AKA OCO 3rd Quarter Newsletter

President Christina H. Roberson

Greetings Sorors:

I hope each of you had a restful summer and are reenergized for AKA! I want to thank all of the Sorors that worked and supported OCO events throughout the summer. I am sending Pink

Roses to you for your tireless efforts and dedication to carrying

mission focused work In the month of June, we hosted the first ever virtual Little Miss AKA Pageant in

the

Foundation of Greater Prince William

Sorors, your excellence did not stop there. After two years of cancelations due to the pandemic, OCO participated in the annual Dale City 4th of July Parade, led by Soror Deitra Williams. This was a wonderful display of sisterhood and community. Additionally, in July we had 78 dynamic Sorors both in person and virtual that attended the 70th Boule. At the 70th Boule, we celebrated the Excellence administration and saluted our 30th Supreme Basileus, Soror Glenda Glover, on a job well done.

Sorors, are you ready to Soar? Madam Supreme Basileus, Soror Danette Anthony Reed introduced her vision and 2022 2026 initiatives. I am excited to announce the foundational initiative will be “Strengthen Our Sisterhood.” The remaining five initiatives will serve as the Program Initiatives, which include:

• Empower Our Families

• Build our Economic Wealth

• Enhance our Environment

• Advocate for Social Justice

• Uplift our Local Community

In the month of August, we hosted a fabulous Chapter Retreat. Under the leadership of Soror Rhonda Scott Johnson and Soror Ivy Tillman, we hosted the first OCO hybrid retreat where we went to Dubai and conducted a successful business meeting to plan for 2023. I am super grateful for all the Sorors that worked to make the hybrid retreat a success.

In September, we transitioned back to in person Chapter operations and meetings. Special thanks to the Risk Management and Protocol committees for ensuring a safe environment for Sorors. As we prepare for a busy fall, I want to thank each of you for all that you do and will do to support OCO and deliver on the mission of our Founders. I look forward to soaring with you to further “Strengthen Our Sisterhood.”

Yours in Service and Sisterhood, Christina H. Roberson Chapter Basileus

Although the month of June marked the end of our #CAP Program, we reached out to our graduated seniors who embarked on a new college journey this month. Much like a follow up to an event, we wanted to follow up with our seniors to see how well they were adjusting to college life. We also wanted to find out whether the CAP Program influenced their decision regarding their college choice, and how well they have adjusted to college life Therefore, a five question survey was created and sent to each senior that participated in our program this year. The questions were as follows:

Question 1. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being not at all satisfied, and five being extremely satisfied, how satisfied are you with your college choice now that you're on campus?

Question 2. Did the CAP Program influence your college decision?

Question 3. If you could change one thing related to the college you attend, which of these would you prefer to change:

a. roommate b. departmental staffing c. major d. housing accommodations

Question 4. The information provided by the CAP program helped me better understand the college application process. True or false

Question 5. On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being less likely and 5 being very likely, how likely are you to recommend the CAP Program to a high school senior?

Of the responses received, 75% of the students are “extremely” satisfied with their college choice, and 25% were “satisfied.” Sixty two percent of the students responded that CAP had indeed influenced their college decision. Thirty five point five percent of the students wished they could change their major, 50% of the student responded they wish they could change their housing accommodations, and 12.5% said they wish they could change their roommate. All seemed to be pleased with their instructors and department staff. A total of 87.5 % of the students would recommend the CAP program to a high school senior.

PROTOCOL COMMITTEE

Protocol Reminders

Electronic Communications

• Please adhere to the new Social Media Policy Guidelines and Guidelines for Alpha Kappa Alpha web presence set forth by the International Technology Committee regarding chapter and individual websites that contain any reference to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®. Particular care should be taken in reference to use of official Alpha Kappa Alpha symbols and logos in relation to non official symbols.

• Email and/or a list serve are not secure media. Care should be taken when transmitting confidential information through these media. Never forward official email messages sent by International, Regional, or chapter sources to individuals who are not active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha unless you have been requested to do so.

