2019 ANNUAL REPORT
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
OVERVIEW
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA SORORITY
2,904 Initiated Members 197 Chartered Collegiate Chapters 113 Active Collegiate Chapters 7,185 Current Collegiate Members 88 Active Alumnae Chapters 772 Volunteers 90% New Members Initiated
Natalie Moore Averette Gamma Beta National President
Moments that matter... Happy Birthday! Happy Founders Day! Here’s to the Sisterhood! No matter how you express it, it’s all about celebrating Tri Sigma! As we commemorate 122 years of Tri Sigma during a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty, allow the worries about COVID-19 to briefly subside and enjoy a few nostalgic moments. Relish in fond Tri Sigma memories and in all things that we love about our sorority. Reminisce about good times and remember how Tri Sigma has been instrumental in shaping the women we have become. Collectively, it is all of these moments that matter in the lives of each Tri Sigma sister that make this an extraordinary sisterhood. The information within these pages recaps last year’s progress. Enriching the member experience and shaping the sorority’s future continue to be the driving force behind Executive Council and our staff. Emphasis on membership growth, academic excellence, leadership and personal development, philanthropic giving, enhanced communication, and foundation support directed the work of the National Organization. These areas will continue to be the focal points as we remain committed to empowering women and advancing the sorority together. Take a few minutes to review the annual report and celebrate what we achieved in 2019. While we applaud our achievements over the years, it is important to remember there is always work to be done to ensure the ongoing success of the sorority. These are tumultuous times for sororities and fraternities, and we must look ahead and anticipate the evolving needs of our sisterhood. It is imperative to understand and help address the challenges our collegiate members face and provide them with the tools and resources which will prepare them for success in college and beyond. We must continue to support one another and treasure the gift of sisterhood. Your gratitude for the past and your commitment to the future are the essence of Tri Sigma. Thank you for enriching our sisterhood. ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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ACADEMICS
Steadfast Achievements
Tri Sigma members are students above all else. Tri Sigma prioritizes helping them achieve their academic and personal goals while supporting them as they plan for careers. Through Essential Sigma, Tri Sigma provides online lessons and tools to promote lifelong learning and foster the development of skillful women who are empowered to change the world.
Statistics • Overall initiated member GPA
3.16
• Total Essential Sigma modules completed
52,958
• Total number of unique Essential Sigma lessons available • Types of Essential Sigma lessons • • • • • •
Character education Academic/scholarship Leadership Professional skills New member education Officer, chairman, and advisor training
64
Foundation
$27,600 34 local RPM grants totaling $129,992 1 March of Dimes grant totaling $11,479
29 academic scholarships totaling
*all grant information reflects 2019-2020 fiscal year **March of Dimes total does not include forthcoming June 2020 grant
ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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TODAY AND TOMORROW 1,389
Total Annual Dues Paying Alumnae
CHAPTER ADVISORY BOARD
624
positions filled by
548
81
60
New Triennial Members
New Lifetime Members
HOUSING VOLUNTEERS
DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEERS
113
219
positions filled
positions filled
2,026
Total Lifetime Members
AVERAGE NUMBER OF ADVISORS
7.6
per chapter
volunteers
Three volunteers were recognized with the Triennial Outstanding National Officer Award for exceptional service: Stephanie Blair, Delta Delta Chapter, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Rebecca Nanzer Calkins, Epsilon Omicron Chapter, Illinois State University Kara Eaton Rees, Beta Gamma Chapter, Ball State University Five members were honored (one posthumously) with the Triennial Founders Award, our highest recognition, for contributions to the significant growth and development of the sorority: Marcia Cutter, Beta Gamma Chapter, Ball State University Carole J. Jones, Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity Susie Fink Kuhn, Beta Gamma Chapter, Ball State University Kaye Schutte Schendel, Gamma Phi Chapter, University of Wisconsin - River Falls Carolyn White Wallisch, Iota and Omega Chapter 6 ||
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
NEW MEMBER EXPERIENCE
New members develop their connection to Tri Sigma and each other through a blended learning program. Each week, new members independently complete a set of online lessons then gather for an in-person meeting to discuss the content. This model allows for an experience that appeals to a variety of learning styles while equipping new members with knowledge and tools for a meaningful membership experience.
