Perspectives 58.2 (Spring 2012)

NATIONAL NEWSLETTER FOR GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA NATIONAL SERVICE SORORITY

PERSPECTIVES

60

Spring 2012 | Volume 58, Issue 2

Fulfilling our Purpose, Continuing our Legacy 1952 - 2012

Past President Remembered page 2

Be an I.M.P.A.C.T.

page 4

Collegiate Chatter page 5

Alumni in Action page 11

Remembering past president while focusing on future By: Keli Connor, National President

S

ervice, friendship, and equality are not only the ideals Gamma Sigma Sigma is governed by, but it was the mantra Past President, Patricia Saul, embodied. Patricia, or Pat as the sorority knew her, became a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma over 50 years ago when she joined the Nu Chapter at the University of Connecticut.

Pat passed away November 17, 2011, following a brief illness. She had a dynamic personality and was dedicated to serving others. She served in several capacities within this organization, including National President from 1989 - 1991. Saul played an intricate role in establishing the Empire Alumni Chapter, the Nutmeg Chapter in Connecticut, and the Central New England Alumni Chapter (CNEAC) who have members in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Pat was a current member of CNEAC, as well as an officer in the chapter.

When news of Pat’s passing spread through the Gamma Sig grapevine, many members expressed such delightful words about our 16th National President. Members even adorned their Greek letters to show support and express their condolences for Pat. The memories that are shared for this wonderful, fun, loving, dedicated, and loyal friend were those of humor, joy, and Pat’s true nature as a person as well as member of Gamma Sigma Sigma.

“Thirty-two years ago, she was my second Mom; inspired me to run for my first board position, and made sure I remained active as an alumni chapter member,” said Jo Charest, National Administrative Assistant.

Pat truly inspired the goodness in members - her vision for Gamma Sigma Sigma was always rooted in service. Sitting in a board room with Pat was amazing; she always directed the room to ponder the question

2 Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives

“what about the service?” If you were not fortunate enough to meet Pat, she always had a smile on her face and reminded members to keep the mission and vision of Gamma Sigma Sigma close to their hearts.

With the passing of one of our most valued and treasured members as well as past president, it puts into perspective how much our past shapes our future. Pat’s service to Gamma Sigma Sigma was evident by the many lives she touched not only within the sorority, but in the community. As we approach our 60th anniversary, members are challenged to cherish and embrace the spirit of service to humanity and reaffirm bonds and friendships formed in the name of Gamma Sigma Sigma as Pat did. The commitment we make should be strengthened and bring a sense of renewal to the entire sorority to want to continue to inspire others.

As we continue into this new biennium, please remember all of those Gamma Sigs who have left us and let us magnify the service, friendship, and equality that we are all bound by.

“Pat’s honesty and desire to serve inspired so many in the sorority. She loved GSS and we loved her.”

- Aurelia Spaulding

Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives 3

NBD right on track with sorority goals

By Keli Connor, National President The NBD has been working diligently to ensure that Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc. remains focused on the goals that were established at the Training and Planning meeting. These goals were created to maintain financial stability, market the organization, help internal transition of leadership on both the chapter and national level, and ultimately guide the organization to our 75th anniversary in 2027. I am happy to report that we are right on track!

Many of the goals that were established have a final report date to be reviewed at the summer board meeting in July 2012. Some of the goals that have already been completed are many of the financial goals; a plan was established and carried out for financial stability. Our National Service Director has been working continuously on building rapport with other groups and passing this information on to the membership. Also, you may see the NBD working on many of the goals that have been created during our conference season. While you are at conferences, you will have the opportunity to meet many of the members of NBD. Do not hesitate to stop them and ask them what goals they are working on!

During the next six months, the NBD will be working to achieve many of the goals that were set.

My plan is to report to you in six months the goals that we have completed and those that we will continue to work towards to maintain the stability and diversity that we all know in Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.

Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee hard at work

By Alyshia Inks, National Vice President The Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee members have been hard at work during the last few months. The National Opinion Survey was released and distributed from October 1st through December 1st, and the results are in!

The committee is currently reviewing the results and once analyzed, the committee will then develop a list of recommendations based on the findings to be presented to the National Board of Directors to take action.

The committee is also working on developing a self-evaluation tool to be used throughout the biennium to evaluate the National Board of Directors and staff which will help each member of the national board be accountable for their respective office.

