Perspectives 66.1 (Fall/Winter 2018/19)

Fall/Winter 2018

Gamma Sigma Sigma

Volume 66, Issue 1

Perspectives National Newsletter

CONVENTION 2019 From service events to the awards, we’ve got all the exciting details you’ve got to look forward to!

CONFERENCES 2018

ALUMNI IN ACTION

Workshops and Service traveling from near and far, our members showed up and gave it their all.

Summer was here but the alumni never stopped.

Have you seen the great things they’ve been up to?

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

A message from Gamma Sigma Sigma National President, Katy Owens

04

Leadership Conferences 2018

06

Service Notes

09

Alumni In Action

13

Collegiate Chatter

18

Gamma Sigma Sigma National Convention 2019

WWW.GAMMASIGMASIGMA.ORG

@GammaSigmaSigma

PAGE 03

FROM THE PRESIDENT

BY KATY OWEN, PH.D. Our nation is experiencing a season of division that continues to arouse emotions of anger, frustration, sadness, guilt, and confusion. As this season weighs on my heart, I would be remiss to act as if our beloved organization is unaffected. That which effects our members individually, impacts us all as a whole.

I do not pretend to offer simple platitudes of unity to magically and miraculously fix that which has become deeply broken. However, I pull wisdom from our founding mothers to help illuminate a path for Gamma Sigma Sigma.

Unity in Service. We recite our motto often from remote memorization, but the context is particularly applicable for today. Do our actions as a sorority promote unification? Who are we unifying and who have we missed? Unifying with those who look, sound, act, and believe as we do is not true unity.

Unity lies in the willingness and ability to join, support, and love those who live lives divergent from your own path. Unity is intentional. Unity is hard.

“...TO HELP ILLUMINATE A PATH FOR GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA”

So how do we unify through service? How do we honor, value, and respect one another and our communities to draw us into one another? I propose that unity does not need to diminish our differences but embrace them. Not tolerate them. Not ignore them.

But unequivocally embrace one another as we strive to live our most authentic, meaningful lives. If this type of loving embrace is our focus, our service will unify and heal. We have that power, but we must be uncomfortably honest with ourselves first. We must identify where we miss the mark with unity and pledge to make changes to our own perspectives and actions. I pledge to be uncomfortable. I pledge to face my unintentional biases. I pledge to strive for true Unity in Service.

Much love and respect, Katy Haynes Owen, Ph.D. 29th National President Gamma Sigma Sigma, National Service Sorority

“...EMBRACE ONE ANOTHER AS WE STRIVE TO LIVE OUR MOST AUTHENTIC, MEANINGFUL LIVES.”

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LEADERSHIP CONFERENCES ATLANTA, GA MINNEAPOLIS, MN HOUSTON, TX HERSHEY, PA

Houston, Texas - September 28-29, 2018 Hershey, Pennsylvania on October 26-27, 2018 Each conference started off on a Friday evening with a Membership Training Workshop that featured training on completing National Reports, officer training, completing MIT requests and more. That portion of the conference was open to any GSS member regardless if they have registered for the conference.

Then on Saturday’s, conference programming began bright and early. The day included group workshops and activities, a group service project, lunch, 4 workshops + networking opportunities and plenty of time for attendees to get to know one another!

UNITY IS NOT JUST A MOTTO. #GammaSigmaSigma

DID YOU KNOW...

JOINING A NATIONAL COMMITTEE

SERVE 100

Committees shall be task based and elected every year with the exception of the Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee, National Convention Committee, and Nominating Committee, if the chair has a defined task for the members on the committee. The Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee, National Convention Committee, and Nominating Committee serve for the duration of the biennium. The term for Finance Committee appointments follow the guidelines set forth in the National Bylaws.

Let’s make it to 100 together. For the calendar year, all members are encouraged to participate in Serve 100, a challenge for Gamma Sigma Sigma members to volunteer 100 hours of service during the year.

For committees that require a specific number of collegiate members, the National Board of Directors will make full effort to fill the committee with members that will be a collegiate during the entire length of the committee’s time.

Learn more at www.gammasigmasigma.org

Why participate?

Gamma Sigma Sigma was founded on the purpose of providing service to humanity, and for six decades members have given back to through service with their campuses and communities.

Serve 100 brings members together no matter the location or membership status to continue in the spirit of service.

You can learn more by visiting: www.gammasigmasigma.org/service/serve-100

#UnityInService

SERVICE NOTES Run, walk, and cycle during September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!

