Advantage - Vol 1 Issue 1

Serving chapters in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina and the Bahamas

The Southern Area

ADVANTAGE

An E-Publication from the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated - Eneid A. Francis, Southern Area Director

Volume 1

Isssue 1

Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service

inside

Welcome

Excellence Greetings from yourDefined Area Director

Chapter mustInstitute haves: Leadership

A tribute to Past Area Director MaryDefined F. Currie Excellence

Ethics &at Standards Cohorts Convene Area Conference

PAGE 4

Introducing Rituals: More thanSOLACE a White Rose

PAGE 3 Immediate

A Tribute to Immediate Past Page 3 F. Currie Area Director Mary

by Juanda Maxwell

Introducing STEAMM In Her Footsteps

PAGE 15 A new southern area initiative

Area Program PAGE 5 Focus

S.O.L.A.C.E. Page A new Southern Arrea initiative

Lessons in 2011-13 leadership from 15th Southern Southern Area Director Nancy Shade Anderson

Pages 4 and 5 2011-2013 Program Agenda with a Twist InMentoring Her Footsteps PAGE 6

PAGE 16 Ethics & Standards

Discovering value Scott Hawkinsthe Cohorts of Ethics in Linkdom Convene at Area Conference

Lessons in Leadership from Feeding Minds andAnderson Area Director Nancy Shade

Ten fellows prepare for leadership Page17 PAGE

Pageis6 highlighted by Community project the N.Y. Times Journalism Institute

Links Love their Crowns 65th Anniversary Celebration

Bodies in NOLA

PAGE 8and Bodies Feeding Minds in NOLA Transformational

Area conference’s Programming

by Daisy Walker - Program community project has bigDirector impact PAGE 9 Page 7

Transformational Links Love their Crowns Sisters and the hats we love Programming PAGE 10

Insight from Southern Area ProgramOrganizational Effectiveness ming Chair Daisy Walker Don’t let your ‘but’ get in the way PAGE Page11

Links Cook LinksWho Who Cook Favorite recipes of Southern Area ‘chefs’ ScottPAGE Hawkins 12 2

by Selma Robinson - Ayers PAGE 139 Page

Join yourand sisters a very special Sisters thefor hats they love gala honoring 65 years of Linkdo8 PAGE Page18

Fund Development 101 Friendship Month

Leveraging your chapter’s finances PAGE 19

Myth of the Super Link 65th Anniversary

Balancing life to have it all PAGE 20

Southern Executive SouthernArea Area Executive Committee Directory Committee Directory PAGE 21 Advantage cover models: Edna Moore, Debra Austin, Ruth Ramsey, Michelle D.Manning, Lynn B. Green, and Terri Love at the Area Conference community service Newout Orleans, Meet our teamproject and in find howLA. you can

Inside the Advantage be a part of The Advantage

Link Sisters of the Southern Area, I greet you in the name of friendship and service!

Welcome to to your first issue of The Southern Area Advantage, our new e-zine. Due to budgetary constraints and the evolution of communication through technology, we have transitioned to a state-of-the-art web-based newsletter.

It is my hope that you will find the Advantage useful, informative, educational and entertaining as we strive to take the Southern Area to new heights. The publication’s content is specifically designed with you in mind - by Links, about Links, for Links.

September is upon us, and as members of The Links, Incorporated, we are now entering our program year. As agents of change, the burden of Eneid A. Francis Southern Area Director purpose weighs heavy in our hearts, minds and actions as we prepare to implement transformational programs and develop strategies that impact our communities. We must not abandon our existing productive programs - but add to them by incorporating our arts integrated STEM mentoring initiative. Together we will impact change through the power of friendship and service.

I invite you to educate yourselves on the Area’s program focus and encourage you to reach out to members of the Executive Committee if you have any unanswered questions. We are here for you.

In the spirit of friendship and service,

_|Ç~ XÇx|w 3

XåvxÄÄxÇvx Wxy|Çxw

_|Ç~ `tÜç YA VâÜÜ|x Saluting the 17th Southern Area Director ‑ The Links, Incorporated

Seventeenth Southern Area Director Mary F. Currie charted the course for The Links, Incorporated to address a critical issue, childhood obesity, facing children of the Southern states during her tenure.

Link Mary will be remembered for many contributions, but especially for the establishment of the Commission on Childhood Obesity Prevention (CCOP) May 15, 2009, in partnership with the Morehouse School of Medicine, Community Voices and Men’s Health Initiatives (Atlanta, GA).

Proceedings of the CCOP will be published, presented for entry into The Congressional Record and disseminated to members of The Links, Incorporated and audiences nationwide.

Link Mary planted the seed for the addition of childhood obesity as a National initiative (approved by the Executive Council in November 2010).

Three new chapters were chartered during her tenure: Camellia Rose (GA); Tri-County (AL) & Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL).

Now, if you think Link Mary has settled into a schedule of relaxation and leisure, you couldn’t be more mistaken.

The industrious role model for servant leadership has been appointed by National President Margot Copeland to chair national’s Platinum Under the leadership banner and Alumna members initia“Linking Our Actions tive. In her new role, she actively seeks to engage the Today, with Our Dreams for treasured population in Tomorrow”, Link Currie set the Linkdom and enhance their membership experience. agenda for 77 chapters in We proudly salute Mary F. seven states ~ AL, FL, GA, LA, Currie for her excellent leadership during 2007-2011.

MS, NC, SC, and Nassau.

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In her Footsteps Lessons in Leadership

by Nancy Shade Anderson 15th Southern Area Director I was the 15th Southern Area Director, and I enjoyed every minute of my tenure. More than anything, it was the people and friends I met as I led the Southern Area. I learned many years ago when you are the leader no one cares as much as you do. As a leader one must be dynamic, wise, and a visionary. Harvey Firestone once said, “To get the best from people, we must give the best of ourselves.” That is true whether it is giving your best to The Links, Incorporated or to whatever else “It is one thing to gather might be left to your charge. When a Link is people together and call elected chapter presithem a team, it is quite dent or to any other poanother to bring a group sition of leadership, her of individuals together and first realization must be have them think, act, cre- that she cannot do it ate, and perform as one.” alone. As leader, her primary job will be to get people to work together with purpose and commitment for a common goal. As a leader, she must provide her team members with opportunities to succeed on their own. These opportunities will lead to skill. Skill leads to experience, and experience leads to team solidarity. Skill and experience may also be attained through dedicated self-directed education, including hands- on experiences. Essentially, the implementation of these elements leads to the creation of your philosophy of leadership.

