Perspectives Volume 69 Issue 3

VOLUME 69 ISSUE 3

PERSPECTIVES Gamma Iigma Sigma National Service Sorority Incorporated Quarterly Service Magazine

A Mother of all Service Projects with Partner

r o f e m Co SERVICE

March of Dimes

stay for the

SISTERHOOD

#teamgammasig

Service Spotlight: Home Sweet Service:

Greater Atlanta teams with Metro Atlanta Task Force

PERSPECTIVES: SPRING/SUMMER ISSUE

CONTENTS SERVICE. FRIENDSHIP + EQUALITY

HELLO 03 PRESIDENT'S Looking forward to 70 year celebration.

New goals. Further journeys! with our President, Lynne Williams.

04 "A MOTHER OF A

MOVEMENT"

With Service Partner,March of Dimes

05 SUNSHINE STATE ALUMNI

13

COME FOR THE SERVICE

#teamgammasig

GOES PURPLE

An update on this quarter's service efforts + what's to come.

SERVICE CALENDAR 06 KELI'S An update on this quarter's service efforts + what's to come.

07 VENDOR SPOTLIGHT Catch up with the lady that keeps us in Gamma Sig gear, Soror Latika Jones!

13 MEMBERSHIP UPDATES Get updates on this quarters membeship efforts + what's soon to come for 70 years!

GAMMA SIGMA SIGMA NATIONAL SERVICE SORORITY INC. PO BOX 248 RINDGE, NH 03461 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

WWW.GAMMASIGMASIGMA.ORG PERSPECTIVES@GAMMASIGMASIGMA.ORG

let your service shine! perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org

02

SUMMER | ISSUE 02

40

DISTRICT VII'S 90S SPIRIT

A Note from Madame President

PRESIDENT'S NOTE

03

s g n i t e e Gr Sorors ! s r e b m + Me

I hope that everyone is doing well and is having a great start to the 2022-2023 sorority year. We are excited for the new things that are going to be taking place this sorority year. Kicking off the sorority year will be our conferences, the first of which will take place in Hershey, PA on September 23-25. The second conference will be in Atlanta, GA October 14-16.

This October we will be celebrating our 70th Founders' Day! We will have another national zoom call to celebrate our founders' day, more details will be release in September.

October 12, 2022 Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc. will be embarking on our 70th year. Platinum represents the strength of the years and this celebration is as rare as the gem is. 70 years of Service, Friendship, & Equality has kept the organization moving towards unity in service.

This past year we had a theme of "Come for the Service, Stay for the Sisterhood".

This year our theme is going to be " The Strongest bonds are built on Service and Sisterhood". The 2022-2023 Sorority year we want to continue to grow our organization by not only adding new members, but retaining the ones we have and reclaiming the sorors who have not been active with us.

Beginning in October, there will be a push to bring all sorors home to Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc. There will be more information sent out on how to engage these members.

There will be several announcements that are coming so please be sure to check your emails, follow us on social media and check the national websites for updates.

In Service, Lynne Williams

2021 - 2023 NATIONAL PRESIDENT

The Mother of Service

ETA ALPHA

TOP COLLEGIATE CHAPTER fundraiser

SUNSHINE STATE ALUMNI TOP ALUMNI CHAPTER

fundraiser

You funraised!

Congratulations ARE IN ORDER

WE BEAT OUR GOAL OF $5,000.00!

In the month of May, the sorority made the largest statement we've ever made with our efforts to help serve national service partner March of Dimes March for Babies: A Mother of a Movement program. Gamma Sig chapters from across the country teamed up to make an IMPACT, and that you did! You raised over $5,000.00 for mothers and babies benefited by the efforts and research of the March of Dimes organization. From posting your TikTok walk videos to donating from your own pockets, we were able to make an impact in communities across the nation.

YOU SERVED!

Deonna O'Neal, Prespectives Editor

$5,000.00

$3,000.00

$1,000.00

MARCH OF DIMES| SERVICE

04

Sunshine State Inguarual Purple March Dorcee Hines, District VII

Service Spotlight: Sunshine State Alumni Chapter hosted its Inaugural Purple March on March 30, 2022. The Sunshine State Alumni Chapter hosted an event to promote awareness and raise money for our March of Dimes National Service Partner.

