Perspectives 62.2 (Spring 2015)

A message from our president Ranita Lopez | National President

Greetings Gamma Sigs, As you are aware, Mrs. Karen Kerr, National President, had to unexpectedly step down from her station effective immediately. We are very thankful to Karen for her exceptional leadership and guidance as National President over the past year and a half, as well as her faithful service to the sorority in many other roles over the years. We wish her nothing but the best.

I am honored to be leading the sorority through the remainder of the biennium as National President. As we all know, with change comes uncertainty; not knowing what the future will bring. As your President, let me assure you that I and the rest of the National Board of Directors are working hard to close the 2013-2015 biennium out strong! I have complete faith in my fellow board members and that they will do their jobs to the very best of our ability; know that I will do the same in this role. We know that our first duty is to YOU, our members, and you are always the priority. Please do not be afraid to reach out to me or any board member for guidance.

Lopez I’m happy to share that our website is now up and operational, so I encourage you to visit! Also, we are well into plans for our upcoming National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. I hope that all of you will attend and participate. This is an opportunity to meet members, conduct sorority business, and have fun! I always learn something new at each Convention I attend. We hope to see you there! Please visit our site for more details, and to register.

Also in this issue, you will see the newly redrawn district map. You’ll recall Mrs. Kerr discussing this in the last issue. The map presented in this issue is the one that our special District Realignment Committee has recommended and will go into effect for the 2015-2017 biennium. This also means that we have created a new District 9 Director as well, that will be elected at this coming Convention.

I encourage you to contact me at any time should you have a question or concern.

I am always willing to listen to what you have to say! You may email at president@gammasigmasigma.org .

Yours in Service, Ranita Lopez National President Gamma Sigma Sigma

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National Board President Ranita Lopez president@gammasigmasigma.org Vice President Vacant vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org Treasurer Jennifer Wilson treasurer@gammasigmasigma.org Service Director Aurelia Spaulding service@gammasigmasigma.org Membership Director Ashley Jennings membership@gammasigmasigma.org Alumni Director Karen Erickson alumnidirector@gammasigmasigma.org Program Director Jennifer Baker program@gammasigmasigma.org Marketing Director Anastasia Morrison marketing@gammasigmasigma.org District 1 Director Ebony Thomas district1@gammasigmasigma.org District 2 Director Jenna Hershelman district2@gammasigmasigma.org District 3 Director Ashley Robinson district3@gammasigmasigma.org District 4 Director Keli Connor district4@gammasigmasigma.org District 5 Director Katy Haynes Owen district5@gammasigmasigma.org District 6 Director Tanisha Cousby district6@gammasigmasigma.org District 7 Director Andrea Powers district7@gammasigmasigma.org District 8 Director Cristal Johnson district8@gammasigmasigma.org Parliamentarian Bridget Hall parliamentarian@gammasigmasigma.org

Service: Music to My Ears 32nd National Convention Anastasia Morrison | National Marketing Director

and the national organization. At the 32nd National Convenhis July, the sorority will meet in the Music City tion, members will see changes through the use of techCapital of the world known for its country munology, implementation of workshops, content sic artists, blues, and jazz renditions: shared, and resources available. Members Nashville, Tennessee. It is also I O will learn how the idea of service is beconsidered to be the “Melting Pot” A NAT NAL SE GM R I ing utilized as a tool for motivation of cultures from around the world, V S IC A and improving chapter functions and and that is what the 32nd Nafellowship amongst members. We tional Convention will entail: Music, Collectivity, and Fun cannot wait to see you all there! within SERVICE. Visit www.gammasigmasigma. org/convention2015 for registraTogether, we will celebrate tion, updates, t-shirt orders, and more than 60 years of sergeneral information. vice, the changes the sorority

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has made over the years, and how the sorority has changed alongside the world. The National Board of Directors hopes that 32nd National Convention in Nashville will serve as a time of discovery for new members, as well as a time to cross over to implementing new ideas to more effectively run chapters

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While we’re gearing up for our 32nd National Convention in Nashville TN, show us a #GSSTBT of last biennium’s Convention! Are you as excited as we are to go to Nashville for our 32nd National Convention? Tell us why you’re going using #GSS32 on your social media posts!