In addition, the committee has been tasked by the 30th NBD to develop a social media policy.

Members of the committee have done extensive research in order to develop an effective policy to provide guidance on what may be deemed appropriate or inappropriate in regards to social media, in conjunction with Gamma Sigma Sigma.

Finally, the committee is gearing up for their spring meeting to be held in March 2012. At this meeting, committee members will meet in-person to review bylaw and policy proposals that have been submitted for presentation at the 2013 National Convention. Information in regards to bylaw and policy proposals was distributed in the November 2011 mass mailing.

For more information on the Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee, or to submit any bylaw or policy recommendations, please contact Alyshia Inks, National Vice President at vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org.

President Keli Connor president@gammasigmasigma.org Vice President Alyshia Inks vicepresident@gammasigmasigma.org Treasurer Jennifer Gentry treasurer@gammasigmasigma.org Service Director Tracy Kolodziek service@gammasigmasigma.org Membership Director Ranita Williams membership@gammasigmasigma.org Alumni Director Karen Erickson alumnidirector@gammasigmasigma.org Program Director Karen Kerr program@gammasigmasigma.org Marketing Director Aurelia Spaulding marketing@gammasigmasigma.org District 1 Director Joyce Brooks district1@gammasigmasigma.org District 2 Director Jenna Hershelman district2@gammasigmasigma.org District 3 Director Katy Haynes district3@gammasigmasigma.org District 4 Director Aldenise Shuler district4@gammasigmasigma.org District 5 Director Demetria Curry district5@gammasigmasigma.org District 6 Director Jennifer Baker district6@gammasigmasigma.org District 7 Director Ashley Jennings district7@gammasigmasigma.org District 8 Director Tanisha Cousby district8@gammasigmasigma.org Parliamentarian Lynne Mowers parliamentarian@gammasigmasigma.org

How can you be an I.M.P.A.C.T.?

By Tracy Kolodziek, National Service Director Service project areas for I.M.P.A.C.T. are voted on at the National Convention and last approximately two years. This biennium, (July 2011-July 2013) we focus on serving youth with disabilities, along with diabetes prevention and awareness. Events that promote these areas or that are supported by accredited organizations can be considered. If you have any questions regarding what could be considered a Project I.M.P.A.C.T., please email service@gammasigmasigma.org.

Where to go?

Statistics and additional information can be found at:

Diabetes Awareness and Prevention • • • •

• • • • • •

DID YOU KNOW?

25.8 million Americans have diabetes — 8.3 percent of the U.S. population. Of these, 7 million do not know they have the disease.

In 2010, about 1.9 million people ages 20 or older were diagnosed with diabetes.

The number of people diagnosed with diabetes has risen from 1.5 million in 1958 to 18.8 million in 2010, an increase of epidemic proportions.

It is estimated that 79 million adults aged 20 and older have pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Studies have shown that by losing weight and increasing physical activity people can prevent or delay pre-diabetes from progressing to diabetes.

ndep.hih.gov/diabetes-facts www.face-diabetes.com www.diabetescamps.org

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Participate in your local American Diabetes Association Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes by fundraising or volunteering or volunteer at the ADA summer camp. To find an event near you or to volunteer visit http://www.diabetes.org/.

Spread the word about Diabetes, become an advocate for juvenile diabetes, or participate in Walk to Cure Diabetes or Ride to Cure Diabetes. You can find an event near you by visiting http://www.jdrf.org/.

Volunteer to pass out the latest health information at a health fair or expo, assist with screenings, or promote healthy food choices in your school or place of employment.

Write an editorial about Type I diabetes for your school’s newspaper.

Host a bake sale with healthy alternatives to traditional recipes to promote healthy food choices.

Donate the money raised to diabetes awareness or research programs.

Organize a walk, run, bike ride, or sponsor a dance-off competition on campus or in your local community.

www.specialolympics.org

Serving Youth with Disabilities • • • • • • • •

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Help with registration, walk as an individual or team, and donate money to Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Check out http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/ for more information.

Get involved with coaching Special Olympics or volunteer at a community-sporting event that promotes youth athletes with disabilities.

Volunteer at a summer camp for children who have disabilities.

Host a community activity such as a dance, luncheon or game night.

Collect books for agencies that service youth with mental and/or developmental disabilities.

Volunteer at a local United Cerebral Palsy Affiliate.

