The REPORT
International Day of Prayer
2019 UNDERGRADUATE ROUNDUP 1
Greetings from
Madame Regional Director Welcome back Sorors! It is my hope that you were able to enjoy this summer with family and friends. However, it is now time to head back to the station and reboard the Pearl Express, as it heads towards resumed Chapter Meetings, Undergraduate Roundup, Cluster Meetings and continuing both Sisterly Relations and Community Service activities. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the many Mid-Western Sorors who continued to work and serve this summer at Leadership Conference and on the many committees that provide direction and support. As we gear up for our many Fall activities, including elections and membership intake processes, I want to remind you that you cannot start early enough in preparation for your required paperwork, especially your End of Year Reports. As a caution, please remember that while the website is always open, if you wait until December, you might not be able to get logged in by deadline, with so many chapters reporting last minute. Sorors, the Mid-Western Region needs to show off our community service, by continuing to collect shoes and by keeping count of the number donated. Let’s start now with your sewing groups, so that you will have little dresses and shirts to bring to your Cluster Meetings. Be sure to especially contact Soror Tanesha Thompson, our International Program Representative, for additional information regarding where they can be sent, and still provide your chapter with credit. Lastly, let us not forget to continue to collect eye glasses. International Day of Prayer was such a wonderful way to start our Sorority on a spirit filled year. I enjoyed the Omaha, Nebraska, Sorors and I know that others were just as blessed in their own churches and communities. Special thanks to Soror Jan M. Carpenter Baker, 29th Mid-Western Regional Director, for her oversight as the Mid-Western Representative to the International Day of Prayer Committee. Soror Jan, we appreciate your guidance in working with the Regional Cluster Coordinators to provide not only church service information, but fellowship opportunities after worship service. How wonderful it was to close out the day with the Regional Spiritual Oversight Committee and the power of corporate prayer. Our heartfelt thank you is extended to Soror Janice Grubbs Cobbs, and Committee. Sorors, the Pearl Express is very much on track, continuing to exemplify excellence. I hope you are planning to stay on board by attending your Cluster Meeting this fall, where you will receive sorority information and enjoy fellowshipping with sorors from across your clusters, and for us to once again, come together in purpose and spirit. Sisterly love always,
Soror Twyla
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE a quarterly publication EARLY FALL 2019 vol. 2, Issue 2
aka1908.com/midwestern
In Every Issue Regional Director’s Message
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Mid-Western Region’s P.E.A.R.L . Report Team P.E.A.R.L. Ministry Moments
11 IMPACT DAYS 13
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Soror Spotlight
Feature UG Roundup Hightlights 5 Flyer Contest 8
Regional Updates & Highlights
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Educational Information - Corporate Office and International Committees.
PLUS - Undergraduate Sorors & Chapter Activities
A R L
Program Information and Updates
Accolades and Achievements
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Reflections/Remembrances and Sisterly Relations
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Looking Ahead - Important Dates and Calendar Information
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The P.E.A.R.L. Report Team Soror Twyla Woods-Buford Mid-Western Regional Director
P.E.A.R.L. Submission Deadlines December 1 2019 April 4, 2020 June 7, 2020 August 25, 2020
Soror Rhonda Harris International Communications and Public Relations Soror Kelly G. Loeb Editor-In-Chief Soror Angela Stevens MWR Information Officer Soror Ramona E. Davis Technology and Design & Layout
IVY LEAF Submission Deadlines Spring Issue~January 15 Summer Issue~April 15 Fall Issue~July 15 Winter Issue~October 15
LOOKING FOR A COPY OF THE NEWSLETTERS?
Visit the members only section of our website at http://www.aka1908.com/midwestern
WHERE TO SEND P.E.A.R.L. SUBMISSIONS Undergraduate Chapters Missouri Chapters Colorado Chapters Kansas & Iowa Chapters Nebraska Chapters Oklahoma Chapters
Soror Kelly G. Loeb Soror Elise Brisco Soror Pamela Woodley Soror Angela Stevens Soror Gwendolyn Squires Soror Candiss Williams Soror Cheryl Booth
kglaka@gmail.com or ebrisco411@gmail.com prwoodley@comcast.net angela80915@yahoo.com gweneg@yahoo.com cwilliam78@hotmail.com boothcheryl56@gmail.com
Please direct any questions to your IVY TEAM coordinator or to: mwrpublications@gmail.com
HOW TO SUBMIT INFORMATION Please submit all articles via word attachment to mwrpublications@gmail.com or the respective IVY TEAM coordinator for your chapter’s state. Additionally please submit photographs as an attachment as well and identify the photographs by stating the name of the event, Program Target (if applicable), Chapter, Sorors’ names in the photograph. When submitting information please also submit the name, email and phone number of the Ivy Leaf Reporter and/or Soror submitting the information.
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2019 UG Roundup Highlights
Mid-Western Region Undergraduate Roundup was Excellence Personified You could feel the excitement in the air as a record breaking 200 Undergraduates and their Graduate Advisors from around the Magnificent Mid-Western Region pulled into the station at the University of Kansas Burge Center in Lawrence, Kansas to attend the 2019 Undergraduate Roundup from September 6-7th. The Undergraduate Roundup with the theme “Pretty Girls with 20 Pearls: Excellence Personified” was hosted by the Dynamic Delta Chapter, who were chartered on the campus in 1915. After being welcomed by Mid-Western Regional Director, Twyla Woods-Buford, International Program Representative, Tanesha Thompson and Delta Chapter Basileus and Leadership Fellow, Taylor Pullen, the Friday festivities began with sisterly sharing, painting art expression “pink and green” style, fun interactive lip sync battles, indulging in a tasty nacho bar, and concluding with high energy strolls throughout the room. Undergraduates left Friday eager to return Saturday morning to learn how to enhance their skills and find the resources to best guide them in carrying out the International Programs of Service. As the Undergraduates engaged in sisterly bonding, their Graduate Advisors participated in a very informative Graduate Advisor Summit, lead by Regional Director Twyla Woods-Buford with a presentation by Soror Lani Stigler, Mid-Western Representative to the International Graduate Advisors Certification Committee. On Saturday, the presenters lead a productive day filled with informative workshop sessions and sisterly bonding activities. The UGRU Program, presided by Soror Taylor Pullen, began with greetings from the University of Kansas Divine Nine Presidents, and Delta Chapter Grammateus, Soror JaRen Dailey. Meditation was brought by Soror Camille Patrick, a rousing roll call lead by Soror Carolina Barnes, and safety briefings by Soror MaKyia Flowers. A special video presentation was shared from Supreme Basileus, Dr. Glenda Glover, who thanked the undergraduates for all they do on their campuses to promote the services of Alpha Kappa Alpha, and emphasized the importance of protecting our organization
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from inappropriate activities. Mid-Western Regional Director, Soror Twyla Woods Buford, introduced by Soror Toni Thenstead, Anti-Basileus, Delta Chapter, shared her vision for the undergraduate chapters encouraging them to always do the right thing by their studies and service to Alpha Kappa Alpha. Everyone welcomed, Undergraduate Member-AtLarge, Soror Hollye Weekes, who not only provided updates on the Undergraduate Activities Committee, but also served as the luncheon speaker. She informed the attendees that the undergraduates now have their own website. You can go to www.aka1908.com/undergraduates to keep up to date on all things undergraduate. Fall Skee Week is October 6 – 12, and Spring Skee Week is February 9-15. Some very serious and important information was presented by Sorors Taj Brimmer, MWR Representative to the International Risk Management Committee and special guest, Soror Maureen Stapleton, from Great Lakes and the Resource member of International Risk Management Committee. A special presentation was given by Soror Taylor Pullen, who shared her experience at the Leadership Fellows Conference. She was followed by Soror Ramona Davis, Technology Co-Chairman, who introduced a Call-For-Artists challenge - The Arts! Flyer Design Contest. The afternoon included workshop sessions on Standards, Conflict Resolution, Nominating, Awards, Technology, and EAF. The day was highlighted with community service presentations delivered to the local Soles4Souls and Lions Club International. Soror Tanesha Thompson reported 152 pairs of shoes and 40 pairs of eyewear being donated by the chapters for Target V Global Impact. Thank you Sorors! The day ended on a high note, just as it had started, with the undergraduates taping a special “Before I Let Go” video challenge, closing remarks by Madame Regional Director, and a photo shoot lead by Cluster Coordinators, Sorors Zelia Wiley and LaTanya T. Patton. Special thanks to the members of the Delta Chapter, who proudly showed off their new AKA plot on the campus, and Graduate Advisor, Soror Tanesha Thompson, for serving as host for the weekend.
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CALL FOR ARTISTS 2020 FLYER CONTEST IMPACT DAYS DEADLINE: November 16, 2019 by 11:59 PM (CST)
ABOUT THE CONTEST: We see you Sorors! You’ve got skills! Each undergraduate chapter will have the opportunity to create a flyer flfor each of the 2020 seven Impact Days. Each flyer will be judged separately on a point system by a panel of judges. The winning chapters will be given a monetary gift to be used toward their chapter programming activities.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE: ROUND 1 - Each winning flflyer is worth $25 (There are 7 Impact Days therefore that’s $175 in winnings at stake.) ROUND 2 - Each winner will then be placed in a drawing to win the One MWR basic conference registration-paid in FULL. ($95 value)
CRITERIA/ WHO SHOULD APPLY: - Undergraduate chapters only Make sure flFLyers are: -Appropriate for public viewing, contain correct information, no misspellings, have a clear goal, include a call to action, use quality imagery and follow the AKA branding/logo and use/placement guidelines 8
Call For Artists 2020 FLYER CONTEST (IMPACT DAYS) (continued)
SELECTION PROCESS: Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges consisting of five sorors. The panel will select seven winning flyers.
TIMELINE: NOVEMBER 16, 2019 (MIDNIGHT)- Deadline for submissions DECEMBER 8, 2019 – WINNERS ANNOUNCED via A special video from Madame Regional Director DECEMBER 15, 2019 – winners will be published in the December newsletter
APPLICATION PROCESS: Submissions should be sent to the following: mwraka@gmail.com with the subject line- 2020 FLYER CONTEST The flyers should be sent in PDF format
BONUS POINTS: - Extra points will be given if you are able to incorporate creative influences from The Harlem Renaissance or The Black Arts Movement. For example: color palettes, fonts, imagery
DEADLINE:
NOVEMBER 16, 2019 by 11:59 PM (CST) Questions? Please email Soror Ramona Davis at rdavis_dhoc@yahoo.com or text 816.935.2419 9
Ministry Moments The Magnificent Mid-Western Region The Hands That Will Change the World You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. Psalm 18:35 (NLT) The most amazing hands of all time were Jesus’ hands -- His hands performed miracles and brought the dead to life. His hands broke bread and found fish to feed thousands. His hands healed the sick and helped the blind to see. His hands embraced the homeless and gave comfort and assurance to those seeking His direction in life. His hands warmed children’s heads, and helped the lame to walk. Jesus’ hands are the true embodiment of care and love. When we use our hands to care for those around us, our hands are like Jesus’ hands, and those are the hands that will change the world. Your Faith Step: Look at your hands. These are the hands of Jesus, showing love for the world and community you live in. How will you use your hands today? Remember that throughout the day as you care for those you love and those seeking Christian love from you. Resuming on October 7, join us on the prayer line at 7:00 a.m. Central time on the first and third Monday of each month -- call 319-527-9131 and enter access code 564949. Soror Janis Grubbs Cobbs Spiritual Oversight Committee Chairman Upsilon Rho Omega Overland Park, KS
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Soror Spotlights The Magnificent Mid-Western Region 24th Mid-Western Regional Director Alberta G. Jones, a Golden Soror and member of Alpha Chi Omega Chapter in Tulsa, OK, received the Star award from Greater Union Baptist Church on the occasion of its 103rd anniversary and her many years of dedicated service. This honor was even more meaningful, being awarded on the sorority’s 2019 International Day of Prayer on August 25
Soror Laverne Ford Wimberly and Golden Soror Jewel Maynard at the unveiling of the Ellis Walker Woods Memorial honoring James Wimberly, Laverne’s husband
Proud Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. - Iota Zeta Omega member Rosalind Peebles Fox is #blackgirlmagic as THE first black female factory manager in John Deere history. Read the full article here https://johndeerejournal.com/2019/03/the-powerof-persistence/
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Soror Spotlights The Magnificent Mid-Western Region June 5, 2019 - Beta Kappa Omega member Soror Ashley Hicks, a Wichita Public Schools teacher at Enterprise Elementary School, had an awesome idea to forever remember her kindergartners in a special way and her creativity has gained national attention! Instead of a yearbook, Soror Ashley had her whole kindergarten class sign her white dress with fabric markers. Soror Ashley’s dress and story appeared on Good Morning America, and several other news and social media outlets. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Wichita Chapter, honored Beta Kappa Omega members Sandra Rankin and Dr. Michelle Redmond at the National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month event on July 11, 2019 at the Wichita State University Hughes Metroplex.
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On August 11, 2019, the city of Vicksburg, MS honored Soror Dr. Jane McAllister, cousin of 25th Mid-Western Regional Director Brenda Lewis, with a marker in front of her home, which has been designated as a historical site. Soror McAllister was initiated on the campus of Talladega College, where she became the youngest graduate at age 19 in 1919. She was the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. from Columbia University. Soror McAllister also taught at Fisk University in the early 1920s and later commuted by bus between Vicksburg and Jackson, MS (88 miles round trip) daily until her retirement. She was a dear friend of Vicksburg natives and former Supreme Basilei Bobbie Beatrix Scott and Ida Jackson.
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IMPACT Days
International Day of Prayer Alpha Chi Omega (Tulsa, OK) commemorated the sorority’s 2019 International Day of Prayer with a host of spiritual activities. They began the day with prayer in place at 7:08 a.m., then worshipped together at the historical Vernon AME Church. Sorors nourished their bodies and souls with lunch and fellowshipping at Charleston’s Restaurant, then rounded out the day with a prayer vigil at John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park at 7:08 p.m.
Theta Upsilon Omega at Union Baptist Church in Lawton, OK
Beta Kappa Omega and Epsilon International Day of Prayer
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Members from the Greater Kansas City Missouri area chapters including Beta Omega, Mu Omega, Xi Tau Omega, Upsilon Rho Omega, and Pi Xi Undergraduate Chapter, attended Canaan Worship Center with Pastor Tony Cobbins and First Lady Ann Cobbins for International Day of Prayer. Former Regional Director Jan M. Carpenter Baker spoke on behalf of the sorority and region as she thanked Canaan for welcoming us in their church. In honor of the day, the choir wore Pink and Green!
Salem Baptist Church and members of Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter, Omaha Nebraska with Regional Director
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Cluster A at New Hope Baptist Church in Denver, CO and Brio’s after church
Upsilon Rho Omega at Canaan Worship Center in Kansas City, MO
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June 7, 2019 – Soror Fannette Thornhill-Scott, MD (founder of the Nananom Foundation) and Beta Kappa Omega Chapter teamed up with the Wichita (KS) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated to host the Project Ghana Packing Party and Little Dresses Sewing Party. The group packed and partied and planned for greater as they supported initiatives for infant and maternal health and wellness.
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Educational Information Mid-Western Region to Answer the Call to Action by International Connection Committee Greetings –All sorors and chapters in the Mid-Western will answer the call to action and commemorate National Voter Registration Day on September 24, 2019 by utilizing the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® voter engagement campaign: AKAs L.E.A.D (Learn, Empower, Advocate and Decide). In order to answer the call, sorors and chapters are encouraged to use the following suggestions and “to do lists” to help increase voter registration throughout Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Colorado. When We All Vote: Undergraduates and graduate chapter should continue their partnership with When We All Vote. Chapters can secure voting resources and documents to facilitate voter registration. Chapters can also volunteer with When We All Vote at https://action. whenweallvote.org/page/s/volunteer Create a Partnership with Local Community Business: Identify one or two businesses in your community that receive a lot of foot traffic on the weekends and enter into a partnership. Ask the businesses for a designated space inside/outside their locations to set up a voter registration table. In exchange, offer to include the businesses’ logos on all marketing materials your chapter creates and uses to publicize the registration drives. Partnership to Do List • Make a ‘short’ list of businesses that have high foot traffic on Saturdays and Sundays. • Call the business and request a meeting to describe your plan for a voter registration event. • Bring a copy of your plan and your marketing materials to show them how their business will be featured as a partner. • Contact your County Registrar to get registration materials. • Conduct your event. Don’t forget to take pictures and write up the event and send it to your State Coordinator! Use this information to complete your Connection End of Year Report.
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Canvas the Neighborhood: Chapters can host or join forces with other organizations canvassing activities to walk in targeted neighborhoods and knock on voters’ doors to register them to vote. Registration Canvas to Do List: Research geographic areas that have traditionally low voter turnout for consideration of your door to door campaign. These areas may be in your Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Mid-Western Region Connection Committee. • Choose locations for your canvass activity that are within that geographic area that have high-volume foot traffic. Sporting events, college campuses, grocery stores, public transportation hubs are all potential areas. • Recruit a team to conduct the canvassing. • Choose a Team Leader who will manage all of the communication with the team • Scout for a location to gather all canvassers before the event. This location should be easy to find and provide sufficient parking for volunteers. • Set a goal for the number of people you want to reach, and the number of homes or businesses you want to approach. • Provide a map for the canvassers that is divided so that you cover as many homes or businesses as possible. • Prepare a script to guide volunteers as they speak to the community. • Give each team a tally with information you plan to collect. Have clipboards and pens handy. • Be sure to get the cell phone numbers of all of the volunteers to keep them apprised of successes during the canvass activity, and to encourage them to continue. • Leave a note or flyer on the doorstep (it is illegal to put flyers in mailboxes) encouraging the household to vote or turn in their mail ballot if they are not at home or will not open the door. • Have volunteers return to the staging area to turn in their paperwork and debrief. • Provide snacks or drinks and have a celebration at the end. • Don’t forget to take pictures and write up the event and send it to your State Coordinator! Use this information to complete your Connection End of Year Report. These ideas in conjunction with those outlined by the International Connection Committee will assist Mid-Western Region Sorors with ensuring that AKAs L.E.A.D. helps all citizens in your communities exercise their right to vote. Soror Twyla Woods Buford, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®Mid-Western Regional Director Soror Ashley Stewart, Esq., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ®Mid-Western Representative, International Connection Committee
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International Membership Committee Membership: A New Online Digital Direction The International Membership Committee delivered a workshop presentation entitled Membership: A New Online Digital Direction, to more than 800 sorors during our 2019 Leadership Seminar held in Nashville, Tennessee. The objective of this interactive workshop was to provide insight into innovative online strategies necessary to enhance the member experience for sorors and improve chapter efficiencies relative to membership reactivation and retention. In demonstration of the Excellence Administration’s commitment to membership enrichment, the Committee is pleased to announce in collaboration with the International Technology Committee and Corporate IT Department completion of Phase 1 of the new online membership directory! The Online Membership Directory is a valuable networking resource tool offering many new features for members to connect with each other, including HBCU affiliations, business ownership and co-initiate and family member details. Directions for members to update their current online membership profile information and to designate desired opt-out preferences for the Online Directory will be distributed in an e-blast message to all active members. Finally, chapters are encouraged to update chapter mentoring plans this fall. Our committee is updating the sorority’s current mentoring manual. Mentoring is a critical component of the Excellence Membership framework and vital to successful chapter membership reactivation and retention efforts. For assistance in developing your chapter’s mentoring plan or any questions relative to membership matters, please feel free to call upon your International Membership Committee. We are here to serve and support you. Serving sisterly, Soror Anika A. Wilson, Mid-Western Membership Representative Soror Tracey Morant Adams, International Membership Committee Chairman
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P3E – Parliamentary Pearls Promoting Excellence
Soror Bonnie Washington Murdah, PRP Supreme Parliamentarian
Soror Dorothy L. McClendon, Esq. Mid-Western Region Representative International Constitution Committee
International Constitution Committee UNDERSTANDING THE VALUE & USE OF UNANIMOUS CONSENT Soror Bonnie Washington Murdah, PRP, Supreme Parliamentarian The use of unanimous consent is one of the very best time-saving tools that the presiding officer has available and is without doubt the best and most easily implemented. Under its use, the often lengthy six-step process of putting a motion on the floor, debating it, and finally voting it up or down is reduced to one or two minutes – maybe even less! Compare the expenditure of a possible 10-15 minutes for the assembly of members to make a decision the standard way to that of 1-2 minutes when following this shortened method! In general, if a substantive question is to be offered, the adoption of which will have possible myriad effects on the membership, many of which are probably not known or currently understood, the chair should follow the regular format which allows for debate, amendment, etc. Also, any member may object to the application of the unanimous consent procedure by just calling out, “Objection!”. This doesn't necessarily mean that she disagrees with the underlying question. It just means that she objects to using the short form for approving the motion. Not objecting to the unanimous consent procedure doesn't necessarily mean that she agrees with the underlying question. It just means that she realizes that it would be pointless or ineffectual to oppose the underlying question. Nevertheless, if any member says, "I object", then the Chair aborts the unanimous consent process, and goes back to the longer form of the procedure. In this regard, we'll rarely go back to the complete full form, but we certainly would at that point allow members to discuss the underlying question and take a vote. That's it in a nutshell. Just remember, unanimous consent doesn't mean something was unanimous. It doesn't even mean that there was a consensus. It just means that the question was decided without debate, and that no one objected to that mode of deciding the question.
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Regardless of their feelings on the underlying question, it is purely optional, and can be halted by even a single member saying, "I object". Moreover, no one is allowed to demand an explanation regarding WHY the member objected. EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION • Suppose a speaker whose time has expired in debate on a motion asks for two to three additional minutes. The chair then pauses and if no member calls out, “I OBJECT,” says something like, “The chair hears no objection, and the member’s time is extended two minutes.” If there IS an objection, the chair must proceed by saying something like, “The extension of debate time is objected to, the question is now on whether the member’s time may be extended. All those in favor of extending the speaker’s time by two minutes, please stand – pause - All those opposed to the … .” • “If a member is unsure of the effect of an action proposed for unanimous consent, she can callout, “I reserve the right to object” After a brief consultation, she should then object or withdraw her reservation. • The chair may also sometimes assume the motion in cases where unanimous consent is already apparent by saying, “Then, without objection, the fundraiser will be held in the Spring.” [she listens and looks around] says “No one objects” or “Without objection” and continues with, “The fundraiser will be held this Spring!” Remember, the balancing factor here is that any ONE MEMBER can just call out, “I object or objection” without ever having to say why she objected, and all reverts to the question being decided by a vote of the membership. EXAMPLE: Chair looks around and immediately hears one or more call out “Objection” and therefore says “an objection is made” THEN the chair immediately processes the question more fully. • Caution: If after hearing no objection, the Chair begins to verbally finalize the situation but suddenly, in the middle of the chair’s summarizing for the membership, a member calls out, I OBJECT, the Chair should immediately stop and proceed to state the question and put it to a vote! “The Question is called and, therefore, the vote is on …”
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Accolades & Achievements 2019 UG Roundup That's A Wrap!
Soles4Souls presentation
Soror Maureen Stapleton, Great Lakes, Resource member of International Risk Management Committee. Lions Club presentation
Undergraduate Member-At-Large, Soror Hollye Weekes,
Soror Helen Bosthwell, Cluster Coordinators, Soror LaTanya T. Patton and Soror Zelia Wiley and, Soror Deloris Hawkins
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On Saturday, August 10, 2019 Alpha Chi Omega Chapter kicked off the sorority’s signature program, #CAPSM. Hosting approximately 20 high school juniors and seniors at Rudisill Regional Library in Tulsa, OK, the chapter explained the college admissions process, heard from a panel of HBCU alumni, and shared tips for college success. Alpha Chi Omega looks forward to more #CAPSM events promoting educational excellence as part of Target 1: HBCU for Life.
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June 15, 2019 – Soror Rhea Rogers, M.D. was the featured speaker at the 4th Annual Wichita Natural Hair Expo, presenting The Wonderful Ways of Rejuvenating Your Body from Head to Toe and revealing the keys to understanding how our bodies communicate, seeing How Am I Rejuvenating (H.A.I.R.) and demonstrating the latest in medically innovative solutions for achieving optimal health results from the inside out.
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Alpha Chi Omega Chapter (Tulsa, OK) held its annual chapter retreat, focusing on empowering chapter members with the tools to make the organization successful. Retreat activities included a fun painting activity and workshops on membership, risk management, strategic planning and the importance of communication. Chapter members also made dresses out of pillowcases which they will send to Haiti to provide clothing for children.
June 3, 2019 – Soror Yolanda Adams headlined the Gospelfest at Riverfest in Wichita. Beta Kappa Omega hosted a meet and greet reception before the concert and presented Soror Yolanda with pink and green gifts and a special proclamation.
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Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter Rocks the Block On Saturday, May 18, 2019, the Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter (Omaha, NE) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and its candidates for membership joined Habitat for Humanity for the Rock the Block initiative working to revitalize neighborhoods - one block, one street at a time. Residents and volunteers teamed up for a one-day blitz to repair, refresh, and restore Omaha’s Minne Lusa neighborhood. DEO participated in beautification activities including painting, landscaping, brush removal, and exterior repairs, with the goal of increasing Omaha’s owner-occupied homes and helping families maintain those homes with safety and energy efficiency upgrades. Through the Rock the Block project, Delta Epsilon Omega successfully impacted the sorority’s program targets: • • • •
Target 2 – Women’s Healthcare and Wellness – DEO fellowshipped with homeowners and volunteers, while exceeding 42,000 steps impacting their Women’s Healthcare and Wellness Target. Target 3 – Building Your Economic Legacy – The quality and value of houses increased as a result of these repair and beautification activities. Target 4 The ARTS! – Rock the Block played music celebrating diverse artists and genres during the event. Target 5 Global Impact - DEO worked closely with international organizations to improve this multicultural neighborhood.
Delta Epsilon Omega Chapter is committed to exemplifying excellence through community service in our local and global communities.
Soror Treyla Lee, Soror Sheila Fields, Soror Kim Nash, Soror Bria Williams, Soror Sandra Foster, Soror Arlene Williams, Soror Sherie Thomas, Soror Troyia Anderson, Soror Donella Lampkin, Soror Cathy Williams, Soror Shereece Dendy-Sanders, Soror Kendra Martin, Soror Darcella Allen, Soror Marquita Jones, Soror Connie Elmore, Soror Sheritta Strong, Soror Anita Johnson and Soror Tasha McNeil.
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Homeowners thank DEO! Front Row: Soror Sheritta Strong, Soror Angela Coleman, Soror Sherie Thomas. Standing Row: Soror Treyla Lee, Soror Kim Nash, resident, Soror Cathy Williams, Soror Connie Elmore, Soror Sheila Fields and another resident.
Painting and Landscaping: Soror Connie Elmore, Soror Sandra Foser, Soror Tasha McNeil, Soror Anita Johnson and Soror Kim Nash.
DEO Soror Sherie Thomas mows a lawn
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DEO Basileus, Shereece Dendy-Sanders removes trash.
Soror Carrie Matoke Iota Beta Omega Colorado Springs EAF Achievement Award
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Iota Zeta Omega Chapter (Des Moines, IA) presented its 41st annual Scholarship Cotillion, Cultivating Minds of Today and Tomorrow, on Saturday, April 20, celebrating 13 AfricanAmerican high school seniors from seven high schools. The chapter has presented $300,000.00 in scholarships during the four decades of the Cotillion, which recognizes the academic excellence of outstanding students of color in Greater Des Moines. Leading up to this special sold-out occasion, Cotillion participants participated in personal development and college preparation workshops plus community service projects, including packaging meals for deserving recipients. They also presented a Harlem Renaissance theme senior showcase highlighting their artistic talents. Each participant also wrote essays on being their authentic selves in a world that sees them differently, and a panel of community judges selected a winner from among them.
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Reflections & Remembrances Our beloved Diamond Soror Vivian Dotson Jones made her transition from her earthly life to her eternal reward on Friday, August 30, 2019. Soror Jones was initiated into the Alpha Zeta Chapter at Langston University in 1941. She served as the Administrative Assistant for several Presidents of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri and also served as the Graduate Advisor to Alpha Iota Chapter at Lincoln University for many years. Soror Jones literally mentored hundreds of Sorors initiated into Alpha Iota and was the longest serving Graduate Advisor in the history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The Mid-Western Region's Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award was named in her honor and was first awarded in 1979. A memorial bench in honor of Soror Vivian Jones will be dedicated during the Lincoln University Homecoming.
Soror Thelma Parks, an Oklahoma City educational icon and civil rights leader, died September 11, 2019 at 96 years old. Soror Parks gave 54 years of service to the district as an educator and school board member. She challenged and was successful in overturning discriminatory practices. In 1971, she accepted an assignment at predominate white U.S. Grant High School, OKCPS becoming the first African American counselor to hold that position. She received many honors and awards in her lifetime among them includes induction into the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame and having an elementary school named in her honor, Thelma R. Parks Elementary School. Soror Parks was a member of the Beta Sigma Omega Chapter and an alumnus of Langston University, Oklahoma University, and Central State University. She would have been recognized as a Diamond Soror at our upcoming 90th Regional Conference.
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Sisterly Relations CHAPTER RETREAT AND LUAU –Upsilon Rho Omega Chapter of Overland Park, KS gathered for their Standards Chapter Retreat, A Luau to Remember! Celebrating the definition of the Hawaiian Aloha – living in harmony with the people and land in mercy, sympathy, grace and kindness – the retreat included uplifting, remarkable and outstanding sisterly relations, strategic planning, and program review and implementation.
Chapter members Ashley Hall, Tracy Ivy Owens, Shannon Venerable, Jackie Simmons Thomas-Wright, Ruby Ivy, Brigida Goree, Dennisa Thomas, Na’Tosha Jones, Lenora A. Ivy, Sherry Kinsey-Cannon, Valerie Hall and Rynekah Barbour
Chapter president Lenora A. Ivy and Standards Chairman Rynekah Barbour
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KC Pearls Step Team 2018
LOOKING AHEAD & Itinerary Regional Director’s Agenda June 15-16 June 24-26 June 26-30
90th Regional Conference Planning Meeting, Norman, OK International Regional Conference, Nashville Tennessee Leadership Conference, Nashville, Tennessee
August 2 August 3 August 6 August 9-11 August 13 August 17 August 25
Bylaws Meeting with Regional Parliamentarian Meeting with Regional Representative to Nominations Committee Monthly Chapter Basilei Call and Graduate Advisor Call Cluster Coordinator Planning Retreat – Broken Arrow, OK International Program Webinar 90th Regional Conference Planning Meeting, Norman, Ok International Day of Prayer – Salem Baptist, Omaha Nebraska
September 6 September 7 October 5 October 12 October 18 October 25 November 1-3 November 28
Graduate Advisor Summit, Lawrence Kansas Undergraduate Round up – Host Delta Chapter University of Kansas Cluster A - Host Chapter Iota Beta Omega, Colorado Springs, Colorado Cluster D/E - Host Chapter Alpha Alpha Alpha Omega, Broken Arrow Oklahoma Lincoln University Homecoming Cluster B/ C – Host Chapter Iota Zeta Omega , Des Moines, Iowa Directorate Meeting THANKSGIVING
Twyla Woods-Buford P.O. Box 16748 Kansas City, Missouri 64133 Twbuford@AKA1908.com
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