• Electronic communications are subject to the same approval process as written correspondence.

• Always delete Alpha Kappa Alpha files from computers used in public areas. Copy centers, hotel business centers, workplace computers and shared computers must be checked and cleared after use to delete any Alpha Kappa Alpha materials. The best practice is to save all information to a USB drive or other electronic storage devices rather than saving information to a hard drive of a computer used in public areas.

• Always use discretion when using social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Blogs, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, GroupMe, etc.) These forums are open to the public and should not be used to discuss information that is private and intended for active members of the Sorority. Sorors should not post information discussed or pictures from plenary sessions of conferences, chapter meetings, committee meetings, Rituals, and other closed Sorority events. Additionally, sorors should refer to the Social Medial policy.

Protocol is the responsibility of all members of Alpha

Incorporated®

Risk Management Committee

In the last edition of “The Ivy Line,” we cited some of the most common examples of Risk Management and what they mean. Here are a few more commonly used Risk Management examples:

Elimination of Contract Risk

When investors make investments overseas, there can be external risks to the company. The foreign exchange rates can fall, which can lead to losses, which is considered to be a big threat to the investor. To deal with this risk, the investor can make the contracts in USD and keep themselves safe.

Compliance Risks

Maintaining regulatory compliance is an important aspect of any institution, which can, in turn, become a huge risk. Companies need to ensure they have controls in place to monitor their organizationsʼ compliance on a regular basis. They need to monitor all their existing processes, procedures, and technologies and stay compliant. This can be effectively done with a risk management system.

Information Security Risk

This is a part of cybersecurity. Any businessʼs data is one of its most valuable assets, and it needs to be protected. There are different ways in which data can be stolen, and data theft is a major risk to any organization. One of the many ways to combat this risk is to have controls in place for all incoming communications such as emails. They need to be scanned to make sure no suspicious ones are coming to the company, and even if they are, they are taken care of immediately.

Market Risk

Market risk is a common risk among nearly all industries. There is no guarantee that the product or service a company provides is going to be priced at the same value in the future. A lot of companies manage this risk by getting into early and long term contracts with various investors so that their future is secured to some extent, regardless of the market condition

Risk Transfer

When companies arenʼt well versed in all aspects of their risk, but they would still like to mitigate it, they transfer the risk. For example, a retail brand may not be fully equipped to manage all cybersecurity risks to the company, but the threat still exists. To manage it more efficiently, they can outsource all their information technology capabilities to a third party, holding them accountable, and thereby transferring their risk.

Tune in to the Q4 edition of “The Ivy Line” for more Risk Management examples!

Connections and Social Action Committee

Blocking Our Voting Rights!

"We may no longer have to guess the number of jellybeans in a jar in order to cast a ballot,” excerpt from the eulogy at the late Georgia Congressman John Lewisʼ funeral by form President Barack Obama July 2020.

Voting is a Serious Matter! The next general election is November 8, 2022. Remember it wasnʼt too long ago that African Americans experienced obstacles when exercising the right to vote Poll taxes, literacy tests, fraud and out right intimidation all turned African Americans away from the polls. Prior to the 1965 Voting Rights Act, only 23% of voting age Black people were registered nationally, but by 1969 the number was 61%.

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1870 The adoption of the 15th Amendment gave African American men the right to vote.

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1890s Poll taxes and jellybean tests were legal ways to keep African Americans from voting. Eligible voters were required to pay their poll tax or guess the number of jellybeans in a jar before they could cast a ballot.

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1915 The Supreme Court struck down the "grandfather clause" that many states used to keep descendants of slaves from voting in elections. The clause stated you could not vote unless your grandfather had voted an impossibility for most people whose ancestors were slaves.

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1964 The Twenty Fourth amendment prohibited using poll taxes for federal elections.

1965 The Voting Rights Act enforced the right to vote for African Americans. This act ended the use of literacy tests in the South and the rest of the country in 1970.

