NATIONAL NEWSLETTER FOR GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA NATIONAL SERVICE SORORITY
PERSPECTIVES Spring 2013 | Volume 58, Issue 4
Service Trips & Funding page 3
Project 5-2 page 13
Collegiate Chatter page 7
Alumni in Action page 14
National Sorority supports members participation in extended service By: Aurelia Spaulding, National Marketing Director
Eta Rho members finish volunteering at Adopt A House during a service trip to Miami, Florida. Photo provided by Esther Smith.
“While volunteering in Miami, my eyes were opened to the extreme poverty that is everywhere, and I want to do something bigger than myself to help people overcome homelessness and hopelessness,” said Esther Smith, Eta Rho Chapter at Old Dominion University. Smith, along with fellow Eta Rho members, participated in an alternative spring break trip volunteering with various projects within low income areas of Miami, FL. Over the last few years, members of Gamma Sigma Sigma, like those in Eta Rho, have shared their experiences volunteering nationally and internationally. Members volunteer for alternative spring and winter breaks, summer abroad, and mission trips. These service trips often take place in disaster relief areas or other identified areas of need throughout the world. Eta Rho participated in service trips organized by their college to Miami and West Virginia. Smith said, “I changed the most by going to Camp Easter Seals - doing the weekend respite opened my eyes and motivated me to help disabled children and adults as much as possible.” Gamma Sigma Sigma appreciates these inspiring examples of service to humanity; and the NBD is pleased to help support those endeavors in two ways: (1) promoting efforts for GSS C.A.R.E.S. and (2) offering financial assistance for short‐term mission‐style trips (domestic and/or foreign) in the form of a $250 donation. In the event of a national or international disaster, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority will respond with a special call to service titled GSS C.A.R.E.S., which stands for Collaboration to Assist in Relief Efforts through Service. This call to action was proposed by NBD members Aurelia Spaulding and Ashley Jennings after the devastation with the Haiti Earthquake in 2010 followed by the Nashville floods five months later. “Members were looking for ways to get involved and others were sharing
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how they were supporting disaster relief. They wanted to help the Red Cross and much more. Creating GSS.C.A.R.E.S. seemed like the perfect method to provide a united front to support disaster relief,” said Jennings, current Program Director. GSS C.A.R.E.S. is an initiative to help with relief when areas are devastated by any natural or manmade disaster. Members decide to assist through donations, collecting items, or active volunteering in the area. In addition, any request from a member to the National President will initiate a board vote to incorporate the event as a special service project until the relief efforts have completed. Since GSS C.A.R.E.S. was established, members have helped with relief efforts for the Joplin, Missouri tornado and Hurricane Sandy. Many service trips, like those for disaster relief, become costly, and the NBD is pleased to provide financial support for those efforts. In order to receive the $250 donation of support, members must submit the completed application along with essay before the deadline. Take a moment to download the application online at gammasigmasigma.org. “Everyone should go on at least one service trip, especially if you go as a group of Gamma Sigs because you will learn more about yourself and each other while helping others,” Smith said. Contact the National Service Director to learn more about Gamma Sigma Sigma’s service programs at service@gammasigmasigma.org.
What has your chapter done with GSS C.A.R.E.S.? Send us your stories to post on the Spirit of Service blog!
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National President extends thank yous I recently saw a post on Facebook with the countdown of time to the next National Convention. I realized that not only is this a countdown to Convention, but also a countdown to the end of my term as the President. I started this wild ride in Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2009; and with less than 24 weeks before the end of my term, I find myself reflecting on the past four years and what Gamma Sigma Sigma has accomplished in those years. Although the past four years have seen many changes, I first focus on the reason that I became a member - service. Our service program has become more diverse with the inclusion of a new service partner in the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, for whom Gamma Sigma Sigma has worked thousands of hours for. We also have increased the amount of service projects offered at Convention. The service reports reflect that you, the membership, are putting in countless hours in diverse projects throughout the year. I am proud of the accomplishments made by chapters nationally. In the past four years, the sorority advanced in the usage of technology, and we are continuing to work to improve in this area. I personally have grown as a leader. I have made so many friends, some who have become like family to me. I met you, the members, and I am proud to lead you and this national organization. I could not be the leader that I am today without those who have served on the 29th and 30th National Board of Directors and staff. Without their feedback and continued hard work, we as an organization would not have accomplished all that we did. I want to thank Karen Kerr and her committee for the their efforts to increase attendace at the 2011 Convention. I also want to acknowledge Aurelia Spaulding for her continued vision of growth and expansion of the marketing of Gamma Sigma Sigma, as well as the usage of technology to expand our name in the community. I want to thank you, the members, for making this experience one of the best that I have had. I say with pride every day that I am the National President of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc., and you make me very proud to say that. As we count down to Convention, I hope to meet you there and in person say “thank you” for the wonderful four years that I have been able to lead you.
