AKA OCO 3rd Quarter Newsletter

September 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 Arleen McCallum-Graham Custodian

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September 2021

History of Omicron Chi Omega Chapter On August 26, 1984, following the 51st International Convention held in Washington, DC, five Prince William County women met at the home of Alice Taylor with an interest in starting a local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Attending this meeting was Rosyln Dunn, Venus Miller, Jannette Smithson, Alice Taylor and Mary Williams. The five women discussed the potential impact such a chapter would have on the community and the necessary procedures for organizing a new chapter.

As an official interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the group named themselves the Princesses of Pearls. Alice Taylor was elected President; Venus Miller was elected Secretary, and Jannette Smithson was elected Treasurer.

On May 19, 1985, under the leadership of Barbara W. Davis, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, the Princesses of Pearls Interest Group officially was chartered Omicron Chi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

The following chapter officers were installed: Alice Taylor – President, Vivian Oliver – VicePresident, Ervinia “Venus” Venus Miller-Secretary, Mary Porter – Assistant Secretary, Glorine Gholson – Correspondence Secretary, Jannette Smithson-Treasurer, Winifred Gilmore – Financial Secretary, Mary Williams–Parliamentarian, Earline Spillers – Doorkeeper, Patsy Smith – Hostess, Elma Clancy – Ivy Leaf Reporter, and Roslyn Dunn – Historian.

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September 2021

Omicron Chi Omega Charter Members

1st row--Jannette Smithson, Tamiouchos; Vivian Oliver, Anti Basileus; Alice Taylor, Basileus; Barbara Davis, Regional Director; Glorine Gholson, Epistoleus; Mary Williams, Parliamentarian; Venus Miller, Grammateus.

2nd row—Roslyn Dunn, Historian; Debbie Hopkins; Earline Spillers, Philacter; Patsy Smith, Hodegos; Dorothy Harrington; Joyce Holmes; Addie Whitaker; Winnie Gilmore, Pecunious Grammateus; Karen Hundley; Mary Porter, Anti Grammateus; Joy Ballentine.

Not pictured—Elma Clancy, Ivy Leaf Reporter.

OCO Charter Members Joy Ballentine, Elma Clancy, Roslyn Dunn*, Glorine Gholson, Winifred Gilmore, Dorothy Harrington, Joyce Holmes, Debbie Hopkins, Karen Hundley, Ervinia Miller*, Vivian Oliver, Mary Porter*, Patsy Smith, Jannette Smithson*, Earlene Spillers, Alice Taylor, Addie Whitaker, Mary Williams *Deceased

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September 2021

Active Charter Members

Golden Soror Winifred Gilmore

Golden Soror Glorine Gholson

Soror Addie Whitaker

Golden Soror Alice Taylor

Golden Soror Vivian Oliver

Golden Soror Patsy Smith

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September 2021

Former Presidents of Omicron Chi Omega Chapter

Golden Soror Alice Taylor

Golden Soror Vivian Oliver

Alice Taylor*

1984

Alice Taylor

1985-1987

Vivian Oliver

1988-1991

Ervinia Miller

1992-1995

Gwynne McCathorine

1996-1999

Leona Johnson

2000-2003

Winifred Gilmore

2004-2007

Cynthia Ragland

2008-2011

Addie Whitaker

2011-2013

Marguerite Taylor

2014-2017

*1984 Princesses of Pearl Interest Group Golden Soror Winifred Gilmore

Soror Addie Whitaker

Soror Cynthia Ragland

Soror Marguerite Taylor

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September 2021

Pearl and Golden Sorors of Omicron Chi Omega Chapter

Pearl Soror Persephone Brown

Golden Soror Marilyn Thorne

Golden Soror Winifred Gilmore

Golden Soror Vivian Oliver

Golden Soror Glorine Gholson

Golden Soror Alice Taylor

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September 2021

Golden Soror Barbara Walker

Golden Soror Sandra Jackson

Golden Soror Patricia McGill

Golden Soror Brenda Washington

Golden Soror Patsy Smith

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September 2021

It has been a busy summer for Target 2:  OCO participated in the Longest Day Walk for Alzheimer’s Awareness on June 20th. OCO raised $485.  Target 2 collaborated with Target 1, Sisterly Relations and Fundraising committee to participate in the HBCUs Run the District 5K Run/Walk on June 26th.  Target 2 sponsored a “Get Your Steps in Challenge” from June 20th to June 26th. A gift card was awarded to the soror with the highest number of steps during that week.

Congratulations to Soror Brenda Johnson who had a total of 126,558 steps.

