Gamma Sigma Sigma: Perspectives Volume 70 Issue 1

Celebrating Celebrating Perspectives

AnUpdatefrom MAnUpdatefrom MadamPresident adamPresident

Greetings Sorors/Members,

This is an exciting time for our sorority as we have reached a platinum milestone in our journey to be the premier national service organization in the country. Our members are the shining light on providing service in our communities. This issue of Perspectives features chapters from all over the country coming together in the name of service.

I am proud to be a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc. because our members are always willing to answer the call of service. No matter how small the event or how large the call to action our members are there. We take care of each other. We ensure that our fellow members are taken care of. Each Soror who wears these letters knows they always have a friend one phone call away.

In closing, I would like to leave you with this:

“

… social sororities still were limiting membership in their groups by race, religion, personality, etc. We were interested in starting a sorority, which would be open to all women without prejudice of any sort. Service was to be the worthwhile endeavor that would be the rock upon which friendship and equality were built.”

Barbara Van Sciver Ferraro, First National President

Happy Founders' Day!

Greetings Sorors!

This issue was the most amazing thing to create. So many stories, so many memories, and the best part was seeing all seventy years of service through your eyes. This issue is filled with the memories that you submitted. Your photos and stories about how, when, and why you became a part of our great sorority! I hope that this issue makes you feel like it made me feel - warm, wanted, and with purpose. I can't wait to create and record more of your favorite moments.

Fun fact: This issue will read best if you read it with the thought of development and progression in mind. Stay engaged while reading about service, sisterhood and our celebration of 70 years.

Seventy Years Sorors!

Love. + Do Service.

O'Neal

Remembering Remembering OurLegacy OurLegacy

In October 1952, representatives met for the Constitutional Convention at Beekman Tower in New York City. During the weekend, the group decided on the name, colors, and the first charters were given to the schools in attendance.

October 12, 1952 is recognized as the National Founders' Day of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.

While many sororities and fraternities attribute their founding notable individuals, Gamma Sigma Sigma recognizes its founding schools. Margaret Zimmerman, second National President said, “We recognized that it took many people....” All those in attendance on the final day of the Constitutional Convention are recognized as the founding schools.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the 6th National President of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc., Barbara "Babs" Stabler. Barbara Stabler was the National President from 1963-1965. During her term as President, 10 collegiate chapters and 2 alumni chapters were chartered. Significant policies were established to include our non-affiliation with a greek council and limiting selectivity in membership admission practices.

Babs was the epitome of a Gamma Sigma Sigma leader. We are going to miss her guiding light. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. We mourn the loss of a President, but we celebrate her legacy by continuing to foster in the Spirit of Service, Friendship, and Equality.

Barbara BStabler arbara Stabler

HonoringOurLegacy HonoringOurLegacy

Comeforthe Comeforthe eervice... rvice...

S S

1981 1981

Members serve their local campus and communities through diverse service programs organized based on the needs in their geographical service area.

As a national body, there are additional opportunities to serve in similar areas of service through our National Service Partners and within our Project I.M.P.A.C.T. (Individuals Making Progress Across Communities Together) areas.

At each convention, I.M.P.A.C.T. areas are chosen for special emphasis in service during the biennium. Participating in Project I.M.P.A.C.T. areas encourage members to branch into new avenues of service and establish relationships with other national charitable organizations.

SunnyServiceDays SunnyServiceDays

by National Service Director, Keli Queen

When I ran for the National Service Director position in July 2021, I wanted to incorporate a Summer Service Project. I never imagined that we could accomplish three collective summer projects for our chapters and colonies. The opportunity to work with March of Dimes – our longest-served National Service Partner – by becoming the first organization to test-pilot a new project: a community Baby Shower in Charlotte, North Carolina. We provided diaper bags filled with baby wipes, homemade blankets, baby bibs, and onesies to 51 mothers.

As a result, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc. is featured on a national level as the spearhead for March of Dimes’ Community Baby Showers.

Following our successful March of Dimes Summer Service Project, we held a National Lemonade Stand for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The goal for this event was to raise funds to help fight childhood cancer and kick-off ALSF Lemonade Days. At this event, we raised $200 and, as an added contribution, donated water and lemonade to a community fridge.

For our final Summer Service Project, we shined with our backpack drive in the 2023 Convention host city of Miami, Florida. This was the largest project with 20+ different chapters participating in collecting donations. Gamma Sigma Sigma helped a local Title 1 School send 120 students back to the classroom with new back packs and all the items needed to commence the school year in a successful way. It is with pride that I write these summer projects were a success!

