23 minute read
From the Crest
We Stand With You
FOUNDED IN 1872, ALPHA PHI IS AN ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN WHO came together in support of each other and that is a fact that continues to steer our efforts today. When we do not support one another, we fail to fulfill our promise to our sisters. We have heard the voices of our members regarding the need for action, for support, for education and for engagement surrounding the recent deaths in the community that have resulted from brutality and violence. Our hearts are broken
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at the loss of life in such tragic ways. Alpha Phi does not support racism or bigotry of any kind. We are taking steps to continue to improve the ways we address this within our Fraternity.
The Alpha Phi history is a tapestry of our members’ stories and we must acknowledge that some of those stories have not always illustrated the high ideals of Alpha Phi. We apologize for the actions of members that have not been aligned with the ideals of Alpha Phi. Racism, hate, bigotry and violence have no place in Alpha Phi and are in complete contradiction with our purpose; we will not stand silently by as our communities and the world are impacted by violence and injustice.
To our Black members and friends, your families and loved ones, we see you, we hear you and we stand hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart with you.
As an organization, we know our actions matter and we must listen, learn and act to uphold what is right. We will work to ensure all of our members do the same while providing the education, resources, support, and as needed, reproof and correction for mutual benefit.
If we cease to support each other in pursuit of justice, equality, kindness, safety and truth, we cease to uphold the values which Alpha Phi and so many others hold dear. Alpha Phi is working to be better on many levels.
LEARN
These programs will continue to build upon one another to encourage our members to take action to fight against systemic racism within our organization, on our campuses and in the world at large. The first of our “Stand Together” series was shared with collegiate officers at the February 2020
Leadership Conferences and will be available to all chapters beginning fall 2020. The workshop, called “Understanding Self and Others” provides members and advisors with a structured exploration of identify development, implicit bias and the impact of language in our everyday lives. This fall, through partnership with a premier educational consulting firm, every collegiate member and volunteer will participate in a foundational program and continue a dialogue that challenges us to explore our identities, biases and positionality. A new curriculum is under development to help our members practice powerful conversations and confront difficult issues including racism, hate, bigotry, and violence in their chapters. The first of these programs, called “Conversations that Mattie,” will be piloted in chapters this fall, and is anticipated to be available to all chapters beginning in 2021.
ACT
When Alpha Phi learns of behaviors demonstrated by a member that are in conflict with our Human Dignity policy, we will take steps to promptly address it. This correction may not be public and on display through social media, but we want you to know we take our responsibility to one another seriously, and each report of racist, bigoted and discriminatory behavior is and will continue to be addressed.
Alpha Phi has provided collegian members resources that share the importance of being actively antiracist and that outline opportunities to donate to causes that matter to chapters, with suggestions that relate to the support of civil and human rights.
LISTEN
We want and need to hear from you. Your voice is important and key in our ability to respond and plan.
Alpha Phi will host several open forums over the coming months with collegians and alumnae so we may listen to and learn from one another as you share your perspectives and thoughts on directions for change.
We encourage collegians and alumnae alike to join these calls to share your voice, perspective and suggestions for how we all may strive to support our members and our communities.
We welcome hearing from our members are any time, and invite you to share your feelings and ideas for change with our International Executive Board and staff at fraternity@alphaphi.org. We also ask that you continue to offer one another the love and support needed to educate and correct. If you have a concern about a chapter or member, you can report it confidentially to reportaconcern@alphaphi.org with the details so we may investigate and take the appropriate actions.
We reaffirm our pledge to all Alpha Phis: we will stand beside you and support all who advocate for sisterhood, equality and inclusion. Thank you for doing the same.
Collegian leader encourages growth
by Nicole Stephens, Chapter President, Eta Eta-Seton Hall
ALPHA PHI IS A NETWORK of women empowering women through philanthropy, sisterhood, leadership and loyalty. Joining Alpha Phi opened a variety of opportunities and allowed me to meet amazing new people. However, when I participated in recruitment, I could not help but notice a blatant lack of diversity. As I moved throughout my new member process and beyond, I also could not help but notice a lack of conversation, education and resources about diversity and inclusion. As a Black woman, it is impossible for me to turn a blind eye to these deficits, for they impact me at every level.
