A Publication for the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Winter 2009
In This Issue:
Get Out the Vote Page 3-5
Chapter News Page 6
Pictured above, Soror LaKesha Russ of Compton Alumnae Chapter busy with a group of new registers. Farwest sorors vamped up voter education and registration events during the final stretch of the 2008 election. See photos below and pages 3-5 for related stories.
Soror Spotlight Page 7
Seattle Alumnae
Chapter educates Delta GEMS on the election.
tes. absentee vo r o f s e sh u p ae Korea Alumn Republic of
Drives. ight) Registration (R e na um Al o sc ci n Fran nae (Left) and Sa San Fernando Alum
From the Regional Director Sorors, welcome to our 2009 Founders Day season! What a joy it is to honor our Founders and wish Delta Sigma Theta Sorority well on our 96th Anniversary. This year, more than ever we can celebrate our successes as individuals, chapters, regions, and Americans. We come from a rich history of women who showed up, stood up and spoke up so that we could have a chance to continue their good works. As your Farwest Regional Director, I take pride in the outstanding work that each of your chapters are doing in your individual communities of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Japan, Nevada, Oregon, Republic of Korea, Utah and Washington. As we celebrate Founders Day across the region, I am especially excited to participate in the inclusive community service project planned for each celebration. The acts of compassion and kindness represent the true purpose of our founding. I appreciate how you have continued to embrace the community service challenge that we initiated last year. I know each project will make an impact and leave a positive mark on each community.
Soror Tressa L. Williams Farwest Regional Director
This year represents historic change not only with the Nation but also with our sorority. Our Founders were leaders of change. After all, the symbol = Change. So as we embrace the changes that lie ahead we must also remember from whence we’ve come. We must remember those who’ve come before us. And we must remember to leave a legacy that will sustain the test of time. During the Fall Cluster meetings we shared Knowledge, encouraged Networking and asked that the Farwest show Leadership in embracing our new national initiatives. As we travel throughout the Region during this Founders Day Season, we hope to see that all sorors are focused on following in the footsteps of our Founders, and continuing a great legacy. This is the charge as we move towards our 47th Farwest Regional Conference in Anchorage, Alaska, July 2 -5, 2009. Congratulations and thank you to every chapter who contributed to the success of our Founders Day event, especially each host chapter. Sisterly Love & Blessings,
Tressa L. Williams Tressa L. Williams Farwest Regional Director
From the Regional Representative Greeting Sorors of the Fabulous and Fearless Farwest Region, This past year has truly been amazing serving you as Regional Representative. I will remain committed to my platform when I was elected to keep collegiates informed, increase sisterhood, increase collegiate involvement regional and nationally, and bridge the gap between alumnae and collegiate sorors. I am proud say this next collegiate retreat in San Francisco will be a retreat you will not want to miss. So mark your calendars! During the weekend of February 6-8, 2009, collegiates will gather from across the region to participate in a retreat that not only will be a learning experience, but we will also be giving back to the community with our service project. I look forward to making this sorority year even more memorable than the last, as we “Continue to Reclaim our Purpose through Knowledge, Networking, and Leadership”. Sisterly Love, Soror Monica M. Burns Farwest Regional Representative
Monica M. Burns Monica M. Burns Farwest Regional Representative
Farwest Sorors Gather for Fall Cluster Meeting The Farwest Focus is a publication for the Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Regional Director — Tressa Williams Regional Representative — Monica M. Burns Regional Journalist/Farwest Focus Editor — Libra White Constant Contact Editor — Nadirah Stills Regional Web Mistress — Joyce Williams National Information & Communications Committee (Farwest Region members) — Libra White, Amber Wilton Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. Founded in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta is a sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately African American college educated women. The sorority currently has more than 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan, Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea. The first chapter in the Farwest region was charted on the UC Berkeley campus in 1921. Today, the Farwest Region consists 90 chapters in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington; as well as international chapters in Japan (Okinawa and Tokyo) and the Republic of Korea (Seoul).