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September 2021

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ovarian cancer is an abnormal cell growth in the ovary that multiplies and becomes out of control to form what would be called a tumor. If this tumor is left untreated, it becomes what is known as metastatic ovarian cancer and has the potential to spread to other areas of the body. According to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer in the reproductive system. It accounts for approximately 3% of cancers in women who are diagnosed. Approximately 50% of the women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older and it is more prevalent in Caucasian Women than African American Women.

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September 2021

OCO Sewing Sisters Period Poverty is a term used to describe the struggle that many women and girls face because they lack access to adequate menstrual health management supplies and education.

More than 500 million women and girls worldwide experience Period Poverty, which impacts health, self-esteem, education, and wages.

The Target V OCO Sewing Sisters, led by Soror Krista York made 170 washable SaniPads to produce kits to aid 15 women and girls. The 15 kits as well as 283 Pillowcase dresses will be distributed to the Baxter Institute in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, through our new partnership with Christ Chapel of Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Each Sani-Pad Kit Contains 2 shields | 11 pads | 1 washcloth | 1 panty | 1 bar of soap | 2 Ziploc bags | 2 safety pins

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September 2021

Supporting the African Children’s Choir

Target V once again supported the African Children’s Choir with a $250 donation.

The African Children’s Choir Music for Life program has worked in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda for over 37 years. The program provides for impoverished children aged 7 to 10 years old with quality education, discipleship, and leadership skills utilizing the transformative power of music.

Submit program suggestions or questions to globalimpact@ocoaka.com.

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September 2021

Membership Corner The Pink Tea Our next committee event will be “The Pink Tea” - A Reclamation Event, on Saturday, October 23, at 3 p.m. virtually. Please send contact information of inactive sorors to Soror Phyllis Camper phyllisj777@gmail.com.

Soror Retention Any Soror who misses 2 consecutive chapter meetings will receive a sisterly email from the Membership committee checking in on her and letting her know that we miss her.

REMINDER: Do not share your chapter meeting Zoom link. The link is unique to you and is used to capture your meeting attendance. Questions/concerns about this should be directed to Technology@ocoaka.com or Membership@ocoaka.com.

Membership Is Pearlfection!

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September 2021

OCO Standards Committee Our 2021 Annual Chapter Self-Assessment process is underway! This is an opportunity for each member of OCO to assess Chapter standard operating procedures to ensure the efficient and effective execution of our work. The preservation of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s identity and the fostering of its principles are high priorities.

What is Chapter Operations? Chapter Operations is the process used by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® to conduct business and to successfully accomplish our goals. Chapter Operations are enhanced when every member thoroughly understands the rules, regulations, and guidelines.

Are standard Chapter Operations worthwhile? Yes! Effective Chapter Operations assist chapters in doing a better job by:     

Enhancing our organizational skills, Allowing us to conduct our business in an orderly manner, Enhancing our ability to exhibit respect for all members, Ensuring that all members are working toward the same goal, and Permitting us to adjust the direction of our organization, whenever necessary.

Who develops the self-assessment form? Effective Chapter Operations planning begins with the most current version of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapter Self-Assessment Form located in the Standards Resource Guide developed by the International Standards Committee. Each OCO Chapter member will receive a form and must submit a completed form to the OCO Standards Chairman for us to achieve 100% participation.

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September 2021

What will you receive and when? The OCO Standards Committee will release the OCO Chapter Self-Assessment Form in Google Docs format in mid-September 2021. Your timely participation is integral for our goal of 100% participation as a precursor to the Standards Endof-the-Year Report.

Don’t wait! Please submit your completed Chapter Self-Assessment form as soon as possible after receipt.

As a reminder from our August 2021 Chapter Retreat, Standards Committee Chairman Caroline Espree noted that all submissions impact the self-assessment process and serve as an input for Chapter strategy. Please contact the Standards Committee at standards@ocoaka.com with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Resource: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Standards Resource Guide.

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September 2021

The Mentorship Committee Col. Clydea Prichard-Brown

“Getting on the Right Track” The Mentorship Committee held a training session in June with our first featured guest speaker, Soror Clydea Prichard-Brown, a Colonel in the United States Army.

Soror Prichard-Brown shared inspiring information on how to build relationships between mentors and mentees, seek opportunities to share and encourage, and challenged mentors asking, “How well do you know your mentees?” Soror Prichard-Brown also shared comments regarding her personal challenges and triumphs and her career journey to the rank of Colonel. Click the link: https://bit.ly/2X8lXoc

“It’s an OCO Golden Opportunity – Fireside Chat”!

On Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM we will host guest speaker, former Supreme Basileus Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, author of “You Can Lead” as she shares information on mentoring, paying it forward, and leadership. This presentation will be followed by a lively discussion with some of our Golden Sorors on mentorship, leadership and their rich experiences as an AKA.

