AKA OCO 2021 1st QTR IVY LINE

MARCH 2021

CHAPTER OFFICERS Anika Harris Basileus Christina H. Roberson Anti-Basileus Sharday Ewell Grammateus Sonya Long Anti-Grammateus Marilyn Lee Tamiouchos Millicent Stackhouse Pecunious Grammateus Cheryl Lamar Anti-Pecunious Grammateus Connie Glaze Epistoleus Winnie Gilmore Parliamentarian Nicole Kegler Ivy Leaf Reporter Vanessa Washington Historian Ahawana Williams Hodegos Brenda Jackson-Swell Philacter

Greetings My Dearest Sorors: As we spring into April, which in its Latin term, means “to open”, all believers are celebrating when the tomb opened and Jesus rose from the dead. On a similar note, I am hoping that all Sorors are open to a new normal and anticipating what life in AKA will be, once we walk out of the pandemic.

I am sure you will all appreciate our first 2021 distribution of the Ivy Line. The next distribution, for all those who want to plan ahead, will be the beginning of June.

There are so many things for us to celebrate: life, health, and sisterhood. As always, my sisters, I thank you for your continued support and your service to all mankind.

Soror Anika Harris Chapter Basileus

Arleen McCallum-Graham Custodian

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Target I has remained on course providing high school students with the assistance and resources needed to complete the college admission process. From essay writing to virtual presentations, students continue to participate as well as inform others of the opportunity to learn valuable information. The word is truly getting out as we have had three new students added to our program, bringing our total to 28 students. Twenty-two of the twenty-eight students are either juniors or seniors.

Students recently received a presentation from Dr. Laura Dorsey who is affiliated with the Infinite Scholars Program. During this session students learned what is necessary in completing scholarship applications, in addition to registering for an upcoming Infinite Scholarship Fair. Students learned the importance of not overlooking smaller scholarships in which they may be more likely to receive. They were also reminded most students apply for larger scholarships which increases the pool size, yet minimizes their chance of being a recipient, while overlooking the smaller scholarships. Student that attended the Infinite Scholars Fair were able to connect with online offers. Resources were also provided by colleges, as well as programs and scholarships offered by the military.

Students were provided with two additional resources for the month of February. They have registered to attend the HBCU Virtual College Fair scheduled for February 20 th and a Virtual College Fair sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling scheduled for February 28th. The HBCU College Fair extended an invitation for auditions on the spot, as well as offered scholarships to eligible seniors. Students had an opportunity to attend sessions on topics related to issues relevant to seniors transitioning to college. The event was an exciting time for many students looking for scholarships from their university of interest.

Other students attending for the first time, can use the opportunity to broaden their interest as they engaged in conversations with representatives from a host of different colleges and universities.

Target 1 members want to ensure all graduating seniors who plan to attend college are prepared and accepted to the college of their choosing.

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Heart Disease and Stroke Stats Heart Disease:  #1 Killer of American Women  Causes 1 in 3 deaths each year Heart attacks occur every 43 seconds

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Stroke: #4 cause of death in women 1 in 5 women has a stroke Black women have the highest prevalence of stroke – almost 2x than white women Cardiovascular disease kills nearly 50,000 African-American women each year.

African-American women are more likely to die at an early age than any other group. Of African-American Women aged 20 and older, 49% have heart disease.

Hispanic women are likely to develop heart disease 10 years earlier than non-Hispanic women.

Controllable Risk Factors High Blood Pressure Smoking High Cholesterol Lack of regular activity Obesity or Overweight Diabetes

Non Controllable Risk Factors Age Gender Heredity (Family Health History) Race Previous stroke of heart attack

Stop smoking decreases cardiovascular disease/heart disease by 50%. Exercising, such as a 30 minute walk can decrease chances of a heart attack or stroke. Regular vigorous activity can reduce a heart attack by 30 -40% and a stroke by 25% in addition to eating a healthy. Nearly 80% of all cardiac events can be prevented. For more information visit https://youtu.be/_JI487DlgTA

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Friday, February 5th was the Pink Goes Red Community Impact Day. Target 2 held a virtual Zumbathon with the theme “Dance Around the World”. The event was free and attendees were required to register on Eventbrite. Over 200 guests registered to attend. The activity was themed around heart health and disease prevention. Guests were treated to an information session on heart disease and types. The Zumba portion was all about having fun, sweating a bit, dancing to the grooves and getting our steps in.