Please visit the Farwest Region at www.dstfarwestregion.com PAGE 2
Farwest Regional Director Tressa Williams and Farwest Regional Representative Monica Burns (seated, middle) gathered with Sacramento Alumnae sorors during the Farwest Region’s Fall Cluster meeting. Sacramento Alumnae sorors heard the call from the regional director and regional representative that anyone who wanted to be in the know should attend the Fall Cluster meeting. Twenty-two members strong, which included two Delta Dears, arrived in Reno, Nevada on November 21, 2008 ready to participate and absorb the information presented during the weekend. Sorors especially enjoyed the Finance workshop presented by the National Treasurer, Carolyn
Lewis. The Sacramento sorors could not wait to inform their chapter president of all they learned in the Advisor’s workshop given by Desdra Butler, Farwest member of the National Scholarship and Standards Committee. The whole weekend showed what sisterhood was about and that knowledge is power. Submitted by C. Lynn Carrier, Sacramento Alumnae Chapter FARWEST FOCUS
Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter Spearheads Voter Registration Efforts Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter held three voter registration drives at local Safeway stores and a BART train station. The chapter held a DID to kick off their voter registration drive, where the Social Action Committee (Co-chairs, Alicia Okoh, Kimberly Ellis, and Miesha Gash) shared detailed information with sorors about: (1) how to register people to vote; (2) facts about felony disenfranchisement laws; (3) a quiz about current political history. To encourage chapter partici-
pation, they held a contest on who can register the most voters. This contest was extended to other chapters throughout the Farwest Region. Soror Pearl Madison, won the challenge. She registered 283 people to vote during the contest period. She set up a table at the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART Station and religiously sat there on Tuesday's and Thursday's to register people to vote. Submitted by Alicia Okoh, Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter
Ventura County Alumnae Continues its Active Participation During Election focused on making sure the youth in the church registered to vote in particular. At the end of the month, the chapter had registered only a handful of voters but provided assistance to dozens of others. Chapter members were able to assist voters with a range of concerns from locating their polling place to registering for an absentee ballot. In October, the chapter moved to the west county area and took voter education to another level by co-sponsoring a local candidate’s forum with the Ventura County League of Women Voters. The chapter wanted to demonstrate to the candidates and the community that there were African-Americans who were engaged in the political process.
The Ventura County Alumnae Chapter was at the forefront of social and political action in their region during the 2008 election season. The small, countywide chapter traversed the large region, providing a full spectrum of services to voters from education and registration to safe-
guarding the electoral process. On the east end of the county in Simi Valley, the chapter launched a voter education and registration drive in September at a local church. Every Sunday for a month, the chapter registered voters. The chapter
Bringing the chapter’s efforts full circle, Ventura County Alumnae in November participated for the second year in a row, in a unique program called “Adopt -A-Poll.” The Ventura County Elec-
tions Division is one of only a few counties that allow a community group or organization to completely staff a local polling place as a fundraiser. Ventura County Alumnae Chapter served as a gatekeeper of information about the political process. The chapter was charged with ensuring that all eligible voters were allowed to cast their vote. With all the misinformation that occurred prior to the historic Nov. 4 election and the expected turn away of voters, chapter members were determined to make sure that if no where else in Ventura County, votes cast at our polling place would be accounted for and safeguarded. Submitted by Shanté Morgan Durisseau, Ventura County Alumnae Chapter
San Jose Alumnae Tables with NPHC Xi Xi Gets Cal Poly Pomona Vote Ready tion regarding the propositions as well as links and other resources they could use to become better educated. They also conducted a voter registration and closed the program with a small team builder.