As you are aware, it is one thing to gather people together and call them a team, it is quite another to bring a group of individuals together and have them think, act, create, and perform as one. Leaders in The Links, Incorporated not only have to bring a team together to think, act, create and perform as one, but they also have the burden of doing this “in friendship.”

That is an awesome responsibility.

An effective leader has vision. Your vision is probably the strongest and most important building block when building an effective team and leading the members of your chapter.

Where are you taking the Chapter? What do you hope to accomplish during your tenure? What and who will be required to accomplish this, i.e. who will you need to fulfill your vision?

Effective leadership determines the experience and talents needed, recruits the individuals, places them in the appropriate position, and empower them to complete their assignment.

On occasion, a team member may do better in another position, do not be afraid to reassign her. One of a leader’s strengths must be to evaluate and assess the team and its’ members, their potential and where they can best contribute. All parts of the team must be built, enhanced, and maintained.

Robert Jarvik said, "Leaders are visionaries with a poorly developed sense of fear and no concept of the odds against them. They make the impossible happen." The president must be capable, experienced, have integrity, leadership skills, and the chapter’s respect. Members will recognize whether or not their leader is capable of leading, has a vision, gives them respect, allows them to do their job, gives them support, challenges them, and disallows internal conflict. Effective leadership happens when the following three components are in place: 1. Clear expectations of what is required and the context in which they are functioning.

2. Commitment - members should want to participate, feel the mission is important and of value. Instill a sense of ownership.

3. Communication - to ensure success and viability the leader must communicate with the team, and the team must communicate with each other and the larger body. Everyone must feel free to have her say and feel involved in the decision-making and planning process. Information must be shared and used to benefit the entire group.

4. Evaluation of the progress toward the ultimate goal ~ both Chapter and National.

Our best leaders are those who have sisterly feelings for chapter members, employ a sense of fair play, love the organization, are knowledgeable, possess a good sense of humor and have the ability to laugh at themselves, respect the fact that all members are created equal, honor Chapter organizers and practice timeliness and neutrality. This might seem to be a tall order, but it is quite manageable when one cherishes every moment of it all, so lead with honor and serve with passion.

I am honored to share my experience with my sisters,

Link Nancy 5

M

e nt o r i n g

by Eneid A. Francis, Southern Area Director

The program emphasis in the Southern Area for the next two years will focus on our youth.

By integrating several of our national program initiatives, chapters in the Southern Area will have the power to effect change in the lives of youth living in the communities we serve.

Our ultimate goal is to spark the interest among our youth in STEM careers.

Through the program, youth will understand how STEM relates to their lives.

In addition, we hope that by experiencing STEM through this delivery method the youth will be excited, informed and see themselves as future college students and professionals in these areas.

Mentoring is an important aspect of the Southern Area program. Chapters will recruit individuals to serve as mentors to youth. Because of the focus on science, technology, engineering or mathematics, chapters should recruit mentors with careers in these fields.

What is the Southern Area Program Initiative?

Chapters are encouraged to obtain mentors by forming partnerships with The Southern Area program initiative is essenprofessional organizations of individuals with tially a mentoring program with a twist. Chap- these careers or businesses employing individters are asked to design a program integrating uals in these careers. College students majoring mentoring with STEM (Science, Technology, En- in these areas would also be good mentors. gineering, and Math), which is introduced using Chapters may also want to consider forming an arts integration approach. The youth who par- partnerships with local organizations that alticipate in the program will be paired with men- ready foster quality-mentoring relationships. To tors, who optimally, have be effective, it is important that chapters thorcareers in science, tech- oughly screen mentors to weed out adults who One of the six nology, engineering or are unlikely to keep their time commitment to the national priorities of math. In addition to program or who might pose a safety risk. In adThe Links, Incorporated being mentored, using dition, chapters must conduct effective mentor is organizational arts integration, the training. The Southern Area plans to provide inchapters will develop a formation to assist chapters in screening menalignment. A second program that introduces tors and conducting mentor training. priority is delivering STEM to the partici- In implementing the Southern Area program iniand sustaining pants.

Chapters can tiative, chapters are not being asked to abandon transformational also present other prin- the programs that they have already have in programs. S.T.E.M. ciples such as child- place. Chapters are expected to focus on the Education and Career hood obesity community they serve and identify and/or conprevention, anti bullying tinue needed programs. Many chapters are alReadiness is one and good citizenship. ready working with youth and they are of the organization’s

program initiatives.

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2011ďšş2013 SOUTHERN AREA PROGRAM FOCUS

w it h a

t w i st

encouraged to add to these programs. Chapters young people may also want to form partnerships with schools in their communities and encour“Art is the queen of all age them to introduce STEM through an sciences communicating knowledge to arts integrated approach into their curricuall the generations of the world.” LEONARDO DA VINCI lums. In addition, chapters could establish afterschool or weekend programs how cool science can be.” He also said “These implementing the program.

One of the six national priorities is organiza- efforts extend beyond the classroom.”

With arts integration, art is not a separate subtional alignment. A second priority is delivering and sustaining transformational programs. ject. It is used with the subject matter as a tool.