Donate your sorority memorabilia to the Gamma Sigma Sigma National Archives!

Whether you are an alumni member from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s or the 2000s we would love to have chapter and national items to help preserve our history for future members to view.

If you have items including photos, chapter documents, or other sorority related items you would like to donate, please send them to: Deb Folsom, National Archivist 2450 121st Avenue Clear Lake MN 55319 Gamma sigma sigma — Perspectives | 3

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Where’s My District?

District map redrawn, expands to nine Ranita Lopez | National President

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evenly spread. In the past, we’ve he Gamma Sigma Sighad districts with close to 10 ma National Service chapters, all assigned for one Sorority district map District Director to handle, has been redrawn. The sororwhile another District Director ity has been operating under may have only had 4. So, it’s the structure of 8 districts, and important for us to monitor we have experienced some sorority growth throughout the geographical shifts in the locabiennium and when we see a tion of chapters over the years. need for redistricting, the board This has left the workload of will research and decide whether our District Directors unbalor not to redraw. anced. After much discussion by the National Board of Directors, it With this new map you’ll notice that was obvious that we needed to take we’ll have a new District, District 9, another look at our district boundarRedrawn GSS District Map which will expand our board by one person. ies. Former National President Karen That person will be elected at the upcoming ConKerr appointed a committee at the Training & vention. You’ll also notice significant changes that Planning (August 2013) meeting of the National Board will affect Districts 3, 5, 6 and 7, where we had the most growth over of Directors made up of Jenna Hershelman, District 2 Director; Ashley the past several years. District 6 was a free-standing district and now Jennings, National Membership Director; Ranita Lopez, then National that’s cut in half, for example. There were also some shifts between Vice President; KJ Kuenzle, past National President; and Jennifer WilDistricts 5-7. Pennsylvania, once part of District 2 by itself, is a rainson, National Treasurer who also served as the Chair of the committee. bow of colors-now split up between Districts 1, 2 and 3 depending on The committee was formed mainly due to sorority growth and the the area. Also, Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee are now split need to ensure that the workload amongst District Directors was in between districts.

A timeline of redistricting in Gamma Sigma Sigma Until May of 1960, the National President maintained direct contact with all of the collegiate chapters and districts.

District Directors—as we know them today—did not exist. What follows is a timeline of how districts have changed over the decades.

1960 At the Regional Conference held in May of 1960, the National Executive Board (a prior version of our current NBD structure) was asked by

the delegates to put the regional structure in place immediately. The NEB acted and secured the Regional Directors. This was the first time that the sorority was geographically split up to serve chapters. The sorority experienced a boom in chapters and the regions were realigned from four into 10 regions.

1959

Delegates recommend that the Gamma Sigma Sigma be split up into four regions.

1985

1985 National Convention delegates voted to change from 10 regions to four districts, introducing the term District Coordinators.

1991

At the 1991 National Convention, District Coordinators became District Directors.

2005

2015

GSS again realigned the sorority by a vote of the delegates at 2005 Convention within the seven existing districts.

1995

The NBD redraws the district map, expanding districts to nine total.

2009 Heading into the 2009

At the 1995 National Convention the district make-up changed from four to seven districts.

Convention, the NBD approved a redistricting plan at their pre-convention board meeting that included adding in another district and it was introduced to the delegates at Convention. This brought the total number of districts to eight.

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What to Expect at the 32nd National Convention!

Anastasia Morrison | National Marketing Director

This article is written just for the first timers at convention. Just so you know, you are not alone; half of the attendees are usually first timers.