We had six Zumba instructors who showcased different styles of dance from AfroCaribbean, Meringue, Salsa and Hip-hop. DJ Flashback laid it down on the ones and twos and kept the party going.

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On Monday, January 18, 2021 the Omicron Chi Omega (OCO) Chapter (Woodbridge, VA) held a virtual Ecumenical Service honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Impact Day. This powerful program was put on by the Target 3 committee and led by committee chair, Soror Dawn King, who welcomed OCO Sorors, introduced the guest speaker, Soror Rev. Etoria Goggins, who is the Senior Pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Manassas, and gave final remarks. The chapter Basileus Soror Anika Harris gave opening remarks, while a meditation from committee member Soror Sharon Minor set the tone honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Anti Basileus Soror Christina Henry Roberson provided closing remarks. Song selections were provided by the incomparable Dr. Negleatha Johnson, an amazing Soror whose voice has been heard throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region and more recently on the CNN special of Vice President Kamala Harris. The service was moving with resounding virtual amens from some of the over 100 OCO Sorors present as Rev. Goggins invigorated the morning and implored everyone to embrace the inevitable changes ahead.

Later that afternoon, Target 3 held virtual bingo for the residents of two local assisted living facilities in Prince William County. Through the virtual platform, senior residents showed their competitive sides as they competed for the all-important title of bingo champion, and received donated prizes sent directly to the facility. Notably present were glorious Golden Sorors who were acknowledged during the event as well. Time spent with one of the most devastated communities impacted by COVID 19 is what the MLK Impact Day is all about and to have fun and see the shining faces of the seniors who participated in this event was all the more special.

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Target IV: The Arts! In the Spotlight A Virtual Salute to the Harlem Renaissance and the Black Arts Movement: A Change is Coming Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omicron Chi Omega Chapter’s awardwinning Target IV Committee celebrated Black History month on Saturday, February 27, 2021 with the premiere of the program: “A Virtual Salute to the Harlem Renaissance & The Black Arts Movement: A Change is Coming Youth Talent Showcase.” In its third iteration the program made its virtual debut streaming on Omicron Chi Omega Chapter’s YouTube channel, website, and social media reaching over 700 viewers within the first 24 hours of availability.

This year’s program showcased talent from 22 students in Greater Prince William County, Virginia and Maryland. Viewers were treated to magnificent musical and dance performances, original pieces from lyrists, poets, and visual artists in tribute to the legends of the Harlem Renaissance and Black Arts Movement. Invited speakers, Dr. Alisha L. Jones (Indiana University, Bloomington) and Professor Salisa Grant (Howard University, Washington D.C.), highlighted the importance of music, providing musicians integral to the movements and the literary explosion that took place in Harlem in the 1920s, respectively.

As the recording of the event will live on in perpetuity online, the possibility for continued interaction from the community is limitless. This will further the Sorority’s national initiative to continue to spotlight these artistic movements and their legacy that continues to live on in our youth.

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Reimagining Target 5: Global Impact Programs Target 5: Global Impact is ready. Are you ready? With renewed energy and focus, we are planning and executing target goals in order to enhance the international footprint of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

We are starting the year in a grand way! As part of the Tri-Chapter Founders’ Day virtual service project held on February 21, 2021, our chapter along with Xi Upsilon Omega and Psi Omega Chapters donated eyeglasses to the Lions Club initiative. The grand total for eyeglasses donated was 631, with Omicron Chi Omega Chapter donating 463 eyeglasses. Omicron Chi Omega shows up and out again!

We were successful in meeting our goals in 2020 and we foresee reaching our goals again this year. Here is a spotlight on the Target 5: Global Impact International Programs along with our chapter goals: Program

RAAP: Refugees in America Assistance Program

Lions Club International

Objective Assist refugees of African descent to integrate into life in the United States, while also increasing awareness of refugee issues and concerns. Programs include: ● Pillowcase Project – Continue to use pillowcases to make dresses and shirts for young children. ●

Chapter Goal

200 Shirts and Dresses

Beacon for Adult Literacy – Serves over 400 adult language learners each year through English classes, Citizenship classes, and other educational programs.