Soror Coy Garret (pictured in the middle) of the San Jose Alumnae Chapter with fellow NPHC members during the chapter’s voter registration drive event, a collaboration with the Silicon Valley National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC). Voter registration tables were set up at five churches around the city with the primary attendance by African Americans. More than 175 people were registered during the drive. The San Jose Alumnae chapter also set up voter registration tables as part of a education event for their IMAGES participants The chapter’s IMAGES program encourages higher education and career aspirations in African American females between of 13-18. Submitted by Libra White, San Jose Alumnae Chapter CONVENTION EDITION, SUMMER 2008
Xi Xi Core Chapter partnered with the Phi Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi for a “Are You Vote Ready” program, which was designed to create a space for discussion on some of the pertinent issues regarding the upcoming election. The program began with the viewing of the live Democratic/Republican debate with Senators Obama and McCain. The biographies of the two major candidates were read aloud and then we moved into a discussion with key questions to spark the interest. At the end of the program, the attendees were given valuable, impartial informa-
There were approximately 30 people in attendance. Many students were well versed on the current state of the political infrastructure and played an essential role in the success of the program. Those that were not were able to listen and hear the perspective of their peers. Submitted by Ashlynn Whitman, Xi Xi Core Chapter
PAGE 3
Hawaii Alumnae Leads Vote Drive Efforts San Fernando Valley Alumnae Registers
The spirit of Aloha was alive and well, as community members embarked upon the history making event surrounding the recent presidential election. Hawaii Alumnae Chapter became the “go-to” organization to educate and mobilize the local community. During Juneteenth, the chapter spearheaded the “Greeks in Unity” voter regis-
tration drive. Five members from other National Pan-Hellenic organizations worked alongside Hawaii Alumnae chapter, which resulted in 48 newly registered voters. On October 4th, members of HAC participated in the NAACP state-wide Wal-mart voter registration drive. Over the course of a 6-hour visit, the chapter registered 118 persons, the largest turnout state-wide. In addition to voter registration efforts, the chapter also took an active part in raising awareness in the field of Domestic Violence as it affects the African American Community. The Social Action Committee created an informational brochure that was distributed to a predominantly African American church in Honolulu. Submitted by Endora Crawford, Hawaii Alumnae Chapter
As their last push to register voters for the historic November 2008 election, the San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter hosted a voter registration table at Aids walk 2008. On October 19th, the day before voter registration ended in California, they registered 211 voters on the spot and sent dozens of registration forms home with race participants. The very next day those 211 forms were hand delivered to the LA County Clerk/ Recorders Office. This delivery gave the chapter a grand total of 276 voters registered for the November 2008 election. In addition to rocking the vote, the 33 participating team members raised $2,274 and walked the 6.2 mile course through West Hollywood. The effort was also thrust forward by the wonderful volunteers who ranged from children to sen-
iors. They gave out candy and registration forms and even did some sign twirling. The top chapter fundraiser was Soror Danielle Cooper with $325 and the top volunteer fundraiser was Jennifer Jenkins with $155. Submitted by Monica Groves, San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter
Cerritos Area Alumnae Gets 100 San Francisco Alumnae Gets Out the Vote The Social Action Committee of San Francisco Alumnae Chapter hit the ground running this year with many activities and events surrounding the historical election.
The members of Cerritos Area Alumnae Chapter registered over 100 voters at the September 30, 2008 Voter Registration Drive at Cerritos College. Every member of the Social Action Committee participated in addition to chapter members. This successful event was achieved by working in 1-hour shifts of 4 sorors at a time throughout the day. The majority of the registrants were first-time, young college students, who were excited about making a difference and contributing in the historic election. Submitted by Dawn Owns, Cerritos Area Alumnae Chapter
The Social Action Committee organized a “Get Out The Vote” project that took place on two Saturday’s in September in multiple districts throughout San Francisco. The mission of this project was to register voters in areas with traditionally low voter turn-out. They also undertook registering seniors in Senior Housing and students at San Francisco City College. In all San Francisco Alumnae Chapter registered over 300 voters. Finally, San Francisco Alumnae Chapter member Artricia Moore-Jenkins traveled to Reno, Nevada where she registered voters, Soror Tya Robinson, V.P. of San Francisco Alumnae
Chapter and Alameda County Deputy Sheriff educated and informed inmates of their voting rights. Clearly, SFAC takes the Oath to heart, taking an active interest in this country’s welfare, and working hard to educate, inform and mobilize the community. Submitted by Tiffaney Y. Gipson, San Francisco Alumnae Chapter
Century City Alumnae’s Project EMR Compton Alumnae’s Multiple Drives
When sorors began discussing voter education at a meeting of the Century City Alumnae Chapter in Southern California, there was excitement in the air not only because the chapter had won a Social Action award at the recent National Convention, but because of their efforts during the primary election had been so rewarding. An added incentive was the testimony of a Delta Dear, Soror Gloria H. Anderson (Talladega College – 1939) who stood up and said, “I couldn’t vote when I was 21 years old because I lived in the South.”