Every year Gamma Sigma Sigma participates by turning awareness into action by joining Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation “Alex’s Million Mile”, the largest childhood cancer awareness challenge that funds researchers so they can find better treatments and more cures for kids battling cancer.

Whether you were a casual walker or jogger, an avid cyclist or marathoner, YOU made a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer. ALSF’s goal was to collectively walk, run or ride a million miles and raise $1 million. www.alexslemonade.org Thank you for all the many Lemonade Stand’s each year!

DATES TO REMEMBER October 2018 Project IMPACT Nominations Open October 12-13, 2018 District 6 & 7 Spirit Day November 2018 National Homeless Awareness Month & National Prematurity Month November 1, 2018 Service Assistance Program Application Deadline – Cycle III November 11, 2018 National Veterans Day December 2018 National Impaired Driving Prevention Month – MADD December 31, 2018 Last Day to Submit Learn Serve Impact Tracking and Reporting Form

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UNITY IN SERVICE

UPDATE FROM THE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

BY PRECIOUS CRISTWELL Here is a quick over view of all the colonies, reactivating chapters and interest groups that we have currently.

Colonies & Reactivating Chapters

Valdosta State University Colony - Valdosta State University

Colony Recognition Date: April 2, 2016

National Project with the Most Hours of Service: American Cancer Society Epsilon Kappa Reactivating Chapter - Kentucky State University

Reactivation Recognition Date: November 20, 2016

National Project with the Most Hours of Service: Project IMPACT - Addressing Homelessness Zeta Omega Reactivating Chapter - Clark Atlanta University

Reactivation Recognition Date: April 16, 2017

National Project with the Most Hours of Service: Project IMPACT - Addressing Homelessness Zeta Psi Reactivating Chapter - Mississippi Valley State University

Reactivation Recognition Date: July 7, 2017

National Project with the Most Hours of Service: Project IMPACT - Addressing Homelessness Washington and Jefferson Colony - Washington and Jefferson College

Colony Recognition Date: November 21, 2017

National Project with the Most of Hours of Service: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Interest Groups University of Alabama Alcorn State University Costal Carolina University As you can see we are growing at a steady pace and our newest members are heavily involved in our national service projects.

Additionally, four of the five groups attended the Atlanta Conference in February of this year.

I am very happy with the involvement of our colonies and reactivating chapter, and I am looking forward to chartering ceremonies as well as more new colonies in the future.

In Service, Precious Cristwell National Membership Director Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc.

WEE OOP

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ALUMNI IN ACTION Greater Jacksonville Alumni Chapter Greater Jacksonville Alumni Chapter - Serving the community by feeding the hungry and providing hygiene bags is a quarterly service project that GJAC takes pride in. They say “It’s an amazing feeling having the resources to give back to the community and being able to make a difference in someone’s life which is beneficial to both parties involved.” The project allows them to have a one-on-one interaction with the homeless community, enjoying the conversations and laughter with one another each time we have the opportunity to serve them. Members not only provided hygiene bags but during the winter seasons they provide hot soup, blankets, and socks to the homeless; adapting to the needs of the quarter which they’re serving in. The members of GJAC believe that no act of kindness, no matter how small in size, is ever wasted.

Greater Jacksonville Alumni of Jacksonville, Fl. attended the monthly Art Walk Festival spreading awareness about HIV & AIDS with care packages, statistical facts for the U.S. and Jacksonville, FL., as well as condoms to raise awareness about the epidemic. Partnering with the Jacksonville Health Department they had a HIV testing truck available and were able to hand out over 1,000 care packages.

GJAC was also able to meet News Anchor Steve Smith and Mayor Lenny Curry who participated in the event.

GJAC also helps Toys for Tots each year by hosting a toy drive. The objective of Toys for Tots is to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause each year during the annual toy collection and distribution drive; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

Atlanta Metropolitan Alumni Chapter

At Atlanta Metropolitan Alumni Chapter’s annual service project breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Each year they have the opportunity to cook and serve the families at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House and strives to do more within the community to make a bigger impact than the year before. AMAC isn’t a stranger at Ronald McDonald House, they’ve served with the organization before and each year their hearts are fuller. Ronald McDonald House provides a peace of mind; reducing stress, financial burden, and establishing a network of support to help cope. Each time members serve at the Ronald McDonald House they are also providing a sense of relief and a support system for the families.

