A. S. A. College Women Accept Responsibilities
C
OLLEGE chapter representatives from many sections of the United States contributed notably to the effectiveness of the 1946 Alpha Sigma Alpha national convention. Their individuality of thought and spontaneity of expression struck a high mark during both recreational and planning periods throughout the convention. In an wer to initial roll call, each college chapter delegate proudly, briefly described her chapter as she hung its chapter shield. This traditional ASA convention ceremony reflected glory upon the colleges represented as well as upon the sorority. Also, the expanse of a national organization was realized as the reports of the delegates revealed sectional characteristics and college loyalties of the North, South, East and West. But the uniting force of accepted ideals and the impelling urge of working together in good undertakings kept the spirit of cooperation high above personal or sectional interests. Individual responsibilities loomed larger in relation to college, to community, to nation. At the formal banquet which climaxed convention on its final night, five college girls spoke. One of them from Michigan said : "If it is true that in America there is now an attitude to get something for nothing, then American college women shou ld help to change that attitude . If we hold individual rights and our national heritage in dear esteem, it follow s that we should expect the individual citizen to exercise l)er right of growing and working, each at her highest level of ability." A nd another from Illinois followed a statement with a question: "Eventually, the art of living in harmony with other people must characterize our world relationships. Does .not that vitalize the practice of it in our small, intimate groups?" The combined thinking of all college chapter delegates was crystallized into the following objectives formulated and accepted by them: Convention discussions and companionships have created for us a distinct goal for our indi vidual chapters. This is our aim:
To ma!?e o~wsclves more forceful citizens of our Nation and more intelligent representatives of the world; To inspire o~w chapters toward 11wre national cooperation and personal co11tacts during between-convention years ,路 To instill in our chapters the feeling of dignity and p1路ide in our a.ffilia.tion as national sorority women. WE PLEDGE OURSELVES T O BE A \?o..TARE .... TO BE A LERT .... TO BE ACTIVE!