At that time, she was teaching English in a segregated high school in Fort Valley, Georgia. She could not vote until she moved to Pennsylvania in 1944 and has not missed an election since. This year Soror Anderson, 87, participated in “Get Out the Vote” phone-banking, one of the voter education activities encouraged by the chapter. “Our chapter did not miss the urgency of PAGE 4
the moment so Project EMR – Voter education, mobilization and registration was the order of the day. We engaged in voter registration with great results. We also conducted ballot education by explaining the measures at community forums and on KJLH radio,” said Soror Jackie Dupont-Walker, co-chair of Century City’s Social Action Committee. “We also volunteered to monitor polls on Election Day.” Project EMR volunteers from the chapter collaborated with the LA County Voter Registrar’s Office to register voters at an annual street festival, the “Taste of Soul” celebration on Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles and at the Beverly Center, a popular mall in west Los Angeles. During that time, the sorors registered an endless line of voters, including people who had never voted before. At the end of the day, 103 persons were registered. Submitted by Gwen Coley, Century City Alumnae Chapter
Voter Registration drives were important this year for everyone, but particularly in the Compton community, where over 140 new voters were registered by the Compton Alumnae Chapter. Sorors set up tables and booths in August, September and October at the local community college (El Camino/ Compton Community College) grocery (Food for Less) and drug stores (CVS). They were joined on at least one occasion by their Omega Psi Phi brothers from the Zeta Rho chapter and the outreach efforts as spearheaded by DST were sorely appreciated. Sorors Amber P. Johnson and Kasey Phillips Brown spearheaded this effort and were ably supported by President, Mona Jones and Soror Denise Dowdy. The chapter will celebrate its 20th birthday in March 2009. Submitted by Gail Greer, Compton Alumnae Chapter FARWEST FOCUS
Kappa Registers Local Community Republic of Korea Drives Absentee Ballots
The ladies of Kappa Chapter in collaboration with other National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations, helped register shoppers in the Oakland area to vote and distributed voting guides through our NPHC Voter Registration Drive.
They promoted the idea of being an educated voter and extended the opportunity for store patrons to ask questions and use the chapter’s sources for references during this important election year. Submitted by Sierra Jewell, Kappa Chapter
During an annual fall festival held on the Yongsan Army located in Seoul, the members of Republic of Korea Chapter assisted service members, American civilians and their families living overseas with requesting federal absentee ballots. “Living in a foreign country is not an excuse
not to vote,” said Sor or Gloria Baker. “Your vote by absentee ballot is just as critical to the election as if you were to vote in person.” The event resulted in more than 50 people signing up or inquiring about how to complete their Federal absentee or write -in ballots. In addition to the voter registration, the organization participated in a community parade and passed out science questions as part of the Delta SEE project. Submitted by Audricia D. McKinney, Republic of Korea Chapter
Mu Chi Collaborates for a Successful Solano Valley Alumnae Educates Community on the 2008 Election Voters Drive and Town Hall Meeting
The 2008 presidential election has certainly been an historic one for obvious reasons. However, the most important achievement of the 2008 election will likely be remembered as the record setting registration of new voters that was achieved in the weeks before the vote. In California, the voter registration rolls burgeoned past 17.3 million for the first time in the state’s history, as reported by the Secretary of State, Debra Bowen. While the Solano Valley Alumnae chapter has long been active in voter registration, this was arguably a record breaking year at the local level as well. Lana Rasberry, co-chair of the Solano
Valley Social Action committee stated, “In our final afternoon of voter registration on October 12th, we received between 50 and 60 new registrants.” Soror Rasberry and her cochair Soror Rosalyn Earl, organized a successful event at the local shopping mall, with voter registration tables prominently placed both upstairs and downstairs in the mall. More than a dozen sorors signed up to take shifts. In addition to assistance with the registration form itself, sorors also gave guidance on questions typical of first time voters – such as how to locate a polling place, and where to find more information on ballot initiatives. In order to build interest and momentum prior to the election, the social action committee also hosted presidential debate viewing parties. The chapter will remain active in a variety of ways to support, educate and energize the expanded local electorate to get involved, and make positive changes in the community. Submitted by Nicole Barnett, Solano Valley Alumnae Chapter