Each service project brings an awareness and need to do more within the community and AMAC has successfully continued relationships with the organization throughout the years, as well as add new organizations to the roster to serve with. AMAC has shown they are committed to growth and service with everything they do.

River Region Garnets & Pearls Alumni Chapter The River Region Garnets & Pearls Alumni Chapter of Alabama - In May, the RRGP held a Chemo Care Kit Drive and it was a huge success!

They surpassed their goal of 240 and kits.

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COLLEGIATE CHATTER

Zeta Psi Reactivating Chapter

Zeta Psi of Mississippi Valley State University - Upon the arrival of their incoming freshman and transfer students members helped with move-in and getting new arrivals well acquainted with the campus just as they were helped, also making known that members of GSS are always there to help. Zeta Psi had a great turnout at their first service project. The project included “SigTips” about what was needed for back to school including tips about studying, going to class, and supplies. They also held a run the yard competition with all the Greeks at MVSU from D9 to service sororities and fraternities. There was a three part step, stroll, and chant and won out of all the sororities! Zeta Psi said “It was a big accomplishment because we are a service organization and we get the title of “Who runs the Yard” for a whole year; it was a great way to start off the year.”

Beta Delta

Beta Delta chapter in La Crosse, Wisconsin held their 24th annual “Teeter totter-athon” in April to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and raise funds for the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin. Their total funds raised was $1,262.

Beta Delta Chapter at the University of Wisconsin hosted their 2nd annual “Duel of the Dips” in April to raise money and awareness for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Money is raised by participants entering a signature dip into a friendly competition and having community members vote on the best dip!

Delta Theta

Delta Theta Chapter at Fort Valley State University gave out free ice cream to the students at the start of the school year.

Valdosta State University Colony

Valdosta State Colony in Valdosta, GA - From the start of the year members of the VSU Colony have helped with freshman move-in alongside the members of Alpha Phi Omega, it was a huge success with getting involved and helping the new students. They’ve also attended a multicultural mixer with multiple organizations on campus, such as Sigma Lambda Beta and the Spanish Club. The events allowed them to get closer with the other organizations on campus and start event planning. Additionally, they participated in the annual “The Happening” at the university. This event allowed the colony to spread awareness about Gamma Sigma Sigma and show the student body what they have to offer. As a colony they’ve elected a new executive board and are already planning future events for the colony. Valdosta State Colony has many great plans throughout the semester and we can’t wait to see what the semester brings them.

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Epsilon Xi

Epsilon Xi at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA - In February 2018 members of Moravian College’s Epsilon Xi Chapter were able to go and volunteer with an organization called ‘Esperanza for Hope’, located on Southside of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Esperanza for Hope is run through a church called Iglesia Esperanza (Hope Church) and they offer programs that benefit all age groups. Some programs include: tutoring for students and clothing/food drives that help those who need it. The church uses traditions and customs that are connected to those of the Moravians. Some of the words they use to describe their heritage as a community of faith are; evangelical, ecumenical, and historial. Working with Esperanza for Hope they were able to help the organization sort through clothes that would be donated to Puerto Rican refugees. Kelsey O’Gorman, a senior at Moravian, says “It was a great way to help the community! Being able to work with this amazing organization has given us the opportunity to give back to the community that surrounds our college. Esperanza for Hope has opened my eyes to all of the community service that I can be doing in the community around us.

Being that Moravian College is such a tight knit community I am always looking for ways to give back. Gamma Sig has given me the change to not only give back to the community that I go to school in but the chance to do that with my amazing ‘sig-lings’ that are always so welcoming and excited to do any form of community service. Both the Chapter and myself are looking forward to working with this amazing organization in the future!”

SERVICE, FRIENDSHIP, EQUALITY

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Beta Gamma

Beta Gamma at the University of Delaware - The Beta Gamma chapter had a wonderful semester! During the spring semester they raised over $1,500 for their philanthropy, The Boys and Girls club of Delaware.

Gamma Sigma Sigma was also the top raising RSO at UDance, raising just shy of $50,000 for the kids.

Their members also walked during Relay for Life and finished as the third highest raising RSO. The chapter president would like to thank all the alumni that have supported them in our fundraising efforts. Beta Gamma also welcomed 68 new sisters with the Beta Omicron class being activated this past May and said goodbye to 54 graduating sisters. As a chapter, their members had completed over 2,600 hours of service in the community and their MITs had completed over 400 hours - no doubt finishing up the spring semester strong! Last fall they raised $3897.76 for Bringing Hope Home and as of April 9th, they had raised $1872.89for The Boys and Girls Club!