IMPORTANCE OF ALUMNAE
Alumnae typically stay connected to Tri Sigma in the same way they became introduced to it: through shared experiences and relationships with their peers. To many alumnae, Tri Sigma gave them relationships with dear friends, memories, shared beliefs, and personal development. For this reason, most Tri Sigma alumnae keep connected to Tri Sigma through relationships with the members they were in the chapter with and/or their own collegiate chapter. Those groups of alumnae have a strong affinity to support and advocate for the sorority experience that was so positive and enriching for them. They donate to the Foundation, ensure their alumnae dues are current, volunteer in various capacities, stay active in virtual and local groups, and model the way in so many other forms of engagement.
GROWING THE TRI SIGMA SISTERHOOD Tri Sigma is proud to have partnerships with host institutions. Tri Sigma seeks to enhance, not compete with, established organizations in each extension effort. The extension philosophy is centered around a high standard for success. Dedication and hard work is put forth to meet the campus’s expectations and take to heart the suggestions they provide to create a mutually beneficial and successful extension. Tri Sigma’s vision for the growth of collegiate chapters and undergraduate members is progressive, innovative, and intentional. Tri Sigma seeks to recruit the complete sorority member who is progressive, confident, dynamic, and civicallyminded at the campuses with a shared vision, mission, and values. In order to accomplish this goal, Tri Sigma must be nimble, purposeful, and creative in the approach.
CHAPTERS INSTALLED IN 2019 • Beta Upsilon | Pennsylvania State University State College, PA • Coastal Area Alumnae Chapter South Carolina
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PROGRAMMING
BEHIND HAPPY FACES In January 2019, Tri Sigma began a partnership with the Human Power Project and launched Behind Happy Faces (BHF) mental health curriculum. BHF provides a researchbased curriculum using educational videos, lesson plans, and online learning to enhance the emotional development of members. Collegiate chapters were provided with facilitation materials to be presented in-person during collegiate chapter meetings or educational sessions. Additionally, a self-paced online lesson was created for advisors and volunteers. 207 advisors completed the module and 6,259 students attended one or more of the in-person Behind Happy Faces sessions.
SIGMA ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION: FACILITATION AND EDUCATION (SAFE) TEAM This past year, the SAFE Team and prevention coordinators visited eight chapters for triennial visits where 395 students participated in a four-hour in-person program focusing on sisterhood and safety.
GreekLifeEdu GreekLifeEdu data from 2019 indicates changes in these key areas since implementation:
48%
decrease in unhealthy drinkers (based on the number of drinks and frequency of consumption).
74%
decrease in the number of new members pregaming before events.
92%
of Tri Sigmas report they would WANT someone to intervene and prevent them from making an unhealthy or unsafe decision.
95%
indicated they believed members WOULD intervene.
92%
of members indicated they felt confident in their ability to intervene when the concern was related to alcohol, hazing, illegal drugs, and unwanted or nonconsensual sexual contact.
PREVENTION AWARDS To recognize creative and collaborative work, Tri Sigma awarded the first Prevention Awards at the 2019 Prevention Institute. There are two categories: • Recognition Awards were given to chapters who completed all aspects of their prevention plan, demonstrated follow-through on initiatives, and mostly applied the prevention concepts correctly. This does not mean the chapter reduced all harms but rather they were committed to taking some steps toward better. • Prevention Awards were given to chapters who developed creative plans, demonstrated an outstanding application of the concepts, and fully committed to their initiatives.
STEPS STEPS (Sisters Talking, Educating, Preventing, and Supporting) was developed in 2019 to bring chapter leaders together to collaborate on the various areas of their prevention plan. STEPS is led by a chapter’s risk manager and consists of various chapter leaders who seek to encourage the chapter to come together around the idea that sisterhood and safety go hand in hand. The ultimate goal of STEPS is to create, reinforce, and appreciate a sisterhood where sisters speak up, step up, talk to one another with kindness, and all feel a responsibility to be part of the solution.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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LEADERSHIP Tri Sigma Consultants
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Consultants visit collegiate chapters throughout the academic year to provide guidance on chapter operations, leadership development, opportunities for growth, and officer education. Consultants also assist in extension efforts, guiding Tri Sigma’s newest chapters on their journey to installation and beyond. During 2019, 10 recent Tri Sigma graduates served as either residential or traveling consultants. These women exemplify the values of wisdom, power, faith, hope, and love, and were unmatched in their leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to the success of all Tri Sigma chapters.
