Ventura County Alumnae Brings Social Action To Election Polls
Sorors of Ventura County Alumnae Chapter adopted a polling place and served as election officers during the February and June primaries.
The Ventura County Alumnae Chapter (VCAC) was in the forefront of social and political activism in Ventura County during the 2007-2008 sorority year. Concerned about the historic presidential election, VCAC hosted several events to provide information about the candidates. The chapter took their efforts a step further in serving as gatekeepers to the political process by becoming the only African American organization in Ventura County to ―Adopt-A-Poll‖ and serve as election officers during the February Primary Election. The ―Adopt-A-Poll‖ program allows an organization to operate a polling place. The chapter also adopted a poll in the June 3 election and plan to operate a poll in November. The chapter has also made headway in affecting social
change in the mainstream through appointments on local commissions and boards. The chair of VCAC‘s Social Action Committee was appointed to the Ventura County Commission for Women; sorors of VCAC served as panelists and facilitators during the Second Ventura County Women‘s Forum; and sorors are also actively involved with local chapters of the NAACP, Black American Political Association of California, National Women‘s Political Caucus, and American Red Cross. The chapter‘s approach was particularly important in the chapter‘s effort to effect social change and public policy since African Americans are less than two percent of the population in Ventura County. Submitted by Shanté Morgan Durisseau, Ventura County Alumnae Chapter
Delta Days In Washington State Solano Valley Alumnae‟s GEMS At Senator and President Pro Tempore Rosa Franklin (Democrat, 23rd District, Tacoma) discussed Senate Bill 6205, a bill she sponsors, which supports a Joint Select Committee on Sickle Cell Disease. While the workshops were being held on the capitol campus, a youth rally was in progress several miles away at Saint Martin‘s University. Tacoma Alumnae Chapter‘s Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Institute participated in this portion of the day‘s activities. The GEMS were able to experience the caucus process and actually ―vote‖ on their choice of Presidential candidate. This exercise enabled the young ladies to better understand the electoral process while having a mock Presidential Caucus experience. The day culminated with a rally on the capitol steps where Governor Christine Gregoire was the guest speaker. Governor Gregoire stated, ―The key to a better life for Washingtonians is an education Sorors and Delta GEMS on the steps of State Capi- system that prepares our children to thrive tal Building in Olympia, Washington. in a global economy. In the past three years, we‘ve made significant investments The Tacoma Alumnae Chapter co-hosted to create a world-class, seamless education Delta Days in the Washington State Capital system for all of us.‖ of Olympia, Washington, in conjunction with the Washington State Commission on Sorors not only participated in the day‘s African American Affairs‘ African Ameri- workshops and other Delta Days activities, can Legislative Day. but also turned out in numbers to volunteer Monday, February 4, 2008 was a day for wherever needed. By all accounts, Delta sorors to increase involvement in the state Days at the Washington State Capital 2008 public policy making process. It was also was a huge success. an opportunity for African Americans in Submitted by Athena Lock, Tacoma AlumWashington State to influence legislation by nae Chapter showing support of Senate and House bills that impact local communities. Approximately 228,080 African Americans live in Washington State. This is only 3.6% of the state‘s population, indicating the necessity of raising awareness on certain issues affecting this population. Attendance for this event exceeded 1,200. Leg Day, as it‘s also known, consisted of ―Issues Workshops,‖ with themes such as ―It Is Time to Take Control of Our Health,‖ moderated by Commissioner – and Soror - Sorors Cheryl Simms-Jone, Charlene Howard, Winona Hollins Hauge and ―Education: Alyce McNiel and Kecia Stringfield. The New Civil Rights Arena,‖ presented by Soror Doris McEwen. Other workshops focused on ―Challenging the Child Welfare System Serving African American Children‖ and participation in a Legislative Priorities Work session. During the Legislative Work Session, Representative Eric Pettigrew (Democrat, 37th District, Seattle) discussed his legislative priorities, highlighting House Bill 2722, an education bill he co-sponsors, creating an advisory committee to address the achievement gap for African-American students. PAGE 8
Sorors Athena Lock, Darlin Johnson, Charlene Howard and Yolanda Geolingo.
Delta Days in Sacramento, Calif.
The Solano Valley Alumnae Chapter sorors feel they have recently experienced one of the best overall Delta Days in Sacramento to date. Their Delta Academy/ GEMS were among the hundreds of young ladies throughout the region who participated in Delta Days. They had the opportunity to greet a parade of assembly persons and senators over breakfast, hosted by Senator Mark RidlyThomas. They also attended workshops on topics such as Green Living, and were able to meet with their local legislator. The young ladies were also acknowledged on the assembly floor. Submitted by Darla Davenport-Powell, Solano Valley Alumnae Chapter
Hayward Tri Tri--City Alumnae Leads Delta Days at Hayward City Hall Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter sponsored Delta Days at Hayward City Hall, a local government and issues forum, on May 16, 2008. This forum was the first of its kind in Northern California and was designed to foster expanded awareness about current issues and create a forum to facilitate open dialogue. The event was open to the public and began with an informal networking session. Immediately following was a panel discussion and lively question and answer session, moderated by Diana Bell, president of Hayward-Tri -City Alumnae Chapter. Hayward city officials on the panel included the Honorable Mayor Michael Sweeney, City Manager Greg Jones, City Clerk Angelina Reyes and City Councilman Kevin Dowling.
Farwest Regional Director Tressa L. Williams was also present and spoke to the audience about how active participation and partnership are key to affecting change. The outcome of Delta Days was a better understanding of the internal structure and operation of the Hayward City government, the plans in place for the city‘s current and future programs, as well as insight into opportunities where Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter can become more involved. The chapter sorors received a commitment from city officials to continue the partnership and participate in future Delta Days at Hayward City Hall. Submitted by Shirley Sexton, Hayward Tri-City Alumnae Chapter FARWEST FOCUS