Eta Omega at CalU in Pennsylvania - Gamma Sigma Sigma honorary member Sarah Seader and Alumni member Leah Seader made and donated tie knot blankets for ‘Fleece Connection’ to be delivered to hospitalized veterans. They also volunteered at PNC’s “Mutt Strut” Event in Pittsburgh, PA to help raise awareness and money for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs as part of Project I.M.P.A.C.T..

Eta Omega

THE GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA WHITE ROSE FOUNDATION

Dear Gamma Sigma Sigma members, The White Rose Foundation is looking for new members!! All members, collegiate and alumni can apply to be a Board member of the Foundation. The Board meets via conference call every two months in the evening. The term of office begins January 1, 2019 and lasts two year. Selection will be made by the current Foundation Board at their November meeting. The application is available here and due October 1st.

Based on the 2015 survey, most members felt that Gamma Sig should start a foundation. A committee was set up and researched the possibility. A report was given to the 2016 Summer NBD meeting. The Board approved the proposal and budget. An initial board for the foundation was determined. The foundation was named the Gamma Sigma Sigma White Rose Foundation. That board established the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

The foundation was incorporated in the State of New Hampshire and received its own EIN number. Now the application for the 501(c)(3) status is being sent to the Internal Revenue Service. Once the application is approved the foundation can begin to accept donations.

The foundation has the following mission and purpose as stated in its bylaws: The Foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code. The purpose of this corporation is: (a) provide grants for special service projects of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority (hereafter the “Sorority”) (b) provide scholarships for members of the Sorority (c) provide donations to special projects or issues related to the ideals, purposes and interests of the Sorority (d) promote educational programs for members of the Sorority Donations to the foundation are expected from chapters, individual members, memorials and member’s legacy contributions. The donations to the foundation will be tax deductible.

The initial board will serve until December 31. A new board will be selected in November. Applications to serve on this board will be available in mid-September. Watch for further details.

Contact foundation@gammasigmasigma.org if you have further questions about the organization as a whole or about the application.

Sincerely, The National Board of Directors

GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA NATIONAL CONVENTION 2019

NEW ORLEANS

GSS Convention has been re-imagined! JW Marriott is a luxury hotel in the heart of New Orleans’s French Quarter, just two blocks from the historic sites and sounds of Bourbon Street. No more are we in the suburb of a major city, we are right in the middle of the action. Walking distance from everything you want and need to see in this thriving metropolis you know as the “Big Easy”!

JULY 17 - 21, 2019

We invite you to come Taste the city with your very own GSS Visa. We have innovated meal selections in the Big Easy by empowering you to roam the city and try the native cuisine of New Orleans. You choose what you want to eat, as well as, where you plan to dine using your personal GSS Visa Gift Card.

Convention is a momentous occasion when we get to contour and shape GSS through voting on proposed bylaws and policy, serving together to make an IMPACT as one body, and learning about who we are as members of Gamma Sigma Sigma.

REGISTRATION TYPE QUAD: $463 TRIPLE: $527 DOUBLE: $659 SINGLE: $1,051 DAY: $335

Remember, each chapter can afford to send two delegates to National Convention because travel pool pays the registration cost for those individuals. That means all that is needed is the cost of the car/bus ride, train or flight to get to convention. Come for the knowledge and service. Stay for the play!

GSS CONVENTION 2019 NEW ORLEANS!!!

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FROM YOUR DISTRICT 7 DIRECTOR

BY LYNNE COVINGTON

District 7 is quite busy this year already and we are excited about our upcoming Spirit day!

Central Florida Alumni Interest Group will be hosting a meet and greet and will be participating in the Breast Cancer Walk in Orlando, FL on October 27th.

We’ve also had several chapters that participated in Alex’s Million Mile, raising money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The Greater Jacksonville Alumni Chapter raised money by having people donate, buy lanyards, as well as walk. The Sunshine State Alumni Chapter raised money by having people sponsor them and walk miles!

Lynne Covington District 7 Director Gamma Sigma Sigma, National Service Sorority

DISTRICT 6 & 7 S P I R I T DAY

October 12th -13th we will be celebrating Founders Day and working with District 6 on celebrating our district. We have a lot of alumni chapters in our district and we are so happy about the potential for a new one!