I ran for president with one of my goals being to increase cultural competency and to start a never-ending dialogue about issues involving equality and equity. It is not enough for Greek organizations to claim they are diverse or to make empty statements against hatred. Greek life cannot and should not be able to survive if its members are not actively addressing the racist, non-inclusive and problematic history of these organizations and taking action to combat this history.
Alpha Phi cannot be a network of women empowering women if women of color are not an integral part of this network. If women of color do not feel welcome and empowered in Alpha Phi, then we have failed. If we do not use our widespread platform and our boundless connections to speak out, take action, and invoke change at every level then we are doing a massive disservice to ourselves, our sisters of color, and every woman who may want to be a part of the sorority experience.
I am speaking out and will continue to speak out because I am so passionate about the sorority experience. Alpha Phi has changed my life and I constantly feel myself being pushed to be better, stronger, more outspoken and unapologetically myself as a result. But there is so much untapped potential within this experience. The only way to grow and evolve is to admit our shortcomings and embrace change. We must genuinely involve ourselves and invest in the fight for equality and equity at an International and chapter level. I believe everyone must take action to dismantle every system of oppression, especially those that sorority life may embrace or benefit from. We must encourage education and advocacy. Above all else, we must reconnect with our moral obligation and ask ourselves how we can be better.
Alpha Phi is engaging collegians, staff and volunteers in programs and discussions around diversity, equity and inclusion.
The program Alpha Phi is offering that Nicole is most passionate about:
“While I am very excited about all of these programs, I am the most excited about the Brave & Bold Dialogues that will be implemented in Fall 2020. Education is the first step in the movement from darkness into light. Through this program, sisters will be able to learn about topics relating to diversity and inclusion, as well as how they can take action against hatred in all forms. This is a very big and tangible step in the right direction.”
Essentially Generous
AS THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) pandemic began to take its toll on the world around them, Luiza Odhiambo (Iota Kappa-Dartmouth) (top left) and Crystal An (Zeta Pi-Case Western Reserve) (top right) felt compelled to act in support of the essential workers. Built on the premise that many people want to do more to help others during the pandemic, but simply do not know how to begin, Give Essential was born. “The special thing about Give Essential is that it empowers people who are stuck at home to be able to make a direct impact on an essential worker’s life,” said Crystal, past vice president of community relations for her chapter.
Luiza was inspired to begin this journey because she saw that in the early days of the pandemic, her mother, an essential worker, did not have the necessary protective items she needed. For Crystal, an incoming medical student, she was seeking a way to contribute to those in need and be productive.
Within three days of discussion, their Give Essential website was in development and they began launching their service. “One minute we were brainstorming for this startup in a group chat with three people, and the next we had multiple people involved in our operation — including volunteers who are parents, community members, and seasoned professionals. The involvement of such a diverse group of people with big hearts is what’s made us so successful,” said Luiza.
Since launching the platform in March, Give Essential has connected over 14,000 essential workers — 300 of them within the first 24 hours — and donors across 49 states, raising the equivalent of over $300,000 in inkind donations. Starting by reaching out to the Dartmouth community, the team behind Give Essential has grown from seven to over 100 people, including 50 volunteers — nine of whom are in Alpha Phi. The Iota Kappa Alpha Phis involved are Katie Toal,
Jaclyn Engel, Mahalia Dalmage, Kara Eaton, Hattie Newton, Mira Chatterjee, Marimac McRae, Zoe
Dainton and Ana Reyes.
Local and national media have taken notice of their efforts, and this femaleled team is now exploring how to support communities as they rebuild from the devastating effects of the pandemic. The feedback from donors and recipients has been encouraging.
“We’ve heard from parents who deliver groceries 8 hours a day to make ends meet while their children sit in the back seat due to school closings. A warehouse worker wrote to us that they were living in their car and couldn’t make it to the food bank on time due to their work schedule,” said Crystal. “In one case, a donor went above and beyond by reaching out to a local auto shop to pay to repair their match’s car after reading how the worker was unable to make deliveries anymore due to mechanical issues.”
“As states continue to reopen and businesses return to 50% capacity, the need for essential workers doesn’t stop,” said Luiza. “What we’re seeing is most people are getting fewer hours on the job than before, but they still have the same [expenses]. We can’t forget essential workers, especially when they risked their individual and family wellbeing by delivering grocers, packages and medical services.”