At the event, attendees showed up in Purple, completed a mile long walk in honor of the March of Dimes organization. "We had walkers, scooters, bike riders, dancers, we did it all! We were joined by the Howard Family, that shared their experiences as a mother, and big sister of twins that were born prematurely at 2 lbs and spent 58 days in NICU. We also sold purple sweets and treats such as grapes, "slushies", cupcakes, cookies and candy to raise money.

Through donations they were able to raise $645 in total for the March for Babies campaign.

MARCH OF DIMES| SERVICE

05

Keli's Service Corner 06

When I was elected as that National Service Director it was a dream come true. My intention and directive were to increase our participation in both our Service Partners and Project IMPACT areas. I am pleased to announce that we have had made a huge IMPACT in working with our Service Partners and working with our Project IMPACT’s. For the first time we have had 2 National Summer Service projects that have brought together the whole organization to coordinate service projects to benefit the March of Dimes and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Increasing the awareness of our Service Partners and Project IMPACT’s monthly on service webinars, we are able to make an even greater IMPACT in our Nation. We have made our mark with being recognized on the National Website of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. We also have established a better relationship with the National Office of American Cancer Society and will soon have Gamma Sigma Sigma recognized as a National Service Partner on their website.

DI RE E C IC

R TO

e u K e li Q

en

S ER V

My greatest pride is way that our members have come out working with the March of Dimes and the March for Babies Campaign. We tripled the amount of participation and money raised. We are being recognized in the March of Dimes community after 55 plus years of partnership as well. We nationally have made an IMPACT by hosting a March of Dimes Community baby shower, given 51 new moms diapers bags and items for the diaper bags, we have tripled our donations to March for Babies, and learned more about Premature Babies. We have done so much already but there is still so much more that we can do. For instance, we can still gather money for March for Babies, and write letters to congress to help with legislation to assist with health care initiatives for woman and baby health.

We are continuing to update the resources on the National Website under the March of Dimes section to ensure that our membership always has inspiration for working for March of Dimes. It is my pleasure to represent our Organization at the Leadership Event for March of Dimes in Arizona in July, and at an American Cancer Society National Event in September.

GSS Members we are making an IMPACT. As I stated on the Making an IMPACT webinar, we are a National Organization and working on projects together as a National Organization leads to not only National Recognition, but also making a larger IMPACT to our communities. I would like to congratulate all our members for the IMPACT that we as Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc have made in our first biennium, and encourage all of us to continue to work as a National Organization to make a larger IMPACT in our Communities. I look forward to seeing the creative and innovative service projects over the next year.

KELI'S CORNER | SERVICE

“WE MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT WE GET, BUT WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE.”

Keli's Service Corner Summer is finally here! With this new season we are excited to announce a new partnership with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence!

The NCADV is happy to collaborate with Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc. to provide information and learning opportunties about domestic violence to our members.

MEMBER POLL: What are some unique ways that you + your chapter/colonies found to do service during the pandemic?

Hosting virtual open forums to spotlight awareness of various issues.

Make calls or video calls to local nursing homes to spread a little extra joy once a week Host a virtual movie night, game night, etc.

Send cards + care packages to veterans.

Donate to a specific cause sponsored by a fast food or grocery store Recording video and creating social media post to bring awareness Become a digital/ virtually volunteer for various organizations

LET'S MAKE AN IMPACT:

Let's Celebrate 70 years with impactful service!

Have ideas on new innovative service projects?

Contact Keli + let's serve!

SERVICE@GAMMASIGMASIGMA.ORG

06 KELI'S CORNER | SERVICE

“WE MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT WE GET, BUT WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE.”

et or e Mtsiokar Jones La

ceo/ founder

@glitteratigammasig

Glitterati Gamma Sig

Zeta upslion 2000 nitiate i

Sanquine + Pearls VAC

(3rd term president + Founding Member)

Who doesn't love a cute piece clothing, an accessory, or even a pin that stands out amongst the rest! Soror Latika Jones heard your call and answered back. I got to sit down with our sister to find out more about what.. (other than us, her fellow sisters) inspired her to create timeless Gamma Sig gear that speaks to who WEE are!