S.T.E.M. Education and Career Readiness is one Arts integration pairs an arts discipline (dance, of the Services to Youth program initiatives. drama, music and visual art) with a traditional Mentoring is also a Services to Youth program subject (math, language arts, science and social initiative. Arts integration is a program empha- studies) to enhance understanding and compresis of The Arts facet. Childhood obesity preven- hension in both areas. Academic skills and contion is a Health and Human Services national cepts are applied and experienced in artistic program initiative and anti-bullying is National contexts. Integrating the arts allows for a level of subject-matter engagement and critical thinkTrends and Services program focus. ing not often found when the arts play a sideline role. Using art to support core learning not only Why STEM? makes learning fun, but also helps children reStatistics show that the United States is falling tain what they learn. behind other countries in the areas of science, Research has shown that arts integrated edutechnology, engineering and math. These stacation improves academic achievement across tistics have raised concerns that the United the entire spectrum. Arts integration has a parStates is falling behind as a competitive force in ticularly positive effect upon at risk students. the global economy. This has led to an emphaThe arts can make a tremendous impact on the sis at the state and national levels to increase developmental growth of all children and has student involvement in the STEM subject matter proven to help “level the learning field” across areas. The federal government has invested socio-economic $700 million in science and math education proboundaries. Stugrams. In November 2009, President Barack dents not only Obama launched “Educate to Innovate,” a $250 showed improved million public-private initiative to improve the academic performparticipation and performance of America’s stuance, but also were dents in STEM. motivated and interested in their What is arts integration projects and had a desire to succeed and why is it being used? when immersed in In his speech launching “Educate to Innovate,” an arts integrated President Obama said “We’re going to show program.

20112013 SOUTHERN AREA PROGRAM FOCUS

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41st Southern Area Conference community project highlighted by the N.Y. Times Student Journalism Institute

Feeding Bodies and Minds in NOLA at the Just the Right Attitude Food Bank

by Rosa Ramirez Louisiana, obesity and hunger exist hand in hand. To combat these diet and health problems, a group of Southern professional women recently prepared boxes of food to distribute at a local food bank.

One woman poured cold water over frozen chicken thighs to defrost them. Another placed thawed chicken in plastic bags for distribution. In other areas, groups worked to prepare boxes of fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta and canned goods for res-

Members of The Links, pause from bagging and packing groceries at Just the Right Attitude Food Bank during the Area Conference community project.

Members of Links Inc. cleaning and bagging uncooked chicken for distribution at Just the Right Attitude Food Bank. Debra Jones, the food bank's executive director, aims to help families that make too much for government aid.

Stacy-Ann Ellis | NYT Institute idents in need.

Mary Currie, director of the southern area The women volunteered at the Just the of the Links, said one of the organization’s Right Attitude Food Bank in New Orleans goals is to tackle obesity. According to the East prior to the start of the Area Conferlatest data from the Louisiana Department ence. The Links volunteers tripled the of Health and Hospitals, 28.9 of Louisiana residents 28.9 percent of LA residents percent were classified as obese.

Health-related complications are classified as obese. include hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and coronary disease. usual number of volunteers who come, Currie said her organization partnered said Debra Jones, the food bank’s execuwith Morehouse University’s School of tive director. About 10 people consistently Medicine to research and educate parents help the food bank feed locals, she said. about childhood obesity, a health problem The food pantry distributes boxes of food that affects 35.9 percent of children in to an estimated 2,000 people each month.

Louisiana.

It also delivers fresh food to senior citizens Unlike public assistance, which has a at three apartment complexes.

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maximum-earning cutoff, Just the Right Attitude Food Bank gives local residents food regardless of income, said Jones.

She wants to focus on families who make “too much money to get help but not enough to make it.”

Jones was one of those people. In 1999, she was told she had ovarian and thyroid cancer. When she and her husband separated, she applied for food stamps because she could not afford to take care of her two children, her home and medical costs.

Jones, who worked as an accountant at the time, was denied because of her income.

She promised she would “do something to help out people in need.”

About a year later, despite numerous obstacles, Jones converted her garage into a small food bank. A local car dealership later offered her space in a building in the car lot.

On Tuesday, Jacqueline Gills, 67, walked out of the food bank’s doors pulling a shopping cart with food.

“This is the only place that feeds you well,” Gills said.

This story was originally printed on the New York Times Student Journalism Institute web site.

Transformational

PROGRAMMING

by Dr. Daisy Walker Southern Area Program Chair Programming is the heart and soul of The Links, Incorporated.

I am honored to introduce myself to the 77 chapters in the Southern Area as we begin a new era. The next two years will be focused on implementing transformational programming, collaborative alignments and integration, strategic partnerships and building collective strengths. It will be fueled through friendship and service, chapter engagement, education and empowerment.

Our goal is to take our programs and services to new heights via strategic planning which is the foundation of programming. This responsibility brings a plethora of tenents under the umbrella of program services of which this team will proudly journey for the next biennium. We must deliver community relevant, transformative and sustainable programming.

Mentoring with a Twist which focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics,) with arts integration, will effect change in the lives of youth living in the communities our chapters serve. In addition, we will continue our strong commitment to childhood obesity prevention among African American children.

The National Programming goals are clearly alignment and integration via transformational programming. Services to Youth (SOAR) Strengthen Opportunities via Action and Results focuses on measuring results (inputs and outputs), being community relevant, mentoring, STEM and closing the achievement gap.

The Arts focuses are integration of works,connections and academic acceleration.

National Trends emphasis is community resources, economic and political influence, alignment and integration, anti-bullying and disaster relief.

International Trends goals are to engage all chapters in humanitarian efforts for developing nations such as South Africa, Liberia, and Haiti.

Health & Human Services goal is to be a change agent for wellness with emphasis on childhood obesity and collaborative efforts with health professionals who can also serve as mentors.

The Southern Area Facets are aligned with National, but with our own creativity and initiatives.

The responsibility of working very closely with the assigned chapters falls with Southern Area Facets Chairs who will be “The Key Communicators.” Each facet chair will be assigned an equal amount of chapters to work with during the year. The chapter program and facet chairs can expect to participate in numerous conference calls designed to keep them abreast of program developments, updates on localprogram initiatives and conferences.

Transforming programs into opportunities is an exciting journey and venture that will bring positive change.

This change doesn’t happen overnight and can’t occur in a couple of hours. It takes planning, participation and sweat to make transformations.

Our programming goal is to transform the lives and circumstances of the communities we serve for the better - an impact that will last a lifetime. Additionally, each program includes a tenet designed to strengthen the program goals and objectives. These services include Grant Management, Educational Linkages and Legislative Issues, Public Affairs and Disaster Relief I look forward to working with each of you as we deliver transformational programming. We shall and must make a difference in the lives of our youth as we transform our world one child at a time.

