The PODIUM
National Articles
Erika Pope, National President - TBΣ
The Vision of Our Best Intentions
T
he 2021 National Convention for Tau Beta Sigma could arguably be billed as one of the most memorable in the Sorority’s history. On one hand there were lots of recognizable parts and on another, it was already primed to be an event that we would not soon forget as it is not every year that an organization turns 75. It also was even more special, because it was truly as if we were all coming home to each other, after having to stay at home for what seemed like forever. For me, it felt like the culmination of so many years of learning and growing, and standing on the stage that Saturday morning during our 75th Anniversary Celebration, I had the opportunity to share the following as the final word of the celebration and what I hoped would be the continued legacy of the Sorority: Each day members of the organization shape the legacy of the Sorority. From membership candidates to active members to alumni members, all have contributed to the growth and success of Tau Beta Sigma. As today’s opportunities unfold, we hope you are inspired to think about your part in Tau Beta Sigma’s history and challenge you to continue to contribute to our shared legacy. Our story is still being written and as we begin the next chapter, we enjoin each of the members of our Sisterhood to reflect on the foundation on which our Sisterhood was built, to lean heavily into our values, to reaffirm your commitment to our mission, and to do good, intentional work to support the continued growth of the organization. Just a few months from when those words were first spoken, so much has already begun to come to fruition on the National level. In particular, the practice of being “intentional.” The first time I ever really took notice of what some would characterize as an extremely common word in the English language, was when someone used it in the form of a compliment for someone else. I remember thinking that this was a very powerful attribute to bestow upon someone, that you know the person who said it must have truly meant it. As I began to think more about what it means to be intentional and how important it is to strive for this in all that we do in Tau Beta Sigma, I found myself searching topics such as “the definition of intentional/intentionality;” “quotes on being intentional;” “how to be intentional,” and “synonyms for intentional…or better yet, antonyms.” Upon coming up for air from this deep dive on being deliberate, a main focus that I found myself gravitating towards came from a website called simplyfiercely.com, on which they defined intentional living as “examining your ‘why’...asking yourself why you do things - and then being happy with the answers.” Simply put, intentionality
40 - Kappa Kappa Psi & Tau Beta Sigma
provides purpose to what you are doing, purpose provides meaning, and meaning culminates to a resolution. In Tau Beta Sigma, many of our ‘whys’ can be found within the Five Qualities and Eight Essential Factors of the Sorority. While these are ideal attributes in which all members should strive for on an individual level, moving with a sense of intentionality as an organization in order to achieve continuous growth, will always be optimally attained through a collaborative effort. Using our Tau Beta Sigma lens, I want to challenge chapters to take some time, maybe set up something like a Google Jamboard, and consider the following questions when examining your ‘whys,’ because once you know that, the ‘hows’ can be readily unlocked: • Why does our chapter exist on our campus? • Why do we serve the way we do? • Why do we recruit the way we do? • Why do we choose our leaders the way we do? • Why did we spend money on [insert the last big thing chapter funds were spent on]? • Why do we program the activities and events that we routinely execute (service or social oriented)? When considering these questions, unpack the responses that are received and if there is anything collectively that the chapter is not happy with, that is where focused revisions should begin. But with any re-examination of the status quo, some cautionary thoughts should also be in the mix. Keep in mind that: You may not have everything figured out on the first try of examining your chapter ‘whys’ and this is okay. Being intentional often requires a few more steps of thought, sometimes research, and most definitely extra planning, but the end results are what will make the effort worthwhile. Taking responsibility for the things that need to change is important, but don’t let the obstacles become the defining moment to which all other chapter items are weighed. Celebrate your successes! It is okay to start small when working towards making more concerted…focused…deliberate…INTENTIONAL efforts. As simplyfierce.com put it, sometimes it is better to start small because “consistency and perseverance are what matter most in the long run.” As your chapter examines your ‘whys’ and formulates all the ways in which you will take on the “good and intentional” work of your chapter, know that your National Leadership is rooting you on every step of the way and we are doing the same!