Hayward Tri-City Alumnae Brings Class Act to Voter Registration On October 3, 2008 Hayward Tri-City Alumnae Chapter held their second "Class Act" voter registration drive for the sorority year at Chabot College. The students and faculty welcomed the chapter with much love and thought provoking conversation. The students were eager to voice their opinions regarding the importance of voting, and the relevance of voter registration drives, especially in such critical economic times. A total of 11 Hayward Tri-City Alum-
nae Chapter sorors showed up and showed out signing close to 40 new voters. As a thank you gift, these new voters were given a bottle of water with the message "Don't forget to vote on November 4th" attached to the label. They also received take away cards displaying the County Registrar's contact information and the League of Women Voter website. Submitted by Vecepia Robinson , Hayward Tri-City Alumnae Chapter
CONVENTION EDITION, SUMMER 2008
Mu Chi’s Town Hall Meeting with the Sigma Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Department, member of Omega Pi Phi, Professor Rickerby Hinds of the Theater Department, member of Alpha Phi Alpha and Mr. Kenneth Simons Director of African Students Programs, member of Kappa Alpha Psi gave their opinions and insight into a variety of questions, ranging from who will win the election, how will the winMu Chi voter's registration drive: Mellissa Gray, Kasey Martin, Gener for Presidency, be it neva Dowdy, David Bickham and Amber Simpson Obama or McCain afThe Mu Chi Chapter at UC Riverside in fect this current generation, is Obama perconjunction with the Sigma Eta Chapter of ceived as an Icon, will our vote matter, is Omega Psi Phi Fraternity under the leader- race a factor in this election and many more ship of its new presidents, Geneva D. thought provoking questions. Dowdy (Mu Chi) and David Bickham Approximately 50 students and individuals (Sigma Eta), delighted in fulfilling its obli- from UC Riverside community were in atgation by providing a valuable community tendance to participant in election education service to the students of UC Riverside with and pertinent political dialogue. a successful voters’ registration drive. As a result of the sorority’s and fraternity’s ef- On the afternoon of Thursday, October 23, forts, well over 65 voters were registered on 2008, members of Mu Chi in a push to encourage the students of UC Riverside to Tuesday, September 30, 2008. actually go out and vote in the historic elecOn Wednesday, October 1, 2008 the two tion, campaigned to have students sign a organizations collaborated again in hosting a pledge stating “I PROMISE TO VOTE”. Town Hall Meeting to focus on “The Impor- Twenty four students made the pledge and tance of Exercising Your Right to Vote”. were given pins that read I PROMISE TO The facilitator, Bert Wright a member of the VOTE, which were donated to Mu Chi from Phi Rho Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Frater- Compton Alumnae Chapter. The pins were nity poised varies questions to a distin- the initiative of the Midwest Region Social guished panel from the University of River- Action Committee. side. Submitted by Geneva D. Dowdy, Mu Chi The panelist Dr. Green of the Ethnic Studies Chapter PAGE 5
Tracy Area Alumnae Helps Local Community During Troubled Economy With a troubled economy, the Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter has placed an emphasis on supporting the community and assisting those in need by participating in feeding the homeless as well as adopting a family during the holiday season. On Saturday, November 8, 2008, Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter sorors, participants of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy and parents volun-
teered at the Modesto Union Gospel The chapter also launched its first Mission, located in Modesto, Califor- annual “Adopt a Family” project. On nia. The Modesto Union Gospel Mis- Thursday, December 11, 2008, the sion provides nutritious meals, warm chosen family was presented with a beds and meets the physical, spiritual, Christmas tree, along with a basket social and educational needs of the filled with over $250 in gift cards. poor and homeless. During the course Submitted by: Jacalyn Davis, Tracy of the day, Tracy Area Alumnae as- Area Alumnae Chapter sisted the Mission by preparing and serving lunch and dinner, as well as Sorors of the Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter clean up following each meal. and Delta Academy Participants and Parents.