Tutor youth with learning disabilities at local community programs or schools.

Mentor youth with disabilities in career development. Host a job shadowing.

Pop Q

What were the first Project I.M.P.A.C.T. areas?

4 Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives

uiz!

nichcy.org

www.ucp.org www.mda.org

Collegiate Chatter

Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives 5

Gamma Delta hosts Unity in Service brunch

Zeta Omicron organizes Diabetes 5K Race/Walk

Pittsburgh, PA - Members of Gamma Delta have been busy workers on the campus of Duquesne University. The chapter accepted a MIT class of 23 members! Most of the semester was spent promoting the goals of Gamma Sigma Sigma and further getting to know each other. In addition to the weekly chapter meetings, members socialized at events such as letter making, movie nights, secret santa, root beer float party, and several other activities.

Milledgeville, GA - The Zeta Omicron Chapter successfully arranged and executed the daunting task of a Diabetes 5K Race and Walk. The Race/ Walk took place on November 12th and was by far one of the larger service projects the chapter elected to tackle. The chapter raised over $1,200 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The Race/Walk was called Move Your Feeties for Diabetes. The support from family, friends, and the campus community made the event a hit! There was food, a benefit concert, a kids zone with tons of activities, and goodie bags with donations from community supporters. Any chapters interested in finding out details about their accomplishment and how Zeta Omicron made a wonderful impact, feel free to contact the chapter at zetaomicron@gammasigmasigma.org.

Countless hours were spent planning the chapter’s annual fundraiser--Unity in Service Brunch. At Unity in Service, the chapter raised over $4,000 for Gwen’s Girls, a local women’s shelter. Members were also busy averaging two projects per day, in addition to their weekly projects at Canterbury Hospice facility playing BINGO and distributing food to the homeless at St. Vincent de Paul. The chapter is so proud of what they accomplished not only last semester, but the entire year!

Eta Omicron spreads campus cheer Elizabeth City, NC - The illustrious Eta Omicron Chapter conducted a full week solely dedicated to service on the beautiful campus of Elizabeth City State University the last week of October. The Sig’s worked with service partners such as: Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.), and the American Cancer Society.

The chapter also tackled the Project I.M.P.A.C.T. area of diabetes by having an informational session and blood sugar screenings. The chapter was busy serving the campus with a campus wide clean-up, health fair, dorm sweep off, and informational sessions about the sorority’s service partners. Eta Omicron members truly exemplify superheroes of service!

Perspectives Crew Copy Editor & Layout Design - Tanja Bibbs, Perspectives Editor - perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org Layout Design - Aurelia Spaulding, National Marketing Director - marketing@gammasigmasigma.org

Collegiate Chatter Gamma Phi donates contest winnings to two causes Loretto, PA - Members of the Gamma Phi chapter created a float for St. Francis Univerisity’s homecoming parade. The theme was “Bright Lights, Big City,” and Gamma Phi chose to do a float that commemorated Las Vegas, NV. The members placed second in the competition winning a sizeable check!

The entire membership voted to put the money to good use and donated the winnings to two different causes. Half of the money went to buying children’s coats for the Dorothy Day Center, where families around the area may receive coats and other necessities free-of-charge. The other half went to the American Diabetes Association, in honor of one of the new Project I.M.P.A.C.T. areas.

The donation to the American Diabetes Association was very special to the chapter since one of the members is diabetic and is part of the association as well. The homecoming parade afforded the chapter the opportunity to have fun, promote school spirit, and help two important organizations close to Gamma Phi.

Newly chartered Eta Rho busy with service Norfolk, VA - The Eta Rho Chapter at Old Dominion University had a very exciting and rewarding fall semester. The newly chartered chapter held an Alex’s Lemonade Stand fundraiser and was able to donate $918 to the cause. Eta Rho also hosted a raffle to tailgaters at an Old Dominion University football game to benefit Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.).

Members also volunteered at historical Jamestown and the U.S.S. Wisconsin. Additionally, the members were busy completing service through different charitable walks, soup kitchens, and blood drives. Eta Rho even challenged themselves to donate as many children’s books as possible to Eduwatch, our Woman of the Year’s organization. The members of Eta Rho collected over 900 books to donate to the nonprofit organization!