Members challenged to serve nationally By Karen Kerr, National Vice President As we gear up for our next Convention and think about how the sorority will be shaped over the next biennium, service on a national committee is important. National committees serve as a way to get perspectives from both collegiate and alumni members while doing the work that our members expect us to do.
The work of these committees impact the decisions that we make as a national organization and your motivation and desire to serve nationally are critical to our success. You do not have to be a chapter officer right now nor do you have to have experience serving your chapter in a leadership role to be serving on a national committee. Our committees are made up of members that want to have a direct hand in shaping the sorority. Many plans will be made following Convention and our committees will be selected at the board’s August meeting. Our national website includes a listing and description of all of the committees that we use, as well as, criteria regarding who can serve on each committee. We challenge each chapter and our alumni-at-large to give some serious consideration to serving not just our communities, but also our sorority. We also encourage you to fill out the information form online or email vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org if you want to learn more about committees.
President Keli Connor president@gammasigmasigma.org Vice President Karen Kerr vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org Treasurer Jennifer Gentry treasurer@gammasigmasigma.org Service Director Tracy Kolodziek service@gammasigmasigma.org Membership Director Ranita Williams membership@gammasigmasigma.org Alumni Director Karen Erickson alumnidirector@gammasigmasigma.org Program Director Ashley Jennings program@gammasigmasigma.org Marketing Director Aurelia Spaulding marketing@gammasigmasigma.org District 1 Director Joyce Brooks district1@gammasigmasigma.org District 2 Director Jenna Hershelman district2@gammasigmasigma.org District 3 Director Katy Haynes district3@gammasigmasigma.org District 4 Director Aldenise Shuler district4@gammasigmasigma.org District 5 Director Demetria Curry district5@gammasigmasigma.org District 6 Director Jennifer Baker district6@gammasigmasigma.org District 7 Director Danielle Timmons district7@gammasigmasigma.org District 8 Director Tanisha Cousby district8@gammasigmasigma.org Parliamentarian Judi Mecsics parliamentarian@gammasigmasigma.org
Service: A Gateway to Change This convention the sorority will celebrate more than 60 years of service, the changes the sorority has made over the years and how the sorority has changed alongside the world. For this reason, it is appropriate that the St. Louis convention is themed, “Service: A Gateway to Change.” According to the Gateway Arch website, the nation’s history recognizes that St. Louis was where the United States ended and the wild began. St. Louis is said to be where the United States discovered America; it is the Core of Discovery (History, 2013).
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The National Board of Directors hopes that 31st National Convention in St. Louis, MO will serve as a time of discovery for new members and a time to cross over to implementing new ideas to more effectively run chapters and the national organization. At the 31st National Convention, members will see changes through the use of technology, implementation of workshops, content shared, and resources available. Throughout convention, members will learn how the idea of service is being utilized as a tool for motivation and improving chapter functions and fellowship amongst members. The sorority hopes that you will take a moment to let us know what improvements you have made in your chapter/colony over the last year to help improve its overall success. Take a moment to comment on the Gamma Sigma Sigma blog!