Las Vegas Alumnae’s Delta G.E.M.S. Clean Up Monterey Peninsula Jazzes Up
On Saturday, September 13, 2008 the Delta GEMS proved they were active in the community. It wasn’t surprising that 32 young ladies, a parent, and 6 advisors woke up early to remove graffiti in two North Las Vegas neighborhoods. They donned their best painting clothes, had shoe boo-ties, a hat, flossy glasses, and paper overalls. They were CUTE! In fact, they were so cute that Taelor Johnson (G.E.M.S. Treasurer) suggested they step in the MLK parade in those painters outfits. The G.E.M.S. good deed did not go unnoticed and the surrounding community thanked them as well. Patricia, the owner of McDonalds on Craig & Nellis, gave them 50% off the entire
menu. Dr. Tim Wilson, DDS (Pediatric Dentist) donated all the Gatorade, water, chips and cookies. Kudos to Dave Dunkin, the head painter from Clark County, charged with keeping the girls on task. “He set us up, stayed with us the entire time, danced to our music, and laughed at our jokes”. The G.E.M.S. were able to clean up two communities (Nellis & Craig/Lamb & Colton) in 3 hours before wolfing down Mighty Kids Meals and heading home. They look forward to working with Dave and his crew in the very near future. Submitted by Jacqueline Thomas, Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter
Monterey Peninsula Alumnae chapter members took a jazzercise break after the November 2008 chapter meeting to get physical. This activity was sponsored by the Health Committee and its emphasis on diabetes and exercise. Submitted by Cortha Pringle, Monterey Peninsula Alumnae Chapter
Sacramento Alumnae’s Seattle Alumnae’s Delta GEMS Gets an Energetic Boost Night at the Theater
On September 28, 2008, the Arts and Letters Commission of Sacramento Alumnae Chapter celebrated its 2nd Annual Delta Night at the Theater which featured a performance by Sacramento chapter soror, Deadra Elam. Twenty sorors along with family and friends enjoyed Soror Elam’s portrayal of Delia in Pearl Cleage’s stunning play, Blues for an Alabama Sky. The play was a production of the award winning Celebration Arts Theater group of Sacramento. The character, Delia is the naïve and pious young social worker working to empower women in Ms. Cleage’s play about post- Renaissance Harlem. The wonderful story which takes place in the summer of 1930 is about four friends whose friendship is tested by the arrival of an Alabama man who questions their hopes and dreams and makes the friends doubt their own value system. An accomplished theater artist, this was Soror Elam’s debut on the Sacramento stage. Sorors loved her performance that kept the audience enthralled and entertained and vowed to return to see her in future performances. Submitted by Tamara Rasberry, Sacramento Alumnae Chapter PAGE 6
The Seattle Alumnae Chapter began its fiscal year of community programming with a bang. The chapter teamed up with teachers at two local high schools and Seattle park district staff, who were also active Sorors, to recruit participants for its new and improved Delta GEMS program.
attended to hear more about the purpose of the program. Chairpersons of this year’s committee are Sorors Felicia Kline and Francesca Delgado. The chapter sorors who currently make up the Delta GEMS planning committee, and who will also serve as mentors to one or more of the program participants, decided that one of the goals this year would be to strategically recruit and change the lives of 20-25 teens versus a smaller reach attempted in recent years. The GEMS’ application process required all interested teens to send in an application, which included a short essay and peer/sibling recommendation, explaining why the applicant should be selected and what she could bring to the program as well as gain from it. Sorors were amazed at the responses and realized the teens selected this year were not only intelligent but involved in school activities and very interested in developing further through Delta GEMS and preparing for college. This year’s program will be delivered via bi-monthly workshops and social outings.