Yours in Linkdom,

Daisy

Programming will focus on the “whole child” 9

Links love their

C RO W N S

Gail Lowe, who created a 2000 Smithsonian exhibit on African-American faith, said she thinks that in the pre-civil rights days, the black woman's church hat was worn to show honor to God, to show respect for the church, to give a boost to their self-esteem and to make them feel more beautiful.

Though the tradition is on the decline, influenced by a more casual lifestyle, modern hairstyles that are not hat-friendly and the need to adjust priorities of spending as the cost of everything rises, crowns are still on the scene and beautiful to see.

“I definitely want you all to be comfortable for the fun conference we’re planning, but when it comes to the Civic Luncheon, I know you all will be fabulous!” - Link Margot

Copeland regarding the 2012 National Assembly.

Women wearing hats is still a fairly common scene in African-American social and civic events as well as churches across the country.

Links are no different, espeially at our Civic Luncheons at Area Conferences and the National Assembly.

And they are not simple hats -- they are showy and stylish. Some are original designs.

They have come to be known as "crowns".

Many hat-wearers were raised by women who wouldn't think of going to church or social event without wearing their Sunday best. And that includes a hat trimmed with things such as feathers, bows, ribbons, buttons and flowers.

Back in the day, for many black women, the hat -- and the "good" suit or dress that went with it -- was a break from uniforms and work clothes.

And, therefore, when women stepped out, they filled their events with crowns of all sizes, designs and sizes.

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Three commandments of the “crown” It is as if there are three universal crown rules: (1) there shall be women who wear hats at every grand event; (2) some of the women will choose a hat in the exact shade of their dress or suit; and (3) some shall be fancier and more dramatic than others.

In a society that has become more jeans and flip-flops than dresses and heels, what motivates women to get dressed up and put a fancy hat on her head?

Thelecia Wilson of the Bold City Chapter has been wearing hats all of her adult life.

"I feel comfortable in my hats," she said. "I feel like I am not completely dressed without a hat. It is the final touch to my attire."

"My mother and older sisters weren't dressed if they didn't have a hat on. And I remember saying to myself that I was going to wear a hat when I got older."

To this day, Wilson said, she does not feel she's dressed properly without a hat.

"I think that a hat makes any woman feel exuberant and dignified," she said.

It's hard to be good when your

but

is in the way Unfortunately, even in the face of innovation, growth and positive change, a few of us are prone to take the position of “yes... but.” The yes butters, will resist forward movement with familiar statements not necessarily supportive and masked in negativity.

The success of The Links, Incorporated and the "Links" brand is rooted at the chapter level. Our Area is only as good as the chapters that make up our organization. Our effectiveness in accomplishing the vision of The Links Inc. on the national level is a reflection of each chapter's ability to deliver on the national priorities by making them our local priorities. We are the Links brand.

With that perspective in mind, I would like to think that organizational effectiveness for us means that we are aligned, engaged and achieving at all levels - and that we enjoy each others friendship in the process.

As your Chair, I am committed to being a resource for each of the chapters in the Southern Area. I will be working with you to complete the chapter assessments this year and in other areas where you may find my skills helpful to you. If you have problems, questions, concerns or desire helpful team building strategies - do not hesitate to reach out. The only shame in recognizing being dysfunctional, is staying dysfunctional.

Let us commit together to lose the "but" and find a "can" as we embrace our national agenda and work to create transformational program outcomes and extraordinary friendship linkages.

I can be reached at effectivenesschair@salinksinc.org or 706-364-4230.

by Faye Hargrove Chair, Organizational Effectiveness My sisters, I have to admitthat when I responded “yes” to our Area Director's request for me to serve as Chair of Organizational Effectiveness for our area, I had no clue what we meant by the phrase.

“Organizational effectiveness.” We all know that we envision our organization as...”providing superior service through its circle of friendship that is a model of excellence and innovation.” Further, we are recognized throughout the world as a collective voice of talented and professional women committed to improving the quality of life ofits global citizens.?

What does the vision look like when we are actualizing it?

What must we do to ensure that at the national, area and local level we are indeed effective in bringing about the results we envision? I'm glad you asked!

This is an exciting time in the history of our circle of friendship. On the national level, we will all be engaged in at least two new initiatives---the strategic planning process to align and equip us to deliver transformational programs and chapter assessments to give us necesLink Faye Hargrove is an Industrial/Organizational Psycholosary information for enhanced member services and engist, CEO of Hargrove Leadership Services, and author of the gagement.

In the Southern Area, our Area Director, has issued a book, BETTER CHOICES. As an executive call to integrate her vision of Mentoring with a Twist (a coach and consultant, her focus is leader development, board development, mentoring program using an arts integrated approach to team building and retreat facilitation. introduce the STEM concept) with issues like childhood obesity into our chapter programs in addition to several others initiatives that will - but that's not the way we have always take us to the next level of excellence and done things. innovation.

- but we already have enough to do.

If you have not visited the members only section of our website lately, you are in for - but we don't have enough money. a delightful surprise. Tools such as plan- but our chapter members won't get on ning templates, a strategic planning video, board with that idea. information on transformational program- but it wasn't my idea so I won't ming, setting SMART goals, budget planning and other resources to support all support it. other aspects of chapter management are AND THE BUTS GO ON! available.

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Links who Cook Gourmet Sweet Potato Souffle Directions

Ingredients 1.Bring a large pot of lightly salted 3 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, water to a boil over medium-high peeled and diced heat. Add sweet potatoes, cover, 1 tablespoon white sugar and cook until soft, about 10 min- 1/2 cup butter, melted utes. Drain, and set aside.

3/4 cup white sugar 2.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F 1 cup heavy cream (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2 quart souffle dish. Sprinkle dish with 5 eggs 1 tablespoon white sugar, shaking 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg dish to evenly coat bottom and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon sides.

3.Place the sweet potatoes into 1 teaspoon vanilla extract the bowl of a food processor. Add 1 teaspoon salt the butter, 3/4 cup sugar, heavy cream, eggs, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Process until mixture is smooth. Pour into prepared souffle dish.