Beta Delta helps Rotary Lights shine

Zeta Nu slam dunks with basketball tournament

LaCrosse, WI - Beta Delta was one of several local organizations in LaCrosse, WI that decorated for Rotary Lights-A Million Mississippi Reflections. Over 2.6 million lights and a 140 ft tree adorned Riverside Park in the city. There were animated displays, a real fire breathing dragon, an animated igloo and specially decorated trees.

The display ran from November 25th to December 31st. Santa was there to visit with his live reindeer. Other featured events included a parade, hay rides, and a 5K Walk/Run. Rotary Lights is considered the largest holiday lighting display in the Midwest with nearly 200,000 visitors each year and Beta Delta helped maintain that title!

Slippery Rock, PA - Zeta Nu hosted their annual Ben Swantner 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The tournament is in honor of Swantner who was a student at Slippery Rock University who suddenly passed away from meningitis in 2009. The chapter raised $811 and donated some of the proceeds to Ben’s high school for a scholarship in his honor. The chapter has also participated in various walks during the fall. The Diabetes Walk, Light the Night, American Heart Walk, Kidney Walk, MS Walk, and the MDA Walk were just a few the members enjoyed. Zeta Nu has also been busy with participating in other service events like Relay for Life, Up til 2 for St. Jude, Helping Paws, Adopt-a-Highway, Rainy Day bags for the Ronald McDonald House, playing BINGO at Autumn Groves Senior Center, writing letters for Meals on Wheels, and carrying baby bottles around campus for March of Dimes donations.

6 Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives

Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives 7

Beta Gamma members are fundraising fanatics Newark, DE - The Beta Gamma Chapter at the University of Delaware hit the ground running last semester and raised approximately $7,600 for the National Kidney Foundation.

Their efforts were as a result of ten fundraisers, including a chapter hosted variety show.

Beta Gamma has also completed over 5,000 hours of community service! Their volunteer projects included regularly running projects, drives, and one-time events.

The past semester was Unity Semester where over 180 Beta Gamma members reconnected by participating in tye-dye activities, pumpkin carving, apple picking, venturing to D.C., and attending Fall Ball. Beta Gamma is excited to welcome the Beta Eta MIT class this spring and continue to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation.

Pop Q

Comment on the stories Comment on Collegiate Chatter by visiting the Spirit of Service blog at http://gammasigmasigma.wordpress.com.

True or False: Beta Gamma has the largest membership for a GSS chapter.

uiz!

Alpha Psi provides diabetes info and party at autism center Cape Girardeau, MO - This past fall, Alpha Psi inducted 43 new members almost doubling the chapter! The chapter members were involved in a variety of service projects with members averaging 30.5 hours. Alpha Psi made sure to include both local and national organizations on their service calendar.

The chapter was very involved with Project I.M.P.A.C.T. and brought in a Certified Diabetes Speaker to educate Southeast Missouri State University about the disease by hosting an informational night. A party was also thrown at the local autism center by the chapter. Members provided sensory activities for children with autism and their families. The chapter looks forward to completing many more service projects in the spring including Relay for Life and Dance Marathon, a fundraising event for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Spirit of Service Email

Continue to read the Perspectives online. Get reminders about Perspectives and keep up with national news by signing up for the Spirit of Service email at http://www.gammasigmasigma.org/sosemail.html.

Collegiate Chatter Beta Sigma staying service driven Bowling Green, KY - The Beta Sigma Chapter has been living up to the sorority’s service driven name by staying involved in exciting service opportunities during the fall semester. The chapter met with the families from Habitat for Humanity units the chapter previously helped build homes for and helped with the Safe Day for Children event. Members passed out flyers about safety and played Halloween games with the children who dressed up as scary monsters.

On National AIDS Day, the chapter joined the campus for the AIDS Awareness Walk and also encouraged other students on Western Kentucky University’s campus to get tested. Members were also regular visitors at the local Salvation Army, serving dinner to patrons. To celebrate the holiday season, Beta Sigma decided to sell Christmas ornaments with the proceeds being used for Teen Angel.

Four members of Beta Sigma also volunteered during the month of October at The Center for Courageous Kids (CCK). They spent 40 hours each as camp counselors helping with activities for the children and their families. CCK is a medical camping facility for children with life threatening diseases and disabilities.

Beta Sigma continues to be excited about projects and activities they are planning for the spring. Moreover, the chapter, as well as WKU, is anxious to see the campus flooded with maroon and white in February for the Leadership Conference!