The first informational session attracted 50 young ladies who
Submitted by Felicia Kline, Seattle Alumnae Chapter
Alaska Alumnae Hammers for Habitat for Humanity “If I had a hammer, I’d hammer in the morning-I’d hammer in the evening all over this land…” was the spirit the Sorors of Alaska Alumnae had when we volunteered 56 hours to the local Habitat Project. In previous years, the chapter has made financial contributions to the local Habitat project. This year, the chapter decided to add muscle and might to the project. The chapter decided to step up and help sponsor a habitat for Humanities home. They joined with other community organizations and helped cosponsor the “Community House.” They rolled up our sleeves and ventured out into the community to help a family on their journey to home ownership. On Saturday, October 4, 2008, seven sorors: Yvonne Charles, Rosa Foster, Nanette C. Gay, Robin Johnson, Betty Sears, Ciesta Williams and D. Shenee Williams along with partner-
ing organizations worked side by side with the homeowners and other volunteers sheet rocking walls, painting, cutting out electrical boxes and lending a hand wherever one was needed. It was an intensive day of labor but at the end of the day, in spite of the aches and the pains, they all left feeling better for having given back to the community. Habitats’ goal is to have the family in their new home by the New Year if not sooner. As the chapter continues its efforts of working within the community they are continuing their dedication of working with Habitat for Humanities at every level. They currently have a member that volunteers on the Family Selection committee of Habitat trying to ensure that minorities are well represented in the pool of new homeowners. Submitted by Nanette C. Gay, Alaska Alumnae Chapter FARWEST FOCUS
Soror Joins United Methodist Church’s Highest Judicial Body Soror Angela Brown from San Francisco Alumnae Chapter was appointed to the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church. The Judicial Council is the highest judicial body or “court” of the United Methodist Church. Its nine members, comprised of both clergy and lay members, are elected by the General Conference for eight-year terms and receive no pay for their work. Soror Brown is an assistant district attorney and retired commander in the U.S. Navy who has served on all levels of the church, including as a Conference lay
Minister and certified lay speaker. The Judicial Council determines the constitutionality of acts or proposed acts of the General, Jurisdictional, Central, and Annual Conferences. It acts on these either on appeal of lower rulings or through requests for declaratory decisions. When the Judicial Council makes its decision, it is final. So let us congratulate Soror Angela Brown on such a profound appointment. Submitted by Ifeyinwa Nzerem, San Francisco Alumnae Chapter
Soror Blair Celebrates 61 Years in Delta Soror Joins Hall of Fame for Counseling
Soror Hazel Blair of the Compton Alumnae Chapter in Compton, Cali-
fornia has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated for 61 years! She was pledged in 1947 with 30 other young ladies by sorors of the Alpha Kappa Chapter at Huston Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. This soror has been active with the Compton Chapter since 1998 and has served as the chapter’s Vice-President, Sergeant-at-Arms and Chairwoman of the Hospitality Committee. Truly, Soror Hazel Blair, who is proud to share that she is 84 years young, exudes excellence and the sorors of the Compton Alumnae Chapter are proud to recognize her. Submitted by Gail Greer, Compton Alumnae Chapter
Soror Sharon Bowles, member of Oakland East Bay Alumnae Chapter, was inducted into the prestigious HB McDaniel Hall of Fame at Stanford University in June 2008 for her outstanding contributions in the field of professional counseling.
