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g { x _ x z t v ç NEWSLETTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED NORTH ATLANTIC REGION

SUMMER 2009 WWW.AKANORTHATLANTIC.ORG

Evelyn Sample-Oates NORTH ATLANTIC REGIONAL DIRECTOR

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Dear Sorors,

Summer is officially in full swing! Many of you are looking ahead to reunions with family and long-lost friends. I know that you have taken time to reflect on the past year in your chapters and this region. Thank you to all of the cluster coordinators, basilei, regional committee chairmen, committee members, and each and every one of you for keeping up the intensity all year long.

Just three months ago, we enjoyed the spectacular 78th North Atlantic Regional Conference, leaving New York City with a permanent sparkle. To the Conference Chairman, Soror Lynn M. Staton, Vice-Chairmen, Sorors Charlene Skip with Luke and Hazel B. Palmore, and the hardworking sorors of Cluster III, I will be eternally grateful. Exceptional Service Prevail(ed) from the time we heralded individuals and organizations for their significant service endeavors until we lifted our voices in praise with the incomparable Vickie Winans. I am still seeing pink and green outlined in silver.

Since I last saw you, the work of Alpha Kappa Alpha never stopped. During the early part of June, I was part of a delegation of sorors that had the privilege of visiting Liberia in the company of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, our dear soror. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will always have a home there and we were welcomed to return as a more permanent service presence. This was an amazing trip which reaffirmed the ingenuity of our founders and their vision.

Looking back on the 2009 Leadership Seminar, I was elated to see the Notable North Atlantic Region represented, aglow in our colors in Anchorage, Alaska. Close to 240 of you registered and showed up to discover new ways to build up our sorority, while simultaneously increasing your personal leadership quotient. This year's conference was different. We expanded our focus to how we can exhibit green leadership, from our service project in Fairview Lions Park to our undergraduate leadership who led the way with their Green e-Book, full of energy-efficient and environment-friendly guidelines. Truly, Alaska will never be the same!

I am proud to salute our undergraduates who have honored our purpose by graduating in distinguished fashion from their respective institutions. May this new beginning in your lives be punctuated by success in your personal, professional and sorority spheres. We welcome you with open arms into one of the 71 graduate chapters in this region.

This has been a monumental year; however I know that you are aware that it has come with many challenges. As your soror and regional director, I am calling on each and every soror to reflect on your oath and cling to wisdom instead of divisive rancor. Choose to trust rather than malign. Decide to hold back judgment as an alternative to doling out condemnation for all of your leaders. I invite you, as I have in the past, to call me for the truth instead of believing the salacious and sensational claims of those who seek to divide our sisterhood without adequate substantiation. Remember that all that glitters is not always gold.

More importantly, there is nothing good that can come from a house divided against itself. I urge you to be part of the solution and refrain from enlarging the problem. Since 1908, our sisterhood has blossomed as a result of sorors like you who believe in the strength of our ideals and prudence of our procedures. Thank you for your investment and unwavering trust in our sisterhood, as well as those you have elected to lead her. We are sisters and this will always be our sisterhood…because there is no other like Alpha Kappa Alpha!

Sisterly,

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501 Monticello Lane Phone: (610) 940-2622 Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Fax: (610) 940-3739

Email: [email protected]

EVELYN SAMPLE-OATES North Atlantic Regional Director

Inside This Issue:

Basilei / Graduate Advisors’ Checklist 2

Regional Director’s Itinerary 2

Love Your Sister Day 2

RD Visits Liberia, West Africa 3

Fall Conference Schedule 3

Program...The ESP Way 4

Membership Committee 5

United We Serve 6

Stress-Free Elections 6

Parliamentary Procedures 7

2009 Leadership Fellows 8

New Undergraduate Chapter 8

Day of H.O.P.E. 8

2009 NARC Summary 9

Regional Ad-Hoc Position 9

Connection Committee 10

Standards Committee 11

Archives 12

Leadership 12

EHLLA 13

2009 NARC Resolutions 14

Witney’s Lights 2009 Walk/5K Run 17

2009 NARC Awards and Highlights 19

2009 Leadership Highlights 23

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NEWSLETTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED SUMMER 2009

Basilei and Graduate Advisors’ Checklist On The Move...Regional Director’s Itinerary

August 2 NARC 2010 Planning Meeting Washington, DC

4 Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Conclave Washington, DC

17-21 Vacation – Office Closed September 13 Rho Theta Omega Chapter Meeting Philadelphia, PA

18-20 Undergraduate Round-up University of Delaware, Wilmington, DE 24-27 Congressional Black Caucus Washington, DC October 2-3 Cluster V Leadership Meeting Boston, MA

9-10 Cluster IV Leadership Meeting New Brunswick, NJ

16-17 Cluster II Leadership Meeting Philadelphia, PA

23-24 Cluster I Leadership Meeting New Carrollton, MD November 5-8 Directorate Meeting

14-15 Cluster III Leadership Meeting Queens, New York

21 Day of H.O.P.E.

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√ Undergraduate Grade Reports are due by September 10th, no exceptions.

√ The New Membership Intake Process is NOW IN EFFECT. Please purchase the new manual and follow the guide. If you need additional training contact Soror Connie Pizarro, the Regional Membership Representative to the International Membership Committee.