If you are an essential worker in need or interested in signing up as a donor or volunteer, visit giveessential.org.
International President
The Committee on Leadership (COL) is pleased to announce the Fraternity’s 2020-2022 International Executive Board, including International President Jacqueline Schools (Eta Lambda-George Mason). The COL thanks all who participated in the slating process and those who applied to serve. Please join us in support of this dynamic group as they guide Alpha Phi in the 2020-2022 biennium.
JACKEE SCHOOLS Eta Lambda-George Mason Alexandria, Va. “I am humbled and honored to serve Alpha Phi as International President. Being a part of an amazing sisterhood of women devoted to supporting one another in lifelong achievement has been a constant in my life from bid day through today. Daily, I witness the commitment of collegian and alumnae members to our ideals and sisterhood inspiring me to lead this organization. For 148 years, Alpha Phi has been progressive, nimble and able to adapt to changing circumstances; this biennium will showcase our ability to support one another and advance the sorority experience as we approach our 150th Anniversary!”
Director Director Director
STACEY THULIN DANIEL Omega-Texas, Austin, Texas “While in the Omega chapter, I was given opportunities to enrich my life with friends, sisters, leadership and personal growth. Those four years as an active member taught me more about myself than any other time period in my life. I found lifelong friends and have continued to develop lifelong friendships through my volunteer endeavors. I continue to grow and learn as a leader, but I truly believe that the foundation I built during my active membership is what makes me so passionate about giving back as a volunteer. If I can help even one active member develop the same passion I have, then it is all worth it!”
Director
RUTH GALLAGHER NELSON Delta Epsilon-Iowa, Chicago, Ill. “The resilience and determination of Alpha Phis inspires me. Whether it is at Leadership Conference or on a Strategic Committee, Alpha Phis across my whole experience are always “making it work.” In this upside down time in history, Alpha Phi is a True North — It will always be here. It might not look exactly the same across the decades, but our members hold on to our ideals and lead in uncharted territory.”
Director
LISA CABANISS OLSON Beta Epsilon-Arizona, Highlands Ranch, Colo. “I love the innovation and constant pursuit of greatness for our organization. From the Disney Leadership Institute, to the Alpha Phi Network, to the newly redesigned website, Alpha Phi never stops moving forward. With the sudden challenges of this spring, Alpha Phi was nimble in her response to care for our members and their experience. Going forward in this next biennium, I am excited to continue to be part of an ever-evolving organization. We are constantly evaluating how we can serve all of our members better to create a unique and fulfilling experience.”
Director
JANDY J. THOMPSON Delta Beta-Texas A&M Commerce, Plano, Texas “Giving back to Alpha Phi is always rewarding; it has provided motivation and inspiration in my life. My life has been enriched with the opportunities to connect, share expertise and create a better world for our sisters. The knowledge that we are carrying on the legacy of our Founders and establishing the framework for a bright future is what motivates me.”
LINDA (ALLIE) WINKELMAN Gamma Epsilon-Lake Forest, Boston, Mass. “I have always been fortunate to receive female mentorship in my life. Many of the most significant role models I have, have come from Alpha Phi. I am grateful that they have taught me, guided me and influenced me. Those amazing mentors are some of the reasons I am motivated me to give back to the legacy of Alpha Phi.” KATHLEEN (KATE) BOYLE HALFON Eta Delta-CSU, East Bay, Martinez, Calif. “I was a shy child and teen. Alpha Phi taught me how to be a leader and an effective communicator. That has always motivated me to continue volunteering to help more women reach their full potential. I continue to learn and be inspired by Alpha Phi and Alpha Phis.”
Alpha Phi Foundation is pleased to announce the 2020- 2022 Foundation Board of Directors. Join us in welcoming two new board directors, as well as those who are continuing their service. “Each of them brings deep volunteer experience, professional expertise, a passion for Alpha Phi and the desire to envision an ambitious future for the Foundation to meet the Fraternity’s growing needs and continuing focus in women’s heart health,” comment Mary Beth C. Tully (Epsilon Psi— Lehigh), Board Chair.