Deonna O'Neal, Prespectives Editor

Q: Sis, it is such a pleasure to catch up with you! & I am so interested in finding out just what inspired you to create Gamma Sigma Sigma gear?

A: It was the lack of options; we had the standard Greek stores of campuses but it was just that standard. I wanted to express myself in a different way, then offered.

Q: So I have to say, my favorite piece by far that I keep with me is my "LOVE GSS" foldable umbrella.

What is your favorite piece you've created to date?

A: My favorite piecce are the ones that feature the "a different sorority" tagline, it's inspired by one of my favorite shows and it represents our "diverse" soroity.

07

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

Vendor Spotlight: June

i a r e t t i l G Q+A with Q: Okay, so we've got to know what is the most popular piece (though we probably already know!)

A: That's a tie! Sorors love pieces from "A Different Sorority", "Sorority Definition", and the Gamma Sig Teddy Bears.

ut o k c e a ch m m a g ful i t i" u a r a e e t b t i "gl n i s l lia a gir n r e h parap

Q: What are some of the things we can look forward to with you and the Glitterai Gamma Sig brand and gear?

A: I am currently working on a box that should be ready for founder's day! As well as, I have been working on new designs for the summer.

Q: Okay sis, probably the question we all love because we get to spread the shine. When and where did you become apart of Gamma Sigma Sigma? And your current chapter or member status.

A: I am currently working on a box that should be ready for founder's day! As well as, I have been working on new designs for the summer.

www.glitteraigammasig.com

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

08

Home Sweet Service Greater Atlanta teams up with Metro Atlanta task force

Have you ever missed a meal during the work day and felt faint or low on energy? If you have, please take that feeling and magnify it and you’ll know the reason the work being done by GAAC and the Task Force is crucial within the homeless community.

According to their site, “The Task Force runs a 24-Hour Homeless Assistance Hotline and provides programs assisting the homeless of Metro-Atlanta.” The Hotline is the initial point of contact for many of the individuals associated with the Task Force. It is available 24 hours a day, toll-free, statewide and serves as the central component for the Task Force service delivery.

The Task Force works hand-in-hand with the Transportation and Outreach team. This team works to connect the Task Force with homeless people who are unable to seek assistance. The staff locates unsheltered individuals wherever they may be, and works to build relationships in an effort to link them with desperatelyneeded resources such as shelter, medical care, food, and clothing.

The program provides homeless individuals and families with free, year-round transportation between emergency shelters, overflow facilities, and other vital resources and service agencies.

Greater Garnets Alumni

The Greater Atlanta Alumni Chapter has kicked things into high gear as they joined forces with the Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless. This organization serves as a beckon of hope for those in need.

@gammasigmasigma_ gaac

Soror LaMonica Scott, Alumni At Large

There is also the Day Services Center, which is operated Monday through Friday from 8:30am — 5:00 pm, the Day Service Center offers a wide variety of resources and assistance for men, women, and children in the metro Atlanta area. Staffed with a team of 6 case workers, the Center assists individuals in obtaining permanent, affordable housing and livable-wage employment, as well as providing workshops, job training and employment referrals, vision screenings, addiction recovery placement, assistance with social security or securing IDs, HIV testing, referrals for medical and psychiatric care, or simply respite from the elements. Counselors work with clients who have a variety of needs, such as those who have recently relocated to Atlanta, those with disabilities or who need addiction treatment, veterans, or those who may be facing eviction.

Greater Atlanta recognized the specialness of what the Task Force provides to not only Atlanta but to the entire state of Georgia. It was with this in mind that these hard-working sisters reached out to make a difference within a demographic that is often ignored or blamed for their predicament.

The whys may matter when providing a listening ear, but they do not factor into the equation when it comes to providing bare necessities such as shelter and nourishment. It is for that very reason that the GAAC provided fresh produce and nonperishables to all individuals in need. It didn’t matter the number, they remained to SERVE.