√ All Chapters must change their Bylaws to reflect the definition of an “Active Soror” as it relates to the new MIP and it must be approved by the Regional Director.

√ Any changes to officers in your chapters must be updated with both the corporate office and the Regional Director.

√ Officer vacancies require appointments, not elections. All elections are held in November as stated in our Constitution & Bylaws.

√ All Graduate Advisors, Council Members and Undergraduates are required to attend the Undergraduate Round-up on September 18-20, 2009 unless excused by the Regional Director. Non-compliance will result in inactive chapters.

√ All Graduate Chapter Basilei who supervise an Undergraduate chapter are strongly encouraged to attend the Undergraduate Round-up.

√ Step Show Request forms must be sent to the Regional Director two weeks prior to the performance with a copy of the current financial card of each and every soror participating.

√ Graduate Advisors and Graduate Chapter Basilei must give a copy of the Legacy Newsletter to each member of the Undergraduate chapter and all members of the Graduate Executive Committee.

Time To Give A Little Love

Sorors, The North Atlantic Region will celebrate “Love Your Sister” on Saturday, December 5, 2009. All sorors in the founding region are asked to do something special, say something nice, and share your best sisterly love with a soror. It will be spread across all 11 states as we come together as one sisterhood, with one heart, to give one kind of love for each other. Please mark your calendar and remember to Love Your Sister on Saturday, December 5, 2009. You will hear more about this special day at each Cluster conference.


NEWSLETTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED SUMMER 2009

Regional Director Visits Liberia, West Africa

All sorors are invited to participate in the following Fall mini-conferences to help increase your knowledge of sorority procedures and practices as well as get to know more sorors around the region. The schedule is as follows. All applications will be on the regional website as of August 21, 2009:

www.akanorthatlantic.org

g{x _xztvç NORTH ATLANTIC REGION

On June 8, 2009, Soror Evelyn Sample-Oates accompanied Supreme Basileus, Soror Barbara McKinzie and International Program Chairman, Soror Loann Honesty King to Monrovia to visit with Africa’s first elected female head of state, Liberian President, Soror Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Soror Sirleaf was a charter member of Eta Beta Omega chapter in Monrovia. She invited the sorors to visit and be a part of the ribbon cutting for several Women Market Places. Soror Sirleaf has vowed to empower women during her administration by strengthening their entrepreneurial skills and enhancing their level of education. Her Excellency hopes that her beloved sorority, especially the North Atlantic Region, will be a part of the women’s initiatives. Supreme Basileus McKinzie has committed to assist Soror Sirleaf. More information will follow on how you can take part in this global project.

Fall Conference Schedule

Cluster I October 21, 2009 The Sheraton Four Points New Carrollton, MD

Cluster II October 17, 2009 Hyatt Regency Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA

Cluster III November 14, 2009 Bronx, NY

Cluster IV October 10, 2009 Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, NJ

Cluster V October 3, 2009 Boston, MA

Undergraduate Round-up Weekend

September 18-20, 2009 University of Delaware Wilmington, DE

Please keep in your prayers the families of our Ivies Beyond the Wall as we keep their memory alive in our hearts. Please reach out to our sorors who may be experiencing any health challenges or hardships. Say a special prayer for them during these times.

Please Keep In Your Prayers...

Program...The Heart of ESP

Is the North Atlantic region Doing Fine in 2009? It sure seems so! Judging by your inquiries and emails, chapters have been fully engaged since the North Atlantic Regional Conference implementing Extraordinary Service Programs throughout our region. We also want to thank our chapter program chairmen for being flexible by integrating new and innovative program initiatives throughout the year. Alpha Kappa Alpha on the Cutting Edge

In addition to established platform activities, the ESP program has been expanded to include new initiatives and partnerships to enhance our important role in the community.

The Program and AKA Connection committees have partnered to work with communities of color. Our goal is to educate them to advocate on issues around disparities in health care. During a special workshop at NARC, participants learned that income, environmental issues, healthy commerce choices, adequate and available medical services, and wellness and fitness programs all impact on one’s health. Chapters are asked to purchase the video, “Is Inequality Making Us Sick?” and visit the website, www.unnaturalcauses.org. On it you will find a discussion guide, lesson plans and ideas. Conduct a video showing for chapter members first and then arrange a chapter discussion to develop a community implementation plan. The AKA Connection chairman and I are looking forward to some great reports this year.

Using talk radio as a way to educate African Americans in Philadelphia about health disparities, Soror Ryder, Labor to Neighbor radio show host, recently interviewed Soror Mayla Henderson, outreach specialist for the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health and a member of Rho Theta Omega Chapter. Soror Evelyn Sample Oates is pictured here in the center amid some happy families. St. Barnabas Shelter was the recipient of Target gift cards collected at

the 2008 NARC. As each family leaves the shelter, they are given $100 in gift cards to assist them in their new venture. The average time in a shelter is almost one year, therefore cards will be distributed until they are exhausted. During Women’s History Month, chapters had viewing parties to see the moving documentary called “A Powerful Noise.” This film attempted to raise our awareness of the plight of women worldwide in combating poverty, sexism and illiteracy. Our sorority is a key partner with CARE and we thank all chapters who attended a viewing. For more information about CARE, visit www.care.org. An additional ESP Platform Award goes to.. Tau Nu Omega Chapter, Platform V, who participated in a joint Health Fair with Eta Omega Omega and Xi Xi Omega and fulfilled all stated requirements. I want to extend many thanks to our chapters for embracing the ESP platforms by partnering with agencies and other like-minded organizations to really make a meaningful difference in communities across the Notable North Atlantic region. On behalf of the regional program committee, we want you to know that we are here to serve. See you at Cluster meeting in the Fall!