First time attendees learn what to expect at convention By Aurelia Spaulding, National Marketing Director
This article is written just for the first timers at convention. Just so you know, you are not alone; half of the attendees are usually first timers. Lodging: The first time attendee typically uses the free quad registration provided to chapters in good standing. This means that you will be sharing a room with three other members. Remember to pack accordingly with your bathroom supplies and luggage. Be sure to pack pajamas and something to stop the snoring because you will be sharing a bed with one other person! Also, chapter and colony members that receive the free quad registration cannot upgrade their room to a double occupancy, but individual registrants can. General Session: At general session, members usually sit with their chapter and chapters sit with their district. Each meeting starts off with roll call. If you listen closely, you will hear the beautiful sounds from the north and the south as members spout one-liners depictive of their area and chapter. What will your chapter say? If you want to speak during convention, you must approach the microphone. At the microphone, you address the National President, then state your name and chapter. It goes like this: “Madame President, Aurelia Spaulding, Bluegrass Alumni Chapter.” When it comes to voting, members will cast their ballot or electronic vote when each vote is ready. Do not worry, the floor will be open for discussion. Members can approach the microphone to give their view point. All rules for general session follow Robert’s Rules of Order for meetings. Overall, our convention general sessions should be very similar to properly run chapter meetings. Spirit Night: So, do you think your chapter has a lot of spirit? Well, imagine members from almost every chapter in the room. Then, mix that with alumni-at-large and national board members. Believe me, some of our national reps can still dance, stroll and sing a chant, me included! Spirit Night is an awesome time in which Gamma Sigma Sigma celebrates its diversity. At Spirit Night, you will see chapters and districts show what sets them apart through song, chants, dances, and more. Prepare your talent to share with others. Much More: There are so many other things at convention that make it new and exciting for old and new members. Start making your plans to attend today! Register online at www.gammasigmasigma.org.
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*Reference: “History” (2013). Gateway Arch. Retrieved from: http://www.gatewayarch.com/about/history/).
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Honored for past achievements: How awards are determined at Convention By Aurelia Spaulding, National Marketing Director
Starting with the first lunch during convention, the national sorority recognizes its most outstanding chapters and members for their significant achievements. Many times, chapters are completely surprised. At the same time, many members do not even know how the awards are determined. The next few paragraphs will spill the (not so little) secret. Starting with the January before convention and ending with the December before the next convention (January 1, 2011-December 31, 2012), chapters can receive points for their correspondence with National Board Members, submission of reports, and hosting and attendance at inter-chapter activities, spirit days, conferences, and convention. Chapters and colonies also receive points for submitting public relations materials such as articles and photos for Perspectives, the national website, and the Gamma Sigma Sigma blog. Some awards are given based on the submission of a nomination form. Anyone can submit a nomination for outstanding members and for outstanding projects. Project I.M.P.A.C.T. nominations are also submitted based on the completion of a nomination form. Many of the nomination forms require obtaining letters of support. Members are encouraged to plan their time accordingly in order to meet the deadline. The full details about the awards and points are located in The Staff – Awards Section. This publication is available on the national website. Let us know what awards you or your chapter has received at Convention in the past! Post your comments online at GammaSigmaSigma.wordpress.com.
Awards based on the point system District Awards Linton Outstanding Collegiate Chapter Award Scout Outstanding Alumni Chapter Ferraro Outstanding Collegiate Service Program Zimmerman Outstanding Alumni Service Program Project IMPACT Award
Awards based on nominations Service Merit Award Distinguished Service Award Spirit of Gamma Sigma Sigma Award Outstanding Advisor Award Scott NOVA Award Outstanding Collegiate Award Powell Award Mowers Outstanding Leader Award Emerging Leader Award
Awards nominations due April 1st!
Gamma Sig Idol: Do you have what it takes?
National Sorority begins song contest to celebrate diversity If you possess a spirit of service and value diversity, the sorority invites you to celebrate it through song, chant or cheer! The national organization is proud to announce the 2013 Celebrating Diversity Song Contest for members to use their creativity to promote Gamma Sigma Sigma. Gamma Sigma Sigma takes pride in its spirit of service and truly values and celebrates diversity in the organization. This contest uses one of the sorority’s favorite ways to show diversity by expressing it through song, chant, or cheer. Members are encouraged to share this information within the chapter or submit a song individually. Whether a group or solo submission, each song, chant, or cheer must depict the true spirit of Gamma Sigma Sigma locally and nationally. Individual members or groups may submit a song or video to be judged on creativity, originality, quality of recording and overall presentation. All submissions must be received no later than 11:59pm CST on April 30, 2013. The winning song will be announced at the 31st National Convention at Spirit Night on July 18th. Each chapter and colony will have creative leeway to show their Gamma Sigma Sigma spirit using the criterion provided on the national website. The winning song will be added to the National Song Book and posted on the National website. If a number of submissions are created, a compilation disc will be created for members at convention. Contact the National Marketing Director at marketing@gammasigmasigma.org or your District Director for more information.
