TRI SIGMA 2020 ANNUAL REPORT
Overview Overview TRI SIGMA SORORITY *during the 2020-2021 fiscal year
136,792
198
110
6,053 88 819
Initiated Members Chartered Collegiate Chapters Active Collegiate Chapters Current Collegiate Members Active Alumnae Chapters Volunteers
TRI SIGMA FOUNDATION *during the 2020-2021 fiscal year
3,377
Individual Donors
$649,000
Amount Raised
$62,000
Awarded in therapeutic play grants, impacting 15 local communities
$36,000
Granted to March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centers
$32,350
In scholarships awarded to 34 recipients
Natalie Moore Averette , ΓΒ National President
The Voyage continues… During my earlier years as a volunteer, one of Tri Sigma’s themes for programming events was “Charting a Course for Success.” For more than a century, that’s what we’ve done. Enriching the member experience and shaping the future of Tri Sigma are the key components of the organization’s strategic plan and continue to drive the work of the sorority even through turbulent times. When the annual report was delivered last year, COVID loomed, and now, we are still realizing the effects of the pandemic. We’ve had to reevaluate, reinvent, reimagine, redirect, and realign sorority operations to adapt to changes that have negatively impacted the sorority and the fraternal industry. Although it’s been another year of sailing the stormy seas, we’ve stayed the course. Wisdom, Power, Faith, Hope, and Love collectively serve as a compass to navigate through life, even when life throws you off kilter. As you flip through these pages, you’ll realize the changes implemented and the modifications that were made to adapt to the ever-changing climate while moving ever forward, guided by the values by which Tri Sigma lives. It is evident that Tri Sigma’s values are beacons which continue to sustain us today and offer hope for tomorrow. Tri Sigma is a gift. Embrace it. Treasure it. Cherish the love of it. Thank you for continuing to support one another and the Sisterhood. Your contributions, steadfast commitment, and devotion will ensure that the sorority continues to grow and remains strong and successful. Together we will have an everlasting sisterhood! Onward we go… ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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W i s d o m Wisdom We live this value by: • • • • •
Applying past learning to new challenges Continuously pursuing learning about members and Tri Sigma’s purpose Being open to new ideas and perspectives Seeking opportunities to interact with and learn from people of different backgrounds Discussing different values and beliefs in a comfortable manner
3.26 OVERALL INITIATED MEMBER GPA 32,454 ESSENTIAL SIGMA MODULES COMPLETED 469 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS PRESENTED BY CHAPTERS
LISTENING SESSION
Executive Council, in partnership with the Inclusive Excellence Committee, hosted a series of listening sessions to hear members’ experiences, especially those of marginalized identities, to better inform our commitments to fostering an inclusive sisterhood. The session held in September 2020 focused on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and sisters of color (BIPOC). The session held in March 2021 focused on the experiences of queer and trans sisters. PROMINENT THEMES FROM THE BIPOC ALUMNAE SESSION INCLUDED: 1. Lack of non-performative, non-tokenizing representation at the national level, particularly in decisionmaking roles (Executive Council and staff) and in publications (social media). 2. Disdain with how implicit bias shows up in the Honor Council and recruitment processes, and how sorority policies reinforce isolation or marginalized and minoritized members. 3. Unaffordability of sorority experience and unawareness of how socioeconomic disparities promote classism and limit leadership opportunities of those often already marginalized. PROMINENT THEMES FROM THE BIPOC COLLEGIATE SESSION INCLUDED: 1. Need for required educational programming for all members, particularly focused on beginning and sustaining challenging conversations. 2. Members are contributing to exclusive, even racist, ideology by liking insensitive posts on social media that are not aligned with the organization’s values. 3. Support for LGBTQIA+ members and education surrounding gender and sexuality.
PROMINENT THEMES FROM THE LGBTQIA+ ALUMNAE SESSION INCLUDED: 1. Recognition of the progress that has been made to create space for queer and trans members and foster belonging that extends beyond collegiate life. 2. Need for education to combat the emotional labor queer and trans members are navigating, including ways to continue these sorts of conversations to bring other folks along and address the disconnect among members. 3. Need for members to have a platform to share their experiences and for their visibility to be supported through messaging from the national organization. PROMINENT THEMES FROM THE LGBTQIA+ COLLEGIATE SESSION INCLUDED: 1. Belonging means shared values and these have instilled a sense of motivation and perseverance in pursuit of success within college, interpersonal relationships, and academic experiences. 2. Need for more inclusive, accessible, and adaptable resources that meet members where they are. Need to empower members with equitable and inclusive language, knowledge for developing authentic relationships, engaging in critical work, and pursuing life-long learning beyond Tri Sigma collegiate experience. 3. Need for greater visibility of queer and trans identities, including uplifting and celebrating of experiences as well as specific attention to intersectional identities, especially of members who identify with marginalized and minoritized identities.