SERVICE IN ATL | SERVICE

Greater Atlanta Alumni Chapter x Task Force

10

S pi r it D a y

y l i Fam d u e F D i s t rict 6

DISTRICT VI | SPIRIT DAY

11

On April 2nd, Chapters from all over the district came together, in Dahlonega to celebrate being a Gamma Sig. Members were introduced to special guest speaker, University of North Georgia President Dr. Bonita Jacobs who is a Gamma Sigma Sigma alumna.

It was a great day of fun, sisterhood, and service. In the spirit of service chapters collected goods that were taken to a local food bank, and also, bonded through a rather intense game of Family Feud.

Thank you for all that participated.

District VII Soror Dorcee Hines, District VII Director

District VII Spirit Day was held April 23rd at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, FL. The theme was "Back to the 90s" and our members showed up and showed out! The members of District 7 kicked off their Spirit Day with Blind Dates featuring our favorite 90s tv show couples, we then moved on to a Sing A Long creating songs about GSS to the tune of some 90s hits. We continued with participating in a World Book Day service project, where we left affirmation messages inside of books that were donated to a local book box. We closed out with a Stroll Off to some more popular 90s songs. It was an amazing day of sisterhood and service.

DISTRICT VII | SPIRIT DAY

90s Spirit Day

12

r u C Lanay

st d u ll N e !

A

an a p di n g R ul e s

ta io s, n a l e p o rt R

back in Jun 30 office! as of

t please if you have nodo so rts, submitted your repoly immediate

By t S la w s a n d

CONTINUING YOUR SERVICE JOURNEY AS AN ALUMNI

! y s a e s ' it

CHECKOUT THE NATIONAL WEBSITE TO LEARN ABOUT THE CHAPTERS IN YOUR AREA

on es

National

or

Diirreecc nnii D m m u u l l tt AA

Madame Membership is back from vacation and eager to access your reports. Please email your reports to membership@gammasigmasigma.orhg

G e n e vieve J

REACH OUT TO THE CHAPTER OF YOUR CHOICE, OR THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR TO SHARE YOUR INTEREST CONSIDER JOINING OUR VIRTUAL CHAPTER, IF NO CHAPTERS IN YOUR AREA CONTINUE TO HAVE FUN SERVING WITH YOUR SISTERS + GROW YOUR NETWORK!

ALUMNI@GAMMASIGMASIGMA.ORG

13 UPDATES | MEMBERSHIP

l ve

Me m be r

Stay for the sisterhood!

r

e h t r o f e m o "C Service

Di r e c t p i o sh

SORORITY BUDGET FOR THE 2021 - 2022 YEAR

$201,025

200,000%

$142,189

150,000%

0%

Net Gains

Budget

actual

Budget

$92,189

Total Expenses

actual

Budget

actual

$93,100

100,000%

50,000%

$247,050

$235,289

250,000%

Total Revenue

This year our alumni membership is trending 10% above budget, however our collegiate membership is trending 20% below budget. Overall, we have had a great financial year with having a net gain of $50,000.00.

FINANCES

Financial Progress

14

LET'S SERVE TOGETHER!

Ready to make an impact?

Find out more at www.gammasigmasigma.org

Looking for service in all the right places!

Check out our gamma sig sisters serving at home + beyond! send your service + sisterhood photos and stories to perspectives@gammasigmasigma.org

it or

Ed

s P er e v s p e c ti

Deonna O'Neal Spring 2012 Initiate Zeta Theta - Jacksonville State University Current - AAL

It has been such a journey getting to know each of you and your chapters/colonies through photos + amazing stories about service projects that you have been sharing with me for the past couple of months! Putting Perspectives together has been a dream I never knew that I had and such an inspiration. I truly enjoy being gifted the opportunity to truly showcase our sorority in this way. A huge thank you to everyone who allowed me to hop into your instagram + facebook messages, groups, and post for more information, & I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Next Up: The 70th Anniversary Issue I can't express enough how excited I am to work with you all in the coming month to create another amazing issue of our national magazine + even better I can't wait to showcase your work over the years! So take lots of photos, send tons of stories + let's show the WORLD our strongest of bonds!

In Service Always, DEONNA O'NEAL

@THEDAISEYOFALLTRADES | PERSPECTIVES@GAMMASIGMASIGMA.ORG

17 LETTER FROM EDITOR

Hey ! s r e t Sigs