Arrange for pick-up or delivery of donated eyeglasses which will decrease blindness, help restore eyesight and improve eye health and eye care for thousands of people around the world.

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550 pairs of Eyeglasses and Sunglasses

MARCH 2021

Collect gently used or new shoes for Soles4Souls, non-profit organization, will process and ship shoes to destinations 1908 shoes around the world populated with people of color.

Soles 4 Souls

2021 Virtual Beacon Walkathon The chapter is a Sprint Sponsor of the Beacon for Adult Literacy 2021 Virtual Beacon Walkathon on April 10-30. Show your support for adult literacy by running, walking, or crawling a 5k between April 10-30.

So, Sorors walk/run and take pictures and join us for the event’s closing ceremony on April 30. More details to come.

Call to Action Sorors, we need your help with sewing shirts for the Pillowcase Project. So, if you can lend a helping hand or a sewing machine, let us know. Contact globalimpact@ocoaka.com to volunteer or if you have questions.

Important Dates to Remember Mark your calendar for these important 2021 Target 5: Global Impact dates. Details to come.

Center for International Students and Languages (CISL)

March 6

Global Impact Day

April 9

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Beacon Walk A Thon

World Refugee Day

April 10-30

June 20

MARCH 2021

From the Leadership Development Committee: Seven Greatest Leadership Lessons Many CEOs consider themselves both an entrepreneur and a leader. Their focus is on helping business leaders solve critical problems as well as running their own company. They are exposed to a diverse range of organizations, functional groups, and cultures. Collectively, these experiences and people have contributed to the person and business leader they can become. When asked for their perspective on leadership, here are some of the lessons they have learned: 1. Everyone can help you learn something. It goes without saying that everyone has their own style of leadership, their own personal brand. Observing how others handle themselves – peers, management, and other external leaders – is a great way to learn. Whether you agree with how a situation is handled or not, the experience can teach you how to approach a similar issue in the future. Leadership is a constant assessment and reevaluation, so the more you can learn from the experiences of others – good or bad– the better off you’ll be when you’re positioned to make the decisions.

2. Managers and leaders are different – Good Leader vs a Good Manager. Some leaders are so charismatic that everyone would follow him/her to the ends of the earth. Though day-to-day operations can be almost impossible, at times of crisis, he/she is the person everyone called to help solve the problem. Many times, a great manager can knock your socks off with his/her results, but he/she might not be a leader. The difference comes down to being comfortable with assessing and taking risks coupled with the ability to ignite action in others. In a crisis or at any time of need, a leader doesn’t hesitate at all – in fact, crises are where leaders often emerge.

3. Leadership is hard. A good leader can push through fear, assess risk and take action when action is required. At times, the tough decisions leaders make are the ones that others cannot make. Rather than retreat or shy away, good leaders take a strong stance on the important issues and push forward. Leadership is hard and he/she must make decisions that other people can’t. He/She must understand the values and prioritize them.

4. Self-awareness is essential. Everyone needs a balanced and honest view of their strengths and weaknesses. Self-awareness grants a person the ability to interact with others frankly and confidently. In order to build a successful team to lead, leaders must be so aware of their weaknesses that they can hire against them. Know where you soar and where you need assistance.

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5. Get feedback from your network. There is a value in networking. An outside perspective can bring fresh Insight when he/she needs to workshop a new idea, or he/she enters new territory. It’s not always the “who’s-who” that can give you the greatest insight, so reach out to a variety of demographics to get a more holistic view.

6. Communicate. Some CEOs compare communication to cooking. Tread too lightly and the message will be too bland. Use too much heat and people won’t be able to digest. Leaders need to speak clearly enough to get the point across as well as a balanced delivery of firm and delicate messaging. Leaders need strong, clear messaging to get the results they want. If you aren’t seeing the results, stop talking and find a new approach. Learn the needs and motivations of the key stakeholders. Determine how to better position the message to reach the desired actions and results.