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Important Election and Voter Dates

General Election

Virginia Maryland District of Columbia

November 8, 2022

Polls Open on Election Day 6:00AM 7:00PM 7:00AM 8:00PM 7:00AM 8:00PM

Deadline to Register to Vote

Early In Person Voting Begins

Deadline for Mail in Ballots

Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot

Absentee Ballot Return Deadline

October 17, 2022 (register or update and existing registration)

September 23, 2022 November 5, 2022

October 18, 2022 October 18, 2022

October 27 November 3, 2022

October 31 November 6, 2022

October 28, 2022 November 8, 2022 November 15, 2022 (Mail in ballots are sent to all registered voters October 3, 2022)

Visit the www.elections.virginia .gov/citizen-portal

November 1, 2022 (In person, by mail, or online)

November 8, 2022 (In person or by mail)

October 24, 2022

November 5 - 15, 2022

September 2022 7 Visit the www.elections.virginia .gov/citizen portal

FOR OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

AKAʼs International Standards Committee established the criteria for the evaluation of chapters and conducts evaluations to determine compliance with the Constitution and Bylaws, Manual of Standard Procedure, and other governing documents.

Omicron Chi Omegaʼs Standards Committee objectives are to:

• ensure chapter members understand the importance of effective and efficient operations,

• ensure compliance to sorority policies and procedures,

• emphasize the importance of our resource documents,

• understand the benefits and risks of standards, and

• encourage and empower sorors to ensure the chapter performs with operational excellence!

The OCO Standards Committee provides sorors with relevant information and interactive learning opportunities throughout the year, to understand and execute operational duties and responsibilities with excellence. The Knowledge Check Matchup on page 9 is another opportunity to hone your Standards acumen!

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Knowledge Check Matchup !

Instructions: Match the items in column A with the correct response from column B.

A

1. AKA Corporate Website

2. Constitution and Bylaws

3. AKA Official Fonts

4. OCO Website

5. AKA Official Colors

6. Manual of Standard Procedure

7. Robert’s Rules of Order

8. OCO Chapter Bylaws

9. OCO Chapter Logo

10. Chapter Self Assessments

B

A. Administered annually to gauge and ensure adherence to established guidelines for chapter operations

B. OmicronChiOmega AKA.com

C. Georgia and Verdana

D. Adopted as the parliamentary authority within AKA

E. AKA1908.com

F. This shall never supersede or replace the sorority coat of arms

G. Establishes the standard operating procedures of AKA

H. Required by AKA Corporate. Along with AKA official documents, all OCO sorors should be knowledgeable of this OCO document

I. Establishes our foundational and organizational purpose and structure

J. Salmon Pink & Apple Green

2022 OCO Standards Committee Chairman Wanda Richards Co Chairman Shawane Gunnings Article by Soror Doris Morgan

BASILEUS

With enthusiasm, charm, and grace, Soror Christina Henry Roberson shared her vision, strategic goals, and top priorities for OCO which includes sisterhood, leadership development, succession planning, collaboration, self care, community outreach. Sorors also enjoyed a surprise video created by Sorors of Omega Theta Omega Chapter welcoming OCO (virtually) to the country

2022 RETREAT

Omicron Chi Omega (OCO) Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, held the 2022 Chapter Retreat on Saturday, August 20, 2022. This unprecedented, hybrid event made chapter history by simultaneously delivering sorority information and conducting impactful strategic planning sessions with 97 virtual and 66 in person attendees.

Soror Christina Henry Roberson, Basileus of OCO served as the Presiding Officer. Committed to providing an enriching, relaxing, and enjoyable experience for all members, Soror Rhonda Scott Johnson (Retreat Chairman) and Ivy Tillman, (Retreat Co Chairman) spearheaded a simulated journey to the alluring country of Dubai with support from 38 hard working Committee members, officers, and volunteers serving in seven subcommittees.

Adorned in lovely colored, flowing maxi dresses, scarves, and bright smiles, sorors gathered for the first time in nearly two years to not only acknowledge the phenomenal accomplishments of the award winning OCO "2019 2022 Excellence Target" Leaders and Committee members, but also to launch the 2022 2026 “Soaring toGreaterHeights of Sisterhood” initiatives of our new Supreme Basileus, Soror Danette Anthony Reed.

