May 2016
Volume I
Greetings Sorors, While reading from “Launching New Dimensions of Faith” I came across “Words of Wisdom and Inspiration” written by Former Supreme Basilei. The words of Soror Matellia Bennett Grays, 18 th Supreme Basileus (19701974), in her article entitled “The Fruit of Leadership,” spoke to my heart and expressed my feelings regarding sisterhood. I am pleased to share excerpts from her article with you. Former Madam Supreme challenged us “to always be mindful that ours is a sisterhood; to bring sisterliness back into the sisterhood; to remain committed to the vision of our Founders; to do nothing that dishonors the vows we took when we pledged to do all within our power to perpetuate this organization; to do nothing to demean, disrespect or destroy another sister…and leave a future for all sisters who come after us, so we can truly and forever be worthy of calling ourselves Alpha Kappa Alpha ladies!” “As leaders, you cannot overlook your responsibility in the development of our members. Good leaders are good teachers and serve as good models for those they lead.” Additionally, the true meaning of sisterhood must be understood by every member of our sorority. When the true meaning of sisterhood is understood, we “will see signs along the way, such as”:
May 11th: AKA Day at the Capitol. See the Connection Committee Report. Direct questions to Soror Jerry Bridges. May 13th – 14th: “Spring Retreat 2016 ” Part I: Friday Evening, @ Marie Irwin Center, Homewood, IL, 6:00-10:00 P.M. Part II: Saturday, @ Doubletree Inn/Hilton, 5000 West 127th Street, Alsip, IL. 8AM-3PM. Cost $40/Soror. Direct questions to Soror Jeanette Rogers June 11th: June Luncheon, Silver Lake Country Club, Orland Park, IL See Soror Tonika Roach for details. Sept. 18th: AKA Klassic, Chi Sox Bar & Grill, 320 W. 35th-
Street Chicago, Il 60616 Oct. 30th: A Gospel & Jazz Brunch, The Serbian Social Cen-
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Strong, committed members who willingly accept the responsibility of membership
ter, 18550 Stony Island Ave. Lansing, Il 60438
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Members becoming more careful in the selection process. Too many ego-driven self-promoters spoil the balance and the chapter lose focus.
July 9-14: 67th Boule, Atlanta, GA
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Each soror remaining so proud of belonging that she will willingly model only those characteristics that will enhance our image as a premier organization.
In This Issue:
Page
Spiritual Oversight
2
Glden Soror of the Month
3
Tamiouchos Tips
4
Protocol Tips to Remember
5
Leadership Pearls
6
LTO Tech Byte
7
Connection
8
Sisterly,
The Legacy Continues
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Soror Barbara, Basileus
Mint To Be
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Membership Potluck
13
GSU Relay For Life
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Soror Angela Williams
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AKAverseries
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Newsletter Submission
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4.
Each soror bringing to our sisterhood a measure of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol!
Leaders at all levels will be measured by the leadership qualities you exhibit during your term of office and beyond. Good leadership qualities will earn the respect of members and will inspire other capable sorors to seek leadership roles to secure our organizations future. Take advantage of all leadership training opportunities.
president@ltoaka.org
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about”…
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Spiritual Oversight Committee A Prayer for Today
A New Way of Thinking
“Father, today I choose to get rid of old wineskins (thoughts,
I hear so often at church and on Christian television, “are you
old traditions that don’t serve me, and anything that would
ready for increase”? Are you ready to go to the next level spir-
keep me from Your best. Strengthen me and all who are in my
itually and emotionally? And I find myself saying yes, yes, yes:
circle by Your Spirit so that I can live my life in a way that pleas-
however, life has taught me that I only want what is God’s will
es You in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
for my life. The bible quotes Jesus as saying that you can’t go to a new level with an old way of thinking.
actions, unbelief). I choose to release old thinking, old habits,
Soror Tina Hughes-Burke Chaplain
I’ve found that we hear the truth that God has more for us, and sometimes the thoughts on the inside are not in agreement.
However, we must align our thoughts and come into agreement with God. The mind is always actively trying to replace those God sized thoughts with “stinking thinking”. Such as, “its not going to happen for you. You’re not going to have a great year. You know what the economy is like.” Or, “You’re never going to get well. You heard what the Doctor said.”. “You’re never going to get married. You’ve been single so long.” The remedy for that kind of “stinking thinking” is ordained by God: we can rebuke it! James 4:7 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Soror Roshaunda Ross The bible refers to those thoughts as old wineskins that you have to get rid of. Sorors, this is a new season! Spring has sprung and new life is all around us. What’s happened in the past is over and done. You may have been through some disappointments, (disappointments will come and go) you may have tried and failed or things didn’t work out (that’s the scale of life). That’s okay! We serve a God of RESTORATION. It’s time to get a new vision for your life and open yourself to a new way of thinking so that you can move forward and receive ALL of the blessings God has for you!
Soror Tina Hughes-Burke Chaplain
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Golden Soror of the Month
Soror Ethel Brown
Soror Ethel Brown was initiated into the Beta Chapter in 1960 at Chicago Teacher’s College. She is married to John Brown (Kappa Alpha Psi). She is the mother of Soror Stephanie Brown and Norm Brown (Kappa Alpha Psi).
Soror Ethel began her career at the Chicago Board of Education as a teacher. She then advanced to counselor, Special Education Coordinator, and eventually as Assistant Principal.
Soror Ethel is a Charter member of Lambda Tau Omega, Life Member, and Golden Soror. She has held every office in the chapter except Basileus and Tamiouchos. She has been the chairman of the Archive, Black Family, and Creative Writing Committees. In 2011, Soror Ethel won the title of “Golden Soror of the Year” for Central Region. She has a life long love for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and feels committed to supporting the leadership and programs of the sorority.
Soror Ethel’s hobbies are reading, line dancing, and she has recently developed a fascination for home decorating. She loves traveling, particularly to Regional Conference, Boule and Post Boule trips. Soror Ethel’s motto is “learning is a life long endeavor”, and “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Sisterly submitted by, Soror Jacqueline Toler Golden First Chairman
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Tamiouchos Tips Greetings Sorors, Our mid-year budget review will occur at the end of this month. In light of this, I am sharing the following information with you. The purpose of the meeting is to review the FY2016 budget and make adjustments as needed to ensure sufficient funding through year end
All financial sorors should be aware of our current operating budget. The budget for the current year is presented in October and voted on in November of the prior each year.
Officers and/or Committee Chairman with a financial responsibility to the budget must monitor the ‘Budget to Actual’ report monthly to ensure compliance.
If a budget adjustment (increase/decrease) is needed, the request (along with the rationale) must be submitted to the budget committee chairman via email at skiwe29@gmail.com by May 13, 2016. The Tamiouchos serves as the chairman of the budget committee.
All budgets are located in the financial section of the LTO website The Mid Year Budget Committee Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, 2015, at 6:30pm at the Matteson Public Library.For Your Information And Review The International Finance Committee is recommending a per capita increase of $35.00 for graduate and general members. Currently, the per capita for graduate members is $90.00. If this recommendation passes, effective January 2017, the per capita for graduate members will be $125.00.
The proposed increase in membership fees will be used to fund the following initiatives
Five dollars ($5.00) annually will be allocated to support hosting the biennial Boule. This approach will allow for hostess expense, associated with the Boule, to be shared by all Sorors rather than the Sorors in the host city or cluster.
Five additional staff members will be hired at the Corporate Office in the Finance, Meeting Planning and Information Technology departments to support our rapidly growing membership.
Funds will be allocated for ongoing maintenance and enhance communications and equipment required for an effective Information Technology Department.