Soror Janet H. Ryder, Omega Omega Chapter International Program Committee North Atlantic Regional Representative

phone: (215) 665-2617 email: [email protected]

NEWSLETTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED SUMMER 2009 g{x _xztvç NORTH ATLANTIC REGION


Membership Committee: Every Soror is a Pearl

Sorors, I hope you enjoyed the Bright Lights in the Big City! Cluster III did a marvelous job hosting the 78th North Atlantic Regional Conference in New York City and once again the International Membership Committee recognized chapters and sorors for their outstanding reclamation efforts.

The sorors who reclaimed the most sorors in their cluster are:

Cluster I Soror Tracey Williams, Iota Lambda Omega Cluster II Soror Adrienne Gordy, Tau Delta Omega Cluster III Soror Leah Watson, Theta Iota Omega Cluster IV Soror Pamela Gary, Pi Xi Omega Cluster V Soror Norma Cherry, Epsilon Omicron Omega

There are also several chapters who did an outstanding job of reclaiming sorors.

Iota Gamma Omega reclaimed 91 Sorors Omega Omega reclaimed 47 Sorors Upsilon Tau Omega reclaimed 44 Sorors Xi Omega reclaimed 43 Sorors Rho Mu Omega reclaimed 42 Sorors

The revised Membership Intake Process for Graduate and Undergraduate membership was rolled out for all to hear.

Highlights Include: Every graduate chapter must include in its Chapter Bylaws the definition of active participation, because a soror who sponsors/co-sponsors a candidate must be active in the chapter. The definition may include, but is not limited to, the following areas:

♥ Participation in Regional and International Conferences ♥ Attendance at monthly chapter meetings ♥ Participation in chapter activities

- Committees - Programs - Fundraisers - Sisterly Relations Activities

♥ Chapter Financial Obligations

The active participation definition should be designed to illustrate soror involvement outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The chapter’s stipulations in its bylaws should be more definitive and demonstrative of behavior that has successfully strengthened the chapter’s goals and community activities.

Points of Clarification:

♥ Background checks are conducted on all prospective candidates, including legacy candidates. ♥ 24 consecutive months of financial activity is confirmed by Corporate Office not by the chapter. ♥ 95% retention rate refers to sorors who joined your chapter through your chapter’s MIP over the past 5

years. The chapter is not penalized for sorors who leave the chapter and join another chapter or become a general member. Corporate Office is responsible for calculating a chapter’s retention rate.

♥ Information session is mandatory for all prospective candidates, sponsor and co-sponsors, however, any chapter soror may attend the information session. Graduate chapters must conduct one information session for all prospective candidates, sponsor and co-sponsors.

♥ All candidates, sponsors and co-sponsors must attend all MIP sessions. ♥ All chapter members should participate in the community service project, along with the candidates,

sponsors and co-sponsors.

Soror Constance Pizarro, Nu Xi Omega Chapter International Membership Committee North Atlantic Regional Representative




United We Serve

To all Chapter Basilei, Anti Basilei/Program Chairmen and Graduate Advisors

This is an extraordinary moment in time. On June 22, 2009 President Barack Obama and First Lady Michele Obama kicked off their nationwide “Summer Service Initiative-United We Serve” that will culminate on September 11, 2009. This 81-day service initiative is a unique opportunity for Alpha Kappa Alpha to continue our service initiatives while supporting the President’s United We Serve. “Service” is what we do.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. joins with our other Pan-Hellenic Council Organizations to continue our service initiatives while supporting the “United We Serve” initiative. We are asking chapters to engage in service throughout the summer and to culminate this summer of service with a National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11, 2009. We also encourage you to spread the word about “United We Serve” by:

♥ Sending a message to your chapter members about “United We Serve”, including the link to the First Lady’s message at http://www.serve.gov.

♥ Putting a link on your Region or Chapter website homepage (to Serve.gov – banners and logos are available at http://www.serve.gov/link.asp).

♥ Issuing a local press release about your member/chapter participation in United We Serve – a sample release is available here:

http://www.serve.gov/assets/documents/09_0616_sample_release.doc. ♥ Sharing stories about how your chapter members and supporters are making a difference at

http://www.serve.gov/share.asp. We will highlight examples of exemplary service throughout this summer



Stress-Free Elections

The election of officers in our chapters is as important to the life of our organization as the selection and initiation of new members. They both require excellent planning and strict adherence to procedural rules. The goal of this article is to review the election process and to clarify any questions that members may have as they prepare for it.

First, our bylaws should require that the nomination of candidates be done by a committee which is not appointed by the president. This Nominating Committee should be elected no later than May in order to allow time for sufficient deliberation and decision-making. When the committee meets, the chairman should request the necessary documents that it will need. Among them are: the attendance manual, the monthly financial reports, the chapter directory including telephone numbers, copies of the bylaws, and a listing of the chapter committee structure. Additional documents may be requested from the secretary, if needed.