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ALP H A K A P P A ALP H A S O R O R I T Y, I N C O R P O R A T E D®

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M E G A CH A P T E R

A U G U S T 2 0, 2 0 2 2

BY S O RO R RH O N D A SCOTT J OHNS ON A N D S OROR S H A N A D I X ON

" R E LA X, R EJ U V EN A T E, R EC O N N EC T & R EF O C U S I N T H E W O N D ER S O F D U B A I "

CHRISTINA HENRY ROBERSON

Sorors who visited & worked in Dubai share

Post -Retreat Sisterly Relations Dinner Attendees

Chairman, Basileus, Co Chairman

In -person Attendees

EAF Platinum Award

Budget Planning

Virtual Attendees

Attendees

The 70th Boule with our Golden Supreme Basileus

By, Tatana M. Todd, Lead Delegate

The Theme of our 70th Boule in Orlando, Florida was The Magic of Excellence in the City Beautiful, and it was magical. I began my first ever Boule donned with pink and green Minnie Mouse ears and enjoyed my time at Disneyʼs Animal Kingdom tasting desserts, beverages, and enjoying rides. I traded my mouse ears for heels and business attire as I and eleven OCO sorors served as delegates.

We were among the thousands of sorors from every region who attended both in person and online. This was the first hybrid Boule in our history.

Boule began with a literal bang where the pyrotechnics, and the Tennessee State marching band and color guard rocked the convention center. The leader of the band was none other than Mickey Mouse!

Disney shared its HBCU initiative Disneyon theYardwhere the summer program began for the first time this year. According to their website which was shared via QR Code, the goal is to help students from the thirty five member schools to gain a unique Disney education in the entertainment industry. Disney provides scholarships and grants to HBCUs through this program. Our outgoing Supreme Basileus, Golden Soror Glenda Glover twirled her baton as a part of the band and struck her ivy stance while donned in gold throughout the week as she celebrated fifty years as an Alpha Kappa Alpha woman.

While waiting for over two hoursin the voting lines was not fun, it reminded me of the importance of what we do within the organization by using our full voting power, as well as why it is necessary to wait in the lines. We must let our voices be heard on a local, and national level. I felt the gravity of my position when the delegate team and I chose the best candidates who were nominated from the floor to fill positions that were still open that the chapter could not vote upon beforehand. Attending these sessions gives us the opportunity to see up close the Alpha Kappa Alpha political process, and as Madam Anti Basileus, Soror Connie Glaze stated, we see “proper parliamentary procedures, protocol, and standards in action.”

Some of the notable people who presented during the weeklong conference included former Second Supreme Basileus Soror Star Jones, Rev. Al Sharpton, Soror Robin Roberts, Soror Yolanda Adams, Soror Tamika Mallory, Soror Glynda Carr, The Honorable Soror Cheri Beasley, and Vice President of the United States Soror Kamala Harris.

Voting the slate of candidates that the chapter chose was a blessing. I am humbled in the confidence that the chapter has in your delegates

Our incoming Supreme Basileus Soror Danette Anthony Reedʼs entrance and platform were spectacular. After pyrotechnics, marching band, and strolling we “Got it Started.” Her platform SoaringtoGreaterHeightsinService& Sisterhoodincludes six new initiatives: Strengthen our Sisterhood, Empower our Families, Build Our Economic Wealth, Enhance Our Environment, Advocate for Social Justice, and Uplift Our Community.

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I am especially excited for our sororityʼs newest endeavor: For Members Only Federal Credit Union which will be the “FIRST, Black owned, woman led, sorority based, digital banking financial institution in the history of the United States (aka1908.com).” I left Boule motivated to Soar with Madame Supreme and energized to support these initiatives. Sorors get ready to go to the Wild, Wild West to attend the 71st Boule in Dallas, TX in 2024 because, “South Central does it like nobody does.”

Please look for the full Boule Report to be delivered on the chapter website prior to the October Chapter meeting.