$oror $arah Lewis-Weaver 2016 Tamiouchos
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Protocol Points to Remember Greetings Sorors, In anticipation of our Annual June Luncheon, the Protocol Committee would like to offer a few pearls of wisdom to help us continue to implement our superior event with etiquette and grace!
Accommodating Very Special Guests Prior to the Event
Research background and accomplishments of special guests for introduction.
Select and prepare a holding room or reserved seating area for special guests.
Ensure that reserved seating is designated for physically challenged, for Diamond Sorors and Golden Sorors.
Determine bouquet, corsage and boutonniere requirements for participants and special guests .
Confirm arrival times of guests and any special needs or requests.
Secure and adequate number of chapter hostesses to provide assistance to special guests.
Prepare a list of all special guests attending the event.
Prepare a seating chart, place cards and introductions.
Day of the event
Review the VSG section in the Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol.
Guest list and introductions should be submitted to the designated speaker.
Hostesses should arrive at least one hour prior to the event.
Hostesses should familiarize themselves with the facility layout (i.e., exits, restrooms).
Meet special guests in the lobby at the expected time of arrival. Greet the guest and escort the individual to the designated holding area or seating area. Once in the holding area or seating area, help the guest to feel comfortable.
Reserved seating area should be monitored closely as to attend to needs of special guests.
Call Protocol Chairman ASAP, if unable to fulfill hostess responsibilities the day of the event.
After the event, thank the special guest for participating and escort them to lobby and/or parking area.
Sisterly, Soror Lynsey Mitchell Protocol Committee
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SO YOU WANT TO BE A TWENTY PEARLS’ FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTOR Is running for a Board of Director position a part of your vi-
Workshops on this topic are forthcoming!!! The leadership
sion? The eleven member board of directors is responsible
development committee continues to work diligently to pre-
for overseeing all of the Foundation’s activities, including se-
pare aspiring members.
curing resources needed for operations. It is important to have a clear understanding of the responsibilities of the
Soror Jeanette W. Rogers, Chairman
board of directors prior to making the commitment. It is a
Soror Rose Butler-Hayes, Co-Chairman
position of great authority.
Leadership Development Committee
Pearl of Wisdom:
While considering a nomination to
the Board of Directors, it is wise to ask yourself, what skills, contacts, and perspectives do you have that will be useful to Twenty Pearls Foundation, Incorporated (TPF). How, specifically, can the board use the talents and contacts you bring to the table and are you willing to give the benefits of not only your skill-sets and talents but your financial contacts to the organization, as well? Are you willing to attend most of the monthly Board of Director and Foundation membership meetings? Are you willing to solicit funds, and do you have sources to tap for funds? Can you provide financial oversight to TPF? Are you available to volunteer your time to TPF sponsored events? The right time to ask these questions is before, not after, you have been elected to the board. 6
LTO Tech Byte
HOW TO LABEL COMMITTEE REPORTS In order to make it obvious to you and to others where to find specific information, it is important to name and organize your files in a consistent and descriptive manner. Please name your committee reports and the Headings in the “Members Only” Section when uploading with the following
format. Org Name_Committe Name_Month Year Example: TPF_AKAKLASSIC_March2016 or LTO_SisterlyRelations_March2016
Reports are to be uploaded no earlier than the 1st of the month in which it’s applicable. Ex: If the report is to be submitted/read at the May meeting, than upload the report after the 1 st of May and before 9:00 p.m. the Monday before TPF and Executive Board meeting. All files must be uploaded in the pdf format.
Submitted by Tiffany Wicks
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Crete Monee High School – April 21,
Thornton Township High School – April 26, 2016
Southland College Preparatory Charter High School – April 28, 2016
8 Jerry D. Bridges Connection Chairman
THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Ambra M. Rogers, former Strand of Pearl and Precious Pearl and grand daughter of Soror Jeanette Rogers, graduated from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday, April 30, 2016 receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Her Major was Social Work with a Minor in Spanish. While on campus, she was involved in the Pals Student Mentoring Program for underclassmen. Ambra was initiated into Nu Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. on November 23, 2014. She served as Anti-Basileus and has been actively involved since her initiation. She will be transferring into her sponsoring Graduate Chapter, Theta Chi Omega.
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THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Soror Salwa Rahim-Dillard and her daughter, Soror Aisha Deja Dillard, our 2012 Miss Prominent Pearl, has recently become an esteemed member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Iota Chapter. As a junior at Western Illinois University (WIU) pursuing a Bachelor of Business in Human Resource Management, Aisha has been recognized on the Dean’s List of Scholars for the College of Business and Technology. Aisha is a passionate leader who is committed to serving others as evidenced in her leadership roles as the president of Society for Human Resource Management – WIU Chapter, vice -president of WIU Campus Girl Scouts, pledge assistant for Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity Inc., and now active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, As a legacy, Aisha was humbled to become part of the perpetuity of our lifelong sisterhood and bond of college educated women. Her demonstrated leadership experience, program and event planning competencies, strong work ethic and commitment to improving the lives of others through service, social justice actions and philanthropic efforts will undoubtedly contribute to the 108 year legacy that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has shared with the world.
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THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Soror Jaronda Hall along with family, friends and sorors celebrate the intake of her daughter Soror Jorie Hall. Soror Jorie is enrolled at Purdue University, Krannert School of Management, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Finance. She has been involved in Professional Development with Morgan Stanley-Institutional Equity Career Building, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) Career Prep Fellow and Finance Leaders in Technology through Microsoft. On the Purdue Campus, Soror Jorie is employed as the Vice President of Recruitment and Retention for the Society of Minority Managers. She has received numerous honors for her scholarly endeavors. Soror Jorie is a Certified Fitness Instructor.
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Soror Angela Williams is one of the youngest African American women managers working in Chicago’s broadcast media circle. By the age of 34 she has risen aggressively through the ranks at one of Chicago’s largest urban radio broadcasting entities, The Crawford Broadcasting Company, which independently owns local radio stations WPWX-FM (Power 92), WSRB-FM (Chicago’s R&B 106.3 FM), WYCA-FM (Rejoice 102.3), and WYRB-FM (Rockford’s Power 106). She currently serves as Operations Manager for the market, responsible for managing corporate communication and driving the strategic goals and corporate oversight of all elements of media, arts and entertainment that engage and entertain Chicago’s urban radio listeners. Urban radio has a tremendous impact on the communities in which it serves and this keeps Soror Angela pushing each day to ensure that it maintains its valuable place amongst a society that still questions the value of speaking to minority audiences in a very ‘personal’ way. Soror Angela holds a BA in Communication from Truman State University (Kirksville, MO) and an MBA from Governors State University (University Park, IL). She was initiated into the Mu Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on March 19, 2000.
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Soror Toya T. Harvey
May 1st (1988)
Soror Darcelle Dieudonne
May 4th (2008)
Soror Cassie Osbourne Lincoln
May 4th (2008)
Soror Regina Crenshaw
May 6th (1989)
Soror Eve Lynn Harris
May 6th (1989)
Soror Pamela Martin
May 6th (1989)
Soror Tammy Wheeler
May 6th (1989)
Soror Anntionette Austin-Johnson
May 22nd (1971)
Soror Ethel Brown
May 28th (1960)
Soror Marilyn Hamb
May 28th (1977)
Soror Bernice Connor
May XX (1951)
Soror Vanette Rhodes
May XX (1989)
Submitted by Krista Butler, Hodegos
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Newsletter submissions are due to the Basileus on the first Monday of each month. The June newsletter submissions must be in by June 6, 2016. Please send all submissions to: president@ltoaka.org. Be sure to Cc Soror Ruby Roberson at ruby.roberson@sbcglobal.net.
Next month, featured articles will include: “Quiet Giants�
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