When the committee makes its selection, all of the prospective candidates should be contacted and asked if they are willing to serve. The Nominating Committee is required to nominate a candidate for each vacancy. This committee will report to the chapter at the October meeting.

The president will read the report and then open the floor for additional nominations. When the nominating is ended, the president declares the nomination closed and appoints a Tellers Committee to prepare for the election which will be placed on the November agenda as a special order, as required by all chapters.

Most chapter bylaws require a majority vote for election to office; others permit election by a plurality except for president, vice-president, and treasurer. The tellers should review the chapter bylaws to ensure that the Tellers report reflects the bylaws. It is recommended that a sample tellers report be made available on each chapter’s website.

When the voting is completed, the head teller reads the report to the chapter and hands it to the president. The president reads the report again and announces the result for each office. Re-balloting is required when no candidate receives the required number of votes necessary to win the office. Installation takes place in December.

A Self-Test of Your Parliamentary Knowledge

Answers: The true statements are 3, 5, 8, 9, 11 and 12

Soror Flora Eikerenkoetter, Iota Tau Omega Chapter North Atlantic Region Parliamentarian




_______ 1. The absence of a quorum may be ignored and the meeting held if all the members present agree.

_______ 2. If the basileus and anti-basileus are both absent, the grammateus has to preside at the meeting.

_______ 3. The minutes should contain the name of the maker of a motion but not necessarily the name of the seconder.

_______ 4. The motion to reconsider is applicable whenever the assembly wishes to change its mind about the outcome of a vote.

_______ 5. When a soror moves the previous question, the basileus states that this is a motion to end all debate and amendment of the pending question, and requires a second and a two-thirds vote. Is she correct?

_______ 6. If Soror A receives 65 votes and Soror B receives 62 votes when 128 votes have been cast, no election has taken place because the margin of victory is too small.

_______ 7. Once the minutes have been approved and filed away, it is improper to make any additional corrections to them.

_______ 8. It may not be necessary for every single standing committee chairman to report at a meeting.

_______ 9. A maker may modify or withdraw her motion at any time before it is stated by the basileus.

_______ 10. A chapter should set a high quorum in its bylaws to encourage sorors to attend the meetings.

_______ 11. All sorors present at a meeting have an obligation to obey the legitimate orders of the basileus.

_______ 12. An amendment to the bylaws goes into effect immediately upon its adoption, unless the bylaws or a rule sets a later time for its implementation.

Indicate whether each statement is true or false.

North Atlantic Region 2009 Leadership Fellows Shine

This year’s leadership Fellows were the cream of the crop as 15 sorors gathered to learn, bond and increase their skill set for life after graduation. For the second consecutive year, the Conference, co-sponsored by General Electric, Incorporated was held in Houston, Texas, June 17-21, 2009. The North Atlantic Region was proudly represented by the following sorors:

Tau Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on Sunday, March 29, 2009 in Chester, PA on the campus of Widener University. This is the first Undergraduate Chapter chartered in the region since 2002 and the first Pan-Hellenic organization on the campus. Fifteen talented and intelligent women took the oath to uphold the rules and regulations of the organization and pledged allegiance for a lifetime. Special thanks to the sorors of Tau Delta Omega Chapter for stepping up and agreeing to supervise this new chapter. Big things are expected from Tau Alpha as the 60th Undergraduate Chapter in the Notable North Atlantic Region where sorors Feel Good!



Flynne Bailey

Howard University Public Relations

Sonie Guseh

University of Pennsylvania

English

Keisha Herbert

Howard University Political Science

Cilicia James

Howard University Marketing

Angela Porter

Howard University Legal

Communications

New Undergraduate Chapter Makes History

Day of H.O.P.E.

Please mark your calendar for the fourth and final day of H.O.P.E., Helping Other People Excel through our Platforms. For those who attended the Centennial Boulé, our Day of H.O.P.E. was featured in the Centennial Film. How exciting that this project that each chapter made successful will now be a part of our history and viewed by many in the next century.

On Saturday, November 21, 2009 every chapter in the North Atlantic Region is asked to provide some sort of service to the community that will enhance the quality of life for people through our service.

Sorors, be creative through your planning. Partner with other chapters, both graduate and undergraduate. Collaborate with other like-minded organizations. Make it fun while developing bonds of sisterhood. Send a press release out to let the local media know what you will be doing to help the community. Let people know how effective and affective Alpha Kappa Alpha can be in the lives of those needing a helping hand.

Please send a one paragraph description of what your chapter will be doing so it can be featured in the next edition of the Legacy. Send it to Soror Linda Blanding by October 24, 2009 via e-mail [email protected]. Remember to take plenty of pictures so your projects can be featured at the North Atlantic Regional Conference in 2010.

2009 NARC Summary

Cluster III was proud to celebrate the success of the 78th North Atlantic Regional Conference held in New York City on April 1-5, 2009. Exceptional Service Prevailed. AKA made history and rang the bell on Wall Street at the New York Stock Exchange. Sorors enjoyed the Apollo Night performances and actively engaged on stage. We celebrated Survival Endurance and Perseverance at Passionate in Pink Leadership Luncheon. There were many stellar awardees and performances at the Public Meeting. Soror Quincy Lucas, Soror Sonia Sanchez, Derek Atkins, Earl and Barbara Graves and Rev. AR Bernard. Our corporate sponsors were recognized for their many contributions during the conference. Thursday night capped off with the EAF Casino Night and the Public Reception where sorors and guests were seen getting their groove on. The Plenary sessions

were timely, exciting and informative. Mikki Taylor, beauty editor of Essence, set the tone at the Undergraduate Luncheon, feeding them with information about what it takes to be the Next Top Undergraduate. Friday Night sorors and other Greeks enjoyed the steps and comedy show and danced to the beat at the Ivy & Pearl Jam. Our very own Regional Director brought down the house at the Diamond, Golden, Silver Recognition Luncheon with our special guest Soror Phylica Rashad. We were glad to celebrate 25 years of service in Elegant Sensational Passionate way with Soror Evelyn. The Fashion Awards Gala showed sorors ripping the runway with fashions of today. Chapters were celebrated for their many achievements in 2008. Sunday was an Emotional Spiritfilled Phenomenal day as the Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony was standing room only and the Gospel Brunch filled our souls. You came, you played, you learned and we celebrate your sisterly support.

Soror Lynn M. Staton Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter

78th North Atlantic Regional Conference Chairman



Regional Ad-Hoc Position Added

During this current administration, under the direction of Soror Evelyn Sample-Oates, there will be a new Regional Ad-Hoc position to assist with capturing, collaborating and collecting all of the regional history to be passed on to the Archives in Washington, DC at the end of the 2010 term. This regional appointee will work with the Regional Archives representative to assist with their duties and make sure that the Archives committee has all of the resources and requirements needed so the North Atlantic Region is in full compliance with our policies as it relates to Archives.

Congratulations to Dr. Janette Hoston Harris from Xi Zeta Omega Chapter in Washington, DC for accepting this one-year task. Soror Hoston Harris will document the history of our region as captured in our Regional History book, A History of Sisterhood and Service. Dr. Harris will be the caretaker of the important

documents that define and relate to our Notable North Atlantic Region. She will continue to update historical facts throughout the next year.

Dr. Harris is a nationally renown historian who has served as the City Historian of Washington, DC since 1998. In 1975, she received a Ph.D. in History from Howard University. She is currently a professor of history at Bowie State University and is retired professor from the University of the District of Columbia. She was the first woman historian to become the National President of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), an organization founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Dr. Harris has been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. since 1990. Most recently she served as the Centennial Chairman for the North Atlantic Region during the Centennial Celebration as well as the four years leading up to the milestone anniversary.

If you are interested in serving on this committee, please email Soror Evelyn Sample-Oates your contact information.

North Atlantic Region Connection Committee

The New York Region’s 2010 Census Official Kick Off Campaign began on April 3rd at the North Atlantic Regional Conference Connection workshop. “It’s In Our Hands” is the theme for the 2010 Count Committee. Eighty-five sorors attended one of the two sessions at NARC 09 as we laid out a timeline for implementation and strategies for chapters to hold Census 2010 activities in the communities which we service. The Complete Count Committee was established in 2009 to help communities all across the country to become knowledgeable about why the Census survey is important.

Program #1 - Chapters should actively identify members of the community, beginning with sorors and members at our chapter meeting, and have a dialog about how important the Census survey is to us as women, African Americans and to our communities. Count Me in 2010. They promise it will be EASY: Every household will receive a short questionnaire that is simple and fast to complete and return. They say it is SAFE: By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone including federal, state, and local agencies. They stress it is IMPORTANT: Over $300 billion in federal funds awarded to states and communities for new hospitals, schools, better transportation and social services

April 1, 2010 - Census Day Census data will help to determine locations for schools, roads, hospitals, child-care and senior citizen centers. If we don’t fill out and return the survey, we don’t exist. Our concerns are not heard and the funds will be offered to those communities that are identified. Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, shopping centers, new housing and other facilities. The Census determines how many seats each state will have in the U. S. House of Representatives as well as the boundaries of legislative districts.

Program #2 - “ ” The Census Bureau relies on partners to help explain the importance of completing the 2010 Census message to people in every corner of the United States. This is particularly important in areas isolated by language or geography. By joining forces with the Census Bureau, Alpha Kappa Alpha chapters can help to insure that some of the funding needed in the communities we service will actually get designated.

May 28-30, 2009 marked the 65th Biennial National Convention of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., Greek Symposium held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Washington, DC under the direction of 33rd National President, Jennifer M. Jones and Barbara A. McKinzie, Council of Presidents Chair. “Our convention theme, “Education x Economics = E2: The Power of Nine” is symbolic of our renewed focus on strategically empowering our communities through collaboration among our member organizations,” stated by our Supreme Basileus, Soror Barbara A. McKinzie. Fraters and Sorors representing the Divine Nine had a productive and very productive convention that we will look forward to hearing more about as the strategies are rolled out throughout all of the organizations. The 2009 NPHC Convention Planning Team was chaired by Soror Beverly Burks. Other AKA members of the team include Sorors Karen Albert Bradby, Dee Shannon, La’Teecha Thornton and Brenda Vasser. The Greek Symposium Planning Team is chaired by Soror Dorothy R. Jackson. Other AKA members on the team include Sorors JoAnn Brown, Beverly Burks, Anne Mitchem Davis, Cora Dixon, Adrianne Harrison-Surgeon, Arlean Leland, Lavdena Orr, Thetius Saunders, Leslie Lyles Smith, Jeanann Watson and Pamela Woods. These planning team members worked with leadership representatives across all member organizations to make the convention/symposium a great success.