Lodging

The first time attendee typically uses the free quad registration provided to chapters in good standing. This means that you will be sharing a room with three other members.

Remember to pack accordingly with your bathroom supplies and luggage. Be sure to pack pajamas and something to stop the snoring because you will be sharing a bed with one other person! Also, chapter and colony members that receive the free quad registration cannot upgrade their room to a double occupancy, but individual registrants can.

General Session

At general session, members usually sit with their chapter and chapters sit with their district. Each meeting starts off with roll call. If you listen closely, you will hear the beautiful sounds from the north and the south as members spout one-liners depictive of their area and chapter. What will your chapter say?

If you want to speak during convention, you must approach the microphone. At the microphone, you address the National President, then state your name and chapter.

It goes like this: “Madame President, Aurelia Spaulding, Bluegrass Alumni Chapter.”

When it comes to voting, members will cast their ballot or electronic vote when each vote is ready. Do not worry, the floor will be

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open for discussion. Members can approach the microphone to give their view point. All rules for general session follow Robert’s Rules of Order for meetings. Overall, our convention general sessions should be very similar to properly run chapter meetings.

Spirit Night

So, do you think your chapter has a lot of spirit? Well, imagine members from almost every chapter in the room. Then, mix that with alumni-at-large and national board members. Believe me, some of our national reps can still dance, stroll and sing a chant, me included! Spirit Night is an awesome time in which Gamma Sigma Sigma celebrates its diversity. At Spirit Night, you will see chapters and districts show what sets them apart through song, chants, dances, and more. Prepare your talent to share with others.

Much More

There are so many other things at convention that make it new and exciting for old and new members. Start making your plans to attend today! Register online at www.gammasigmasigma.org/convention2015.

Carrie Newcomer

Singer-songwriter to be awarded Woman of the Year uring each National Convention, Gamma Sigma Sigma recognizes the outstanding efforts of a woman and her unwavering contributions to the community or nation. The award is called Woman of the Year and is one of the highest honors that Gamma Sigma Sigma bestows on a person. Each WOY award winner is granted National Honorary Membership upon being awarded. The 2015 Woman of the Year will be singersongwriter Carrie Newcomer.

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Carrie has produced 15 solo CDs and has received numerous awards for her music and related charitable activities. She has done numerous collaborations with

authors, academics, philosophers and musicians. In 2009 and 2011, she traveled to India as a cultural ambassador, including musical performances organized by the US State Department. In 2012 she made a similar trip to Kenya on behalf of the Interfaith Hunger Initiative. Her range of causes, activities, collaborations and philosophies significantly influences her music.

Her charity and service work is admirable.

She is a co-founder of The Soup Bowl Benefit raising over a million dollars over the past twenty years for Indiana’s hungry families; has supported organizations involved with hunger, universal health care,

accessible mental health services, environment, social and civic justice and involvement, sustainability, and more.

She advocates for arts programs in schools, visiting many schools to promote art, diversity, and social justice.

Recently she partnered with Freedom Indiana, endeavoring to oppose an amendment to the Indiana state constitution banning same sex marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnership benefits. Her song, “Be True”, has become a herald and banner for LGBT people, and was featured in a documentary about Christian LGBT people in North Carolina.

To learn more about Carrie and to listen or download her albums, visit carrienewcomer.com.

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To Create A Convention Perspectives Editor Joanna Williams spoke with National Convention Chair Kimberly Johnson about the work it takes to host a National Convention, the decision to make Nashville this years convention site and why this convention may be the best one yet.

How early does the sorority begin planning the convention after the previous one ends?

To bring together all of the great workshops, wellness classes, service events, and fun the Convention Committee starts at least 18 months prior to Convention. Many of the meetings and planning takes place during the year in between biennium. Once the committee was put together, our first meeting in December 2013 began with the Convention Committee formulating the planning, ideas, and preparations to establish the foundation of the 2015 Convention.

What are the committees that help in planning convention?