MEMBER EXPERIENCE SURVEY
As the organization prepares for Convention 2022 and the next refresh of the strategic plan, Tri Sigma worked to develop and distribute a full membership assessment. The assessment in April 2021 was distributed to over 48,000 members and explored the impacts of the Tri Sigma experience from the perspective of both current collegiate and alumnae members. In conjunction with member experience assessment, the organization also reached out to campus partners for feedback and observations. One key focus of the strategic plan is to provide an enriching membership experience. This focus goes on to state that Tri Sigma’s reputation will be defined by the value of experiences provided to the organization’s membership and the continuity of quality and quantity of members recruited into the Tri Sigma Sisterhood. The results have provided some insights about Tri Sigma’s reputation from trusted campus partners and Fraternity/Sorority professionals. The summary of these two assessments and new initiatives based on the data will be provided at Convention 2022.
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
34 named scholarships are currently endowed through the Tri Sigma Foundation. Each scholarship endowment is $25,000 or more and is awarded annually from each fund by the established criteria; however, a few scholarships funded early in the Foundation’s history are part of a shared endowment and not awarded annually but rotate recognition on a triennial basis. With more than 200 scholarship applicants each year, it is crucial that the Foundation continues to empower academic achievement. Foundation scholarships provide relief to the rising cost of college tuition and the supplies students require to be successful in pursuit of their degree.
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS
In 2020-21 the Tri Sigma Foundation was thrilled to work with donors to endow four new scholarships: Chi Chapter Scholarship This scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of Chi Chapter at Pittsburg State University who demonstrates outstanding leadership and genuine sisterhood, the trademarks of Chi Chapter women. Stephani Hoch Scholarship This honors the many years Stephani Hirsch Hoch, Beta Chi Chapter at Queen’s College in Flushing, New York and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter, worked as an educator, as well as the work of her sister as a longtime nurse. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a member in her final year of study, pursuing a degree in either nursing or education. The Carl J. & Shirley L. Ursprung Memorial Scholarship This scholarship was established by Catherine M. Ursprung, Alpha Nu Chapter at Southern Illinois University, Phoenix Alumnae Chapter, and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter to honor the memory of her hard-working and loving parents. It will be awarded annually to a deserving Tri Sigma member in good standing with preference given to a member that is pursuing a degree in Agriculture Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Animal Sciences, or Family and Consumer Sciences. Carolyn White Wallisch Scholarship This scholarship was established by the Denver Area Alumnae Chapter to honor the memory of Carolyn White Wallisch. This scholarship will be awarded to a member pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. in Education. To learn more about these scholarships, please visit trisigma.org/scholarship.
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
P o w e r Power We live this value by:
• Following through on obligations • Showing initiative • Holding the sorority and members accountable for actions and decisions
PROGRAMMING PREVENTION PROGRAMMING
Tri Sigma has partnered with EverFi for four years to offer GreekLife.Edu. The program provides key information to collegiate members on high-risk behaviors (alcohol misuse, hazing prevention, sexual assault awareness, etc.). This partnership was expanded this year to also include a program focused on mental well-being. Mental well-being for students equips them with essential skills and information to navigate the stressors and emotional challenges associated with college life. This year, all undergraduate members were required to participate in both programs. The responses provide the organization with key data and direction to develop strategic initiatives in the area of prevention plus benchmark progress. The national Prevention Plan will be revised and updated based on the data, current trends, and organizational needs.
SAFE TEAM SUMMARY
The SAFE Team volunteers were a tremendous contributor to moving both the Prevention Institute and the STRIDES program from an in-person experience to a virtual experience. The work of this team, which includes both Tri Sigma members and non-member volunteers, worked to host the Prevention Institute and conduct six virtual STRIDES retreats which reached over 600 undergraduate members.
