Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Transcription

1 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated South Atlantic Region Cluster IV Minutes September 30 - October 1, 2016 Emerald Coast Conference Center (ECCC) 1250 Miracle Strip Parkway Fort Walton Beach, Florida The 2016 Cluster IV Conference, hosted by Sigma Omicron Omega Chapter, convened at the Emerald Coast Conference Center, Fort Walton Beach, Florida on September 30 - October 1, Friday, September 30, 2016 Registration was conducted from 5:00pm-9:30pm in the Emerald Coast Conference Center lobby. Vendors were opened from 5:00pm-10:00pm in the Emerald Ballroom IV. A "Grab & Go" light dinner was provided for all Cluster attendees at the Four Points by Sheraton (host hotel) located across the street from the ECCC. Chapter Basilei & Graduate Advisors met with the South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Sharon Brown Harriott from 6:15pm-7:15pm in the Sunset Meeting Room. Friday night's showcase event was an HBCU Friday Night Live pep rally from 7:30pm-9:30pm in the Emerald Ballroom II. HBCU Friday Night Live Pep Rally: School Daze Showcase Soror Dayna Fobbs, Sigma Omicron Omega, welcomed Cluster attendees to Fort Walton Beach and to the HBCU Friday Night Live. All sorors were given pink & green pom poms and megaphones to show their AKA spirit.

2 The Very Special Guests (VSGs) were introduced one by one by Soror Dayna as they ran through the Cluster IV Spirit Line. Sorors cheered them on with pink & green pom poms and megaphones as they entered the room. Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director and Soror Angie Onianwa, Cluster IV Coordinator and member of host chapter Sigma Omicron Omega gave a warm welcome to all. Sorors Dayna Fobbs and Nakara Beliveau acted as emcees for the remainder of the pep rally. Several chapters participated in a talent contest and performed skits and lip sync routines. The following awards were presented for the Pep Rally: Best Skit Performances: Graduate Chapter - Delta Iota Omega, Pensacola, FL Undergraduate Chapter - Beta Alpha, Tallahassee, FL The DJ played "Set it Off" to conclude the School Daze Showcase. Graduate and undergraduate chapters performed their signature strolls around the room to signal a fantastic finish to the first night of Cluster 2016 on the Emerald Coast. Following the School Daze Friday night Showcase... The 2017 South Atlantic Regional Conference Planning Meeting was held from 9:45-10:45pm in the Sunset Meeting Room. Committee chairmen, Co-Chairmen and Chapter Basilei attended. The first night concluded at approximately 11:00pm.

3 Saturday, October 1, 2016 Registration was held from 8:00am-11:00am at the Emerald Coast Conference Center. Breakfast was served at the Four Point Sheraton from 7:30am-8:30am. Vendors opened at 8:00am and remained open until 4:00pm. Sorors convened in the Emerald Ballroom I for the Opening Session. The Opening Session The opening session was called to order by Soror MiChele Stevenson, Basileus, Sigma Omicron Omega who gave a warm welcome to the assembly. A meditation and a musical selection were provided by Soror Dayna Fobbs, Chaplain, Sigma Omicron Omega. Soror Ann Jenkins, Protocol Committee Chairman, introduced the Dais and recognized Former Cluster Coordinators, International Committee Members, South Atlantic Regional Cabinet Members, Former Directorate Members and Golden Sorors. Members of the Dais included: Soror Ann Jenkins, Sigma Omicron Omega Soror Lois Lunderman, Sigma Omicron Omega Soror Cheryl Seals, Sigma Omicron Omega Soror MiChele Stevenson, Sigma Omicron Omega Soror Patricia Moore Henegan, Cluster VII Coordinator Soror Shevawn Broxton Young, Cluster V Coordinator Soror Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator Soror Sylvia Sloane Jones, Cluster I Coordinator Soror Thaune B. Fielding, International Program Committee Chairman Soror Melanie Key Bales, South Atlantic Standards Committee

4 Soror Laurise Thomas, Florida Connection Chairman Soror Deirdre Barrett, South Atlantic EAF Coordinator Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks, Supreme Grammateus Soror Angie Onianwa, Cluster IV Coordinator Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director The following Former Cluster Coordinators were in attendance: Soror Carolyn G. Randolph, Soror Dianne Williams-Cox and Soror Imogene Conyers. The host chapter, Sigma Omicron Omega welcomed everyone with a heartwarming presentation to the song "Happy" to let the sorors know that they were HAPPY to welcome them to the Emerald Coast. "Pearl Perfect/Ivy Strong keychains were passed out to all sorors. The Opening Session concluded with a brief break.