4.Bake the sweet potato mixture in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

5.Bake the sweet potato mixture until edges are slightly browned, about 40 minutes more.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Meet casual Chef Link Candace "These are two of my most-requested dishes (and I don’t even like to cook). It's perfect for holidays, or anytime you need a fancy side dish or classic dessert. They look much more difficult to make than it is, and guests are always impressed! Even people who don't like sweet potatoes ask for second helpings!

And you know how hard it is to turn away from a home baked cake. I hope you enjoy it too. Maple syrup can be substituted for the vanilla extract. Sisters please keep it healthy and limit yourself to one serving! It will be hard but worth the sacrifice” Candace Thompson - Jacksonville (FL) Chapter

Easy Classic Chocolate Layer Cake Ingredients 3 sticks butter 8oz package cream cheese 3 c sugar 6 eggs 1 c sour cream 2 tsp. vanilla 2 ½ c cake flour (sifted) ½ c cocoa (sift with flour) ¼ tsp salt (optional) ¼ tsp baking soda Directions Grease three 9-inch cake pans Cream butter and cream cheeses together. Add sugar and beat until

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light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and beat well with each addition. Alternate adding flour and sour cream until gone. End with flour. Bake at 350 degrees for 2530 minutes. Test for doneness using a toothpick. Do not overcook. Place on rack to cool.

Icing 1 2# bag Confectioner sugar, add 2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese (cut into squares first). Add butter if you don’t have enough cream cheese. Add ½ c cocoa and 1 ½ tsp vanilla flavor.

Whip and frost!

The value of

Ethics & Standards in Linkdom Greetings to you from the Commission on Ethics and and agree to abide by the Code.

Standards!

We are also paying attention to the buzz in some Chapters As members of the Links, Incorporated – Ethics is every- that the Code of Ethics (COE) Forms are not user-friendly; one’s responsibility and we all share the obligation to con- the Complaint Process is in dire need of refinement; ambiduct ourselves in an ethical manner consistent with the guity is rampant throughout the pages of the Code; and betorganization’s Code of Ethics and Standards. Built upon a ter granularity is required for more effective enforcement. set of Core Values, the Links Incorporated’s Code of Ethics Preparations are in the works to undertake the necessary and Standards provides guidance to members in pursuing effort and steps toward alignment and revision. our mission of services through friendship.

Fostering an ethical environment and facilitating an ethical culture is at the forefront of all our actions in “Effecting Change through the Power of Friendship and Service!”

At the crossroads of yesterday and tomorrow is today; and today, we live in difficult times. In conAdditionally, the Ethics and Standards Committee is coljunction with the emphasis on transformation and laborating with other National Committees in formulating alignment of the organization to meet the challenges of our combined presentations and workshops for the National time, it is imperative (at this juncture) that we also align our- Assembly in Orlando. The content will include situational selves ethically and that Ethics becomes the matrix for ef- topics concerning Membership, Parliamentary Procedures, fecting change. In everything that we say and do, the Organizational Effectiveness, and Ethics and Standards.

Southern Area is evolving, transforming, and aligning itself Lastly, in response to inquires from Chapters seeking ethto reinforce the organization’s Code of Ethics and Stan- ical advice regarding the Standards (Communications, Fidards. Whether from a National, Area, or Chapter platform nancial Operations, Intellectual Property, Equal Opportunity – the tone at the top, the mood in the middle and the buzz and Conflict of Interest) the National Commission is comat the bottom is all about Ethics! And why is that Link Sis- piling a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Anters? Why is it that Ethics is such a hot topic, cropping up swers for dissemination throughout the organization. in Chapters across the nation? Simply put – it’s about Additionally, the Southern Area has implemented formal awareness – enhanced awareness by members “Ethics Advisory Opinions” in response to and a desire to utilize that awareness to our Chapter inquiries and will make these availbest advantage. We want to ensure that our able to all Southern Area Chapters during awareness is completely accurate, precise, and Area Conferences and as otherwise required indeed ethical and legal. And, we’re committed and mandated. to providing sound advice, timely support, edEthics is every Link’s responsibility and we ucation, and resources to mitigate uncertainty, are all obligated to conduct ourselves ethimisconduct, and violations when dealing with cally in providing service through friendship. ethical issues. To that end, and to broaden our As a “rule of thumb,” whenever we are faced knowledge and understanding of ethics in acwith an ethical situation, concern or dilemma tion – several initiatives are in the works: – pause and take an “Ethics Check!” Seek adThe Commission on Ethics and Standards is vice and guidance! Check with your Presicurrently developing enhanced training moddent; your Chapter Ethics and Standard Chair; ules for this year’s Ethics education to be deor your Southern Area Chair (yours truly). Reployed to Chapters later in the year. Members Selma Robinson-Ayers member: Pause… Check… and then proceed will again be required to complete the training; Chair, Ethics & Standards with confidence! sign and acknowledge understanding of the Warmest Sisterly Regards, Link Selma Southern Area principles, policies and governing documents;

“Whenever we are faced with an ethical situation, concern or dilemma – pause and take an “Ethics Check!

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NOVEMBER is

Friendship How will your chapter celebrate ?

The Priceless Treasure

Month

Friendship is a priceless gift That can't be bought or sold, But its value is far greater Than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless, It cannot see nor hear, And in your times of trouble, It is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen, No heart to understand.

It cannot bring you comfort Or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift, Be thankful that he sends, Not diamonds, pearls, or riches, But the love of a real, true friend.

HELEN STEINER RICE

GET CREATIVE - See a play together - Attend the latest movie - Read a book followed up with a discussion - Hold a tea with sister chapters - Plan a complete “Girls Night Out” -Visit a museum -Host a Chapter “tasting” and everyone bring their favorite dish - Arrange a wine tasting at a local eatery

Don’t forget to send us photos from your Friendship Month activities to be featured in a future issue!

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Rituals represent more than candles and roses Each chapter should have a designated person to

by Juanda Maxwell Rituals Chair take the lead in assisting the local chapter presidenThe Links, Inc. rituals and cere- with rituals and have access to our Rituals Manual. monies are rich in tradition and Compliance with ceremonies requires unique items culture and reflect our passion that are peculiar in there combination only to our orand commitment to our great or- ganization. We will be recommending a Rituals ganization. Our rituals reinforce toolkit with all items for our ceremonies contained our bonds through the uniformity together. Having all needed items together will of our ceremonies. Continuity of make the use of rituals easier and more cost effective. our rituals links each chapter across Linkdom.