The Convention Committee is made up of Chairs. The committee has the following positions held by one individual: Convention Chair, Arrangements Coordinator, Finance and Registration Coordinator, Entertainment Chair, Hospitality and Transportation Chair, Marketing Director, National Vice President, National President, and the Administrative Assistant. The Marketing Director utilizes a marketing team to handle the production and creation of National publication, favors, and other Convention materials.

What are you all planning to do differently this time for convention that you didn’t do last convention?

This year we are striving to bring a new dimension to Convention. We are aiming to provide more applicable workshops with practical materials while making learning and service FUN. We are also providing an Alumni Reception. This event allows the Alumni an opportunity to meet and mingle

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with one another and exchange experiences.

This year we hope to provide an event that each member can enjoy no matter their age or background.

What are the biggest improvements in this upcoming convention?

Technology, technology, technology! The use of technology is definitely one of the biggest improvements. We are using a wide range of technology to help our general sessions and workshops run more efficiently as well as keeping an account of how many members attended each event. This will help future Convention committees identify what worked well and what did not work so well. We have also used technology to administer a survey to the members to determine what their interest are for excursions during their free time. This helps the committee find entertainment options that members are willing to participate in and enjoy. Most importantly, the 2015 Convention has been improved by becoming more member friendly and cater to their interests.

Why did you all choose Nashville?

The Convention location is chosen by the

National Board of Directors prior to the previous Convention. (i.e. Nashville was chosen prior to the 2013 Convention and announced at the 2013 Convention). The NBD rotates regions each year and tries to choose a location that will bring excitement and interest to the members at Convention and during their free time. Nashville is considered a central location and surrounded by a great deal of undergraduate and alumni chapters and alumni-at-large. We are hoping this will increase overall attendance.

Have you had any experience planning a national convention before?

No, this is my first time. So I am both nervous and extremely excited.

What is your biggest hope for the 2015 convention?

My biggest hope for Convention is that each member leaves on Sunday recharged and reconnected to the focus of Gamma Sigma Sigma. I hope that each member enjoys themselves immensely in all that Convention has to offer while learning, growing, sharing, and having a great time in sisterhood.

Colony Corner collegiate chatter Karen Erickson | Alumni Director There are currently three alumni colonies that join the alumni chapters in service and friendship.

• The Cherry Blossom Reactivating Alumni Chapter is located in Washington D. C. They have 12 members and serve their community with projects like making dinner for the residents of Fisher House and working with the homeless.

• The Pine Tree Reactivating Alumni Chapter is located in Maine.

They have 6 members and do service projects for food pantries and Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

• The Heart of Texas Alumni Colony is our newest colony. They have 12 active members located in Austin/ Erickson San Antonio, Texas. Their favorite project was a Halloween fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

These colonies are looking forward to joining our family of alumni chapters as they work toward chartering.

Requirements for interest groups include gathering a minimum of six alumni who want to continue with service within our organization, hosting service projects and meeting to organize by choosing officers and writing bylaws and standing rules prior to completing the petition with the Alumni Director. Any alumni interested in starting a new interest group or joining a current alumni chapter or colony should contact the Alumni Director at alumni@gammasigmasigma.org.

Gamma Rho raises $1K for Mothers Against Drunk Driving Pittsburgh, PA— This fall, the Gamma Rho chapter locked it down and locked it up for their 1st Annual Bail Out or Bust Event. The event was anything but a bust—the chapter raised over $1000 for Mothers Against Drunk Driving! Members of the chapter were handcuffed together as they tag-teamed around their University of Pittsburgh campus to raise enough “bail money” to be released from “imprisonment”. The chapter hosted this event in the Schenley Quadrangle, a central hub on campus. The Dean of Student Affairs, Dean Humphrey, even joined in on the fun! This event was such a success that the chapter has decided to make it an annual fundraiser. The event was organized by members Julia Gorman and Eileen Hilley.