“Like” and “Follow” Us for a Good Cause By Ashley Robinson, Social Media Coordinator
This spring, Gamma Sigma Sigma is using social media to support our national service partners and spread the word about the organization. From April 15th-May 15th, our goal is to get 1000 new likes and follows on our national Facebook and Twitter pages. When you help us to reach our goal, we will give back by donating $1000 to one of our national service partners. During the dates of the campaign, new likes to the “Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc.” Facebook page and new followers to the @gammasigmasigma account on Twitter will be tracked by the Social Media Coordinator. At the end of the campaign, we will make a $1 donation up to $1000 to a charitable organization for each new like or follow generated during the promotional period. Each like and follow will equal $1, up to $1000.
Ashley Robinson Social Media Coordinator
How can you help? Share our pages with your friends, encourage potential new members and friends to follow us, tag us in your status or in tweets, and if you aren’t connected with us yet, now is the time! The charity that will receive a donation will be chosen from our national service partners. Fans of our Facebook page will have the opportunity to vote in a Facebook poll during the third week of the promotion to choose which organization will receive the donation. Any questions should be directed to Social Media Coordinator, Ashley Robinson at socialmedia@gammasigmasigma.org.
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Collegiate Chatter
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Gamma Kappa to host a week of Gamma Sig service Knoxville, TN - This past fall, Gamma Kappa gained 50 new members after a successful rush with an “Oh the Places You’ll Go” theme. The chapter’s big event was the second annual Penguin Pitch. M.I.T.s participated in the event to support Gamma Kappa’s main philanthropy, the Salvation Army. Penguin Pitch was a little different; members played kickball instead of softball. The event was more successful than ever before. This spring, Gamma Kappa is hosting a Gamma Sig week that will have each day focused on a different Project I.M.P.A.C.T. area to get students on campus informed and involved. The chapter will devote an entire day to a kickoff of service with the Salvation Army. Various events to grow and bond as a sorority will also be provided during that week. Gamma Kappa members plan to schedule a retreat soon for a weekend of bonding and service in the mountains of Gatlinburg, TN. Of course, other fun events such as Gamma Kappa Day, formal, date parties, and mixers are upcoming as well.
Delta Theta participates in Fall Festival Fort Valley, GA - On Saturday, October 27, 2012, the Delta Theta Chapter from Fort Valley State University participated in helping to serve the community during a local Fall Festival. This is the second year that C & D Entertainment along with the Warner Robins Square and Compass club have thrown a Halloween Fall Festival for the local community. This is also the second year that Delta Theta participated. The festival provided free activities, games, popcorn, candy, juice, and candy apples for the children. To incorporate the spirit of Halloween into the annual festival, when night fell, everyone gathered together to host a haunted house for kids of all ages. The chapter would like to sincerely thank member April Crawley and her husband Sherdan for inviting the Delta Theta members. The chapter had a SPOOK-TASTIC time!
Spirit of Service Email Continue to read the Perspectives online. Get reminders about Perspectives and keep up with national news by signing up for the Spirit of Service email at http://www.gammasigmasigma.org/sosemail.html.
Collegiate Chatter Beta Sigma looking forward to “Lighten Your Load” Bowling Green, KY - It was a busy fall semester for the Beta Sigma chapter at Western Kentucky University. Aside from having four new individuals begin their first full semester as members of Gamma Sigma Sigma, the chapter celebrated Founders’ Day by serving with Habitat for Humanity, organizing and sorting items as well as completing other service opportunities across campus. This semester they look forward to heightening their service around the campus of WKU and the city of Bowling Green, KY. They also look forward to continuing their budding partnership with Housing and Residence Life (HRL) by participating in “Lighten Your Load” where students donate items they no longer need at the end of the semester. Last spring was the first time Beta Sigma assisted with HRL’s trademark program and both groups enjoyed the partnership. This semester they are also excited about participating with Project 5-2 and learning recruitment tactics to help with attaining new members. They are also excited at the opportunity to work together to serve during National Volunteer Week activities. In closing, Beta Sigma would like to congratulate Soror Joanna Williams for being a recipient of the national President’s Volunteer Service Award.
Epsilon Xi fundraises for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Bethlehem, PA - Epsilon Xi has been enjoying its new house on the campus of Moravian College and was involved for the first time in the Homecoming parade in October. The chapter marched along with the Greek organizations to the football field. During the game, the chapter raised $400 for Alex’s Lemonade stand. Now the chapter is busy planning a Spirit Day to take place on April 6, 2013 that will be attended by six other chapters, with about 70 guests. All seven chapters will learn about each other and conduct icebreakers and letter making activities. There will also be service projects to benefit children in the community. Epsilon Xi is also looking forward to hosting another lemonade sale for Alex’s Lemonade Stand at the end of the semester and a Spring Formal.