In the Southern Area, our goals are to Our sacred ceremonies celebrate the enhance our use and compliance with sacred ceremonies. Beginning the program tradition while strengthening the bonds year with the Rededication Ceremony is a Our ceremonies set the tone for friendship and rewonderful way to remind Link sisters of their commitment to our programs and how we will effect mind us of our love for service and each other. We in the Southern Area are in forefront of “effecting change in our communities.

In the month of November, we all should celebrate change through the power of friendship and servour organization’s birth by participating in our ice.” As we serve our communities and each other Founders’ Day Ceremony. These are just examples through friendship and service, we believe when our of our traditional ceremonies that should be apart of works are spoken together, our bonds of friendship each Link chapter during the year. are strengthened.

What’s the brand?

First Monday series kicked off for Chapter Presidents By definition, a brand is a name for or a trademark claimed for a certain product or service by either an individual or a company. A brand helps others know and identify the product or service.

When you think of the Links “brand” what comes to mind? Women? The color green? Volunteerism? Whatever that thought may be, it should be the same no matter where you are. Just as when you see the ‘golden arches’, McDonalds comes to mind before a burger is even mentioned.

That is why the use of The Links, Incorporated logo is just as important. Our branding is a component of National President Margot Copeland’s 2011-2014 Strategic Plan.

The goals include increasing brand recognition throughout the Links Diaspora and establish 100% consistency within the organization among the chapters. This could be as simple as making sure our logo is ONLY printed in its proper title (PMS 347), to validating our local collaborative partnerships to ensure they are aligned with the same core values as The Links, Incorporated.

Stay tuned to future issues of the Advantage for more on branding.

The inaugural First Monday Exchange kicked off on Labor Day with over 30 Southern Area Presidents participating. Hosted by the Area Director, the exchange is an informative conference call that gives chapter presidents the opportunity to interact with each other and the hostess.

A variety of topics were covered ranging from the building assessment and chapter boundaries to the new administration's program agenda.

Presidents were also encouraged to send their respective questions in beforehand to have them addressed.

The idea for "First Monday Exchange" came from a similar concept in the Central Area.

"We are always learning from each other," said Link Eneid, "after hearing how well received it was for the Central Area, I had no doubt it could become a part of the Southern Area's agenda.”

Several Presidents responded after the initial call in appreciation and support for the idea. They not only found the opportunity to connect with the Area Director an asset, but also the ability to connect with each other. As a tenet to Link Eneid's pledge for transparency throughout her administration, future calls will be recorded and available for review by all Links via podcast. Please check your chapter email regularly for updates.

The next First Monday Exchange is scheduled for Monday, October 3, 2011.

15

The 18th Southern Area Administration is pleased to present

S O L A C E Support

of

Links

All

S

O

16

A

C

E

Support of Links All Concern Encouraged Based on the program implemented by the Louisiana Bar Association, the Southern Area’s new initiative, SOLACE, allows Links and their families who are experiencing a crisis due to death, catastrophic illnesses, sickness, or other life altering events, to receive meaningful and compassionate support from Links throughout the Area who can assist them.

Florida - Georgia - Bahamas North Carolina - Louisiana Mississippi-South Carolina Alabama

Concerned

Encouraged

L

Visit the salinksinc.org and click on SOLACE

Technology Chair anonymously blasts your need to our sisters

You are connected with your voluntary donors

The way the program works is simple 1. A Link will go to the Southern Area website, click on the SOLACE link to send a confidential communication discussing her need or the need of a chapter member.

2. The Southern Area Technology Chair, who is responsible for monitoring the communications, will then send a confidential e-blast across the Area requesting members’ for assistance.

3. The donor(s) will then be connected to the Link in need. Assistance can range from donating hotel points, airline miles, arranging appointments for medical treatment, donating blood, providing financial assistance to sending words of support or cards.

Scott-Hawkins Leadership Institute convenes in New Orleans

Shown above at the SHLI Southern Area Cohort workshop are (L-R) STANDING : Sylvia Perry (Bold City, FL), Natille Duncan (Jackson, MS), Erica Moore (Atlanta, GA), Nichole Walker (Orlando, FL), Jan Duncan (Jackson, MS), Kimberly Jackson (Azalea, GA) and Lathesia Saulsberry (Selma, AL). SEATED: Raynetta Waters (Asheville, NC), Scott Hawkins Area Dean Deborah Brittan, Scott Hawkins Head Dean Jan Collins-Eaglin (Lansing/East Michigan, MI), Eboni Lewis (Crown Jewels, NC) and Brandi Delany (Raleigh, NC).

One component of National President Link from across the Links realm.

Margot Copeland’s strategic plan for the or- The institute is just one of ganization, is preparation of leadership under the many examples of the the age of 45 to ensure the Links, Incorporated chain of friendship created sustainability. The Scott-Hawkins Leadership by the Links organization.

Institute assists in that goal through the prepaThe Southern Area's Scott ration of Links under the age of 45 in devel- Hawkins Leadership Instiopment of their leadership skills. Presently in tute Cohort IV had the opits’ fourth class, the dynamic group of young portunity for another day of ladies selected from throughout the four areas full instruction at the 41st meet for two years in person, through webi- Southern Area Conference nars and conference calls. held in New Orleans, La. The institute was developed from the vision May 25-29. Led by Deans SHLI Deans Jan Collins-Eaglin and Deborah Britof 13th National President Link Gladys Gary Jan Collins - Eaglin and Deborah tain confer with Southern Area Cohort Eboni Lewis Vaughn, who sought to identify, develop, Brittain, the forum left the felduring the program day. mentor and train women aged 21-45 to as- lows filled with information, insume leadership roles in various organiza- spiration and insight to continue their the current class will graduate at the upcoming tions. In addition to the valuable insight, contributions to their chapters through better National Assembly in Orlando, FL. The application process for Cohort V will knowledge, wealth of information and guid- knowledge of self and their own defined leadsoon open which includes an essay application ance, the members of the SHLI also focus on ership styles. and reccomendation by the chapter president. the key concepts of leadership, and a deeper While the SHLI program day was just one Ten fellows are selected from each area, past understanding of the historical role of the day during the conference, many stayed for national presidents select one appointee and African-American woman. Cohorts also de- fellowship, camaraderie, inspiration and servthe national president can select three. vdelp lifelong friendships with Link sisters ice. Following completion of their curriculum,

17

65th Celebration November 11-13, Washington, DC

Links from around the country will join together to rededicate themselves to the future of The Links, Incorporated in celebrating 65 years of friendship and service.