7. Be present. Bring vision and strategy to the here and now. A leader needs to be able to communicate with frontline staff without de-positioning management but must be able to connect. It’s important to engage with all levels because there will be a different perspective from each operational group and level. Business is becoming more moment-to-moment than ever before. It’s more difficult to execute on long-term planning because we need constant reevaluation to be relevant with the times. Leaders need to be present, listening and open to learning from everyone around them.

Mark your calendars! The Leadership Development Summit is Saturday, May 15th!

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Risk Management Risk is anything that jeopardizes the health, safety, or welfare of an individual or organization. The key areas of risk include: Hazing, Reputational, Financial, Operational and Membership.

A Chapter Risk Management Plan should include the following elements: 1. Identify the potential risk or threat. 2. Evaluate the identified risk. 3. Manage the risk. 4. Monitor and observe the effectiveness of the strategies that will be used to mitigate risks. Our Chapter Risk Management Plan can be located on our chapter website.

Face Masks and Face Coverings – The Directorate has voted to relax the prohibition against certain AKA trademarks on masks and face coverings. Authorized vendors were recently informed that they may now manufacture and sell masks and face coverings bearing certain AKA trademarks subject to approval by the Corporate Office. Authorized vendors may not manufacture or sell masks bearing the sorority shield or any parts thereof. Sorors are urged to assist in the enforcement of this prohibition by only supporting authorized vendors and by reporting any vendor who violates the licensing agreement and prohibition on the use of the sorority shield by submitting the Vendor Infraction Form to the Corporate Office. This update can be found in the email that was sent to members on February 12, 2021 from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Task Force.

Sorors, can you identify, evaluate, manage and monitor the risk for this scenario?

Soror Pearl Pink is very excited that her two coworkers want to attend her chapter meeting. She forwards them the Zoom link for the next chapter meeting. Soror Pink can hardly wait to see her coworkers during the Zoom chapter meeting. She will make sure the Membership Chairman sees them on Zoom. Is there a problem since it is a Zoom meeting? Brief responses may be emailed to Soror Cynthia Ragland at cynrag@aol.com.

Every Soror Is A Risk Manager!

Soror Cynthia Ragland Risk Management Committee Chairman

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Connections Committee The Connections Committee highlights social and civil right initiatives with the purpose of serving and improving our communities and the lives of people who live there.

Voting Rights The committee wants to make you aware of several legislative and advocacy issues related to voting rights for disenfranchised citizens. In the words of our Soror Bernice King, “Something big is going on. I’m talking about a society that refuses to allow injustice to persist without making our voices heard and without organizing to bring about effective change through our voting system.”

SJ 272 Constitutional amendment; qualifications of voters and the right to vote (first reference) In 2021, the Virginia Senate introduced SJ 272, which outlines the rights of the voter as in the Commonwealth are being a United States citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of the Commonwealth, and registered to vote in accordance with the requirements set out in the Constitution of Virginia. The bill lifts restrictions on qualifications to vote for those who have been convicted of a felony or adjudicated to be mentally incompetent.

HJ 555 Constitutional amendment; felon disenfranchisement The Virginia House of Delegates passed HJ 555, which provides that no person who has been convicted of a felony shall be qualified to vote until the completion of his sentence of imprisonment, at which time, without further action required of him, his political rights, including the right to vote, shall be restored. A person convicted of a felony may also have his civil rights restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority.

In their own words: Here’s how much voting rights matter to those who’ve lost them; Virginia Mercury (January 21, 2021)

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Advocacy We are committed to addressing social and civil right issues that impact us all; and keep you aware of what’s happening: We are committed to addressing social and civil right issues that impact us all; and keep you aware of what’s happening: 

Creation of the Virginia Office of Civil Rights In January 2021, Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring created the Office of Civil Rights within the Office of Attorney General in order to expand, enhance, and centralize ongoing work to protect Virginians from discrimination and to secure and expand the rights of all Virginians.

The Office of Civil Rights is dedicated to protecting the civil rights of Virginians, and to place the protection of civil rights at the center of the Office of Attorney General. Read more about the Office of Civil Rights at Virginia.org page. Contact the Office of Civil Rights by phone at (804)786-2071 or by email at CivilRights@oag.state.va.us.