Alpha Iota mourns the loss of alumni member Duluth, MN - This past December, Alpha Iota sadly lost one of its alumni members. Ashley Ganyo, who was an active member from the Fall of 2006 through the Fall of 2009, died in a car accident in Superior, WI on Sunday December 4th. Even though she had not been active in the sorority as of late, she was still a presence in the Duluth community.

Ashley recently graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Secondary Education and worked at the Lake Superior Zoo, where Alpha Iota would often volunteer. She had such an amazing zest for life and was always excited about a new project. Her spirit kept people motivated and her smile could brighten any room.

The chapter was devastated to hear the news of Ashley’s passing despite a majority of the actives not knowing her. The tragedy has made the chapter realize the meaning of life. Members have learned the importance of telling friends and family how invaluable they are. It has bonded our membership even more and connected our alumni with our new members. Ashley always did have a way of bringing people together, even now. It is times like these that exemplify the true meaning of unity and friendship.

Follow us @gammasigmasigma

8 Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives

Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives 9

Register Today!

The spring Leadership Conferences are as follows: February 25, 2012 - Bowling Green, KY

By Karen Kerr, National Program Director

March 24, 2012 - Athens, GA

Don’t forget the spring Leadership Conferences are under way!

The theme for the conference season is “Emerging Leaders: Fulfilling our Purpose, Continuing our Legacy”. Members are encouraged to attend a conference to learn about a variety of topics to carry forward the sorority mission and ideals. The conference is scheduled to run from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. It is imperative that each registered member note the time of the conference and make plans to attend the full event. Due to this being a Leadership Conference, we highly encourage members to dress for the occasion - thus NO jeans or t-shirts. If you have a membership pin, please plan to wear it to the conference.

Once your registration and payment has been processed, you will receive a confirmation via email. Confirmation will include an agenda and any items that you may need to bring with you. Registration includes lunch and materials. Special rates have been negotiated with local hotels in each area so please check out the national website for details to arrange your own lodging.

March 31, 2012 - Greenville, NC The agenda will be the same for each Leadership Conference and will include a variety of topics such as those listed below: * Service Project/Service Partner speaker * Leadership Activity/Training * Networking opportunities * Chapter Consultant Certification program * Strategic Planning roundtables * Fellowship time

If you need a paper registration, please contact program@gammasigmasigma.org.

District VI has District Day of Service Greetings District VI! We accomplished so much last semester, with our district-wide Officer Training hosted by the members of Eta Zeta and our District Day of Service where we made Strides Against Breast Cancer in Atlanta. I am so proud of the work and service that is being done in Georgia in the name of Gamma Sigma Sigma.

I visited three great chapters: Delta Theta, Zeta Xi, and Zeta Omicron. All chapters are absolutely amazing and truly possess the spirit of Gamma Sig. I look forward to visiting all the other District VI chapters this spring and want to encourage everyone in District VI to register and attend the Leadership Conference taking place March 24, 2012 in Athens, GA. This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet and network with other chapters and national officers.

Pop Q

In Service, Friendship, and Equality,

The first District Award was presented in what year?

uiz!

Jennifer N. Baker District VI Director

C o C lo or n ne y r

Active Collegiate Colonies/ Reactivating Chapters:

Auburn University-Montgomery Colony (Montgomery, AL) Kennesaw State University Colony (Kennesaw, GA) Norfolk State University Colony (Norfolk, VA) University of North Florida Colony (Jacksonville, FL) Pace University Colony (Pleasantville, NY) William Peace University Colony (Raleigh, NC) Wright State Colony (Dayton, OH) Beta Omega Reactivating Chapter, Kent State University (Kent, OH) Eta Alpha Reactivating Chapter, Georgia Southern University (Statesboro, GA)

Pop Q

What was the name of the first alumni chapter that was chartered?

uiz!

Alumni Expansion There has been much progress with both colonies and interest groups.

The Greater Atlanta Alumni Colony had a chartering vote sent to the National Board of Directors. As the Delaware Diamonds Alumni Colony and the Louisiana Colony have been active for one year, they are actively preparing for chartering.

Since Convention, there has been renewed interest in starting or reactivating chapters. The result is three interest groups who are actively working with the Alumni Director for petitioning.

•

The Tri-State Alumni Group is forming in New York City and the surrounding areas of southern Connecticut and northern New Jersey.