Soror Adrianne Harrison-Surgeon, Beta Alpha Omega Chapter International Connections Committee North Atlantic Representative

(973) 672-5960 (h) (973) 449-1798 (c) Email: [email protected]



North Atlantic Region Standards Committee

STANDARDS: THE ESSENCE OF EXCELLENCE

“Did You Know That…?” All of us, as members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, made a promise to serve and to learn all we can about our Sisterhood. Becoming knowledgeable about our institution is a lifelong journey and one that begins in our individual chapters. Sorors have an obligation to personally commit and contribute to the effective and efficient operation of our organization.

By doing so, Every Soror Participates

? Every Soror Participates by knowing her Alpha Kappa Alpha documents. [Standards Resource Guide-Required Documents Section] ? Every Soror Participates in the ESP Platforms (Program) of the Sorority. [Bylaws, Article III, Section 12, p.23] ? Every Soror Participates in the financial health and operations of her chapter. [Bylaws, Article VII, pp.47-50 and Fiscal Fitness Guide] ? Every Soror Participates by ensuring accountability of its officers. [Bylaws, Article III, Section 21, p.25] ? Every Soror Participates by attending Round-ups, Cluster Meetings, Regional Conferences, Leadership

Seminars and Boulés. [Bylaws, Article III, Section 8] ? Every Soror Participates by being an active participant in chapter operations. [Standards Resource Guide] ? Every Soror Participates as a voting member of her chapter. [Bylaws, Article III, Sec. 9, p.22] ? Every Soror Participates by supporting the Anti-Hazing Policy of the Sorority. [Bylaws, Article 5, p.40] ? Every Soror Participates in the chapter self assessment. [Standards Resource Guide, Section 3] ? Every Soror Participates in ensuring effective chapter operations. [Standards Resource Guide, pp. vi, 2] ? Every Soror Participates (in chapters that oversee undergraduate chapters) by ensuring that all graduate

advisors and graduate councils are trained and certified. [Bylaws, Article III, Sections 22-24] ? Every Soror Participates by being a shining example and a committee of one to be the best soror she can be. The Standard of Protocol is the responsibility of all members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Adherence to protocol enhances our organization’s operations as well as aids in the creation of a more sisterly environment. It is our responsibility to maintain and perpetuate the dignified stature and esteemed reputation of our Sisterhood. Every soror should read and commit herself to the “Soror Code of Ethics”, which can be found in The Manual of Standard Procedure (2008) (pp. 71-74) and in the Official Alpha Kappa Alpha Guide to Protocol (2008) (pp. 7-8) ♥ We remain subject to the authority of the Boule and the Directorate. [Constitution, Article IV Section 2 &

Bylaws, Article I Section 5] ♥ We are to be respectful and supportive of our elected/appointed leaders as they conduct the business of

our precious Sisterhood. [Manual Standard of Procedure p.71 Paragraph #3] ♥ We are constantly reminded to present ourselves publicly in a way that reflects the high moral and ethical

character of college educated Alpha Kappa Alpha women by: - Abiding by the Law and remembering that we are role models and mentors to others and not engage in

activities that might be considered violent, demeaning, criminal or an incidence of hazing. [Bylaws, Article V p.40]

- Demonstrating good manners and proper etiquette and decorum at all times. [Manual of Standard Procedure p.71 #4b.]

♥ We must always remember to demonstrate high regard for each other as women and sorors and abide by and actively support official Chapter and Sorority decisions even in the event of personal disagreement. [Manual of Standard Procedure p.72 #5f.]

♥ We must commit ourselves and promise to obey these rules of conduct for the perpetuation of our Sorority. [Manual of Standard Procedure p.74-last paragraph of Soror Code of Ethics]

Soror Cheryl Goodridge, Sigma Psi Omega Chapter International Standards Committee North Atlantic Representative




North Atlantic Region Archives Committee

It’s Preservation Time! Get on board!!

Your chapter could be the inaugural winner of the 2010 Excellence in Strategic Preservation Award. If you attended the Archives workshop at the 78th NARC in New York City, then you’re already on your way! The first awards (one undergraduate and one graduate) will be given at the 79th North Atlantic Regional Conference.

The award criteria can be found on the Annual Chapter Check-Up form, which assesses your archival activity. Among the requirements are an inventory of your chapter’s collections, an Annual Chapter Profile and a Chapter Historical Abstract. You may find the Check-Up, Profile and Abstract forms in the members-only section of the AKA website. Go to the International Committee Forms section in the Document Archive category and click on the Archives Committee link.

As you continue working towards Excellence in Strategic Preservation, please refer to the Archives Handbook – an indispensable resource in getting “archival ready.” Released in the Spring 2008 mailing, the handbook provides a step-by-step guide to archiving. Chapter activities should aim to engender a commitment to preservation; build and develop collections; protect collections; and promote archiving. In addition, the NAR Archives Committee is available to present chapter workshops.