Perspectives Deadline Submissions for the next issue of Perspectives is September 2, 2013. The submission form is on the national website. Make sure to email your submission to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org by the deadline to be included in the fall issue!
Collegiate Chatter
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Zeta Chapter inspired by MLK Jr. Day of Service Philadelphia, PA -- The members of Zeta Chapter at Drexel University were very excited to take part in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service of 2013. Philadelphia has one of the largest days of service of any city and Zeta took part by painting inspirational murals for a local middle school.
The halls were cream colored and uninteresting before the artistic talents of the chapter brightened them up in a whirlwind of color. Several projects were completed in different groups including painting lockers, walls, and labeling the stairwells with the floor numbers. The project was part of a larger city year initiative to increase attendance and help students graduate. The members of Zeta Chapter were inspired by the beautiful murals that were painted all over the school; and they cannot wait to take that energy into upcoming service projects throughout the term!
Chi Chapter ‘Bulldawgs’ go Holiday Shopping for Youth Athens, GA - This December, members of the Chi Chapter participated in Shop With a Bulldawg, a student organization at the University of Georgia that allows underprivileged children from the AthensClarke County area to shop for gifts for the holiday season.
Each child was assigned two mentors for the day whom he or she shopped with at Target. Many of Chi Chapter’s members raised fifty dollars, one hundred per pair, to sponsor a child and had a wonderful time sharing some of the magic of the holiday season with their mentee.
Zeta Omicron participates in Unity Weekend Milledgeville, GA - The Zeta Omicron chapter enjoyed a weekend of bonding and service at a semi-annual retreat called Unity Weekend by the members. The chapter stayed in Milledgeville and started the retreat off with icebreakers between members and M.I.T.s. The fun continued with a weekend full of bonding and new friendships. On Saturday morning, the chapter went to a service project, which was beautifying GNETS of Oconee. GNETS stands for the Georgia Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support and provides support to the local school systems’ continuum of services by providing comprehensive special education services and therapeutic support to students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders and students with autism. Zeta Omicron members and M.I.T.s spent several hours painting murals on the walls as well as on the playground. The chapter was so honored to be able to do something that brought smiles to the teachers and students faces on Monday morning!
Collegiate Chatter Gamma Delta builds membership with ‘Lion Pride’ Pittsburgh, PA -- Last semester, members of Gamma Delta accummulated a total of 2187.77 service hours! Many hours were spent facilitating bingo at a local nursing home, passing out food to the homeless, and babysitting kids while their parents attended meetings. This past November, the chapter also raised over $2,000 for the Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh. Their own Philanthropy Chair, Keleigh Stahlman, raised over $1,000 for the Gold Star Mothers. Because Gamma Delta’s mascot is the lion, the chapter decided to call their membership building events “Lion Pride” events. The members most successful Lion Pride was a trip to Fright Night at Kennywood, PA, a local amusement park. Member Lauren Grabowski, who is also the Membership Chair, won Duquesne University Homecoming Queen!
Delta Phi member named Miss Dillard University New Orleans, LA - The Delta Phi Chapter celebrates its member Johnettra Trotter as Miss Dillard University 2012-2013. At Fall Coronation, the members of Delta Phi serenaded Trotter as she sat in awe. The room was filled with strong emotion and excitement. “I was proud and happy for her. Everyone was excited. It is always great to have a member of our sorority succeeding” said Delta Phi’s President Shantae Walker. The Fall Coronation 2012 was a remarkable event for the Delta Phi Chapter. The following day, the members performed community service raking leaves at “City Park”. The Delta Phi Chapter will continue to strive hard to work in the spirit of service.
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Collegiate Chatter
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GSS Spirit spreads nationwide with Gamma Sig Spirit Days
District V lands at MTSU By Demetria Curry, District V Director
GET READY! GET READY! GET READY! District V Spirit Day is coming! I am so excited to announce that Spirit Day has been set for April 20, 2013 at Middle Tennessee State University hosted by the Eta Kappa Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma. This Spirit Day promises to be bigger and better! Last Spirit Day we had over 100 members to come from near and far and hope to have even more to attend this year. As we gear up for Convention 2013, District V will come together and enjoy networking with collegiate chapter and alumni, team building exercises, service projects, and so much more! To find out more information about Spirit Day email Demetria Curry, District V Director at district5@gammasigmasigma.org. Hope to see you there!
District III headed to PA By Katy Haynes Owen, District III Director
District III Spirit Day is quickly approaching! On April 6th, collegiate and alumni members from District III and other nearby districts will gather in service, friendship, and equality to celebrate Gamma Sigma Sigma. District III Spirit Day is hosted by the Epsilon Xi chapter and will be held at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA. Attendees can plan on a day filled with fellowship, service, and fun that is gearing everyone up for National Convention 2013! See you in Bethlehem and St. Louis!
Leadership Conference April 20th in Texas
Spirit Days
Mark your calendars! District 3: April 6,2013 District 5: April 20, 2013 District 6: March 30,2013 District 7: March 30, 2013 District 8: April 19-21, 2013
C o C lo or n ne y r
KSU Colony provides service to several causes
By Ranita Williams, Membership Director
Happy Spring everyone! For this Colony Corner, the spotlight is on the Kennesaw State Colony! The KSU Colony was founded in March 2011 and currently has 10 active members. Last fall the colony gave their service to several causes, including Alex’s Lemonade Stand, AIDS Walk Atlanta, voter registration drive, and fundraisers for Hurricane Sandy victims. The KSU Colony plans to give their service this Spring by making “Boo Boo Bunnies” for Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, as well as participate in Relay for Life at Kennesaw State. I’m wishing them the best for a very successful Spring 2013!
Current Colonies
Kennesaw State University Colony members
Alpha Kappa Reactivating Chapter, Florida State University Kennesaw State University Colony Norfolk State University Colony University of North Florida Colony Pace University-Pleasantville Colony William Peace University Colony Wright State University Colony
Alumni Colonies remain involved in their communities By Karen Erickson, National Alumni Director
One of our newest alumni colony is the Lebanon Valley Alumni located in eastern Pennsylvania. They have been a colony since October 2012. They currently have eight members. This group meets on Sundays four times a year and requires 10 service hours per year. Projects they have done have include Light the Night, Relay for Life and Toys for Tots. Our other two colonies have been active somewhat longer. The Tri-State Alumni are located in the New York City metro area and the surrounding areas of southern Connecticut and northern New Jersey. Their petition was accepted in January 2012. They also have eight members and meet on Sundays four times a year. This group schedules six service projects every other month and requires 10 service hours per year. Projects on their schedule include walks, working with animal shelters and helping the local collegiate colony clean up after Hurricane Sandy. Our remaining alumni colony is the River Region Garnets and Pearls located in the River Region of Alabama. This group’s petition date was in March 2012. They are the largest alumni colony with twenty members. They meet monthly on Saturdays throughout the school year. They require ten group and five personal hours annually. Projects they enjoy include tutoring, Zoo Boo, and food and clothing drives. We are pleased to now have Gamma Alumni Colony, which received colony status in February 2013. Any alumni member interested in joining one of these colonies is encouraged to contact the Alumni Director, Karen Erickson, at alumni@gammasigmasigma.org.
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Colony Corner
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Tri-State targets Alzheimers and helps with ‘Sandy’
New York - Toward the end of their first year, the Tri-State Alumni Colony laced up their sneakers and participated in the 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Manhattan, NY. In addition to promoting Alzheimer’s awareness, the colony raised $500 toward treatment and research; an amount that doubled their initial fundraising goal. After the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, Tri-State Alums joined forces with the Pace University Colony to aid in relief efforts. Members from both colonies teamed up with All Hands Volunteers to help clean up storm ravaged homes in Staten Island, NY.
Project 5-2, resource for membership Project 5-2 is a national program created to provide assistance to smaller chapters and colonies in areas of recruitment and retention. Representatives from chapters and colonies participate in monthly conference calls to discuss topics beneficial to increasing their membership and retaining members. This semester, Project 5-2 is addressing challenging questions about relationships and personalities and how it affects retainment of members. Meetings take place the first Thursday of each month at 9:00pm EST time. The speakers will discuss collaboration, conflict resolution, inter-chapter support, inclusivity, transitioning, recruitment planning, and more! The live conference calls contain interactive discussions with the members in attendance and active engagement is encouraged. Members share their experiences to assist their peers who are also looking to make improvements within their own chapters and colonies. Project 5-2 continues to provide an invaluable resource to our sorority and we benefit tremendously from its diverse perspectives. Congratulations to Zeta Omega and Epsilon Psi for meeting their membership goals last semester.