Chair
MARY BETH C. TULLY Epsilon Psi-Lehigh Greater New York City Area “Together with donors and Alpha Phis across the globe, we will ensure Alpha Phi’s vibrant future, deepen our impact and boldly embrace our call to lead with heart for the next 150 years. At no other time in our history has Alpha Phi Foundation’s purpose and mission been as clear, or as vital. Leading with Heart with strengthen our beloved Fraternity, ensure its legacy and inspire our sisterhood to live lives with purpose and passion, hand in hand and heart to heart.”
Vice Chair
REBECCA ANDREW ZANATTA Beta Rho-Washington State Greater Seattle Area “I am inspired to give back to Alpha Phi as it has been one of the most pivotal experiences in my adult life. Alpha Phis are my family, my mentors and are connected to so many pieces of my personal and professional success.”
Secretary
COREE SMITH Epsilon Theta-Northern Iowa Greater Chicago Area “Leading With Heart is important to secure Alpha Phi’s future, as well as to serve as a positive example of women who are strong leaders, working together for the common good, showing compassion and with a view toward global impact. It is particularly important to me because I have benefited greatly from the leadership opportunities in Alpha Phi and want to make sure members for many years to come have the same (and more) opportunities.”
Treasurer Director Director
CLAIRE COSTIN Omega-Texas Portland, Oregon Area “I am most excited for the celebration of ΑΦ’s 150th in 2022, and of course the inperson Foundation Board meetings with this dynamic group of women who inspire me daily and have all become dear friends. During this next term I hope to continue the Foundation’s tradition of strong financial management and to support our efforts to build endowments for leadership, scholarship, and heart health initiatives.”
Director
GRETCHEN ALARCON Kappa-Stanford San Francisco Bay Area “I continue to be inspired by Alpha Phi’s commitment to women’s education and leadership. We are changing the courses of people’s lives through the scholarships we give and the skills our women develop.”
Director
JANELLE DEL CARLO Beta Delta-UCLA San Francisco Bay Area “Alpha Phi has shaped the woman I have become. I am a better leader and friend because of Alpha Phi. The relationships I made in college have (really) lasted a lifetime—providing counsel, support and friendship.”
Director
JENNY CONCEPCION HANSEN Beta Pi-USC Greater Los Angeles Area “The next biennium has promise but also has challenges, given the unprecedented times we are currently facing. I hope that we can engage our members and friends in supporting the important work the Foundation funds. We help provide our sisters with an incredible membership experience, one that adds value. We also have the opportunity to continue adding value to their lives beyond their collegiate years. This is the exciting part.” SUSAN MCNEICE Epsilon Nu-Delaware Washington, D.C. Metro Area “Having an endowment will allow the Foundation to continue to support the mission of Alpha Phi for decades to come, knowing we can weather any economic environment. I especially want to see us support collegiate leadership education and expand scholarship opportunities for women in all phases of their lives!” SHANA SMITH Chi-Montana Tuscaloosa, Alabama Area “The Leading with Heart Campaign and celebrating 150 years!! I also want to see the continued strengthening of the relationship between the Foundation and Fraternity as we walk down the path together for the next 150 years. I am excited to be more engaged in women’s heart health, especially since heart disease is extremely prevalent in my family — most of my immediate family has some heart issue. I am not sure what that looks like now, but am excited for the journey and look forward to making a difference.”
FRATERNAL NEWS
Innovating in 2020
As Alpha Phis, we are rising to meet the challenges that face our members in communities everywhere. Adapting and seeking different avenues to ensure the legacy of our Fraternity continues, we are empowered and determined to support one another through this chapter of history. Our primary focus remains on the health and well-being of our members and their loved ones. Looking ahead to the future, the ways we plan to adapt business operations keep the health, well-being and safety of our members at the forefront of all discussions.
Convention 2020
As was shared through email on May 4, 2020, after careful consideration of both logistical and public health concerns, the International Executive Board (IEB) voted to cancel the 2020 Biennial Convention.
While we are saddened to miss this opportunity for Alpha Phis from across the world to gather and celebrate our sisterhood, we are heartened by the resilience we’ve witnessed this spring. In a time of uncertainty, our collegiate and alumnae chapters have found new ways to meet, serve and celebrate one another. Alpha Phi sisterhood has never been about a physical place or a building, but about the bonds and values we share. That is as true today as it has ever been.
Critical Fraternity business was conducted electronically in June, including International Executive Board and Committee on Leadership elections. The International Executive Board and Fraternity staff thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to Alpha Phi. We look forward to Convention 2022 when we will also celebrate the 150th anniversary of Alpha Phi.
