Volunteer structure makes a dillerence Structure progress update BY LORI WHITE SCOTT, EE National President Alpha Sigma Alpha has been operating with a redesigned volunteer organizational structure for two years now, and what a difference a biennium makes. The improved Alpha Sigma Alpha organ izational structure is driven by the guiding principles of the sorority, its ritual, bylaws, core val ues, member needs and of course, the sorority's vision of every member makes a difference. The result is a streamlined and inclusive structure of leadership, management and flow of work. 'The most significant aspect of the new structure is that we have so many more volunteers involved and are able to respond quickly to member needs. Volun teers are able to take on greater responsibility for decision making. In addition, increased responsibilities and increased authority enable our volunteers to enhance their own leadership skills," reports past National President Marianne Busch Bullock, BE>.
More volunteer involvement In 2002, Alpha Sigma Alpha was serving members with approximately 50 national volunteers and 225 advisors. Now in 2004, Alpha Sigma Alpha is privileged to have 195 volunteers and 282 advisors in service, a growth of73 percent. Melissa Koch, EE, District 9 faci li tator says, 'There are so many opportunities for alumnae members to be involved in this structure. It doesn ' t matter where you are in the Un ited States, any alumna can be involved, at any age, at any level of time commitment and at any level of experience." "I have more people available as resources to use," adds Shelly Dohey Wile, EA, District 3 fac ili tator. "I can call any team member in any district for help or advice in her expertise area. "
Volunteer recruitment The challenge of finding great volunteers and making sure they are servi ng where they can make the biggest difference is the charge of the volunteer recru itment and placement team. SUMMER 2004
Volunteer Recruitment and Placement Team Leader Amy Ruffalo, fA, states, "the stru cture has benefitted our organization by allowing us to put our best resources, our volunteers, to work in a capacity that they are interested in and have the needed skills and wh ich benefit the sorority best. It is a win-win situation ."
Increase in delivery of membership services In order to enhance me mbership services, the sorority adopted a district team concept that allows the volunteers closest to the chapters and issues involved to work with those chapters to develop solutions. Sorority memberships divided into geographical districts including both collegiate and alumnae chapte rs. District teams are led by district faci li tators. Each district has a district meeting coordinator that is responsible for planni ng an annual meeting for all alumnae and collegian s in the district. Advisory boards continue to be key members of the Alpha Sigma Alpha leadership and management team. "I like the fact that the structure has districts. Now that we have become a district, we know who our home team is. We can take care of each other. We are like an extended fami ly," explains Grace Moody, ~H, District 8 facilitator.
More interaction and communication District teams have been trained to assist and coach members in three strate-
gic areas of specialty: recruitment, finance and the Al:A Advantage membership education initiative. Collegiate and alumnae members have access to district team volunteers as well as volunteers that serve on national teams. "Along with increased support, I feel that there is a consistency to the support. The leadership consultants and district volunteers come together to work as a team to improve the chapters and year after year our chapters are moving forward in a positive direction," says Director of District Services Krystal Geyer Slivinski, fP. "I think this structure has helped in making members feel more attached to the national organization," added Nu Nu Chapter Advisor Lynne Capraro Cona, NN.
Successful District Days In February 2004, over 900 members participated in District Day events in five cities. Districts 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9 conducted weekend events to build unity and relationships within the district. "Our chapter members came back from District Day in District 4 with many great new ideas and met so many wonderful women. They were very pleased with the whole experience," reports Beta Pi Chapter Advisor Sharon Manzo, B~. Members benefited from a variety of workshop topics and informative speakers. District accomplishments were celebrated with awards an d recognition and goals were set for the next year. Districts 3 and 5 PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA