GREETINGS Greetings, Sorors! As we complete the 2014-2016 biennium, I am humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to serve the most PHENOMENAL region in the Sorority, the MIGHTY Midwest Region! I am also excited, as there is so much to celebrate as we end the year: 1. We had the pleasure of having 100% of Midwest chapters in compliance. 2. For two years in a row, 100% of collegiate grade reports were submitted, with close to 85% of collegiate members maintaining between a 2.75 and a 3.0 grade point average. 3. In the 2015-2016 Sorority year, we initiated close to 450 new sorors! 4. We had a record-breaking number of Midwest delegates at Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital 5. We chartered a new chapter! Please join me in welcoming the newest alumnae chapter to the region – Northeast Wisconsin Alumnae, which will include the Fox Valley area of the northern portion of Wisconsin. 6. Applications were submitted for SEED Grants to initiate much needed innovative programming in your service areas—congratulations again! 7. Finally, congratulations to the over 125 recent graduates in the Midwest Region! Keep up the AWESOME work as we “Magnify the Mighty in the Midwest!” To my AMAZING Midwest Regional Leadership Team – THANK YOU for all of your hard work, dedication, and support! You truly exemplify the MIGHTY in the Midwest! Last, but certainly not least, THANK YOU to my new little sister, Soror Shaquira Robinson, on serving the Mighty Midwest as our Regional Representative! Her diligence and hard work has been great! As she begins another journey in the Southern Region pursuing her Masters in Public Health at the University of South Florida, we wish her WELL! With Much Delta Love!
“Dr. D”
Greetings, Mighty Sorors of the Midwest Region! We have reached the last lap of this race! As we begin it, I would like to welcome each of you to the Midwest Regional Conference here in Indianapolis. This weekend will be one filled with memories, fellowship, and development. My collegiate sorors, as we "Race to our ROOTS," let’s keep our beloved 22 in mind, but also have a forward mindset as we continue to blaze the trail. During the past year, we have gained many new sorors, and we have work to do! It is time to renew and transform the direction and legacy of our sisterhood. I am anxious, excited, and sad that this will be my final lap...but it has been an honor and privilege to serve and lead you on this journey. I am READY to prepare and transition the next Regional Representative so that she can continue to Magnify the Mighty, even moreso than myself, in serving our region. As always, it is with love and gratitude that I do what I do. Let’s have a great time this weekend and welcome to the Hoosier State! Sincerely, Shaquira Robinson Regional Representative
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SCHOLARSHIP & STANDARDS Greetings, Sorors! My, how time flies! It is hard to believe that just two years ago, I was blessed with the responsibility of representing the Mighty Midwest Region as your member of the National Scholarship & Standards (S&S) Committee. Sorors, I can sincerely say that everything we have accomplished this year was because of each of you! Your support, questions, encouragement, emails, phone calls, and yes—even challenges—contributed to making the Midwest Mighty! Here is a brief highlight of my activities during the 2015-16 sorority year: Conducted Trainings Nominations & Elections Webinar – All 7 Regions Policies & Procedures Webinar – Midwest Region Advisor Certification Workshops – All 2015 State Cluster Meetings Code of Conduct Training - All 2015 State Cluster Meetings Membership Intake Training - “Train the Trainers” 2 DID Workshops – Northeast Wisconsin Alumnae Chapter Attended Statewide Founders Day Celebrations Illinois Statewide Founders Day Weekend Ohio Statewide Founders Day Weekend Attended National S&S Meetings Regional Officers Training—Washington, D.C., September 2015 National S&S Meeting—November 2015, February 2016, May 2016 Reviewed chapters’ Policies & Procedures and met with chapters to assist with policy development Presented MOU requests and service area updates to National S&S Committee Attended chartering ceremony of Northeast Wisconsin Alumnae Chapter Attended Collegiate Advisor conference calls Performed assigned duties and tasks as a member of S&S Committee While we have many accomplishments to celebrate, there is still much work to be done in the region. A sincere and heartfelt thank you to:
Midwest Regional Director and Midwest Regional Representative, Dr. Mona Davenport and Shaquira Robinson, for your hard work, encouragement and support over the past two years! State Coordinators and Midwest Leadership Team for your diligence and support in assisting me with keeping the region informed at all times. Local chapters who extended hospitality over the past year by welcoming me at the various workshops and meetings. My home, Chicago Alumnae Chapter, for your constant support during my travels!
Sorors, thank you once again! I am looking forward to the next two years of service to the best region in the sorority! Let’s continue to MAGINIFY the MIGHTY in the MIDWEST!
Sisterly,
Kimberly Offord, Midwest Member National Scholarship & Standards Committee 47 T H REGIONAL CONFERENCE MIDWEST MISSILE
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SOCIAL ACTION Social Action in the Midwest Region In the 2015-16 Sorority year, the Midwest Region continued our proud tradition of activism and leadership. From over 200 social action events to over 1000 voters registered, we impacted lives in the communities we serve. Thanks to the leadership of Soror Mona Y. Davenport (Regional Director) and Soror Shaquira Robinson (Regional Representative), we were ready for the serious challenges that our communities faced this year. Advocacy in Action “Black Lives Matter” is not just a phrase. In the Midwest Region, sorors were formidable advocates, sponsoring events that brought together law enforcement and the communities they serve. On college campuses, sorors sponsored forums, hosted teach-ins, and educated students on racial profiling and stereotypes. Chapters throughout the region supported the efforts of our Flint, Michigan sorors as they deal with the impact of the poisoning of their water. Chapters in four states participated in Delta Days at the State Capitol, engaging state officials in discussions of issues of concern. Our goal of ensuring that elected officials at all levels (local, county, and state) were introduced to the “Delta Red Army” was accomplished in Delta style! Chapters around the region sponsored Delta Days at city halls, school boards and county boards. There is NO doubt—in the Mighty Midwest, elected officials know who Deltas are and that we are strong advocates for our communities. Access and Leadership Access to our elected officials is critical to successful advocacy. Chapters sponsored “Meet the Candidates” events and issue forums, providing our communities with opportunities to meet the people who are seeking office. In addition, chapters continued to inform sorors about opportunities for appointments and elected offices. As a region, we led campaigns (in-person visits, calls, emails, and letters) in support of the confirmation of Soror Loretta Lynch as Attorney General, and in support of President Obama’s Supreme Court appointment. The Midwest Region was over 200 members strong at this year’s Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital (DDNC). We are especially proud of the 44 collegiate sorors who attended. Sorors throughout the region gave $22 to support our collegiate members and the result was one of the largest collegiate delegations at the event. Midwest Initiatives – What’s Next? We do not want to lose the momentum gained at DDNC, and we have a plan to keep it going through the November 2016 elections. In May, we launched “Delta Super Tuesdays.” Each month, we will ask sorors to participate in an activity designed to bring information and attention to a critical issue identified during DDNC. Working together, we will reach our goal of an informed community that votes in strong numbers in November.
2016 Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital
Midwest Region State Social Action Coordinators Illinois La Toya M. Dixon Indiana Monique Armstrong Kentucky Chrysanthia Carr-Seals Michigan Kim Coleman Minnesota Linda Beaumont Middlebrooks Ohio Meredith Turner Wisconsin Kim Eubanks West Virginia Michelle Barnes-Russell
Angela J. Billings 2014-2016 Midwest Region Social Action Coordinator socialaction@dstmidwestregion.com
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LEAD 2016 Midwest Region Leadership Fellows Program
The Midwest Region Leadership Team and LEAD Committee salute the inaugural cohort of the 2016 Midwest Region Fellows Pilot Program! Glasetta Barksdale
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Cheryl Matthews
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Diane Billingsley
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Jacquelyn McClinton
Pontiac Alumnae Chapter
Kimberly Bugg
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Dorine Miller
Southfield Alumnae Chapter
Desirae Butler
Minneapolis/St Paul Alumnae Chapter
Yolanda Morris
Madison Alumnae Chapter
Neidra Butler
East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
Tracy Morton
Kalamazoo Alumnae Chapter
TaKeya Draper
Toledo Alumnae Chapter
Candace P. Nave
East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
Anne Edwards
Rockford Alumnae Chapter
Glenda Olivache
Detroit Alumnae Chapter
Veronica Ford
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Tia Ollie
Southfield Alumnae Chapter
Paulette Graham
Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter
Erica Parish
Toledo Alumnae Chapter
Jessica Harps
Southfield Alumnae Chapter
Michele Payne
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Deborah Hunter-Harvill
Detroit Alumnae Chapter
DeAwnna Pretlow
Springfield - Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter
Phyllis Jackson
East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
Tiffany Sago-Gray
Rockford Alumnae Chapter
Yvonne Jackson
Detroit Alumnae Chapter
Barbara Stubblefield
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Tina Johnson
Louisville Alumnae Chapter
Shavon Terrell
Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter
Errical Jones
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Diane Vensant-Baker
Kalamazoo Alumnae Chapter
LaRellen Jones
Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter
India Washington
Rockford Alumnae Chapter
Shanea Kelley
Anderson-Muncie Alumnae Chapter
Cheryl Wilkins
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
LeToya Lofton
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Krista Williams
Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter
Dana London
Chicago Alumnae Chapter
Christa Wilson
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Pamela Manning
East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
Denika Wilson
Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter
MW Region Fellows Leadership at the Next Level…Magnifying Leadership in the Mighty Midwest! 47 T H REGIONAL CONFERENCE MIDWEST MISSILE
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PROGRAM PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Programming with P.U.R.P.O.S.E. During the 2015-2016 Sorority year, The Midwest Program Planning &Development Committee furthered efforts to “Magnify the Mighty in the Midwest” by highlighting an enhanced program focus on quality programming, internal/ external collaboration and evaluation. Through increased focus in these areas, chapters in the region magnified service to Midwest communities as exemplified in the programs submitted for this year’s awards.
Midwest PP&D Action in Support of Chapters GOALS
COMMUNICATION & TRAINING
Program implementation representing each point of the Sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust
State conferences with chapter PP&D Committee chairs
Participation in Hallmark Health program
Email communications detailing updates from Grand Chapter and key dates
State challenge to support Hallmark Health program during Statewide Founders Day Celebrations
PP&D workshops during state cluster cycle
Participation in Project 13 partnerships
PP&D webinars
The efforts of the Midwest Region PP&D Committee during the 2014-2015 year provided chapters with measurable targets and tools for success. In support of our motto, Programming with P.U.R.P.O.S.E., we look forward to the continuation of our efforts under the guidance and direction of the Midwest Regional Director. Midwest Region Program Planning & Development Committee Illinois | Luevinus Muhammad, Deja Survillion
Minnesota | Sanna Towns
Indiana | Debbie Powers, Devon Burton
Ohio | Angela Graves-Wescott, Sydney Howell
Kentucky | Melanie Edith Taylor-Nunn, JaNai Fields
West Virginia | Trina DeJarnette, Jasmine Woods
Michigan | Joye Mosley
Wisconsin | Yolanda Shelton-Morris
Sisterly in Service,
Tauriana Lyles King & Miki Grace Midwest Region PP&D Coordinators
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ILLINOIS The 2015 – 2016 Sorority year was PHENOMENAL for the state of Illinois! Chapters throughout the state fulfilled their commitment to the mission of the sorority by engaging in professional development through Delta Internal Development (DID) workshops and providing public service both on campus and throughout the community by creating and implementing innovative programs that support the Sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. To start the year, Delta chapters in throughout the state partnered with AARP of Illinois to increase awareness about emergency preparedness. They provided readiness, response and recovery training for 116 Illinois Delta DEARS. In September 2015, Illinois chapters fulfilled the mission of the National ERT by participating in this trailblazing project. The participating chapters included:
Alpha Nu Carbondale Alumnae Champaign-Urbana Alumnae Chicago Alumnae Glen Ellyn Alumnae Joliet Area South Suburban Alumnae
Rockford Alumnae Schaumburg-Hoffman Estates Alumnae Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Waukegan Alumnae Zeta Iota
On November 1, 2015, all roads led to Merrillville, IN for the Illinois/Indiana State Cluster, where sorors received professional development, updates on regional and national initiatives, and an overflow of sisterly love and fellowship! In Fall 2015, Illinois chapters initiated 34 new members into our illustrious Sorority! Chapters conducting successful fall membership intake included:
Theta Delta – 10 Theta Epsilon – 5
Zeta Chi – 8 Zeta Iota – 11
In February, collegiate chapters throughout the state supported National Collegiate Transition Month by partnering with alumnae chapters to gain invaluable information about life in Delta beyond the collegiate years. Collaborations included partnering on business meetings, programs, community service projects, and social events. The collaborating chapters included:
Alpha Nu and Champaign-Urbana Alumnae Kappa Zeta and Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Lambda and Chicago Alumnae Pi Omega and Glenn Ellyn Area Alumnae
Theta Delta and Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Theta Epsilon and Peoria Alumnae Zeta Chi and Carbondale Alumnae Zeta Iota and Glenn Ellyn Area Alumnae
Theta Alpha and Evanston North Shore Alumnae
On March 11-13, the state gathered for the Illinois Statewide Founders Day Celebration in O’Fallon, Illinois. The event was hosted by the East St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, who rolled out the red carpet sorors in attendance. The theme for the weekend was “Celebrating Our Commitment to Leadership, Service and Empowerment.” Our esteemed National President, Paulette C. Walker, served as presiding officer during the Rededication Ceremony, as well as the keynote speaker for the Founders Day Luncheon. The weekend ended with a powerful prayer breakfast led by Soror Marilyn Barnes, Regional Chaplain, who centered our spirits through the preached word. To round off a highly successful year, Illinois chapters initiated an additional 81 new members into the Sorority, bringing the total of newly initiated Illinois members to 115! Chapters conducting successful spring membership intake included:
Alpha Nu – 31 Kappa Zeta – 9 Lambda – 15
Pi Omega – 4 Theta Alpha – 11 Theta Zeta - 11
Illinois State Leadership Team (L-R): Gwendolyn Buie, State Photographer; Jilnita Johnson, State Secretary; La Toya Dixon, State Social Action Coordinator; Sarahjini Nunn Spencer, IL State Coordinator; Bryana Parker, State Facilitator; Luevinus Muhammad, State PP&D Coordinator; Tchicaya Ellis-Robertson, IL State ERT Coordinator
National President Paulette C. Walker and Illinois State Coordinator Sarahjini Nunn Spencer
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INDIANA The chapters of the state of Indiana participated in a variety of programs and projects during the year. The majority of all chapters participated in cancer awareness walks, voter registration drives, and a variety of fundraisers—including the regional conference kick-off fundraisers). Chapter highlights include the following: Chi City-Wide Chapter, co-hosts of the 47th Regional Conference, hosted a variety of programs and projects this year. They raised $250 at the Christina L. Nolan Scholar Car Wash that went towards a scholarship that was awarded at a banquet hosted by the chapter. They also won “Best Program of the Year” for their program titled “Feeding the Soul.” At this event, chapter members served 100 sack lunches to the less fortunate in downtown Indianapolis. Gamma Nu Chapter got involved in the uplifting of Black women and the Black community on Indiana University’s campus as a recruitment and retention project. The chapter also partnered with community leaders in the city of Bloomington to educatie people on how to use their voices and get involved in current events affecting their communities. The newly reactivated Kappa Nu Chapter was recognized in the fall for having the highest GPA of all Greek organizations. They also participated in the Greek Week Relay for Life Event, during which they raised $785 for the American Cancer Society. Nu Eta Chapter collaborated with Gary Alumnae Chapter for voter registration. Through their partnership, they were able to reach over 300 young adults that were not registered to vote. They also hosted a Peppermint Social to promote literacy awareness throughout northwest Indiana. Bloomington Alumnae Chapter hosted an evening with the Bloomington City Council to discuss issues impacting minority groups in the community. They also participated in public service, focused on the cleanup of two Adopt-AHighway locations in Bloomington and Terre Haute. Evansville Alumnae Chapter hosted their annual Strawberries & Champagne Scholarship Gala, which raised $12,000 for scholarships for college-bound, second year, and nontraditional students. For the third year in a row, the chapter hosted a reenactment of the 1913 women’s suffrage march, and they also launched a “Stroll to the Polls” voter mobilization initiative. Gary Alumnae Chapter hosted 170 attendees at their annual Founders Day Celebration, which featured Soror Sheryl Lee Ralph as the keynote speaker. The chapter also held their 10th annual Free Thanksgiving Day Dinner, for which they partnered with several local organizations. The hostess chapter for our 47th Regional Conference, Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter, balanced their busy schedule to maintain their focus on programming this year. Their major focus was on serving the youth through the Delta Academy, Delta GEMS, and Black College Tour programs. The program year will conclude with a youth recognition event where scholarship recipients will be presented. .
South Bend Alumnae Chapter hosted their annual Health and Resource Fair at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, reaching 170 community members during the event. They collaborated with other local South Bend sororities to host a Girls Conference at Indiana University at South Bend. The event, called “FLAWLESS,” focused on young ladies in grades 5-12 and had 52 attendees.
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KENTUCKY Collaboration is the theme that resonates through the state of Kentucky for 2015-16! Chapters took it upon themselves to not only exemplify the Sorority's commitment to public service through their collaborations with community partners, but they also demonstrated a commitment to sisterhood through collaboration with other chapters. Alpha Pi Chapter and Frankfort Alumnae Chapter collaborated in their efforts to raise awareness about heart disease on the American Hearth Association’s National Go Red Day. The ladies provided a variety of healthy foods and delivered a presentation to show students the effects of heart disease on the African American community. Louisville Alumnae Chapter's Economic Development Committee partnered with Xi Chapter at the University of Louisville’s “Cashin' Owt” event. This event promoted financial awareness and planning to enable upcoming college graduates to be prepared to live independently. Soror Marcia Butler Holt, past Midwest Regional Representative and past co-chair of the National Arts and Letters Commission, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Lexington (KY) Alumnae Chapter's bi-annual Debutante Scholarship Ball where approximately $18,000 in scholarships were awarded. Additionally, Soror Holt spoke to the Mu Epsilon Chapter, the chapter of her initiation, about transitioning into an alumnae chapter and serving the sorority through Lexington (KY) Alumnae's "Bridging Over Brunch" program. Mu Epsilon also informed students and faculty of the water crisis in Flint, MI and collected monetary donations to assist affected families.
Mu Epsilon supporting the Flint, MI water crisis
The Eta Omicron Chapter collaborated with the Black Student Union of Morehead State University and the university’s police department in an effort to discuss racial profiling. They also discussed and addressed incidents that have happened on campus. The Lieutenant and Chief of Police were very eager to answer questions and explain the protocol and training of engaging as well as how suspects are profiled. This open discussion was highly successful and students left feeling well informed.
Both Fort Knox Alumnae Chapter and Hopkinsville Alumnae Chapter focused on the youth in their communities through their Delta Academy and Delta GEMS programs respectively. The Delta Academy participants focused on health and wellness, the dangers of social media, and money management, while the Delta GEMS program focused on emergency response. The Eta Upsilon Chapter concluded a service weekend with a highlight event called Serving the Children. Chapter members spent the evening with participants from the Boys and Girls Club, where they ran math and spelling drills, played four square, and learned cheers with the local cheerleading team. The Paducah Alumnae Chapter dedicated an entire month to honor the Sorority's Founders through various service projects in the community. The dedication culminated in a closed program entitled "In Honor of our Founders," where sorors paid homage to the Founders and rededicated themselves to the goals and mission of the Sorority. Finally, Frankfort Alumnae Chapter hosted Delta Day in the State Capital. Sorors from across the state convened with state representatives and legislators to discuss social action issues in the forefront of Kentucky. The day culminated with sorors attending the annual Black History Program at the state capitol presented by the Kentucky Black Caucus of Local
Kentucky Delta Day in the State Capital
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MICHIGAN
Michigan chapters have worked tirelessly on their programs this year, and also joined forces to empower the statewide Flint Water Crisis Taskforce – supporting Flint Alumnae Chapter and their community in three strategic areas: programming, policy and presence. In the fall, we turned out for the Michigan/Ohio Cluster. In May, we conducted an impactful Delta Day in the State Capital (DDSC) in Lansing:
State Facilitator Basia Mack supported the collegiate retreat, spotlights, and the flow of communication with collegiates. State Secretary Jenice Mitchell Ford kept us connected with minutes, meeting calls, RSVPs, and also chaired a meeting. PP&D Coordinator Joye Mosley led the effort to keep presidents informed on programs and awards. Michigan State Coordinators and ERT Coordinator Gayle Coleman led chapter ERT chairs in promoting emergency Chapter Presidents at MI Delta Day in Lansing preparedness. Social Action Coordinator Kim Coleman and Lansing Alumnae (fiduciary chapter), executed Destination 22 – supporting 12 collegiates to allow them to attend Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital. Coleman, chapter social action chairs, and Detroit Alumnae (fiduciary chapter) executed an impactful Delta Days in the State Capital. Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, Southfield Alumnae and Myya Jones, Epsilon Epsilon were awarded with Social Action Awards, and Flint Alumnae won the Sisterhood Award.
Chapters also held exemplary programs: Ann Arbor Alumnae: Reactivated EMBODI program, partnering with the county sheriff, prosecuting attorney’s office and public defender to host more than 25 African-American males at a symposium. Battle Creek Alumnae: Produced a directory of minority-owned businesses, held a local Delta Day, and won a community service award. Benton Harbor-St. Joseph Alumnae: Held blood pressure screenings at a barber shop, served 129 people at an expungement fair, and donated items to an emergency shelter. Detroit Alumnae: Impacted community with an expungement fair that served nearly 1,200 people, addressed women's health issues with on-site mammography, and hosted Weight Watchers. Flint Alumnae: Evaluated and encouraged over 300 attendees of the annual community-wide Basic Needs Fair, provided information for water crisis community services, and distrubuted 1500 cases of water. Grand Rapids Alumnae: Hosted a Community Financial Summit, “Dollars & Sense,” which included educational breakout sessions. Inkster Alumnae: Hosted May Week with the theme “Bridges that Build Our Community," with an array of programs under the Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. Kalamazoo Alumnae: Determined to lift, love and serve the community!
Flint Alumnae members with 17th National President Mona Bailey during her visit to Flint
Lansing Alumnae: Hosted their 2nd Teen Summit, teaching high school students coping skills to address bullying and other issues. Pontiac Alumnae: Raised more than $10,000 for scholarships, and co-hosted Founders Day with Omicron Zeta, which featured Past National President Mona Humphries Bailey as the keynote speaker. Saginaw Alumnae: Presented “Collage Dance Collective,” a free community concert and workshops for elementary school students. Southfield Alumnae: Held 5th Annual Delta GEMS Girl 2 Girl Summit: “Black Girls Are..." with 105 participants, and hosted a benefit for St. John's Providence Children's Hospital. Delta Upsilon: GPAs ranked #5 among Greeks and #1 among NPHC organizations. Epsilon Epsilon: Awarded $1,000 in scholarships to two students at their scholarship ball. Lambda Pi: Supported Flint Water Crisis Taskforce with fundraisers, bottled water, and hand sanitizers. Nu: Won the NAACP Sorority of the Year Award! Omicron Zeta: Voted Best Sorority on campus! Rho Mu: Welcomed eight new sorors into the chapter. Theta Theta: Hosted “Building Blocks to Financial Success” seminar, which taught students how to achieve good financial health and strong credit scores. Zeta Rho: Operated with only one soror, exemplifying perseverance, focus and dedication to the ideals of Delta.
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MINNESOTA It has been an exciting year for the Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter. They started the year with a Round-Up event which incorporated a school supply drive for an inner city elementary school. From there, they hosted the Minnesota/Wisconsin Cluster—marking the first time in 10 years since Minnesota last hosted. It was a great turn-out with lots of fellowship and learning. Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter executed several service programs—including making and serving food at an organization called Crisis Nursery, feeding homeless families around the holiday, fundraising and participating in various walks for organizations such as NAMI, March of Dimes and National American Heart Association. They also volunteered at the yearly Diabetes Expo. This year's EMBODI participants grew from about 25 participants to 140 as a result of plugging in to various Twin Cities school systems. They expanded their partnerships with an organization called Breaking Free, an organization that helps women and young girls escape the life of human sex trafficking and prostitution. The chapter received a SEED grant award to help execute various workshops for their “Sisters of Survival” program (interview skills, dressing for success, self-esteem, STI prevention).
Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter participating in the NAMI Walk
Lastly, Minneapolis/St. Paul Alumnae Chapter celebrated 50 years of service in the Twin Cities. They also celebrated their 20th Annual Literary Luncheon with honorary member, Soror Susan L. Taylor, who delivered an excellent motivational message on mentorship. This past Sorority year was filled with recognition and new collaborations. The Nu Epsilon Citywide Chapter received the National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapter of Excellence Award at the Annual Greek Awards Banquet hosted by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life at the University of Minnesota. In addition, one of the chapter members was a finalist for Greek Member of the Year, and the primary advisor of the chapter was awarded the Advisor of the Year award. In addition, the chapter collaborated with the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to host a professional development event on the topics of personal brand refinement, resume building, interviewing skills and networking. The chapter ended the year by initiating five new members into the Sorority. The chapter has high hopes and is looking forward to winning more awards and having more successful collaborations and programs in the upcoming Sorority year.
Nu Epsilon Citywide Chapter’s numerous awards
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OHIO The Statewide Founders Day celebration hosted by the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter was held in Cleveland from March 18-19. The theme, "Social Action is What We Do – We Are All In," was designed to honor the commitment to social action by our Founders. The kickoff was a Fireside Chat with the Honorable Marcia L. Fudge and the Honorable Joyce Beatty as panelists. Soror Marcia L. Fudge was the guest speaker at the luncheon, where sorors who have achieved 25, 50, and 60+ years in the Sorority were recognized, and awards were presented to Alumnae Soror of the Year, Torey Stewart Tolson (Akron Alumnae) and Delta Dear of the Year, Mary A. Howie (Dayton Alumnae). Below is a sampling of successful programs implemented during the year: Epsilon Omicron Alumnae hosted the “Peppermint Political Party,” which provided an opportunity to educate the community on elections. Epsilon Omicron was recognized as a Chapter of Excellence for receiving excellence in Leadership, Academics, Civic Engagement, and Positive Relationships. They were the only Greek organization on campus to receive Chapter of Excellence in all four categories across four councils.
Dr. Frieda Bennett, State Coordinator, and Lindsay Marshall, State Facilitator, Statewide Founders Day
Akron Alumnae collaborated with the Akron Public Schools to host a city-wide forum on bullying. In collaboration with the Akron League of Women Voters, a School Board Candidate Forum was held. From January through May, members participated in an open government initiative to become more informed about community issues.
Columbus Alumnae supported National Voter Registration Day by helping voters verify their voter registration, registering new voters and educating them about Ohio voting laws. Members volunteered at the Columbus International Festival, collected Shoes for Senegal, and made monthly donations to Doctors Without Borders as a part of International Awareness and Involvement programming. The chapter also hosted one of the regional Delta Authors on Tour events. Dayton Alumnae donated 157 books and school supplies to Project Read for its local elementary school book distribution project. The ground work began to adopt an orphanage located in Edo State, Nigeria which houses children from ages 2 to 18. In collaboration with Be Free Dayton and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, the chapter also sponsored human trafficking awareness training. Greater Cleveland Alumnae kicked off the year with a Social Action Community Summit co-sponsored with NAACP and Black Lives Matter that focused on community empowerment. In collaboration with the Delta Research & Education Foundation (DREF), a town hall meeting was held on Teacher Efficacy. Other partners included the Cleveland Clinic (Healthy Women's program) and MED Wish (packed medical supplies to send abroad). Cincinnati Alumnae collected 32 coats in support of City Gospel, a local agency with a mission to break the cycle of poverty for the city's homeless and underprivileged citizens. In partnership with Cincinnati Children's Hospital, a Teen Health and Wellness Summit was held to address physical and emotional changes related to adolescence, healthy relationships, and the importance of physical activity. Several chapters provided financial support and/or bottled water to assist the residents of Flint, Michigan. Thank you, Ohio chapters, for your diligent work throughout the past year!
Ohio sorors at 2016 Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital
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WEST VIRGINIA As we enter the last leg of the “Race to Indy,” the chapters of West Virginia have been keeping the pace—following in the footsteps of the Founders with guidance from the Midwest Regional Leadership Team! Chapters participated in a variety of programs throughout the year. Every chapter was in attendance at the Kentucky/West Virginia State Cluster, hosted by the Huntington Alumnae Chapter with assistance from the Theta Omega Chapter. A record number of members attended and participated in Collegiate Advisor Training, Membership Intake DIDs, and received updates from the 52nd National Convention.
2016 Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital with Senator Joe Manchin
Charleston-Institute Alumnae Chapter (CIAC) assisted state Social Action Chair, Michele Barnes-Russell, with Delta Day at the State Capitol in February, where members met with West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tenant, State Treasurer John Perdue and the West Virginia Director of Minority Affairs, Dr. Carolyn Stuart. A social action luncheon was held in February, where members of the Social Action Committee of CIAC gave 22 service awards to leaders in the community. Members from three chapters attended Delta Days in the Nation's Capital where they were able to meet with Senator Shelly Moore-Capito and Senator Joe Machin. The Greater Morgantown Alumnae Chapter celebrated their 20th anniversary by hosting Statewide Founders Day with Omicron Upsilon Chapter. Soror Shondia Sabari, the founder and CEO of Bold and Breastless, was the keynote speaker, giving her testimony about her battle with breast cancer.
All West Virginia chapters have made significant contributions in their communities this Sorority year. Beckley Alumnae Chapter cooked and fed people at the Pine Haven Homeless Shelter, while the Bluefield Alumnae Chapter helped to facilitate a program called Brother to Brother, which focuses on inspiring young men in the community. Eastern Panhandle Alumnae Chapter held voting workshops and assisted individuals who had been incarcerated on how to get their voting rights restored. Greater Morgantown Alumnae Chapter also provided personal care kits for the Rape and Domestic Violence Shelter. Huntington Alumnae Chapter hosted their annual Go Red for Women Program. Theta Omega Chapter distributed AIDS pamphlets in recognition of World Aids Day, Omicron Upsilon Chapter hosted a "Delta Apollo" event to collect canned goods, clothes and money with proceeds going to support Christian Health, the Bartlett House and the Salvation Army. Theta Omega Chapter and Omicron Upsilon Chapter welcomed new members into the Sorority on April 23. Congratulations to Theta Omega's “9 G.I.F.T.S. of Preeminent DiSTinction,” and Omicron Upsilon's “The Recon5truction Era!” As we cross the finish line of this conference, we are looking ahead to the next race!
Statewide Founders Day 2016
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Members of the Northeast Wisconsin Alumnae Chapter celebrate their chartering.
After years of perseverance, determination and temperance, the Northeast Wisconsin Alumnae Chapter (NEWAC) was officially chartered on April 2. Led by Midwest Regional Director, Mona Y. Davenport, over 150 sorors came from across the country to take part in the momentous occasion. During the luncheon that followed the chartering ceremony, several proclamations and official recognitions were presented by local, state and federal government officials. The mayor of Appleton, WI presented a proclamation and expressed his amazement over the history of our esteemed organization and community service involvement. The service area for NEWAC includes several counties in the northeast region of the state. Milwaukee Alumnae's International Awareness and Involvement Committee partnered with the Milwaukee Public School System and Milwaukee School of Language to sponsor a team of 20 minority students at the 2016 Wisconsin Model United Nations Conference. The program allows students to learn about an assigned country and its position on various issues. Along with the opportunity to expand their learning beyond the classroom, this experience improved the students’ communication skills and enlightened their social and political world view. Madison Alumnae continued its focus on social action this spring with its 2016 Delta Days at the City and County. Productive discussions took place around the climate of the city and county, the importance of focusing on diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and eliminating food deserts in underserved neighborhoods. During the spring primary election, chapter members worked at polling sites in various capacities. Wisconsin's collegiate chapters welcomed 27 new members into Delta this year! Chapter members fully embraced the membership process, while never wavering in their campus programming. Kappa Eta Citywide planned a workshop called the "Power of Investment," which provided comprehensive information on financial planning. Lambda Alpha presented "Knowledge is Power" to their campus community, where students engaged in interactive games of black history and culture. Zeta Xi Core Chapter implemented an impactful community service project that fed hundreds of homeless people in downtown Madison, including UW Madison's campus. One recipient said, "I am so grateful and happy as I haven't eaten in two days. I didn't know where my next meal was coming from." With all of their hard work this year, Wisconsin's four collegiate chapters have truly embraced our Five-Point Programmatic Thrust. Additionally, the president of Sigma Upsilon Core Chapter received the Perseverance Award. In March, all Wisconsin chapters converged in Madison for the Wisconsin Statewide Founders Day celebration, featuring Regional Director Mona Y. Davenport and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, National Chaplain. Event co-chairs Terri Strong and Anita Sparks led the charge with a cancer awareness community event, dignitary meet and greet, and the unveiling of the Rev. Richard Allen stamp by the US Postal Service. Following the sold out luncheon program, the weekend culminated with a moving ecumenical service. The small yet mighty state of Wisconsin chapters will continue to magnify public service while working to “Empower, Serve and Lead.”
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Wisconsin chapters celebrate Founders Day.
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• Illinois – Champaign, IL • Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN • Ohio – Akron, OH Saturday, October 8, 2016 : • Indiana – Indianapolis, IN • West Virginia - Charleston, WV • Wisconsin – Johnson Creek, WI Saturday, October 15, 2016 : • Kentucky – Lexington, KY • Michigan - Lansing, MI