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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VIRTUAL LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM The first virtual Leadership Symposium was offered as an alternative to in-person programs that would typically have emerging chapter leaders and collegiate chapter officers. Over the course of two days, participants and volunteers gathered for educational sessions and small group conversations to learn about the state of our sisterhood, achieving your most challenging goals through a growth mindset, anti-racism through the lens of fraternity and sorority life, and creative goal setting.
In March, the anti-racism through the lens of fraternity and sorority life content was transitioned into a second virtual Leadership Symposium. This session also featured an Inclusive Excellence update and Q & A panel. In May, a third symposium was hosted and featured learned practices to live a more resilient life.
STEADFAST PROGRAM
The Steadfast Program was created as an educational program to support Tri Sigma chapters in membership growth and retention. Specifically, the program was designed to coach chapters through the creation of a strategic plan with a focus on growth and retention. The eight-week program was a mix of live Zoom and self-guided sessions. Live session topics included: • • • •
eviewing program expectations, goal setting, and framing the mind R Priority development, resiliency, and persistence Measures: How to use data to inform policy, process, and planning Putting strategic plan into action
Beyond the 8-week program, chapters receive resources via a bi-weekly communication until the one-year mark. During the 2020-2021 year, the program directly impacted four chapters with a combined membership of 170. Their participation has laid the groundwork for additional chapters, members, and alumnae to benefit from the Steadfast Program.
COLLEGIATE CHAPTER OFFICER AND ADVISOR TRAINING WEBINARS
New to the past year were the collegiate chapter officer and advisor training webinars. Collegiate chapter officer training was offered for all roles on Jan. 10, apart from the vice president of harm reduction who received their training during Prevention Institute. The sessions prepared chapter leaders for the most fundamental elements of their duties and responsibilities amidst the added pressures of navigating the membership experience during the pandemic.
B e c a u s e of o f our our Because donors... donors... “I got to meet incredible women and help empower them to take their knowledge back to their chapters and impact everyone’s experience. I got to see the transformation of collegians become women of character and leaders. All in their own ways. Thank you for your generosity and this experience.” Paige Brown, Alpha Iota “I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Leadership Symposium, but I decided to give it a try. I was recently fired and am unable because of COVID to find a job. I am so glad I registered. The topic of resilience was so uplifting for me.” Gina Walker, Alpha Pi Alumna
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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F a it h Faith
We live this value by: • Following through on obligations • Showing initiative
COLLEGIATE CHAPTER SUPPORT DURING COVID-19
Tri Sigma saw the host institutions take every measure to ensure student safety during the pandemic. In most instances, campuses moved to fully virtual instruction for the fall 2020 semester, after moving to a virtual environment in March of 2020. In some instances, where students were on campus, they were able to gather in groups of 25 or less, with masks, outdoors, or with measures to attempt to stop the spread of the virus. These restrictions, put in place to keep our members and communities safe, posed challenges to many of the standards traditionally measured for chapter accreditation as well as overall chapter operations. To relieve students’ stress in some small portion, Tri Sigma suspended the measurement of chapter accreditation for the 2020 calendar year. In addition, all chapter events transitioned to a virtual landscape including rituals. Facilitation guides and resources were provided to help in the transition. In June of 2020, the sorority ceased all staff and volunteer travel. This prioritized members’ health and safety as well as the health and safety of staff. With sorority wide travel suspended, the national organization made the difficult decision to also suspend the consultant program for the academic year. To support chapters through recruitment and other critical operations, the chapter services staff conducted visits virtually through the spring and fall semesters using tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
At National Headquarters, the executive director and a team of 30 additional employees assist in the operations of the sorority. The staff at NHQ includes 23 Tri Sigma members (representing nine chapters), six members of other NPC and NIC organizations, and two unaffiliated staff members.
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
Hope Hope
We live this value by:
• Putting forth the work today to ensure a brighter tomorrow • Honoring the legacy of those that came before us • Prioritizing the future of Tri Sigma
PHILANTHROPY
Sigma Serves Children is the philanthropic initiative to benefit children’s health. Whether members provide play therapy grants to children’s hospitals or light their campus purple for Prematurity Awareness Month, we can impact lives. Since the modest start over 60 years ago, Tri Sigma has granted over $3 million to continue the work of Sigma Serving Children. In June 2016, the Foundation expanded Sigma Serves Children to form a national partnership with March of Dimes. With prematurity being the #1 killer of babies in the United States, Tri Sigma stands with March of Dimes in the fight to help more moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.