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CONSULTANTS
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
164
CHAPTER VISITS
81
CHAPTERS VISITED
35
31
Recruitment Supervision
Leadership Training/ Development
NUMBER OF VISITS BY TYPE IN 2019
25
Formal Recruitment Planning
20
Education Workshops ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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LEADERSHIP Programming Tri Sigma’s leadership development programming prepares members for various life stages and leadership opportunities. Conference style experiences like Presidents Academy, Recruitment Summit, Prevention Institute, and Dunham Women of Character Institute equip collegians with skills to advance their collegiate chapter experience as they learn to share the values of Tri Sigma with the world. RECRUITMENT SUMMIT was hosted in St. Louis, Missouri, in January 2019. National headquarters staff and volunteers led 113 membership recruitment directors and eight membership recruitment advisors through two days of recruitment preparation and skill training. The program was developed with input from staff and volunteers concentrating on the key areas of need for recruitment planning, resources, ranking, voting, and clerical support. PREVENTION INSTITUTE was hosted in St. Louis, in January 2019. Over 35 volunteers, advisors, and national headquarters staff members led 220 student leaders through a curriculum rooted in prevention, harm reduction, problem-solving, and appreciative inquiry. Each year, attendees review their chapter-specific GreekLifeEdu data from the previous year, giving them a snapshot of members’ behaviors and attitudes in the areas of alcohol use, hazing, mental health, well-being, and drug misuse. Using this data, each chapter selects two-three high-risk areas of focus for the year and learn how to create an effective prevention plan. The Prevention Institute also creates an opportunity for chapters to recognize the areas where they made progress and even celebrate their successes, allowing for more motivation to continue the good work of prevention.
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
DUNHAM WOMEN OF CHARACTER INSTITUTE was hosted in St. Louis, Missouri, in August 2019. Staff and volunteers led 110 recently initiated collegians through two days of conversations and education about character development. Based on Tri Sigma’s character initiative, the program explored inclusive excellence, etiquette and professional presentation, and event planning to observe CHARACTER COUNTS! Week in October. VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE took place before Convention in June 2019 and hosted a variety of speakers and educational topics for Tri Sigma volunteers. During this pre-conference event, over 120 sisters developed relationships with fellow leaders while learning more about the governance of the sorority and the updated strategic plan. They dug into the state of the fraternity and sorority life, including legislation, enrollment trends, and issues in higher education that impacts the fraternal experience. The conversations and connections sisters had during this event prepared them to support Tri SIgma’s sisterhood while allowing them to further develop their Sigma story and leadership impact. ALUMNAE ENGAGE was hosted in the summer of 2019 as an interactive, self-paced learning activity through Essential Sigma. The theme was based on Kim Scott’s book “Radical Candor” and explored how to give candid feedback. Participants also learned how to identify various growth trajectories to understand what motivates others as well as strategies to take meaningful action as part of a team. The course also featured a Facebook-based discussion forum moderated by volunteers. LAUNCHPAD took place before Convention as an opportunity for collegiate and alumnae sisters to come together and learn strategies for personal and professional success. On the morning of Friday, June 28, more than 130 members learned about habits for building wealth, how to identify a personal brand statement, and how to convert big goals into achievable, small projects. With 100% Foundation funding, this program featured financial coach and business strategist Diony Cespedes, founder of Sole Strivers Financial Fitness. Additionally, the Foundation awarded 38 Launchpad scholarships to alleviate the additional hotel cost for the Thursday night before Convention.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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CONVENTION 14 ||
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
Tri Sigma’s 45th National Convention The 45th National Convention was held in Las Vegas, NV, June 29 – July 1, 2019. Nearly 500 sisters gathered to celebrate sisterhood, vote on official Sorority business, and participate in engaging sessions focused on philanthropy, embracing diverse experiences, communicating with character, and prioritizing wellness.