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BARBARA BUSH JUNE 8, 1925- APRIL 17, 2018

“Mrs. George Bush, wife of the Vice President, is Gamma Sigma Sigma’s 1987 Woman of the Year. The award will be presented to Mrs. Bush at National Convention during the opening session on Friday, June 12...

Reflecting her own years as an active volunteer, Mrs. Bush encourages volunteerism and the giving by people of their time and energies for the betterment of others and their communities.”

Many accomplished and admirable women have been honored as Gamma Sigma Sigma’s Woman of the Year, a proud tradition that Mrs. Bush exemplified throughout her life. The News Journal of Wilmington Delaware quoted it was her “strong commitment to a variety of community projects” and her advocacy for reading and eradicating illiteracy. May her memory and life of volunteerism continue to aspire future generations to come.

Newspaper clipping from ‘The News Journal’ of Wilmington, Delaware, June 13, 1897 of Mrs. Barbara Bush’s visit to the University of Delaware where she was awarded Gamma Sigma Sigma’s “Woman of the Year” award.

Mrs. Barbara Bush with members of Beta Gamma chapter at the 1987 National Convention at the University of Delaware.

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“QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE VOLUNTEERING” 2018 EDITION These questions can assist you in your search to find the kind of volunteer work that will fit your particular situation, because no single volunteer experience will fit everyone.

By Megan Bean

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WHAT IS THE AGENCY’S PURPOSE? Why does this organization exist? What needs are they filling in their community and how do you see yourself fitting in to it?

Research on this article is done with the help of Joyce Brooks, Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service DiDo the mission/vision/values of the organi- rector. Questions referenced from Perspectives, 2005 zation not compromise your own beliefs or Volume 52, Issue 1. needs, etc?

WILL THERE BE FUTURE VOLUN5 TEER OPPORTUNITIES? HOW MANY HOURS SHOULD I BE EXPECTED TO COMMIT? Be able to plan for future commitments for yourself or your group. Make sure you’re It’s always better to wait until you know not taking on more than you can commit to. you have the time for some community serOr if you need documentation of volunteer vice. That way, you won’t risk leaving the hours, that they are able to track that over person or organization you’d be working the course of your time with them. with in the lurch and in need of a last-minute replacement for you if you choose to WHAT IS THEIR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESleave your position mid-assignment.

6 ENCE? WHAT IS THEIR COMMUNITY INIs how they represent themselves online a VOLVEMENT? positive reflection of the organizations own Are they embodying their own mission and mission and values? values? If they are actively involved in the community, this could lead to other volunteer opportunities.

WHAT DOES THE AGENCY VALUE?

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#UnityInService

N AT I O N A L B OA R D OF DIRECTORS

National President: Katy Haynes Owen President@gammasigmsigma.org National Vice President: Renata Porterfield Vicepresident@gammasigmsigma.org Service Director: Joyce Brooks Service@gammasigmasigma.org Treasurer: Nichole Griffin Treasurer@gammasigmasigma.org Membership Director: Precious Cristwell Membership@gammasigmasigma.org Alumni Director: Sharon Brice Alumni@gammasigmasigma.org Program Director: Jenna Hershelman Program@gammasigmasigma.org Marketing Director: Anna Romness Marketing@gammasigmasigma.org

District 1 Director: Keli Connor PAGE 20 district1director@gammasigmasigma.org District 2 Director: Cristal Johnson district2director@gammasigmasigma.org District 3 Director: Samantha Del Verne district3director@gammasigmasigma.org District 4 Director: Sammi Roffman district4director@gammasigmasigma.org District 5 Director: Shea Feagin district5director@gammasigmasigma.org District 6 Director: Chiquita Harville district6director@gammasigmasigima.org District 7 Director: Lynne Covington district7director@gammasigmasigma.org District 8 Director: Mary Price district8director@gammasigmasigma.org District 9 Director: Charna Fagan district9director@gammasigmasigma.org

Want to brag about your chapter/colony events and accomplishments?

Make a submission for the next issue!

Email the Editor at: PERSPECTIVES@GAMMASIGMASIGMA.ORG Or visit:

GAMMASIGMASIGMA.ORG/NEWS-EVENTS/PERSPECTIVES/PERSPECTIVES-SUBMISSION

Gamma Sigma Sigma PO BOX 248 Rindge, NH 03461