PNO October 2022 Newsletter

Kirstin Riddick

LaToya Kearns Vice President

Basilei

Minyon Palmer

Vice Secretary

Sydney Hannah Holliday Secretary

Essence Mitchell Financial Secretary

Michele Swain Hostess

Danielle Bridgeforth Chaplain

Vikki Pretlow

Secretary

Aliya Robinson

Anita Timmons Historian

Saunji Fyffe Sergeant At Arms

Deirdre Miles Ivy Leaf Reporter

Courtney Walker Treasurer

Karen Davis Miller Parliamentarian

2022 Phi Nu Omega Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc

A Message From the President

Phi Nu Omega, from F.I.T. to Commit

Beloved Sorors,

We have met, connected, brainstormed, and determined focused growth areas for our chapter. We collectively decided we wanted to enhance sisterly relations, experience healthy membership growth, host a stellar signature event, and improve our networks and efficiencies via technology. We are recalibrating and adjusting to work on our new priorities and embrace our new service initiatives. Sorors, we proclaim we are focused, informed, and transforming.

We are focused on creating the next iteration of Phi Nu Omega, holding on to treasured relationships, community partners, and traditions while embracing the possibilities of something new that will stretch and grow us as a sisterly chapter that serves our community with impact and excellence.

We are informed, making sure we become knowledgeable of the newest service initiatives while creatively thinking about ways we can sustainably meet the needs of our community. We are attending Cluster Meeting this month to enjoy fellowship with our sister chapters and ideate how we can best heed the call to strengthen our sisterhood, empower families, build our economic wealth, enhance our environment, advocate for social justice, and uplift our community.

We are transforming to meet the needs of our evolving sisterhood and community. We are transforming to become a better version of ourselves, and we are already amazing. We are transforming, listening to the voices of our chapter sisters, who spoke with clarity during the retreat, as we tackle our four priorities. We proclaim we are ready to soar and ready to serve. What is next on our agenda, Sorors?

You signed up for your preferred committees. You are attending scheduled meetings consistently. You are creating a balanced chapter calendar that has the perfect mix of impactful service, sisterly love, chapter growth, and leadership development opportunities. You are committing to collaboratively planning, actively attending, and enthusiastically supporting these beautifully organized and curated experiences. You are working with the best the sisterhood has to offer and we will successfully operate in excellence as we serve our cherished communities. I believe in you. We are ready to commit!

Sisterly yours, Kirstin

How Did You Do?

Soror Danielle Bridgeforth

I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. Philippians 1:6 (AMP)

Back in January, I shared a meditation with you entitled “Begin with the End in Mind.” In it, I encouraged us to get a vision for who we want to be at the end of life, so that we can make sure we stay on the right path. Well, we have journeyed into the next to last month of 2022, and I wonder how are you doing? Are you better, stronger, wiser, and more spiritually fit today than you were back in January? Have you taken better care of yourself – mind, body, soul, and spirit – this year? Are your relationships healthier now? Do you have a vision for your future?

It is never too late to make a decision for better. But, while making a decision is necessary, that is just the first step. From there you need a plan, a place, and some people. God calls us to live, love, and grow in community. There should be a vision for where, how, and with whom you will walk out your destiny. If you don’t have one, continue to seek God for it and get some help discerning, if necessary. My hope is that this year you have received clarity and a deeper conviction to pursue your calling. You are headed somewhere! The challenge is staying the course and learning as you go. The good news is that Christ is already where you are heading and He will be with you (and for you) all along the journey. Keep going!

PNO is Focused, Informed, and Transforming!

The Phi Nu Omega chapter retreat took place on October 1, 2022 at the Microsoft Building in Reston, Virginia . The theme for the retreat was PNO F .I.T . Focused, Informed, and Transforming . To get focused sorors engaged in a meditation exercise . Sorors got informed by hearing about the sorority's new program initiatives, sharing our thoughts and insights on ways we can make PNO better, and learning about each other through several fun sisterly relations activities. To help PNO transform , sorors established four strategic priorities on which the chapter will focus this upcoming year: membership growth, sisterly relations, technology, and having a signature fundraising event. The strategic planning sessions were led by Guest Facilitator Soror Wanda King. The retreat concluded with a champagne toast and a chapter stroll. PNO is ready to SOAR and ready to serve .

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a great time to spread awareness about the importance of breast health. Learn about breast cancer facts, early detection, common warning signs, screening options, and patient resources, so you can be proactive with your breast health.

Breast Cancer Awareness Facts:

• Breast cancer is one of the most common and well known cancers diagnosed in the United States.

• Occurs in BOTH men and women, but is more common in women.

• In 2021, is it estimated that 276,480 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women.

• Most breast cancers are found in women older than 50, but 10% are found in women younger than 45.

• With increased awareness and research, there are many advances in how to treat breast cancer.

• Early detection is key because there are more treatment options available, increased survival, and improved quality of life.

Breast Health and Early Detection:

It cannot be stressed enough how important early detection can be in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Sometimes there are no symptoms, or by the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread. That’s why it is important to see your provider right away if you notice something concerning.

Learn the Early Warning Signs of Breast Cancer:

When breast cancer is caught early, there are more treatment options available and a better chance for a cure. Not all changes, pains, or lumps will be cancerous, but you should always talk to your doctor to schedule an evaluation.

Warning signs include:

• A lump in the breast or underarm

• Spontaneous or bloody discharge from the nipple

• Retraction or indentation of the nipple area

• Change in the size of a breast

• Flattening or indentation of the skin covering the breast

• Redness or pitting of the breast skin, similar to that of an orange

• Crustiness or rash of the nipple or areola

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider immediately.

Friends of

Leonard “Chick”

asking sorors to

Service Project

Uplifting Our Local Community

Join Gamma Iota Omega Chapter as we "connect" with The Legacy Museum of African American History, a 501c3 organization, which is dedicated to collecting, preserving and storing historical artifacts, documents and memorabilia relating to significant contributions of the African American Community in Lynchburg and environs.

"The Legacy", as it is affectionately known, generously gave space for Gamma Iota Omega to erect a memorial dedicated to our Founder, Marjorie Hill, who taught in Lynchburg immediately after graduating from Howard University.

The “Legacy” is

donations

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Making sure that your knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order is up to date is important for anyone required to conduct meetings with formal voting procedures as well as others who would like to be prepared to serve if called upon in the future. The Robert’s Rules of Order book and quick study guide can be purchased on Amazon. Additionally, the National Association of Parliamentarians offers online training for members and non-members and you can access videos on YouTube. https://www.parliamentarians.org/services/learningopportunities/web-based-courses/

The Leadership Development Committee would like to encourage Sorors to take some time to refresh your understanding of parliamentary procedure.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an annual designation observed in October. For many, home is a place of love, warmth, and comfort. It’s somewhere that you know you will be surrounded by care and support, and a nice little break from the busyness of the real world. But for millions of others, home is anything but a sanctuary. The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year.

Every 9 seconds, a woman in the U.S. is beaten or assaulted by a current or ex significant other.

1 in 4 men are victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner.

Here’s another shocking statistic: the number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan and Iraq between 2001 and 2012 is 6,488. The number of women who were murdered by current or ex male partners during that same time frame is 11,766, according to the Huffington Post. That’s almost double the number of people who were killed fighting in the war. People who are in an abusive relationship will stay with their partner for a number of reasons:

• Their self-esteem is totally destroyed , and they are made to feel they will never be able to find another person to be with.

• The cycle of abuse , meaning the ‘honeymoon phase’ that follows physical and mental abuse, makes them believe their partner really is sorry and does love them.

• It’s dangerous to leave. Women are 70 times more likely to be killed in the weeks after leaving their abusive partner than at any other time in the relationship, according to the Domestic Violence Intervention program.

• Statistics suggest that almost 5 percent of male homicide victims each year are killed by an intimate partner.

• They feel personally responsible for their partner, or their own behavior. They are made to feel like everything that goes wrong is their fault .

• They share a life. Marriages, children, homes, pets, and finances are a big reason victims of abuse feel they can’t leave.

Use # DomesticViolenceAwareness to post on social media. Sometimes, people don’t know if they are really in an abusive relationship because they’re used to their partner calling them crazy or making them feel like all the problems are their own fault. Here are a few ways to know if you’re in an abusive relationship that you need to get out of.

1. Your partner has hit you, beat you, or strangled you in the past.

2. Your partner is possessive . They check up on you constantly wondering where you are; they get mad at you for hanging out with certain people if you don’t do what they say.

3. Your partner is jealous . (A small amount of jealousy is normal and healthy) however, if they accuse you of being unfaithful or isolate you from family or friends, that means the jealousy has gone too far.

4. Your partner puts you down . They attack your intelligence, looks, mental health, or capabilities. They blame you for all of their violent outbursts and tell you nobody else will want you if you leave.

5. Your partner threatens you or your family.

6. Your partner physically and sexually abuses you . If they EVER push, shove, or hit you, or make you have sex with them when you don’t want to, they are abusing you (even if it doesn’t happen all the time.)

HISTORY

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the “Day of Unity” held in October 1981 and conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The “Day of Unity” soon evolved into a week, and in October of 1987, the first National Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. In 1989 Congress passed Public Law 101 112, officially designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has been passed each year since.

As this month comes to an end, the important discussion it brings to the forefront about domestic violence’s horrific repercussions should not.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please click here for help. If you are in danger, call 911.

The

Fun & Fit with Soror Crystal!

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Recovery:

STRETCH: For the upper body, try the crescent moon yoga stretch and hold on each side twice for 60 seconds. (Legs together, Arms clasped straight above your head and lean right and then left, making a crescent shape with your body)

STRETCH: For the lower body (specifically calves), try lifting your toes on a wall or chair while your heel stays planted and lean into the wall or chair. You also have the option of leaving your feet flat as shown. Do this twice on each side for 60 seconds.

FOOD: What are you eating? Here are some suggestions to add to your diet while exercising.

• Pre Workout: Bananas. Quick energy boost, full of potassium which supports muscle function and gives an assist to a better recovery.

• Post Workout: Proteins. Tuna, salmon, chicken, avocado, nuts. Your body will be craving protein. FEED IT!

HYDRATE!

I can’t say enough about WATER. Always remember to hydrate. However many glasses (or bottles) of water you drink per day, try to DOUBLE it.

Benefits:

• Relieves fatigue . Did you know that your blood volume level drops if you have an inadequate amount of water in your body? This may be the reason for any fatigue you may feel throughout the day.

• Helps with headaches and migraines. Many headaches and migraines are due to dehydration.

• Encourages weight loss. Sometimes you’re not really hungry…you’re thirsty. Try drinking a glass (or 2!) of water before a meal.

• Flushes toxins. Flushing out the toxins is healthy for your internal organs. Bonus: healthier, younger looking skin!

I can’t wait for you to join me in this fun Fall Challenge for November. Let’s get our heartrate up and have some fun! I would love to hear from you!

Reach out and send me an email at ceswhite@gmail.com about your progress and tell me what you’re jamming to while you workout! YOU GOT THIS!

“Even when you don’t feel like doing it, do it anyway!” me (Soror Crystal)

Soror Karen at the Cure Sickle Cell Now walk at Howard University

Sorors Out & About

Soror Briyanna and New hubby Giovanni had a beautiful ceremony this month!

Soror Lisa’s daughter Brittany got married on October 21 st ! Here are pictures of the beautiful bride & groom, daughters Brittany & Brianna, and Soror Lisa & daughter Brianna during the wedding procession.

Soror Karen after completing the SeaGull Century Ride where she rode 100 miles!

Soror Karen is inviting everyone to come see her daughter Carole’s basketball game on November 20 th 7:00pm at American University. Please text her if interested in going! (703 966 1599)

Soror Jatrice Martel Gaiter attended a meeting about lowering the cost of healthcare at the White House. She was able to take this picture with President Biden.

Soror Deirdre went to see Tina the Musical at the National Theatre in DC

Birthdays