She is one of a few African American women to receive this honor. Sharon Bowles, recently retired 34 year Educator from the Oakland Unified School District served a total of 27 years as a School Counselor at Castlemont High School, Fremont High School and head counselor at Skyline High School in Oakland, California. Soror Bowles is serving her third two-year term as a member of the California Student Aid Commission Grant Advisory Committee. She is currently an Instructor in the School Counseling Department at San Francisco State University and is also an Educational Consultant for several school districts. Making a difference in the lives of those who come in contact with her has been her focus throughout her professional career. Submitted by Terri E. Earl, Oakland East Bay Alumnae Chapter
Soror Named VP at Reed College VP of Aging/Adult Services Re Re--Appointment arts college (31 since 1915). Soror Griffin-Desta brings to Reed College over 20 years of experience in student services at both liberal arts colleges and large public universities, including, for the past 13 years, the University of California, Berkeley.
Jerlena Griffin-Desta of Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter joined Reed College as Vice President and Dean of Student Services. Reed College, in Portland, Oregon, is an undergraduate institution of the liberal arts and sciences. With an enrollment of about 1,360 students, Reed ranks third in the undergraduate origins of Ph.D.s in the United States and second in the number of Rhodes Scholars from a liberal
A Georgia native, Soror GriffinDesta earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from Mercer University in 1983. She completed her Master of Arts degree at U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education in May 2008, and she anticipates completing her Ph.D., also at U.C. Berkeley, in 2009. Jerlena has served as President of San Francisco Peninsula Alumnae chapter and is currently a member of Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae chapter. Now Portland Alumnae chapter will be blessed with her talents. Submitted by Gwendolyn Mosley, Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter
Soror Honored by California Lawyers Soror Gillian Small, of Oakland East Bay Alumnae Chapter, was honored as a Past President of the California Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), an affiliate of the National Bar Association. This spectacular event was held at the President's Reception during CABL's 31st Annual Statewide Conference and National Bar Association Region IX Annual Meeting. CABL represents the interests of approximately 6,000 African-American judges, lawyers, and law students in the State of California. The event well attended by lawyers and judges from both Northern and Southern California. Submitted by Terri E. Earl, Oakland East Bay Alumnae Chapter CONVENTION EDITION, SUMMER 2008
On January 16, 2008 Soror, Edna M. James from San Francisco Alumnae Chapter was reappointed as vice president of the Aging and Adult Services Commission with the City and County of San Francisco. From 2000 – 2007 she was dedicated to serving on the Advisory Board, Commission on Aging, Department of Aging and Adult Services, City and County and County of San Francisco. In April 2007 she was appointed by Mayor Gavin Newsom to serve as a Commissioner on Aging and Adult Services, City and County of San Francisco. Edna James also serves on the Legislative and Nominating Committee of the Commission. She is Chair of the African American Partnership of the Department of Aging and Adult Services. Soror James is a Golden Life Member and was recently presented a plaque and a pin in recognition of 50 years as a member. Submitted by Ifeyinwa Nzerem, San Francisco Alumnae Chapter
Soror Gets Diabetes Educator of the Year Award American Diabetes Wholesale, a discount provider of diabetic supplies to individuals without insurance, honored San Diego Alumnae Soror Barbara J. Odom, RN, PHN, M.ED, the recipient of their Diabetes Educator of the Year Award in an award ceremony in June 2008. Often gone unrecognized for their commitment to patient service, a Diabetes Educator is a health care professional who teaches people who have diabetes how to manage the disease and often times becomes an important member of the patients inner support team. The creation of the Diabetes Educator of the Year Award was the result of American Diabetes Wholesale’s desire to bring attention to the dedication of these healthcare professionals who are committed to battling the diabetes epidemic facing this country. Submitted by Joyce Williams, San Diego Alumnae Chapter PAGE 7
Please check the chapter ad deadline date on the regional calendar posted on the Farwest website for downloadable ad forms and information. The deadline date for the Conference 2009 edition is June 1, 2009. The Farwest website is located at http://www.dstfarwestregion.com