2020-2021 GRANTS
$62,000 awarded in therapeutic play grants, impacting 15 local communities $36,000 granted to March of Dimes Prematurity Research Centers
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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CHAPTER GIVING LEVELS
Donor Clubs recognize gifts made during one year (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021). Chapters, both alumnae and collegiate, provide generous support for the mission of the Foundation by making outright donations and hosting community fundraisers. Scholarships and grants that impact the lives of women and children are made possible because of these chapters!
Legacy Club
Collegiate Chapters •
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$25,000+
Alpha Mu
Pearl Club
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$20,000 - $24,999
Laurel Club
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$15,000 - $19,999
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$10,000 - $14,499
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$5,000 - $9,999
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$2,500 - $4,999
Collegiate Chapters •
Eta Omicron
Steadfast Club
Collegiate Chapters • • •
Alpha Beta Alpha Upsilon Gamma Pi
Founders Club
Collegiate Chapters • • • • • •
Chi Nu Alpha Chi Gamma Mu Delta Chi Epsilon Sigma
Walton Club
Collegiate Chapters • • • • • • • • • •
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Lambda Alpha Phi Beta Beta Beta Theta Beta Xi Epsilon Nu Eta Kappa Eta Tau Theta Alpha Theta Epsilon
SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
Violet Club
Collegiate Chapters • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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$1,000 - $2,499
Alpha Mu Psi Alpha Alpha Alpha Xi Beta Epsilon Beta Tau Gamma Xi Gamma Iota Delta Pi Delta Upsilon Epsilon Epsilon Epsilon Omicron Epsilon Rho Epsilon Chi Epsilon Psi Zeta Psi Zeta Tau Zeta Alpha Zeta Kappa Eta Lambda Theta Delta Theta Iota Theta Theta Theta Zeta Theta Mu
Alumnae Chapters • • •
Denver Area Alumnae Chapter New Orleans Alumnae Chapter Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter
Circle Club
Collegiate Chapters • • • • • • • • •
Alpha Zeta Alpha Iota Alpha Psi Beta Pi Gamma Beta Gamma Zeta Delta Beta Delta Zeta Epsilon Delta
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$500 - $999
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Arc Club
Epsilon Alpha Epsilon Eta Epsilon Pi Epsilon Phi Epsilon Iota Zeta Chi Zeta Delta Zeta Eta Eta Theta Eta Upsilon Eta Beta Eta Sigma Theta Lambda Theta Eta
Collegiate Chapters • • • • • • • • •
Dallas Alumnae Chapter Indianapolis Suburban Alumnae Chapter Kansas City MO Alumnae Chapter West Michigan Alumnae Chapter
Triangle Club
Collegiate Chapters • • • • • • • • • • • •
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$250 - $499
Omicron Pi Alpha Omicron Alpha Epsilon Beta Upsilon Gamma Rho Delta Eta Epsilon Zeta Zeta Gamma Zeta Theta Eta Nu Theta Kappa
Alumnae Chapters • • • • •
$100 - $249
Epsilon Tau Alpha Rho Eta Pi Epsilon Theta Epsilon Kappa Zeta Pi Alpha Gamma Alpha Pi Zeta Lambda
Alumnae Chapters
Alumnae Chapters • • • •
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Phoenix Alumnae Chapter Chicago North Shore Alumnae Chapter Twin Cities Alumnae Chapter Milwaukee Alumnae Chapter Sarasota/Manatee Counties Alumnae Chapter
• • • • • • • • • •
Wichita Alumnae Chapter Coastal Area Alumnae Chapter Southern WV Alumnae Chapter Florida Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter Houston Alumnae Chapter Seattle Alumnae Chapter Central Florida Alumnae Chapter Greater Los Angeles Alumnae Chapter Oklahoma City Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Central Michigan Alumnae Chapter
Friends of Sigma Collegiate Chapters • • •
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$1 - $99
Epsilon Beta Zeta Upsilon Eta Rho
Alumnae Chapters • • • • • • • • •
Chicago NW Suburban Alumnae Chapter Metro Detroit Alumnae Chapter Metro Washington Alumnae Chapter Omaha-Council Bluffs Alumnae Chapter Philadelphia Area Alumnae Chapter Pinellas County Alumnae Chapter San Diego Alumnae Chapter Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter Western Wayne-Washtenaw Alumnae Chapter
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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FOUNDATION GIVING SOCIETIES AND CLUBS
SILVER SOCIETY 18 MEMBERS
As part of the Foundation’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2017, it announced the Silver Society recognizing Sigmas who have given at least one gift to our philanthropy for 25 consecutive years or more.