•

The River Region Garnets and Pearls Alumni Group are forming in Montgomery, Alabama.

•

And the Jax Alumni Interest Group is located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Any alumni members interested in starting a colony or reactivating an alumni chapter should contact Karen Erickson, the Alumni Director at alumni@gammasigmasigma.org.

William Peace University (WPU) Colony manning a pie throw to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

WPU Colony members volunteering at Jaycee Haunted House in Raleigh, NC.

10 Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives

Alumni in Action Calling all alumni-at-large

Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives 11

All alumni members who are not affiliated with an active alumni chapter or colony are considered alumni-at-large members. There are national opportunities available for these alumni who are unable to join an alumni chapter due to geography, finances, or time commitments. These members are encouraged to use the national website www.gammasigmasigma.org for alumni information and service opportunities. Mass mailings and service information for Project I.M.P.A.C.T. and our service partners are posted there. All AAL members are encouraged to submit the alumni-at-large service report annually so their service hours can be counted toward the national organization’s service profile. This form, along with directions, can be downloaded from our website, or can be requested from the Alumni Director or the Service Director. Alumni-at-large who complete more than 100 hours of service during the biennium are eligible to receive a certificate of merit.

AAL members have no financial obligation to the national organization, but they may elect to financially assist the sorority by paying a sustaining fee in any amount that can be used for a number of purposes. They may choose to pay $15 to help offset the two registrations that alumni-at-large receive for Convention.

They may use it to receive mass mailings in paper or CD form. It can also be used to receive a printed copy of Perspectives. And finally, those who are financially able may make a contribution to the General Fund.

Information on this and other matters can be obtained in greater detail from the Alumni Director at alumni@gammasigmasigma.org.

Karen Erickson

National Alumni Director

Just like alumni chapter members, alumni-at-large members are encouraged to attend Convention, Conferences, and Spirit Days, to volunteer for national committees and staff positions, and to run for national office.

I encourage each and every AAL member to be as active as possible in our sorority. AAL participation is wanted and needed, and will be greatly appreciated!

National Committee Check-up

By Alyshia Inks, National Vice President All of the 2011 National Committees are up and running! We have many great projects going on right now, therefore please see the below list to gain an idea of what’s happening with the national committees: • Membership Committee:

- Currently focusing on an Expansion Project in areas such as West and

Outside the US, Midwest, and the New England and Eastern Seaboard area

- Membership Census project coming soon • Service Committee:

- Developing ‘Recipes for Service’

- Promoting ongoing service projects by our National Service Partners, Project I.M.P.A.C.T.

areas, and much more • Woman of the Year Committee:

- Researching potential 2013 Woman of the Year candidates

- Promoting the ‘Books by the Barrel’ initiative in honor of the 2011 WOY, Ms. Enitan Doherty-Mason • Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee:

- Reviewing the results of the 2011 National Opinion Survey

- Developing a Social Media Policy

- Developing a self-evaluation tool for NBD officers Keep your eyes out for these and many other committee projects and initiatives coming your way!

“Like” us on facebook.com/ gammasigmasigma

National Staff Administrative Assistant Jo Charest aa@gammasigmasigma.org Perspectives Editor Tanja Bibbs perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org Database Coordinator Karen Kerr database@gammasigmasigma.org Convention Committee Chair Lauren Reich convention@gammasigmasigma.org Nominating Committee Chair Sharon Brice nominating@gammasigmasigma.org

Alumni in Action Twin Cities host Service Day Minnesota - More than 50 collegiate and alumni members gathered on November 5th for a Service Day sponsored by the Twin Cities Alumni Chapter. Collegiate chapters in attendance were Alpha Iota, Alpha Pi and Beta Delta. The morning was spent working on various projects at Bridging, a nonprofit that provides families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness and poverty with a one-time gift of furniture and household goods to stabilize and improve their lives.

After lunch, introductions and fellowshipping, the afternoon was spent working on several service projects benefiting a YWCA women’s shelter, breast cancer patients, military families, a senior living center and an elementary school. The afternoon closed with pictures and the national song.

Mid-Jersey Shore make rice bottles and donate new toys New Jersey - The Mid-Jersey Shore Alums recently made rice bottles to be donated to an autistic class in Pennsylvania. The bottles included soft items in them that the children would have to find and identify. At their recent meeting, Mid-Jersey Shore collected over 200 new toys for Family and Children Services in Long Branch for the holidays. The chapter is currently devising plans for their Valentine project and yearly anniversary luncheon.