PHILANTHROPY SIGMA SERVES CHILDREN is Tri Sigma’s philanthropic initiative to benefit children’s health. Whether Tri Sigma members provide therapeutic play grants to children’s hospitals or light their campus purple in partnership with March of Dimes for Prematurity Awareness Month, Tri Sigma empowers members to change the world. TRI SIGMA AND MARCH OF DIMES lead the fight for the health of all mothers and babies. From polio to prematurity, Tri Sigma and March of Dimes share a vision of serving children by focusing on research and prevention. Through the ROBBIE PAGE MEMORIAL FUND, Tri Sigma members have the opportunity to impact children and their families within their communities by funding therapeutic play resources, programs, or spaces.
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
At the 2019 Convention, the Tri Sigma Foundation awarded the 2016-2019 Triennial Excellence in Chapter Philanthropy Award to the five most philanthropic collegiate chapters in Tri Sigma: ALPHA BETA Kent State University
ALPHA MU University of Louisiana at Lafayette
ETA CHI University of Missouri
GAMMA PI Nicholls State University
ZETA KAPPA Montclair State University
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COMMUNICATION
THE TRIANGLE
The spring 2019 issue focused on safety and prevention, Tri Sigma’s new strategic plan, and gave a spotlight to beloved Golden Violets.
The fall 2019 issue highlighted Tri Sigma’s 45th National Convention in Las Vegas, triennial award winners, and the 2019-2022 Executive Council.
SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGMENT INSTAGRAM 11,242 followers 3,190,143 total impressions* 49.8% increase in impressions over the previous year
*the number of times your content was shown to users
FACEBOOK 28,746 followers 46,921 total post reactions 24.81% increase in post reactions over the previous year
TWITTER 10,882 followers 310 total published posts 5.1% increase in published posts over the previous year
TOP PERFORMING PHOTOS
#SIGMAFLUFFYFRIDAY
#SigmaFluffyFriday continues to be the most used and most engaging Instagram hashtag, with over 21,000 engagements in 2019.
ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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Tri Sigma Foundation The Foundation strives to provide solutions to issues that require an army of donors, volunteers, and advocates. The goal is to increase the number of women, children, and families Tri Sigma serves – including the women who are impacted each year through leadership development and educational opportunities.
GIVING
• Your donations empower leaders in their communities and around the world that are character-focused and committed to serving others. • Your donations provide more scholarship funding to support members’ academic achievements and to offset the rising cost of higher education. • Your donations fight for the health of all moms and babies as premature birth rates in the US continue to rise. • Your donations provide members the opportunity to impact children and families locally by funding therapeutic play resources, programs, and spaces.
Foundation Giving Clubs and Societies HERITAGE SOCIETY The Heritage Society recognizes sisters who have chosen to leave a legacy through their will or estate plans. A Heritage Society form must be completed to join. This society has 73 total members.
SILVER SOCIETY The Silver Society recognizes sisters who have achieved 25 years of consecutive annual support. Recognition is evaluated each fiscal year by Foundation giving history, and this society held 17 members in 2019.
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
PILLARS OF SIGMA Pillars of Sigma recognizes alumnae who contribute $1,000 or more annually. Recognition is evaluated each fiscal year by Foundation giving history, and had 76 members in 2019. To be recognized, make a gift of $1,000 or more at trisigma.org/donate.
STEADFAST GIVING CLUB This club recognizes sisters who give monthly recurring gifts. The Steadfast Giving Club had 171 members in 2019. To join, make a gift and select “Repeat my donation monthly” at trisigma.org/donate.
LUCY’S LEGACY Lucy’s Legacy recognizes undergraduates who make an individual gift of $18.98 or more, and had 271 members in 2019.
TAYLOR BOUDREAUX ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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@sigmasigmasigma @sigmasigmasigmahq @trisigma Sigma Sigma Sigma National Headquarters 225 North Muhlenberg Street Woodstock, VA 22664 email: sigma@trisigma.org www.sigmasigmasigma.org © 2020 Sigma Sigma Sigma