Excellence

Dedication

Entertainment

ITINERARY Friday, November 11, 2011 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, November 12, 2011 65th Anniversary Gala

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Washington Marriott Wardman Park

National Headquarters 1200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Marriott Ballroom 2660 Woodley Road, NW Washington, DC 20008

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Reception

Open House Tour of National Headquarters Saturday, November 12, 2011 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A Celebration of Friendship and Service Shiloh Baptist Church 1500 9th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Open House Tour of National Headquarters

7:00 p.m.

Dinner Attire: Black Tie $500 per person The gala will include a inaugural presentation of The Links Medal to

Ebony Magazine with entertainment featuring R&B Recording Artist Will Downing.

Sunday, November 13, 2011 11:00 a.m.

Linkages to Life Donor Sabbath Worship Service Metropolitan A.M.E. Church 1518 M Street, NW Washington, DC 20005

If you would like to sit with your sisters from the Southern Area, please email fundchair@salinksinc.org or call 904-514-6611.

All proceeds to benefit The Links Foundation, Incorporated

18

fund development 101

by Ruth Waters McKay Chair, Fund Development Fund Development and Fiscal Responsibility are two national priorities of the current administration, thus affecting all members of The Links, Incorporated. This area involves ensuring that the organization has adequate resources to support its strategic priorities at all levels. It focuses on transparency, accountability and good stewardship. The same rings true of its’ importance on the chapter level.

Fund Development is a broad term. It includes the technique of seeking financial support for worthy causes in the form of requests for donations from philanthropists to grant writing.

Grant writing involves putting a total action plan for a project on paper in an appealing, usually specified format. Grant applications and proposals are used to solicit funds from federal, state, local governments, foundations and other funding resources. Follow-through is as important as developing and submitting the concept. Once funds are granted, certain assurances as well as compliances must be

adhered. That is when the term grantsmanship becomes more meaningful.

Grantsmanship incorporates aspects of monitoring performance and the expenditure of funds, periodic reporting to funders, and closeout activities.

A new term The Links Foundation, Inc. has included as a major intiative for the next two years is The Links, Incorporated Endowment Fund. You will be seeing a lot more on this topic and each chapter will be asked to participate in a major way. So, stay tuned!

Each chapter should consider including a Fund Development Chair in its leadership arsenal. As chair of Fund Development for the Southern Area, I am available to assist chapters in pursuit of funds to help support and sustain excellent programming.

Please send your request for technical assistance to fundchair@salinksinc.org.

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* Myth of the Super Link * When you look at the membership encompassing Linkdom, you visualize a woman of substance.

Intertwined into our chapter meetings are mothers, grandmothers, sisters, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, housewives, chefs, CFOs, entrepreneurs, retirees, homemakers, caregivers, etc. The definition is never ending.Yet, we all come together for a common goal - the betterment of our communities. As we explore our volunteer duties, it is often wondered how “we do it all”.

How do ships' captains deal with this?

Simple. They constantly check their location and direction and readjust their course. They don't try to set their course once and for all. They keep checking and keep correcting their course, so they arrive where they want to go.

Do the same thing with your life. Keep checking, and keep correcting your course. Aim for balance and keep aiming, and overall, you'll be pretty balanced.

Look closely at a ship's course and it looks like a

by choosing one or the other, but by allotting each their time.

Since you sleep (or should) eight hours a day, you get 16 waking hours every day.

You have simply the question: Given your sixteen hours, how do you want to divide it up? Given that you want to be successful, given your desire for a close and satisfying relationship, given your desire for good health and a general feeling of contentment with your life, how are you going to divvy up that sixteen hours?

This is very much like trying to create a recipe for a loaf of bread. It is experimental.

Every day is a new opportunity to experiment again. Add a little more yeast, or a little less flour, or more oil or less water.

The size of the loaf pan sets the limit. The length of the day sets your time limit.

The task is only to fuss with the ingredients to get closer and closer to a satisfying experience. Sometimes you only need to change the order in which you do things — do one thing before another instead of

BALANCE Study too much and your relationships suffer. Exercise too much and your body doesn't have time to recover. Play too much and your productivity suffers. Try too hard and your spontaneity suffers. And on and on and on.

Balance is the mother of all practices, and it is never-ending. You continually find your balance, you don't achieve balance. Even if you were able to find your perfect balance and hold it, life itself will throw you off balance continually. There is no state of motionlessness for a tightrope walker. It is constant adjustment.

When sailing, you set your sail and fix your rudder, but in a little while you need to adjust them because you're veering off course. Why? Because the wind has changed directions or the current has changed, or your boat is listing to one side.

20

the key to having it all

zigzag.

Rise enough above it and the course looks like a straight line. Trying to keep your balance, it will seem that most of the time you're OFF balance. But look at your life from a sufficient distance, and, if you are fairly vigilant about keeping your balance, it will also look good. tempus rerum imperetor Life is like baking a loaf of bread. If you want to get it right, everything needs to be roughly in proper proportion. For bread you measure volume — cups, tablespoons.

For life, you measure time.

The secret to the previous dilemmas of study versus relationships or play versus productivity, the dilemmas are solved not

after. Sometimes you need to add or delete an ingredient altogether, or add a new one to test a possible permanent new addition.

The process never stops, but a greater and greater mastery can develop and higher and higher quality can be achieved through experimentation. You can get closer and closer to balance.

The element to manipulate is time - minutes and hours. These pieces of time need to be managed well enough that they don't manage you, but you are managing them, so there is no feeling of time pressure.