The most memorable moments of this summer started with the smiling faces of the women who no longer had to worry about how they are going to provide for their child in the first few days at home after birth. The content faces of the children and adults who stopped by our Lemonade Stand and the hugs and cheesy grins I received from the children in Miami showed me how much our efforts made a difference. Thank you all for making this summer a success! I hope that in the pictures you will see the gratitude and joy that we have passed on to the many community members and their families we served. We truly have made a SIGnificant IMPACT.

IIMPACTfulService MPACTfulService

Sorors from across the country banded together to assist with the needs of residents in Jackson, MS after the water crisis happening in the city. Water, non-perishable items, and more were sent by chapters all over.

to the shortage of clean and usable drinking water in the wake of flooding in Jackson, Mississippi, the Zeta Tau Reactivating Chapter made care packages of bottled water and travel sized hygiene items Donations included monetary contributions, sealed water bottles, and travel sized hygiene items. Some of the donations received included feminine products from an on-campus organization, lotions, deodorant, wipes, and tissues resulting in the creation of 75 bags for the community.

TakingaStandwith TakingaStandwith PennWest PennWest "Giving Life Lemonade"

A blog by Soror Hannah Williams

"Gamma Sigma Sigma, the national service sorority on PennWest California University's campus, teamed up with Alex's Lemonade Stand Fountain to turn one of life's most sour lemons - childhood cancer - into lemonade. Every Friday in September from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the chapter set up in front of Natali Student Center to accept donations and hand out cool, refreshing cups of lemonade.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation is a non-profit organization with the ultimate goal of putting an end to childhood cancer by educating the public on the issue of pediatric cancer, financing life-changing research, and offering financial and emotional support to families of cancer patients. It all began with Alexandra Scott who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, cancer that takes root in the immature nerve cells that eventually develop into the adrenal glands, within the first year of her life. Alex opened a lemonade stand in her front yard and planned to donate all the money she raised to hospitals so doctors could help other kids like her.

Students visited the stand and exchanged a donation of any amount, even as little as a single dollar, for a cup of lemonade that gave nothing but rave reviews. Customers who decided to stop and donate in the name of a good cause described the drink as "amazing," while another walked from the stand exclaiming, "this is good!" One customer, in particular, demonstrated that being a lemonade enthusiast is not a requirement when it comes to making a difference.

When asked what moved her to make a donation, she explained, "I always see [Gamma Sigma Sigma's] posts. I don't even like lemonade. I'm writing a paper on cancer, so it just felt right to donate. As far as lemonade goes, it's pretty good."

With Childhood Cancer Awareness month swiftly coming to an end and a fundraising goal of $300 within reach, Maddie Call, Service Vice President of Gamma Sigma Sigma's Eta Omega chapter, spoke of the possibility of keeping the lemonade stand going.

"We have hopes of continuing it for as long as we can to continue to raise money for cancer awareness," she explained, confirming that the lemonade stand will be modified into a hot chocolate and cider stand during the impending colder months.

Other Gamma Sigma Sigma partnerships include the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, and the National Coalition of Homeless Veteransso the PennWest California campus can expect to see a lot more from the members of Gamma Sigma Sigma. As far as what to expect for the remaining weeks in September, stayed tuned for strawberry-flavored lemonade.

TwinCitiesAlumniServesTwinCitiesAlumniServesDespitethePandemic DespitethePandemic

By: Soror Maryjane C. Burdge, Ed.D.

As one of the oldest alumni chapters in the organization, Twin Cities Alumni Chapter has an average membership age that is a considered a high-risk group should we contract COVID-19. Yet here we are, deep into 2022, and a pandemic still hangs in the balance. While many may act as if it is over, COVID-19 is around. To ensure our health and that of our fellow humans, we have been pivoting our projects, meetings, and other events into safer practices while still exceeding our service hour goals each year and meeting all the national guidelines for operation.

Although we had already started using online meetings due to weather factors before COVID-19, moving entirely online for a year was met with some opposition due to the challenges it caused. Meetings became information in nature, with a speaker from a nonprofit group sharing their missions and giving us ideas on how to move forward with projects independently. We had sisters from Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, and Iowa join us as we met the challenge of staying in contact and learning new ways to serve. Each speaker received a donation from the chapter as a "Thank You" for their service.