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September 2021

“So, You Want to Run for Office” 2021 Retreat At this year’s retreat, Mentorship Committee partnered with the Standards, Nominating, and Leadership Development Committees to present a collaborative training session: “So, You Want to Run for Office”. This informative session included information regarding mentors supporting mentees with a goal toward running for a Chapter Office, and the Leadership qualities required to successfully perform in the position. Golden Sorors Vivian Oliver and Patricia McGill participated and provided their knowledge on effective leadership traits and Sorors Andrea Bailey and Soror Briana Sewell shared leadership qualities required

Welcome New Mentors and Mentees!!!

Mentors: Sorors Andrea Bailey and Arleen McCallum-Graham Mentees: Sorors Rachael Potts and Sheila Williams

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Welcome New Mentors and Mentees!!!

Mentors: Sorors Andrea Bailey and Arleen McCallum-Graham

September 2021

The Connection and Social Action Committee Presents: How a Bill Becomes a Law “All Legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives." (Article 1, Section 1, of the United States Constitution) Over the last few months, the Connection and Social Action Committee has discussed important voting registration information and dates and provided updates on critical legislation that impacts our communities. The International Connection and Social Action Committee’s charge for 2018-2022 is “Exemplifying Excellence Through Awareness Knowledge - Action”, and your Connection and Social Action Committee is taking it seriously.

So Sorors with all that is going on in the world, we wanted to take this opportunity to refresh your knowledge of how bills become laws.

The following two images from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated CONNECTION Resource Guide illustrates “House and Senate Workflow” and “How a Bill Becomes a Law in the US Congress”.

Source: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated CONNECTION Resource Guide, page 61

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September 2021

Source: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated CONNECTION Resource Guide, page 62

Elected Official Directory Sorors the Connection and Social Action Committee needs your help with identifying Sorors who are in elected and appointed government positions on the local, state and federal levels (including judicial positions). Complete the Elected Official Directory form to capture this information https://forms.gle/sta2VM8GGX8epMG7A If you have questions please contact the Connection and Social Action Committee Chair Brenda Jackson-Sewell or Co-Chair Millicent Stackhouse at connection@ocoaka.com.

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September 2021

Why Good Mental Health is a Leader’s Best Friend – from www.thoughtfulleader.com In the past, we used to only worry about physical health and safety. Now, thankfully, we’re moving towards a time when people are starting to understand that good mental health is also important. Every workplace on the planet involves people. And when you put people together in one place, the mix of personalities, money, priorities, and pressure can start to cause tension.

In addition, remote working is now more convenient than ever. But this brings with it additional challenges, as home and work life start to merge into one. As work starts to be completed at home, people tend to work longer hours and respond to work requests after they normally would have left for the day. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, fear and worry, here are a few suggestions that can help one cope in the workplace.

1. Don’t Go It Alone If you are in a workplace where you feel like you’re on your own, even when people are around you, you’ll feel vulnerable. Make time and effort to build relationships with your colleagues and your team.

What is especially helpful is having a friendly shoulder to lean on who is at the same level in the organization. You might not be able to lean on your team members in quite the same way but having a trusted colleague can help you navigate some of the challenges.

2. Take Time Out Every Day Whatever you do, don’t stay at your desk all day. Get out of the office, or at least your general work environment. Find some sunshine, fresh air and walk around. Make yourself a priority.

Because you might find that nobody else will.

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September 2021

If you “are too busy to leave”, then it’s time to think about how you manage your time.

Even if you really are too busy, you need to ask yourself the question: “Can I keep working like this?”. It is well documented that exercise is beneficial for your mental health. There are plenty of options out there to try, which don’t all involve running. If you struggle to find the time, see if you can incorporate walking into your daily commute so it becomes a part of your routine.

3. Set Yourself Up So You Aren’t Afraid to Leave Leadership is not all about what happens at work. Your personal situation plays a big part. To set yourself up for success: Keep your skills up to date; make sure you have the qualifications you need, even if you feel like you’re doing fine right now; and keep your network strong so if you need a new job, you may just have a connection to help you.

You want to do these things when times are good – because it’s often too late when times are bad.

4. Don’t Pretend Everything Is OK Nothing will make you feel lonelier than trying to hide your challenges. If your organization has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), reach out and use it. Although in the past, mental health challenges weren’t well respected, the visibility and status of these issues are much more prominent now.

Mental health is no joke, and it’s critical for leaders to stay healthy. Not just for your team, but for your own wellbeing.

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September 2021

In Loving Memory of Pearl Soror Jean Belton

January 11, 1930 - August 22, 2021

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September 2021

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