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Serve Virginia Through Governor Board and Commission Appointments Be the change you want to see in the world; apply for a Virginia gubernatorial board or commission appointment. The Virginia Governor makes approximately 900 appointments annually. The majority of boards and commissions have certain qualifications of appointment that must be met as set forth in the Code of Virginia. You can review current openings and apply for appointments by visiting the Secretary of the Commonwealth Boards and Commissions.

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Citizen members chosen for Virginia’s new bipartisan redistricting commission; Washington Post (January 6, 2021) If you have questions please contact Connections Committee Chair Brenda Jackson-Sewell or Co-Chair Millicent Stackhouse.

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Standards Committee Understanding the role of the chapter Standards Committee and responsibility of the Standards Committee Chairman ensures that the chapter membership is equipped to properly carry out the business of the chapter and the sorority.

The Standards Committee Chairman and the Committee:  Share current standards requirements with the chapter  Facilitate standards workshops for the chapter  Ensure the retention of records in accordance with sorority guidelines  Ensure completion of the Chapter Records Certification Form and ensure its certification by the chapter Basileus  Facilitate preparation of all required documents during a chapter evaluation The chapter Standards Committee will conduct an annual self-assessment utilizing the most current version of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter Self-Assessment Form developed by the International Standards Committee.

It is the responsibility of the chapter Standards Committee to tally the results of the selfassessment forms. It is the responsibility of the chapter Standards Committee Chairman to input the tallied results onto the most current version of the End-of-Year Report. Additionally, the chapter Standards Committee Chairman shall:  Sign the End-of-Year Report  Secure the signatures of the Grammateus  Secure the signature of the Basileus  On or before December 31st the Standards Committee Chairman shall submit the End-ofYear Report to the following and acknowledge receipt from them:  Regional Director  Chairman of the International Standards Committee  Regional representative to the International Standards Committee The appendix of this document includes copies of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter Assessment Form, the End-of-Year Report, and two copies of the Chapter Records Certification Form. Chapters shall maintain a completed copy of each form in the chapter files.

Reference: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® Manual of Standard Procedure, Evaluation of Chapters.

Soror Linda M. Carey Standards Committee

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The Membership Committee Recognizes Sorors Who’ve Joined Omicron Chi Omega in 2020 – 2021 Sherri D. Akaeze Yvonne Allen Chelsi F. Boulware Lenese W. Dale Malikah H. Day Tanya Ford Dara Grimes Miriam C. Gyimah Chanel G. Hall Lydia Hardy Sharon J. Hardy LaTaisha D. Hendricks Jasmine Lee Anna L. Linton Veronica L. Martell

Shawn Morton Sherigo Page Elizabeth Patterson Jillian N. Porter Corean A. Reyes Carmia L. Salcedo Natasha Sharpe Ayesha L. Shoulders Stephanie L. Simmons Veronica Spell Ashlei N. Swann Cherrita Taylor Elaine Triplett Jasmine A. Turk Brenda A. Washington Tawana J. Williams

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Membership Corner The Membership committee sponsored Breakfast with the Basileus before the March chapter meeting. The program was successful in welcoming new Sorors to the chapter and providing them detailed information on the chapter, its programs and who to contact if they have questions.

This is an important program for new Sorors to help them navigate how the chapter functions and to help them feel more connected, especially in a virtual environment.

Attendees were asked to share their breakfast virtually while they listened to program presenters from Membership, Programs, The Ivy Foundation and Mentorship. The program concluded with a Toast by the Basileus.

Another event will be scheduled later in the year for Sorors transferring in throughout the year.

We would also like to remind you to not share your Zoom links for meetings with other Sorors. If you do not have a meeting link, please contact Technology@ocoaka.com or Membership@ocoaka.com for assistance.

Get your vaccines Sorors so we can get together again and Line Dance!!