Alumni in Action Our alumni chapters and colonies have been busy during the holiday season making spirits brighter for many people. Here are a few of the activities that have been reported from some of our alumni chapters for this season. •Mid-Jersey Shore was busy collecting school supplies and money for the Union Beach Schools destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. They were also helpful in giving other GSS chapters the contacts to donate money or supplies. •Gemini Alumni collected food for a local food shelf at their holiday party. •Nutmeg did bell ringing for the Salvation Army and donated a cookie tree to the Center for Women and Families. •Steel City did Christmas caroling and collected clothes for Dress for Success.
Karen Erickson
National Alumni Director
•Twin Cities packed food for holiday boxes and donated scarves, hats and mittens to SACA. Any alumni interested in joining these or any of the other alumni chapters or starting a new chapter, are encouraged to contact me at alumni@gammasigmasigma.org. Alumni-at-large can also report their service hours to me. I will be more than willing to help with all requests.
Greater Atlanta help out with 5K and empower women
Atlanta, GA - The Greater Atlanta Alumni and Atlanta Metropolitan Alumni Chapter volunteered at the Fall 2012 Girls on the Run Atlanta 5K. Alumni members helped set up registration tables and materials, checked in and registered race runners, and assisted with food and water distribution to race participants. The chapter also hosted their 2nd Annual Women’s Empowerment event this past February along with the Eta Zeta Chapter at Spelman College. The theme for the expo was “A Beautiful, Healthy You”. The event featured a keynote speaker who discussed healthy relationships. The expo also featured breakout sessions geared towards physical health, mental health, spiritual health, and much more.
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Members of Greater Atlanta Alumni Chapter also offered their condolences to former member of Zeta Omega Chapter, Porsha Grant, by attending a memorial service dedicated to her at Clark Atlanta University. Porsha passed away in October 2012.
Alumni in Action
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AMAC Member sets out on Great American Service Trip Atlanta, GA - Last summer, Atlanta Metropolitan Alumni Chapter (AMAC) member Kristin Hemingway embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Along with three friends, Kristin drove across country and back completing more than 15 service projects in 11 states over 21 days! This adventure started as a bright idea at a gas station pump in January and morphed into what became the Great American Service Trip in July of 2012. Kristin and her team performed all types of service from volunteering at a food bank to helping a young woman develop her nonprofit business! Visit http://gaservicetrip.wordpress.com to read more about their service journey! Kristin and her team plan on doing Round 2 this year, this time exploring the East Coast. It is sure to be another grand time!
Kristin Hemingway (far left) and members of her team serving at The Stewpot in Dallas, TX
Bluegrass Alumni wear red in honor of heart disease Kentucky - The members of Bluegrass Alumni showed their support of the American Heart Association for Wear Red for Women Day on February 1st. The chapter continues to support free mammograms for women through the Breast Cancer site. Bluegrass members plan to participate in the annual Walk For Lupus Walk in Louisville, KY to support one of our own. The chapter also has plans to continue partnering with the Beta Sigma Chapter at Western Kentucky University to serve meals to the homeless at the Salvation Army in Bowling Green, KY. In addition to those efforts, members have also expressed interest in providing coloring books to children at local hospitals in Bowling Green and the Louisville area. The chapter thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the children the last time they visited and are looking to do the same again in the upcoming months.
National Staff Administrative Assistant Jo Charest aa@gammasigmasigma.org Social Media Coordinator Ashley Robinson socialmedia@gammasigmasigma.org Perspectives Editor Tanja Bibbs perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org Database Coordinator Karen Kerr database@gammasigmasigma.org Convention Committee Chair Tanja Bibbs convention@gammasigmasigma.org Nominating Committee Chair Sharon Brice nominating@gammasigmasigma.org
Gamma Sigma Sigma c/o Karen Kerr - Database Coordinator 5683 Gold Creek Bay Hickory, NC 28601
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Are you a prospective national worker? 2013-2014 Positions Available Chapter Consultant Alumni Assistant Public Relations Assistant Membership Assistant
Alumni Committee Awards Committee Marketing Committee Conference Committee Convention Committee Credentials Committee Finance Committee Membership Committee Nominating Committee Strategic Planning & Evaluation Committee Service Committee Woman of the Year Committee Complete the application online. Contact Karen Kerr if you have any questions at vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org.
May 1st deadline
www.gammasigmasigma.org/prospectiveworkers.html
Epsilon Iota, 1977