES
COLLEGIATE
SPOTLIGHT:
COURTNEY
HOLDER
Amanda Tishko, a member of the Gamma Phi Chapter at St. Francis University, was nominated by her district director Alyshia Inks for the collegiate spotlight! I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and I am a senior majoring in Occupational Therapy (OT) at St. Francis University in Loretto, PA. I am currently serving as President for Gamma Sigma Sigma at St. Francis. I have been a member of the Gamma Phi chapter since the spring of 2008. As an active member of the sorority, I have served many different positions, including Membership Vice-President and Parliamentarian. At school, I serve year-round as a resident assistant and this will be my third year working for Residence Life. I am also a member of Occupational Therapy Organization (OTO) for OT students. As a fourth year OT student, I have volunteered for numerous organizations, including the American Red Cross, St. Just-Inn Assisted Living Center, Adopt-a-Highway, and local food drives. I recently served at a week-long camp helping and assisting children with muscular dystrophy. It is so important to volunteer in the community and to reach out to others in need. I really love Gamma Sigma Sigma because it allows me to serve and give back to others while having an amazing time belonging to such a caring and giving organization. I have successfully filled my dream of serving as president for the Gamma Phi Chapter. It was very important for me to give back to my sorority members because I have received so much from them in return. What better way than to lead us to future success! Though my schedule can become busy with school and other activities, I always make sure to keep the best interest at heart and lead the sorority in the right direction. I continuously strive to push our members to challenge themselves with different service projects, activities, and fundraisers. Being a part of Gamma Sigma Sigma has definitely been one of the best decisions of my life, and I am very grateful and blessed to be a part of such an incredible organization. My leadership for Gamma Sigma Sigma has been the most rewarding, yet challenging, experience I have ever encountered. Trying to make a difference for our sorority is so beneficial, and getting the opportunity to lead us to greater success, has been one of the most fulfilling roles I have ever served.
Do you know a collegiate or alumni member who deserves to be recognized in a future issue of Perspectives? Contact the Perspectives editor at perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org.
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FALL
HOUSTON
2010
BAYOU
CITY
The HBCA Chapter participated in the University of Houston's annual Supply Box and Sort in August. School supplies were sorted and packaged to be delivered to schools and underprivileged students throughout the city of Houston. They also volunteered at the Houston Food Bank and hosted an ice cream social at a local rehabilitation center. This fall they are organizing health and college fairs for their community. In November, the chapter hosts its annual Wine and Cheese Auction to benefit their Marvyn G. Ruppert Award for a 2011 graduating high school senior. For more information email houstonbayoualums@gammasigmasigma.org NUTMEG Renee Janes, Jo-Ann Olsen, and Patty Bruhn of the Nugmeg Alumni Chapter made toiletry bags for the Women and Family Services of Eastern Fairfield County, Inc. and cut coupons for the soldiers overseas. MID-JERSEY
SHORE
The Mid-Jersey Shore Alums is busy continuing to serve their community after celebrating their 35th Anniversary. They are continuing to offer their services on some of their favorite projects, including preparing for a Halloween Party at a women’s shelter in Union County. In September they created toiletry bags, collected gifts for the mothers and prizes for the kids, and made ghost lollipops. In October they hosted the party! They look played games with the kids, passed toiletry bags, gave the mothers gifts (pocketbooks and wallets), and served dessert. In December they will collect new toys for Family and Children’s Services. They always have a good time having lunch, socializing, and donating over 200 new toys each year to Operation Sleigh Bells. OMICRON Wee-Oop! Wee-Oop! Wee-Oop! The women of the Omicron Alumni are so excited about their new CHAPTER status. They have worked hard and will continue to work harder to stay true to the purpose and ideals of Gamma Sigma Sigma. If you are ever in the Tallahassee area and would like to partner with us in service, they are only an email away: omicronalums@gammasigmasigma.com. This summer they sponsored a child to participate in the City of Tallahassee 6-week summer camp program and also partnered with the Gamma Alpha Chapter and Della Walker Chapter #86, PHA Order of the Eastern Star to sponsor and host a Back to School Bookbag and Supply Drive for the children of the Miccosukee area. This was the first time a group has ever targeted this community and the children and parents thanked them profusely throughout the project.