Time pressure is low quality experience.

What you're ultimately after, with bread or with your life, is the experience of quality.

As a pledge for my administration, we will have an open door policy for all Links. The Executive Committee is here to discuss everything from membership issues and facet questions to grant writing and protocol.

If you have a question or concern for myself or any of member of the leadership team, feel free to contact us. Eneid

Southern Area Exec.

Committee Directory Vice Director

Chair, Programs

Tamara Y. Lee Tuskegee (AL) Chapter vicedirector@salinksinc.org

Daisy Walker Charlotte (NC) Chapter programschair@salinksinc.org

Area Director: Eneid A. Francis Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter (H) 504.284.3660 (F) 866.284.3660 Southernareadirector@salinksinc.org

Chair, The Arts

Chair, Communications Sylvia Perry Bold City (FL) Chapter

asstprogramschair@salinksinc.org

Karyn M. Combs Pensacola (FL) Chapter artschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, National Trends & Services

Chair, Health & Human Services

Chair, Conference & Event Planning

Janice R. Nelson Bold City (FL) Chapter treasurer@salinksinc.org

Denise M. Cooper Savannah (GA) Chapter

Cori M. Brock Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter healthchair@salinksinc.org

Ruth H. Terrell Fayetteville (NC) Chapter conferencechair@salinksinc.org

Parliamentarian

Chair, Legislative Issues, Public Affairs and Disaster Relief

Secretary Anne T. Herriott Miami (FL) Chapter secretary@salinksinc.org

Treasurer

Rosalind Fuse-Hall Tallahassee (FL) Chapter parliamentarian@salinksinc.org

Chair, Nominating Committee Ophelia Nicholson Shreveport (LA) Chapter nominatingchair@salinksinc.org

Southern Area Rep. The Links Foundation, Inc. Bessie Isom Greater Mobile (AL) Chapter linksfoundationrep@salinksinc.org

Financial Secretary Charlotte Henderson Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter financialsec@salinksinc.org

Assistant Chair, Programs Mignon Breaux Early Greenville (SC) Chapter

nationaltrendschair@salinksinc.org

Marguerite Archie-Hudson Charleston (SC) Chapter publicaffairschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Services to Youth Brenda T. Jamerson Orangeburg (SC) Chapter youthchair@salinksinc.org

Education Linkage Lucinda R. Sullivan Augusta (GA) Chapter educationchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, International Trends & Services Sharlyn Wilson Smith Nassau (Bahamas) Chapter internationaltrends@salinksinc.org

Chair, Ethics and Standards Selma Robinson-Ayers St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter ethicschair@salinksinc.org

communicationschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Fund Development Ruth Waters McKay Bold City (FL) Chapter fundchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Protocol

Chair, Organizational Effectiveness

June W. Michaux Durham (NC) Chapter protocolchair@salinksinc.org

Faye Hargrove Augusta (GA) Chapter

Chair, Rituals

effectivenesschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Archives Kimberly Sweet LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter archiveschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Awards and Recognition Maxine Smith Charleston (SC) Chapter awardschair@salinksinc.org

Juanda F. Maxwell Selma (AL) Chapter ritualschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Technology Debra G. Lazare Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter techchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Vendors Natille E. Duncan Jackson (MS) Chapter vendorschair@salinksinc.org

21

Inside

the

ADVANTAGE

Southern Area Communications Team REGION 1 JOY WALLACE St. Pete (FL) Florida & Bahamas wallacejoy27@yahoo.com

REGION 2 EBONI LEWIS Crown Jewels (NC) N. & S. Carolina eboni.lewis@gmail.com

REGION 3 KIMBERLY LaMOTTE La Capitale (LA) Louisiana & Georgia khlamotte@gmail.com

REGION 4 NATILLE DUNCAN Jackson (MS) Mississippi & Alabama krossdun@yahoo.com

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS As our program year kicks off, the Advantage will expand to include a variety of chapter content from around the Area. We encourage you to submit your information by the 20th of the month for inclusion in future issues. Information can be sent from chapter members as well as Chapter Communications Chairs to their regional chair shown left.

Members of the Area Communications Team, will be in contact with their various region’s chapter Communications Chairs to be sure a channel of communication is in place.

What are we looking for?

1. Stories/articles on your various programs. Please submit QUALITY high resolution photographs in .jpeg or .bmp format and details surrounding your program. If there are less than five people in the picture, please include names (L-R) for EVERYONE (including children) on the photo. “Cell phone” quality photos will not be published/accepted.

2. Upcoming dates. Is your chapter celebrating an anniversary, hosting a fundraiser or having a special event? Share the news with your sisters! You never know just who may come. Please be sure to include a contact number and email address for more information.

3. Post event information. After your special events, please feel free to share your photos and details.

4. Going Places. Have you recently received a promotion? Celebrated a significant milestone? Getting married? Graduating? Expecting?

Elected to public office? Retiring? We want to know! Please share with your Area sisters as we join in celebrating your accomplishment.

EMAIL to: communicationschair@salinksinc.org POSTAL: Links Advantage, P.O. Box 2182 Jacksonville, FL 32203

EDITORS NOTE

22

Link Sisters, On behalf of Area Director Eneid Francis, the Southern Area Executive Committee and the Communications team, we hope you have enjoyed your first edition of the Southern Area’s new e-zine, the Southern Area Advantage. It is our Area Director’s wishes that we all join together on the foundation of The Links, Incorpoated tradition and take the Southern Area to new heights in the next biennium.

This title was selected to emphasize just how special you are as a member of the Southern Area.

And just as you belong to us - we belong to you. After reading the Advantage’s topical collage of information,we hope that this new additional form of communication will help bind us closer together as Links in the friendship chain as we increase our awareness in our respective chapters as well as educate and enlighten each other as Links and women .

The Southern Area Advantage is a content driven publication that can only be as good as you allow it to be. As agents of change, each contribution on your behalf brings us one step closer to success.

I encourage you to submit your information to share within our Links community in addition to any questions, comments or suggestions you may have.

At your pleasure we serve, Sylvia Perry - Southern Area Communications Chair