As life slowly moved back to in-person, we ensured we were following the rules of the state of Minnesota and the world by wearing masks and bringing our own lunch or snack to a centralized meeting place. One of our members lives in a condo with a “party” room, which provides enough social distance and safe place to work. Members who could not come in person were brought in via Zoom for meetings and presentations, continuing to keep us connected.

In 2022, we continued our efforts to serve safely with multiple outdoor projects for Rein in Sarcoma, the largest and best-known sarcoma foundation in the Midwest. The projects included a trip to Rochester, MN to run registration for a fundraising Ninja event and a soon-to-be family picnic and silent auction at Twin Cities Como Park.

In addition to the in-person events, we have been creatively busy with tray favors for hospitals and senior living centers, the YWCA holiday and Mother’s Day events for residents, and creating motivational posters for Sojourner House and the YWCA, and so much more.

We may be experienced but know we always have something to learn, something to give, and time to share with others. We are active in our pursuits of projects and members. We ebb and flow with life’s responsibilities and family needs, but we always enjoy meeting other Gamma Sigs who might want to keep serving.

For more information on Rein in Sarcoma, visit: https://www.reininsarcoma.org/

Celebrating70 Celebrating70 YearsofOur YearsofOur Sisterhood Sisterhood

Over the years Gamma Sigma Sigma has developed a fantastic culture of sisterhood that include meeting members from across the country and establishing new chapters and colonies. From creative Spirit of Service Days to innovative service projects, Wee come together with the love of service, friendship, and equality to improve the lives of others. When our Founders established our organization they made it a point to ensure that Gamma Sigma Sigma was, and will always be, all-inclusive.

....Stayforthe ..Stayforthe Sisterhood Sisterhood

Forty Seven years of...

1975 1975

In March 1975, former Alumni Director, Pat Saul chartered the Mid Jersey Shore Alumni Chapter (MJSAC). The chartering members were graduates of the Delta Pi chapter at Monmouth University in New Jersey and, to this day, remain in operation with a few of the original founding members.

Gamma Sigma Sigma has honored the chapter and its members throughout the years. In 2021, at the first virtual National Convention, they were presented with the Scout Award for Outstanding Service and the Zimmerman Award for Outstanding Alumni Chapter.

Memories Favorite Favorite National National

Mid Jersey Shore Alumni Chapter cohosted the 1987 National Convention at the University of Delaware. The Woman of the Year was future First Lady Barbara Bush (her husband was Vice President then). It was quite an interesting and unique experience dealing with the Secret Service!

MJSAC assisted the NBD when the 2003 National Convention was held in Morristown, New Jersey. "It was an honor being able to bring members from across the country to our state."

...Unity In Service Projects

FavoriteService 2022 2022

The Delta Pi chapter had hosted a Valentine’s Day project at a local senior residence. We have continued this project. We play bingo, award a lot of prizes, and serve delicious desserts. In the early days, members provided entertainment. We are not sure how entertaining the residents really found us but they were always very appreciative! Each year the residents look forward to and ask specifically for the yummy mini cherry cheesecakes made by one of our members.

For many years we have supported Operation Sleighbell an initiative of Family and Children Services of Monmouth County. The program involves donating toys and hats, gloves, and scarves to people in need. For a number of years, we were asked to wrap the gifts. Thus, each December we gathered for a delicious lunch and then spent hours happily wrapping gifts. Member Gail Beebe said: “I would take both of my children to Cassandra's, and Betty would have her boys...while we had the meetings and wrapped, Cass's mom and sister would stuff the kids with candy and other treats!” Both of Gail’s children still have fond memories of those events. Today the charity does not want the gifts wrapped and we still miss the fun of chatting and wrapping the gifts before donating. During the pandemic, we have continued to support Operation Sleighbells by donating gift cards.

WELCOME WHOME ELCOME HOME

TheSovereignRoses TheSovereignRoses VirtualAlumniColony VirtualAlumniColony

Our sisterhood is getting bigger every 52 minutes, and we are head over heels about it. Wee would like to welcome our newest virtual alumni colony, The Sovereign Roses Virtual Alumni Colony. This colony services St. Louis and Illinois areas with members in seven states (Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Tennesee, Missouri, Illinois, and Mississippi).

Starting this sorority year off with a bang, the sorors of Sovereign Roses are showing their love for service with a "70 Days of Service" program spotlighting many of our sorority service partners, such as Alex's Lemonade Stand and March of Dimes and introducing new projects with new partners National Coalition of Domestic Violence and Move4Her. Wee are so happy to have another puzzle piece of our family connect, and would like to say...Welcome Home, Sorors!