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PERSPECTIVES
GEMINI Greetings all alumni in the Southeastern Pennsylvania area! The Gemini Alumni Chapter is in their 12th year this fall and would like to have you as part of their chapter. Their meetings are held six times a year and they offer service projects at every meeting. They are especially excited about their involvement in a children’s literacy project that they will be continuing this year. If you would like more information about their chapter you can visit their yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GeminiGss or locate them on facebook under the name Gamma Sigma Sigma Gemini Alumni Chapter. TARHEEL
WHITE
STATE
Congrats to the TSA Chapter members who have worked so hard to get the colony its charter! On July 23, 2010 a charter was granted and the members couldn’t be more excited. As always, they are still collecting coupons and boxtops as their two staple service projects. In the fall, the chapter looks forward to volunteer in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Charlotte, NC doing various volunteering opportunities. The chapter is looking to expand and grow in the upcoming year. Visit their chapter website at www.gssncalum.webs.com often for new and exciting recruiting, service and family events. As always, if you would like to join the Tarheel State Alumni Chapter, email tarheelalums@gammasigmasigma.org. ATLANTA
ROSE
The White Rose Alumni Chapter looked forward to several events this fall. In September, they participated in the Kidney Walk and the Lupus Walk. In October, they hosted a Founder’s Day Weekend. In November, they hosted the 2nd Annual White Rose Ball Weekend on November 12-14th in Nashville, TN. To join them for their events, please contact the chapter at whiterosealumni@hotmail.com.
METROPOLITAN
The AMA Chapter began their 5th year of service with the addition of new members and exciting new service. In January, they welcomed their newest additions through a creative and innovative process that allowed new and old members to learn more about the sorority and members of the chapter through Gamma Sig jeopardy and a pillow making service project for breast cancer survivors. In March, they participated in the Hunger Walk, where they assisted with registration, vendor set-up and runner assistance, and brought about awareness for Hunger. In May, they provided water for race participants in the Komen Race for a Cure. The chapter is proud to have 20 active members, ranging in ages and locale. With the fall service line-up including creating a mentoring relationship with a local school and working with at risk children, they are continuing their service to the Atlanta community. They are currently planning their 5th anniversary charter celebration to include a week of events. With their fast growth and continued service to humanity they continue to seek out members in the Atlanta community who want to continue service and be a part of a growing friendship.
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30TH
FALL
NATIONAL
2010
CONVENTION
By: Karen Kerr, Convention Committee Chair
We are very excited to update you on the 30th National Convention that will be held July 13-17, 2011 in Herndon, VA! Your Convention Committee has been working hard to ensure that this event will be an enjoyable and learning experience for all. Our theme for the 2011 Convention is “Capitalizing on Service” due to the proximity to Washington, DC. We are working to finalize workshops and line up optional excursions that will appeal to a variety of interests. Convention is the time when we give out awards, elect our national officers, and vote on our national bylaws. We will also have the presentation of the Woman of the Year. For this Convention, you will be able to register to attend the Woman of the Year luncheon as a stand-alone event. This option is most appealing to members living/working in the Northern Virginia area, but may be unable to attend the weekday events. We look forward to seeing new faces, as well seasoned veterans. Convention is open to ALL members of the sorority, collegiate and alumni members that are a part of chapters or colonies, as well as alumni-at-large. Chapters/colonies in good standing may be eligible for travel pool to help off-set the costs of attending. You will be able to register online or by sending in a paper registration form, which will be available via download from the national website or can be mailed to you upon request. The costs for t-shirts and registrations are now finalized and are posted on our national website. Please email Karen Kerr, Convention Chair, at convention@gammasigmasigma.org with any questions regarding convention or if you need us to mail you a paper registration form. You can be a part of our history and help shape the future of our sorority. We look forward to seeing you in 2011! 2010
ALUMNI
CONFERENCE
CRUISE
By: Martha Lloyd, alumni-at-large
Ahoy, Mates! How about doing a service project in the Caribbean? That’s what fourteen alumni did during the Alumni Conference Cruise on July 5-9 The conference was attended by three alums at large, one alumni colony member and members of five alumni chapters. We had workshops/discussions on Gamma Sig 101, Service and Sustainability. We did several service projects including making bookmarks, making yellow ribbons in recognition of the military, wrote letters to the troops and collected children’s books and $50 to purchase more. We also made a $125 donation to Make-a-Wish (an organization helped by Royal Caribbean.) Besides the conferences, we also spent time at Coco Cay and Nassau. Look for us the Caribbean blue t-shirts at National Convention! CONTACTING
GAMMA
SIGMA
SIGMA
Gamma Sigma Sigma • PO Box 248 • Rindge, NH 03461-0248 • 800-585-7508 • 216-803-3065 (FAX) Perspectives Editor • Jen Jones • 3625 Duval Rd, Apt 1633 Austin, TX 78759 • 305-519-1968 The deadline for submissions for the Spring 2011 issue of Perspectives is January 16. Send all submissions to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org. You can find the submission form on the website!
GAMMA
SIG
CLASSIFIEDS
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Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority C/O Karen Kerr, Database Coordinator 5683 Gold Creek Bay Hickory, NC 28601
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