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Mentoring Excellence Through OCO’s Mentorship Program Simply put, mentoring is important to the sorority as it moves forward the agenda of Excellence. Mentoring is a sustained relationship between two people. As we seek to ensure OCO’s Excellence through service within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, OCO Sorors are asked to be the source of wisdom and encouragement for each other: current, newly initiated, transfer or reactivated Sorors, graduate and undergraduate Sorors and yes, even those of us who have some years in the sorority need mentoring. A mentoring relationship is one that is developmental with a focus on caring, sharing and helping; investing time and know-how; and committing to enhancing another Soror’s personal and professional growth, knowledge and skills.

Mentoring has been shown to:     

Promote membership development and satisfaction; Enhance a Soror’s contribution to a chapter, sorority and community; Improve self interest in the transfer of sorority knowledge; Inspire Soror participation and willingness to lead; and Minimize conflicts

“People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together” Michelle Obama – Former First Lady and author of “Becoming” Why should I serve as a Mentor, you ask? What is in it for me? Fulfilling the role of a Mentor is a clear and measurable way of fulfilling our commitment to “help each other.” Serving a Mentor will afford the opportunity to:      

Learn from others Develop new personal and professional relationships Transfer knowledge and skills Refresh one’s outlook on the sorority Increase one’s stature a sorority leader and valued member Help cultivate talents in other Sorors thereby creating a sisterly focused environment

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Ponder this, the next time you sing our National Hymn and your utter those words, “We help each other”, ask yourself am I living up to the sound of those words?

If you did not attend the Mentorship Kickoff event that was held on Saturday, February 20, 2021, it is not too late for you to consider being a Mentor or looking to be paired as Mentee.

Please go to the Chapter’s Website and download the appropriate application, fill it out and return it to our mentorship@ocoaka.com email address.

We’re Building a Strong Chapter Database A Collaboration between LDC, Membership, Technology Committees  

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Help us to build the Chapters’ database Provide your supplemental information including, industry/business, profession/occupation, job or professional title; 1-3 personal or developmental skills and/or talents; and interest in being a mentor/mentee Email information to: mentorship@ocoaka.com Final Thoughts

How do you think you will benefit from participating in our Omicron Chi Omega (OCO) mentorship program as a Mentor or Mentee?

Describe three (3) measurable personal or professional development goals you would like to make progress toward this year and be ready to share this information with one of a OCO Soror.

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BYLAWS COMMITTEE Robert’s Rules of Order (RONR) has evolved since the first edition was published February 1876. The latest, Twelfth Edition, Newly Revised was published in 2020 and supersedes all previous editions of parliamentary procedure. The new edition revises several subsections; however, the following important revision will be addressed in Omicron Chi Omega Chapter bylaws relative to conducting electronic meetings: 

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Meetings conducted by videoconference (not merely by teleconference or audioconference), must be conducted by technology that allows all participating members to see each other, as well as to hear each other, at the same time.

Regardless of the technology, there should also be an opportunity for each member to hear and participate in the deliberative process. In other words, the deliberative process cannot be conducted in writing, such as by postal mail, e-mail, “chat rooms” or fax.

Golden Soror Winnie Gilmore Parliamentarian

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Courtesy Committee Hello to our Omicron Chi Omega (OCO) Sorors and special greetings to our newly reactivated and transferred Sorors.

This greeting is to ensure our chapter knows what our committee does and to extend an invitation to join our committee!

• Courtesies and other things the committee is responsible for: • Recognizing OCO Sorors Birthday and Wedding Anniversary each month • Keeping the chapter informed of courtesies for birth and marriages, illnesses, bereavements, and any events that may be happening in your life • OCO Holiday Party

Committee Members Soror Carolyn Custard Soror Monika Gooden Soror Sandra Jackson Soror Kareema Patton Soror Melissa Thomas Soror Brenda Washington Soror Melissia Williams Soror Tawana Williams Soror Twayna Winston

Soror Ahawana Williams – Chairman Soror Sierra Richards – Co-Chairman

If you would like to join our committee, please reach out to any of our committee members or email hostess@ocoaka.com

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Sorors in the News

During “Achievement Week”, as part of the fraternity’s Founder’s Day celebration, the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi selected Soror Andrea Bailey as their Citizen of the Year. The first African-American female elected to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the welfare of humanity.

Soror Kelli Johnson was awarded an Innovation Certificate by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affinity Group. She was honored for serving her country and placing humanitarian support before herself in this COVID-19 environment.