Thanks again, Sorors, for your Enthusiasm and Sisterly Participation at this year’s regional workshop, The Archiving Bee: The Sequel. Feel free to contact me with any questions about archiving. I look forward to hearing from you.

Soror Raven Hill, Theta Omega Omega Chapter

International Archives Committee North Atlantic Regional Representative phone: (773) 220-7937 email: [email protected]



Leadership is an Action, Not a Position

The pride, celebrations, pageantry and accolades for a century of “Service to All Mankind” has now been added to the pages of our history. However, the critical question today, from a leadership perspective is, “Where do we go from here?”

Enlightened, Significant and Powerful leadership should be the bench mark for leaders on all levels of our beloved sorority. The actions of our leaders, not their positions will define the extent of our success moving forward.

At the end of Leadership 2009, there will be a flurry of activity surrounding Candidate Certification. In addition, when chapters reconvene after the summer hiatus, elections soon become a priority on the chapter’s agenda. This intent of this article is to provide food for thought as individual and collective decisions are made regarding leaders for our future.

The last few months have generated a significant amount of queries related to the leadership certification requirements for sorors seeking positions on the Directorate. Needless to say, these questions were expected. There are 16 officer positions that will need to be filled during the 2010 elections. Many sorors have been working diligently to meet the specific candidate requirements to run for these offices. It is critical, for those with serious intent to run, to review the all of the requirements. The detailed candidate certification requirements can be found on the sorority’s website in the Members Only Section under Document Archives, Candidate and Leadership Certification. Graduate Advisors need to know and understand the candidate certification requirements for the three undergraduate offices. It is extremely important that they encourage the due diligence of potential undergraduate candidates who are interested in seeking offices.

While there are no mandates for leadership certification of chapter officers, you should also expect and elect officers who are Enlightened, Significant and Powerful leaders. In addition to the requirements defined in your chapter documents, you should ask yourselves: What aspects of the leadership development process has a candidate for office completed? What leadership actions have they exhibited?

In 2006, The Economic Leadership Through Service Committee was charged with the task of crafting a Leadership & Candidate Certification process that would prepare sorors for future leadership roles. More importantly, we needed to ensure that the process, while definitive, would allow the flexibility to continue into future administrations. We have delivered on that charge!

Soror Bernice E. Ripley, Sigma Zeta Omega Chapter International Chairman, Economic Leadership Through Service Committee


Leadership Development: Enlightened, Significant, Powerful

The Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Leadership Academy

On Saturday, April 4th, over 150 members of the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Leadership Academy Class of 2008 met for an early morning, 6:45 am to be exact, alumni reunion celebration. The purpose of the gathering was to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood created during the 14 months the sorors participated in the inaugural leadership enhancement program and to unveil the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Leadership Academy Alumni Network and LinkedIn EHLLA. All graduates of the Academy are encouraged to login to one or both of the sites. Academy Committee Member, Soror Carole Brinkley, Delta Rho Omega chapter, was instrumental in setting up the sites and gave a brief tutorial on how alumni can join the networks. Keynote speaker for the event was Bennie Wiley, Principal of the Wiley Group.

Academy members spent months during their time in Academy learning about Mrs. Wiley’s leadership of Boston’s The Partnership, Incorporated. Assignments included analyzing the Harvard Business School case study to identify organizational challenges, preparation of a SWOT analysis, strategy map, and strategic plan. North Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Evelyn Sample-Oates, attended the event and gave words of encouragement to those assembled.

Later in the day, a second group of more than 150 sorors gathered for another Extra Special Purpose, the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Leadership Academy Class of 2010 Induction Ceremony. These sorors got onboard the “leadership train” during the

third plenary session and continued their “journey to greatness” which officially began on Thursday, April 2nd. It was then that the sorors attended an all day orientation forum starting with a rousing welcome from our Regional Director. The North Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Membership Committee, Soror Constance Pizarro, and Soror Bernice Ripley, International Chairman of the Economic Leadership Through Service Committees, delivered inspiring messages to the group who were immediately put to work completing their leadership profile and receiving instructions on future assignments. The next stop of the “leadership train” for the Class of 2010 was held Saturday, June 27th in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Leadership Academy Committee

The sorors of the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Leadership Academy and Deans wish the Class of 2010 much success as they continue on their “journey to greatness.”


Soror Robin Hurd-Graham Zeta Omega Chapter [email protected] (610) 696-7835

Soror Wanda L. King Iota Lambda Omega Chapter

[email protected] (301) 604-4987


Dawn Adams, Theta Omega Omega Alfreda Bowles, Iota Lambda Omega Carole Brinkley, Delta Rho Omega Renee Gaskins-Martin, Xi Omega

Helyn Hall, Psi Omega Paula Hamilton, Rho Epsilon Omega

Cheryl Hill, Xi Omega Alexia Hudson, Omega Omega

Patricia Louison, Rho Theta Omega Andrea Moten, Nu Xi Omega

Azzmeiah Vazquez-Ward, Pi Mu Omega Leah Watson, Theta Iota Omega

Jacquita Wright-Henderson, Sigma Zeta Omega

North Atlantic Regional Conference Resolutions



Sorors, as a reminder, these are the resolutions we voted to implement at the 2009 North Atlantic Regional Conference. Each chapter is required to conduct activities that help to carry out each of these five resolutions.

North Atlantic Region Award Winners



Undergraduate Awards

MU DELTA First Place

Undergraduate Chapter of the Year

IOTA PSI Second Place


DELTA MU Third Place


Krysten Robertson BETA LAMBDA

First Place Undergraduate Basileus of the Year

Janelle Dixon MU DELTA

Second Place Undergraduate Basileus of the Year

Cassie Owens IOTA ALPHA

Third Place Undergraduate Basileus of the Year

LAMBDA First Place

Undergraduate Exhibit of the Year

BETA LAMBDA Second Place


XI TAU Third Place


LAMBDA UPSILON H.O.P.E. AWARD

XI TAU LEGACY AWARD

Angela Figueroa PI IOTA Miss AKA

Gaelle Amazan DELTA MU

Mildred W. Stewart ECHO Award

Andrea Harrison BETA LAMBDA

Marjorie Holloman Parker Leadership Award

Ciara K. Frank DELTA MU

Nellie W. Gaylord Young Educator Award

BETA LAMBDA C. Edith Booker Collaboration Award

LAMBDA UPSILON Undergraduate Signature Program Award

XI OMICRON International Program (ESP) Achievement Award

IOTA PSI Anne Mitchem Davis Family Health Award

H.O.P.E. AWARD XI SIGMA OMEGA

LEGACY AWARD XI ZETA OMEGA

Graduate Awards

XI ZETA OMEGA First Place

Large Chapter of the Year

RHO THETA OMEGA Second Place


THETA OMEGA OMEGA Third Place


XI SIGMA OMEGA First Place

Medium Chapter of the Year

THETA EPSILON OMEGA Second Place


ZETA NU OMEGA Third Place


OMICRON GAMMA OMEGA First Place

Small Chapter of the Year

NU XI OMEGA Second Place


EPSILON SIGMA OMEGA Third Place


North Atlantic Region Award Winners



Marcia Shepherd Baker RHO THETA OMEGA

First Place Large Chapter Basileus of the Year

Leah E. Watson THETA IOTA OMEGA

Second Place Large Chapter Basileus of the Year

Maggalean W. Weston XI ZETA OMEGA

Third Place Large Chapter Basileus of the Year

Doris J. Dumas THETA EPSILON OMEGA

First Place Medium Chapter Basileus of the Year

Carolyn Walker Henderson XI SIGMA OMEGA

Second Place Medium Chapter Basileus of the Year

Jasmine N. Bellamy ZETA NU OMEGA

Third Place Medium Chapter Basileus of the Year

Denise A. Barnes NU ZETA OMEGA

First Place Small Chapter Basileus of the Year

Barbara Ann Dorsey DELTA PI OMEGA

Second Place Small Chapter Basileus of the Year

Naima Smith Moore PI IOTA OMEGA

Third Place Small Chapter Basileus of the Year

Lois D. Knight Harrison EPSILON OMEGA

Shalima L. McCants ZETA NU OMEGA

First Place Graduate Advisor of the Year (tie)

Raquel Pinkney THETA OMEGA OMEGA

Second Place Graduate Advisor of the Year

Inger Marie Anderson Taylor OMEGA OMEGA

Third Place Graduate Advisor of the Year

UPSILON EPSILON OMEGA Erma W. Barron

Making a Difference Award

XI OMEGA C. Edith Booker Collaboration Award

Wanda M. Sims XI SIGMA OMEGA

Good Citizenship

Trina Gipson-Jones PI MU OMEGA

Idell S. Pugh Angel Award

Dorothy Salley Strickland RHO GAMMA OMEGA Wilma Holmes Tootle

Educational Enhancement Award

Susan Simms-Marsh EPSILON OMEGA OMEGA Marjorie Holloman Parker

Leadership Award

UPSILON TAU OMEGA Ruth C. Easley

Chapter Reactivation Award Large Chapter

NI XI OMEGA Ruth C. Easley

Chapter Reactivation Award Small Chapter

EPSILON SIGMA OMEGA NAR Connection Award

XI ZETA OMEGA International Program (ESP)

Achievement Award

XI DELTA OMEGA ESP Platform I:

Nontraditional Entrepreneur

EPSILON SIGMA OMEGA ESP Platform II:

Economic Keys to Success

PSI EPSILON OMEGA ESP Platform III:

Economic Growth of the Black Family

RHO THETA OMEGA ESP Platform V:

Health Resources Management And Economics

OMICRON XI OMEGA First Place

Graduate Exhibit of the Year

PSI EPSILON OMEGA Second Place


IOTA LAMBDA OMEGA Third Place


Graduate Awards (cont’d)

Soror Diane L. Johnson, Xi Omega Chapter North Atlantic Region Awards Committee Chair



NARC 2009 Highlights



Leadership 2009 Highlights


Office of the North Atlantic Regional Director Evelyn Sample-Oates 501 Monticello Lane Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

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NEWSLETTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INCORPORATED NORTH ATLANTIC REGION

2009 Undergraduate Round-up

September 18 - 20, 2009

WHAT’S COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE?

♥ 2009 Fall Conference Highlights ♥ Project H.O.P.E. Highlights

♥ International Committee Updates ♥ Regional Committee Updates

Office Hours: Daytime - 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday

Evening - 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Tuesday thru Thursday