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COLLEGITATE CHATTER Alpha Psi doubles, completes 2k service hours #Overheard OnTwitter @kay_mc217 Last night I was initiated into the greatest sorority there is, Gamma Sigma Sigma! — Dec 3 @GSSatUMD Our gamma sigma family has grown! We are so excited to welcome so many amazing women as active members! — Nov 22 @CapePolice Gamma Sigma Sigma brought care packages to PD. Thank you for continued support. ­­—-Dec 18 @ProjectSmirk THANK YOU to Gamma Sigma Sigma . We appreciate your hard work and hope you continue to be the change you wish to see! — Oct 21 @givecenter Gamma Sigma Sigma is one of the oldest Service Organizations on our campus. — Nov 18 @baileynh14 officially a sister of Gamma Sigma Sigma and couldn’t be happier — Nov 2

Cape Girardeau, MO—The Alpha Psi chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma grew tremendously last fall. A total of 57 girls were activated, which more than doubled the size of their chapter.

Between the active members and the MemberIn-Training class, 2,051 hours of service were completed, with 365.5 hours toward Project I.M.P.A.C.T. This spring, another rush took place with 16 girls being inducted. The chapter is planning some new events this semester including an alternative spring break in Memphis, TN for service

and bonding, and will be hosting a 5k with another student organization to benefit SEMO Food Bank, FISH Food Pantry, and Birthright Women’s Shelter. This spring, for the second year in a row, Alpha Psi will be participating in Southeast Serves, a week’s worth of service opportunities for students.

Planning for their Philanthropy has also begun.

The event is a See-Saw-A-Thon to benefit the Backstoppers and will take place April 25. The chapter hopes to get support from both students and the community.

NuRAC working to establish campus presence Storrs, CT —In the past year, NuRAC has worked hard to promote themselves at UConn and to establish a solid groundwork for growth. It has been an exciting process involving tons of work from each and every new member, but the results have been well worth the effort. This semester NuRAC has 22 MITs and couldn’t be more proud to share that news. They are excited to know that their future at UConn is full of promise.

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COLLEGITATE CHATTER Epsilon Nu gives back to student-mothers #Overheard OnTwitter @tshay1414 I am so glad that I joined gamma sigma sigma.

I am also glad to call myself a new member!

— Nov 23 Daytona Beach, FL — The Epsilon Nu Chapter at Bethune-Cookman University, hosted its first Student-Mother’s Luncheon. The purpose of this event was to celebrate, encourage, and embrace those students on campus who also hold the title of being a mother. “While these young ladies are amongst a small population of students at BethuneCookman University, there exists a community of women just like them on campuses nationwide. It

is very important to convey to them the true extent of the support system they have here on campus,” chapter president Frances M. Goodman said. Members of the chapter, university faculty and staff, as well as the student-mothers were very excited by the efforts taken to extend a helping hand to such beautiful, ambitious, young, ladies. The Luncheon consisted of bonding with the guests of honor, poetry selections and gift bags.

Beta Delta supports local children’s museum LA CROSSE, WI — The Beta Delta Chapter at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse has had a long standing relationship with the La Crosse Children’s Museum. For the past several years, members volunteer their time at events put on by the Children’s Museum. This fall, an opportunity arose to financially contribute to the Children’s Museum by participating in the well-known Color Run. The Color Run chooses a local organization to which it will donate part of the race proceeds to.

To receive the donation the chosen organization must provide the Color Run with 150 volunteers.

The Color Run of La Crosse chose the La Crosse Children’s Museum as the benefactor of the race.

Members of the Beta Delta Chapter contributed to the Color Run through running and volunteering at the race. Overall, the Color Run was pleased with the number of participants who ran the race, as well as the number of volunteers the Children’s Museum was able to provide, which was well over

@Brenda_QBee I miss my early college years..Gamma Sigma Sigma #Maroon and #White — Dec 7 @tshay1414 I am seriously so glad that I joined Gamma Sigma Sigma. I wish I would have joined sooner! — Oct 26 @SocClubUWL Members of the Soc Club teamed up with Gamma Sigma Sigma to rake leaves around the community! — Oct 25 @april_koehler Rush Gamma Sigma Sigma!

For good old fashioned fun and service to our community! — Jan 21

the required 150. Because of the great success, The Color Run donated $3,500 more than expected to the La Crosse Children’s Museum, for a total donation of $10,000.

The Children’s Museum said the money will go toward building a new burning house and fire station exhibit at the museum. The Beta Delta chapter looks forward to volunteering with the La Crosse Children’s Museum at their soon to be improved fire safety events.

@bnw81195 I have officially been activated. I can now call myself a true member of Gamma Sigma Sigma. #ΓΣΣ ­— Dec 11

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ALUMNI IN ACTION

WHITE ROSE White Rose Gala a success once again Nashville, TN — The White Rose Alumni Chapter ended 2014 with a bang! On November 8th the chapter had their annual gala, the White Rose Lounge. The gala is the culmination of all of their fundraising and service events throughout the year. It allows the chapter to mingle with members of organizations that they have worked with and honor them for all the good they are doing in our community.

This year’s honorees were March of Dimes, MADD, and Monroe Harding. They had a great time entertaining and being entertained by their guests.

Starting in 2015 the chapter will be hosting citywide sisterhood events, geared at bringing together the sisters in Nashville and surrounding areas. White Rose is excited that convention will be held in their backyard and can’t wait to see all of their sisters in service!

RIVER REGION River Region Alumni busy with service

ALABAMA —The members of River Region Garnets and Pearls Alumni Chapter of Montgomery, Al., had a very eventful year in 2014! They participated in various service projects. Members volunteered with the Salvation Army, the Joy of Life Foundation and the American Cancer Society. They even got a little colorful last year and volunteered with Color Vibe, a 5K run.

RRGP members participated in the annual Making Strides Against Breast and raised over $400.

Cherrilyn Horn and Lakisha Prichett were the two new additions to the RRGP family back in June 2014. The 2015 year has started with a bang!

Members have been clipping coupons to send overseas to military families. A couple members volunteered at the Hot Chocolate Run in Atlanta, Ga., with the Atlanta Metropolitan Alumni Chapter. The members are working hard to host two new events this year. A city wide baby shower in Montgomery to help families in need and a Gala to raise money for a Project I.M.P.A.C.T., towards the end of 2015!

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ALUMNI IN ACTION

GEMINI Gemini Alumni supports Project I.M.P.A.C.T.

Pennsylvania—Gemini Alumni Chapter got together to make casseroles for a local women’s shelter before holding their annual holiday party. Gemini has supported the project I.M.P.A.C.T. area of Domestic Violence Awareness by hosting a cleanup at a nearby shelter and donating clothes and other goods to Nana’s Attic, A Thrift Store benefiting The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County, Inc. Gemini is looking forward to another year filled with service!

OMICRON

Omicron Alumni participate in “Change to Change” FLORIDA­— The ladies of the Omicron Alumni Chapter joined forces with other civic and service organizations from the local community by educating the citizens and signing them up for one of the City of Tallahassee premiere programs, “Change to Change”.

This program was created in 2004,

by Tallahassee Equality Action Ministry, a combination of local churches for the purpose of providing basic needs and emergency services to the homeless. An estimated 20% of the Tallahassee homeless population is children. Services include shelter programs, education, and training; assistance with move-in expenses; financial assistance toward emergency housing payments; matching dollars for

permanent housing projects; and other services supporting the homeless.

Change for Change funds are distributed to qualified agencies who provide homelessness services through an existing program used by the City, County and United Way, where citizen volunteers help direct funding to the areas of greatest need in Tallahassee.

This program is a great program because the funds go directly to the aforementioned agencies and not into the City of Tallahassee main fund. A small contribution every month makes a huge impact in the lives of children and families in the Tallahassee community. The festival was a big success!

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ALUMNI IN ACTION

YELLOW ROSE

Yellow Rose Alumni support domestic violence shelter TEXAS —The Yellow Rose Alumni Chapter supported the Bay Area Turning Point food drive in November. Bay Area Turning Point is a shelter for victims of domestic violence. The food drive supplied much needed food for their pantry. The shelter is located in Webster, Texas at an undisclosed location to protect the victims’ identities and serves the Gulf Coast area of the Houston, Texas. The chapter members worked at one of the local Kroger stores requesting incoming shoppers to support either by buying a prepackaged bag of groceries, shopping for items on a list, or monetary donations. It was quite a successful campaign. The Yellow Rose Alumnae chapter also meets quarterly and works on two projects at our meetings: clipping coupon for the military and assembling personal care bags which are donated to the Bay Area Turning Point.

MID JERSEY

Mid Jersey Shore Alums begin new initiative NEW JERSEY — Mid Shore Alums participated in a variety of service projects this fall including two new initiatives: Children’s Aid and Family Services and 180 Turning Point. Children’s Aid and Family Services helps children who do not have families able to care for them. 180 Turning Point helps domestic violence victims.

At their September and October meeting members donated toiletries and made toiletry kits that were donated to Children’s Aid and Family Services to give to teens in foster care. They also donated large toiletry items, paper goods and cake mixes to 180 Turning Point. Additional toiletry items and ghost lollipops were donated to Ronald McDonald House.

In November the chapter made 20 sustainable lunches for Bridges Outreach. Bridges works with the homeless population. They also donated two food baskets and over 100 gifts to Family and Children Services of Monmouth County. Our chapter has been working with this organization for almost 40 years!

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ALUMNI IN ACTION

GREATER ATLANTA Greater Atlanta Alumni celebrate new members

GEORGIA— Greater Atlanta Alumni kicked off the year enjoying being proud members of GAAC, while member’s fellowshipped in the park and captured chapter pictures. The SWEET AFFAIR event on November 9th served as a celebratory event to welcome newest members. The new members were welcomed with treats and gifts as well as fellowshipping with other sorority members, friends and family. Sorors and chapter members were able to mix and mingle while enjoying a relaxing night of sisterhood. GAAC also served as volunteers at Aniz Inc.’s 13th Annual holiday celebration on December 20th. The event was centered around the community, which created an atmosphere of hope and happiness for the less fortunate during the special season. The holiday event entailed providing a nutritious meal, toys and gift cards to disadvantages communities. Members of GAAC offered a helping hand by volunteering as registrars, greeters and servers at the event.

An update on our Alumni Karen Erickson | Alumni Director There are currently 24 alumni chapters in every district, but not every area of the country.

These members are busy doing service, individually and as groups, serving the community and nation, as well as having social events.

Service covers Project IMPACT areas with projects like serving meals, giving food baskets at holiday times, and helping women’s Erickson shelters with donations and helping with the children. Chapters do service for our service partners raising money and participating in walks as walkers or volunteers. Many chapters have long standing projects or other projects of local interest where they work at nursing homes or help advocacy groups like PACER.

Most chapters also do interchapter service and social events with other alumni chapters and collegiate chapters in their areas.

Alumni members interested in joining an alumni chapter should contact the Alumni Director at alumni@gammasigmasigma.org for more information.

As always, alumni who are not members of a chapter, colony or interest group are asked to report service hours using the Alumniat-Large Service Report. It is available from the National Alumni Director at alumni@gammasigmasigma.org or from the national website. If service ideas or more information are needed contact the National Service Director, the National Alumni Director or check out the service section of the national website.

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Gamma Sigma Sigma

c/o Sharon Murri National Database Coordinator PO Box 248 Rindge, NH 03461