Alpha Phi Quarterly
In an effort to be good stewards of our membership funds, we have made the decision to temporarily move our Quarterly publication to a digital-only format for the winter, spring and summer 2021 issues. This change will allow the Fraternity to be nimble in its approach to carrying out business as we all navigate the changing college landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The publication will continue to be available on issuu.com/alphaphiintl, where it has lived online for several years. We will, of course, be sharing more stories from the Quarterly online through our social media channels and on alphaphi.org. Sharing relevant news and highlighting the amazing ways our members are contributing to their community, recognizing their achievements and supporting one another remain the priorities of the Quarterly.
As always, we look forward to receiving your successes, photos, suggestions and stories. You may share them with us at quarterly@alphaphi.org. Thank you!
Alpha Phi Collegian Experience
As colleges and universities make decisions about how and when to return to campus, Alpha Phi is committed to ensuring Fraternity experiences and traditions are still part of what our collegians enjoy. The Fraternity staff, volunteers and International Executive Board have been hard at work developing plans and resources for a variety of different scenarios that allow us to meet the needs of our members. In-person, virtual and sociallydistanced plans for recruitment, membership development, sisterhood, initiation, big/little reveals and more are being created and shared with the appropriate officers. We are looking forward to our members meeting together in the ways that keep them safe, and we will continue to be here to support them.
RETROSPECTIVE
The Forget-Me-NotFund’s First Steps
Originally published in the winter 1947 issue of the Quarterly, this article shares the beginnings of the Forget-Me-Not Fund. The fund has evolved to meet the needs of our membership, and we hope you will enjoy reading about it when it was in its infancy. The article below outlines initial discussions around the fund. Today, we know the ForgetMe-Not Fund to be a source of financial support to members who have experienced a challenging situation or crisis. Over the years, it has provided comfort and encouragement to Alpha Phis across the globe. Alpha Phi Foundation is proud to provide support to our members, thanks to many dedicated donors and alumnae.
At right: Mortar Boards of Nu-Nebraska, Betty Lou Horton Miller, Virginia Demel Tyler, Lorene Novotny.
ONE OF THE FRATERNITY’S WAR PROJECTS was the setting up of a War Emergency Fund for Alpha Phis who might be in need of help because of the exigencies of war. This fund was started because of one girl who was cut off from her family in the Philippines. Fortunately there was little need for such help and a balance remained in the fund at the close of the war. Instead of returning this to the general treasury or adding it to one of the other funds, it seemed a good idea to allot this balance as a nucleus of a fund to be known as the Forget-Me-Not Fund, which might eventually be used for a home for Alpha Phis. Ideas for such a home are rather nebulous at present and cannot be formulated until it is known whether the members of Alpha Phi approve of such an idea and whether there will sometime be enough money to make such a home a reality.
OFTEN IN THE PAST GROUPS and individuals have suggested an Alpha Phi home, not necessarily for the aged or indigent, but for those who are alone. There might be endowed rooms for those unable to pay, but for the most it would be a place where they could pay their way and live with congenial companions with the tie of Alpha Phi background, instead of in some lonely apartment or hotel with sons or daughters. Several fraternal organizations and some of the women’s fraternities do have such homes.
COULD YOU LIVE ALONE and like it? Do you wish to live with your children? If you would be interested in a home for Alpha Phis, will you talk it up, write your ideas, and perhaps make a tangible contribution now or a bequest in your will to the Alpha Phi Forget-Me-Not Fund?
Phi Fact
Milestone Celebrations
Leading up to its 100th anniversary, Alpha Phi Past International President
Betty Mullins Jones (Gamma-DePauw)
shared a proclamation outlining the centennial celebration period of October 10, 1971 through October 10, 1973. The proclamation is reprinted here for your review.
As we celebrate our past, we are also excited for the future of Alpha Phi. We are approaching Alpha Phi’s 150th anniversary, which will occur in 2022. We plan on celebrating that sesquicentennial milestone through a two-year celebration that will kick off in the fall of 2022.
Stay tuned for the launch of what we hope will be an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and connect with one another in the spirit of sisterhood. Details will be shared through email, on alphaphi.org, on our social media channels and, of course, through the Quarterly.