PILLARS OF SIGMA 116 MEMBERS
The premier annual giving club that recognizes alumnae who contribute $1,000 in one year (July 1-June 30). These members receive exclusive opportunities to enjoy invitation-only events with Foundation and sorority leaders, and much more.
STEADFAST GIVING CLUB 203 MEMBERS
This club recognizes Foundation donors who give monthly recurring gifts. Monthly donors not only support the mission all year long, but they provide sustainable financial support for the organization’s operations and programs.
HERITAGE SOCIETY 73 MEMBERS
This society includes Tri Sigmas who are supporting the Foundation without impacting their current financial situation by making a legacy gift from their estate.
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES: Your gift to the Ever True Fund supports the Foundation’s entire mission, along with essential annual operations. Every dollar you invest helps Tri Sigma’s sisterhood tackle these critical issues:
We need empowered leaders in the community and world that are character-focused, inclusive, and committed to serving others.
We need to provide more scholarship funding to support its members’ academic achievements and to offset the rising cost of higher education.
We need to fund crucial and innovative therapeutic play programs with its health partners to serve the local communities.
We need to fight for the health of all moms and babies as premature birth rates in the U.S. continue to rise.
L o v e Love
We live this value by: • • • •
Displaying devotion to Tri Sigma members throughout their lives Looking for opportunities to serve and build others up Members giving freely of their time and resources to better the sorority Making members feel welcome and appreciated
LIFELONG MEMBERSHIP
Tri Sigma members spend most of their experience in the sorority as an alumna. It is easy to observe when collegians are supported by alumnae – receiving care packages during finals, receiving donations, noticing them volunteering time, feeling invested in their success with professional development programs and senior recognitions – they are more likely to be involved after graduation. Alumnae who are involved in the undergraduate sorority experience lay the foundation for collegians to continue their sorority experience after college. • Dues paying alumnae: o Annual: 1,193 o Triennial: 71 • Lifetime alumnae: 1,792
Alumnae and volunteers recognized through the national awards program: • Steadfast Alumna Citation: Brenda Christie, Alpha Iota, Northeastern State University, and Tulsa Alumnae Chapter
• Emily Gates Alumna Achievement Award: Rebekah Ager Giaraffa, Epsilon Theta, Oglethorpe University, and Denver Area Alumnae Chapter
• Emerging Alumna Award: Sierra Lykins, Eta Kappa, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas Alumnae Chapter
• Outstanding Alumna Award: Laura Manthey, Gamma Lambda, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Denver Area
• Outstanding Alumna Award: Patricia Mroczek, Alpha Phi, Central Michigan University, Central Michigan Alumnae Chapter
• Outstanding Advisor Award: Susan Poe Flowers, Kappa, Miami University, serving Theta Zeta, Case Western Reserve University, Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter
• Outstanding Advisor Award: Brooke Alberson Erving, initiated and serving Delta Pi, Winthrop University
• Outstanding Advisor Award: Ivonne Ramirez-DeBlois, Phi Mu Fraternity, serving Gamma Iota, University of Massachusetts Amherst
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SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA
Alumnae chapters recognized through the national awards program: • Chicago North Shore – Alumnae Chapter of the Year • Denver Area – Excellence in Ritual and Values • Indianapolis Suburban – Excellence in Collegiate Support • Phoenix – Excellence in Volunteerism • Western Wayne Washtenaw – Creative Educational Programming: Civil discourse, Excellence in Member Development, Excellence in Membership Recruitment
Volunteers are the key to the sorority’s success.
Tri Sigma’s volunteers are essential for the success of its members, collegiate and alumnae chapters, and the National Organization. Tri Sigma relies on them to assist with projects and initiatives across all departments within the sorority. Their work helps to keep the organization moving ever forward. • Collegiate Advisory Board members: 559 • Average number of advisors per chapter: 5 • Collegiate Advisory Board of the Year: Delta Pi at Winthrop University
New alumnae chapter
• Pittsburg Kansas Area Alumnae Chapter, Pittsburg, KS
ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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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