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Soror Angela Hopkinson has been selected to join the George Washington University Leadership Advisory Council. It comes with the opportunity to deploy select lectures, participant in speaker engagements and mentor students via their Z School. The Z School allows the advisory council to collaborate with academia and corporations to coordinate, develop, refine, market, and facilitate executive and business education. She and the other council members will be able to combine the academic rigor of the university with the real world practicality.

Soror Venice Goodwine, Chief Information Security Officer at the United States Department of Agriculture, was named as one ‘Top 25 Cyber Execs to Watch in 2020’ by WashingtonExec. The “list highlights executives in both the government and the private sector who consistently stay one step ahead of adversaries, equipped with the technical knowhow to safeguard systems and information. They have achieved significant milestones and goals with the support of strong leadership, teams and processes, and possess the know-how to navigate the complexities of the cyber threat landscape.”

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Soror Shamala Boyd participated in the Harvard University (Kennedy School) continuing education course “Cybersecurity: Management Risk in the Information Age. The 8-week course allows risk management professionals to study previous security breaches while evaluating their own organization’s risk. The course allowed her to review all potential vulnerabilities that may hunt her organizations and put it at risk of a breach. By the end of the course participants were able to uncover their organization’s potential risk and complete a risk mitigation plan. While no organization is safe from a threat actor, having the necessary cybersecurity skills and implementing the proper risk-related policies will assist in being prepared for a cyber-attack.

Soror Carolyn Vines Sapla earned the HomeSmart Diamond Club Award for being in the Top 5% for 2020.

The award is in recognition of Carolyn’s commitment to her clients in the buying and selling of an impressive amount of property for her clients in 2020, in the wake of COVID-19. Carolyn says she is grateful to all her clients especially the Sorors of Omicron Chi Omega.

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Soror Sheronda Dorsey was featured in Newsweek Magazine speaking on diversity at the CIA in an article titled “CIA sees Diversity as Weapon Against Changing Threats from China, Russia. The following is her quote: “As you think about how the world has evolved, and how it continues to evolve, and our need to actually address those changes in the evolution of the threat,” CIA Deputy Associate Director for Talent Sheronda Dorsey told Newsweek, “we need diverse candidates that are coming from all walks of life, all backgrounds.”

Soror Sierra Denise Richards, BA. BSN-RN graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stratford University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. She recently passed the Virginia State Board of Nursing, earning her the eligibility for multi-state license to practice as a Registered Nurse.

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2020 Quiet But Impactful Soror of the Year Michele Tate Jordan She demonstrates sisterhood and answers the call, but leads much more by example than with words.

2020 AKA’d (Pink & Green) Soror of the Year Linda Marie Carey Most always seen in pink & green and pearls, she is always the epitome of grace, integrity and finer womanhood.

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2020 Officer of the Year Deborah Battle Sykes, Tamiouchos She initiated procedures that improved efficiency and accuracy of the chapter’s financial transactions.

2020 Silver Soror of the Year Sandra R. Plummer Clark She willingly shares her knowledge and experience to ensure program excellence.

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2020 Golden Soror of the Year Glorine Williams Gholson She serves as a mentor to Chapter Sorors and always has words of wisdom and encouragement.

2020 Legacy Soror of the Year Christina Henry Roberson She exemplifies an innovative approach to holding high the Sorority’s founding principles.

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2020 Takes a Lickin’ and Keeps on Tickin’ Soror of the Year Soror Pauline E. Hunter She has persevered and continued to serve despite personal adversity.

2020 Omicron Chi Omega Soror of the Year Soror Connie Dycell Glaze She exemplifies the best of an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman: leadership, involvement, sisterliness and commitment.

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2020 Collaboration Award Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness Maximized collaborations with community partners to implement its programs.

2020 Collaboration Award Technology Committee Collaborated with all committees to ensure effective execution of the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha in the virtual environment.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

IMPACT DAYS AKA Global Impact Day of Observance April 9, 2021 AKA International Day of Prayer Observance August 22, 2021

AKA HBCU Day Observance September 20, 2021

Breast Cancer Awareness Day October 4, 2021

AKA Caregivers’ Day of Observance November 15, 2021

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