Pop Q

True or False: The first Alumni Conference was held in New Jersey and hosted by the Mid-Jersey Shore Alumni Chapter.

Bluegrass Alums ready to empower women Kentucky - The Bluegrass Alumni Chapter were busy these past couple of months ensuring those who were less fortunate were able to enjoy their holiday’s just a little bit more. The chapter donated Thanksgiving baskets to deserving families in Frankfort, Louisville, and Bowling Green.

Members also donated a gift card to purchase items for a Teen Angel.

The chapter is gearing up for service in the new year and hope to do more in a variety of areas to empower not only themselves, but their respective communities. Thus, the chapter developed an internal service program using the theme “Empowering Women through Service” since the chapter expressed interest in that audience. The goal is for the chapter to complete service hours that are devoted to helping women in poverty, minority community, domestic violence situations, and those who have youth.

12 Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives

uiz!

Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives 13

Omicron fundraises for Chapter Retreat Tallahassee, FL - The members of Omicron Alumni are really focused on fundraising this year. The chapter is working concessions at Florida State University to earn money for their Chapter Retreat and to get a jump start on saving for the 31st National Convention in 2013! The Chapter is requesting any innovative ideas to help with their fundraising efforts. Please contact Omicron Alumni at OmicronGSS@gmail.com or visit them on the web at www.OmicronGSS.com with any suggestions!

Shout Outs “I would like to shout out to Alpha Psi for being the first chapter to submit their Fall 2011 Service Report!”

- Tracy Kolodziek “Shout Out to Jessica McCrimmon from Eta Theta! “Not only is Jessica helpful to the special needs children/adults that are in attendance at the Oviedo, FL recreation center dances, she is constantly encouraging them. She is always dressed appropriately and takes pride in herself as well as the organization she is representing. Jessica’s service has been noticed and is appreciated more than she will ever know!”

- Pam R. “Shout out to Stephanie Perez (the not so quiet storm)! Congratulations on graduating Magna Cum Laude 2012. I am so very proud of you! To the members of Eta Omicron, I love each of you dearly and truly!”

- Trizha Flowers Send your shout out via email to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org.

Visit the national website gammasigmasigma.org

Dear NBD...

“Why are our “graduate” chapters and colonies called Alumni Chapters instead of Alumna chapters? Alumni is the masculine form of “Alumnus”, and Alumna is the feminine form. (Alumnae is plural for many female alums.)”

- Sarah Cain McMullen, Steel City Alumni Since Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc. accepts both male and female members, we strive to maintain our documents, publications, and materials are gender neutral. Since proper protocol is to use the male form, we use the term ‘Alumni’ rather than ‘Alumnae’. It is imperative we have our documents and other resources to reflect that we are inclusive of both female and male members. By utilizing ‘alumni’ to describe those chapters and colonies, the sorority is upholding the standard of us not being selective.

- Lynne Mowers, National Parliamentarian

Celebrate 60 years Let us know how you plan to celebrate the Gamma Sigma Sigma 60th Anniversary, and give us ideas on how to celebrate as a national sorority in the fall Perspectives! Share your comments by emailing perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org.

Epsilon Iota, 1977

14 Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives

Gamma Sigma Sigma | Perspectives 15

True or False: The first Alumni Conference was held in New Jersey and hosted by the Mid-Jersey Shore Alumni Chapter.

District IV Spirit Day

Share your upcoming events and projects through email!

Have you ever wanted to share your upcoming events and projects with other chapters and colonies after the Perspectives deadline? Well, you now have the opportunity to share them every month.

The sorority is starting a monthly email that will go to all the members of the sorority during the middle of the month. Please send 150 words or less about what is going on in your chapter or colony.

You can send information on an upcoming activation, fundraiser, project, or chapter social. This will be a good way to invite other chapters.

Next email deadline is February 12th!

Email your submission to marketing@gammasigmasigma.org.

Perspectives Deadline Submissions for the next issue of Perspectives is August 15, 2012. The submisison form is on the national website. Make sure to email your submission to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org by the deadline to be included in the fall issue!

Gamma Sigma Sigma c/o Karen Kerr - Database Coordinator 5683 Gold Creek Bay Hickory, NC 28601

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Epsilon Iota, 1977