The sisterhood of Gamma Sigma Sigma means to me that, no matter how high (awards, weddings, celebrations) or low (funerals, failures, heartbreak) your experiences go, your sister will be by your side.

My favorite memory of being a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma is my first convention (2007 close to Chicago).

Volunteers were requested for a project, and the majority of the room raised their hands to serve...

I knew I was home!

My favorite service project to date was an inter-chapter project where the alumni and collegiate chapters were working together on a Habitat for Humanity Build.

I remember an alumni chapter member there that didn’t sign up. I wondered why she didn’t. It was her home! A home for her and her 3 children. I’m teary-eyed now. This woman was the Service Vice President when I became a member. She is the epitome of service and I was so thankful for her to achieve this honor and to help build her new home.

HomeSweet HomeSweetSisterhood Sisterhood

ALettertoMyLittle

Two thousand and sixteen was a rough year for not only me but also my little, Harley.

I lost my mother and Harley lost her grandfather. I have a feeling our angels had something to do with what became of that fall semester. Harley was a freshman at Carson-Newman and chose to rush Gamma Sigma Sigma. During her MIT period, her original Big left the chapter and my original Little dropped from the MIT class. I had no idea which Harley they were referring to as there were two in this MIT class, but I knew I wanted a Little.

So, even though our becoming Big and Little was not normal I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Harley’s family has welcomed me into their arms as one of their own. They have been a second family to me ever since. She has introduced me to some other incredible people, we have been at each other’s weddings, and she somehow even talked me into getting a matching tattoo. Fast forward to 2022, we are both District Directors for the organization that brought us together. It is such an honor and blessing to sit on the board with my Little and ultimately, it was a goal of mine from the beginning. We have attended multiple conventions together and cannot wait to be in Miami in 2023. Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority is the place where I have made a lifelong friend and I am forever grateful to this organization.

Love, Love,

Whatdoes Whatdoes ssisterhoodmean isterhoodmean ttoyou? oyou?

*Exhales* This feels like one of those loaded interview questions that requires you to take a moment to gather your thoughts.

Sisterhood, sisterhood, true sisterhood is... Life changing, lifesaving, life giving and so much more. Sisterhood is support and acceptance. Sisterhood loves you in those moments when you struggle to love yourself. Sisterhood exists in the highs, lows, and everything in between. It is a text message, a phone call on the drive home from work, or messages in the group chat.

For me, sisterhood took on a whole new dimension of greatness when my own sister, my blood sister, the chick that I talked to in my mom’s tummy became my sorority sister. She is the 5 and I am the 2.

Veronica Powers – Delta Theta – Fort Valley State University || Spring 2016 || #5 DOA

Andrea Powers – Zeta Iota – Prairie View A&M University || Spring 2005 || #2 Sweet Humility

And now sisterhood is working to build a better world for all of my sisters as we work to be who we are unapologetically, claim what is ours, and strive for greatness.

“Sisterhood to me is always having a sister somewhere near and far. No matter the city or country there’s always at least 1 person you have that special bond with. “

“

..Sisterhood means having a friend you can always count on, whether they're biological or unbiological. It means having someone who supports you and sticks beside you through thick and thin.

Sisterhood isn't perfect. There are flaws to it. You will have disagreements, rough patches, and sometimes even distances but despite everything, sisterhood still remains no matter how close or how far apart. No matter the age or color of skin. Sisterhood is loyalty until the end of time. You have my back, I have yours.”

-Sherelle Reddix, MVSU

“Wee all have instances when we aren't our strongest but with sisterhood, the bond provides a listening ear, a comforting word, and a corrective stance all wrapped into one. For me, sisterhood is an unbreakable and unshakable bond formed by perfect strangers. “ -LaMonica Scott, SRVAC

”Sisterhood is a family. A bond between few that no one can break. It brings together harmony within each individual that participates. Sisterhood is daring, a choice made to serve loyalty for one another regardless of the circumstances given. It is human nature, not always perfect. We bend, we break, we fight, but we also conquer together. We love, laugh, we cry but we also succeed. Sisterhood is a team, and each experience we share together gives us more insight on our journey that we share through light and dark. The validation we get from being seen together, is stronger than ever when everyone is at their best. Wee are powerful. “

“An unbroken bond of ladies who stick together through thick and thin. “ -JayMay

-Patrice Reddix, MVSU

-Tina