5 Sessions I and II (9:30am-12:30pm) Soror Angie Onianwa, Cluster IV Coordinator, presided. Recorders: Soror Elaine Anderson and Soror Ruth Wilson Session I Approval of the 2015 Cluster Minutes: Soror Angie Onianwa asked if there were any corrections to the minutes. One correction was indicated: Rho Rho Omega chapter was the winner of the Step & Stroll Contest instead of Gamma Tau Omega. Minutes were approved with that one correction. Soror Lois Lunderman, Sigma Omicron Omega, called the roll and chapters stood as names were called. All 14 graduate chapters and 2 undergraduate chapters were acknowledged as listed below: Graduate Chapters - Chi Upsilon Omega, Tallahassee, FL - Delta Eta Omega, Albany, GA - Delta Iota Omega, Pensacola, FL - Delta Kappa Omega, Tallahassee, FL - Gamma Tau Omega, Columbus, GA - Kappa Eta Omega, Valdosta, GA - Lambda Xi Omega, Thomasville, GA - Nu Omega Omega, Madison, FL - Rho Rho Omega, Columbus, GA - Rho Sigma Omega, Americus, GA - Sigma Alpha Omega, Tifton, GA - Sigma Omicron Omega, Fort Walton Beach, FL - Tau Theta Omega, Quincy, FL - Xi Omicron Omega, Lynn Haven, FL Undergraduate Chapters - Beta Alpha, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL - Eta Iota, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA

6 Soror Cheryl Seals, 2016 Cluster IV Committee Chairman gave warm greetings and introduced the Presidential Greetings video. Presidential Greetings Video was shown featuring our illustrious Supreme Basileus, Soror Dorothy Buchanan Wilson. Supreme Grammateus, Soror Charletta Wilson Jackson gave an inspiring introduction ("Hush") of Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director. Highlights from the State of the Region Address by Soror Sharon Brown Harriott: o Soror Harriott began her address by having all sorors stand and join in singing "her song" - Second Time Around! o Soror Harriott stated that there are 70,000 active members in the South Atlantic Region as of o There were over 30 approved MIPs this year with the expectation of over 12,000 new members by the end of the year. o There were 22,000 sorors at the 67th Boule in Atlanta, GA. o Soror Harriott highlighted the significance of the Ivy Leaf, the pink tea rose and the Twenty Pearls to our sorority. o There are two Undergraduate Members-at-Large from the South Atlantic Region. o The South Atlantic Region gave the largest EAF donation (over $30,000) from our Platinum Chapters. Soror Harriott congratulated the winning chapters. o We exceeded our goal for the "Little Dresses for Africa" with a total of 41,000 dresses! o Soror Harriott spent a lot of time on the importance of getting out the VOTE! She stated that "if ever there's a time for our voices to be heard, it's NOW! o Soror Harriott encouraged all of us to BE THE VOICE on Nov. 8. We should register and mobilize voters in our communities. Election Day IS a Community Impact Day! o Our 168th chapter was chartered on December 13, Omega Gamma Omega in Blythewood, South Carolina.

7 o Soror Harriott reminded all chapters to maintain exemplary chapter operations. o The South Atlantic Region has completed 84% of its evaluations. o Soror Harriott reminded all chapters to upload all documents to the South Atlantic Region Share Point Site as she is accepting no longer accepting paper! o Some important things to keep in mind (per Soror Harriott): Be cautious of what we post on social media in the name of Alpha Kappa Alpha or ourselves. Please mentor undergraduate sorors. Please insure that we are all using the correct crest because our brand identifies us. (a photo of the correct crest was shown) We must request permission to use official logos and shields BEFORE using them. Our shield must not be engraved on the inside or outside of a casket. Pins can be worn for Ivies Beyond the Wall. o 2500 sorors attended the 63rd SARC in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. o Soror Harriott reminded sorors of the dates for AKA Days at the Capitol. (dates were on PowerPoint) and the Leadership Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada July 11-16, o Soror Harriott stated that the relationship between graduate and undergraduate members needs to strengthen. o There are 8 Leadership Fellows from the South Atlantic Region. o Soror Harriott concluded her address with this reminder to all sorors: EVERYTHING WE ACHIEVE...WE ACHIEVE TOGETHER. WE HAVE A CHARGE TO KEEP. ALL sorors stood and sang "It's ALRIGHT to be an AKA...It's ALRIGHT"! Hidden Figures Movie Trailer Soror Angie Onianwa introduced this trailer showcasing a new movie coming out soon about 3 African American female NASA mathematicians who are all

8 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She stated that this could be an excellent sisterly relations activity for chapters to go see this movie together. Session II - Workshops Launching New Dimensions of Voter Participation Soror Angie Onianwa introduced the Florida Connection Chairman, Soror Laurise Thomas. Soror Laurise conveyed the importance of becoming a united force to ensure everyone votes. It was expressed that the next President will change the faces of the Supreme Court and keep control of the House and Senate. Things we can do to be proactive: o Vote locally o Activate Be The Voice campaign o Make sure voters registration is valid o Use hashtags with photos used for campaign (#AKA1908 #Bethevoice) o Host a Debate Viewing Party Soror Laurise led as every soror in the room repeated the Be The Voice PLEDGE. A motivational video of President Barak Obama was shown for all sorors to receive the importance of voting. In President Obama s words, You want to give me a good send out? GO VOTE. Are You Ready For This? Let s Get Our AKA House In Order Soror Angie Onianwa introduced Soror Melanie Key Bales, South Atlantic Standards Committee. Purpose: The purpose of an Evaluation is to review chapter records and files. It is important to assess and identify areas that are above, meet, or need improvement per our governing documents and guides. o Slides were shown to assist in maintaining our highest priority which is preserving our identity and fostering our principles. o We should maintain our policies and procedures through standardized processes. We achieve understanding, improvement, and compliance by implementing proper review and assessment methods. o The International Standards Committee (ISC) establishes the criteria and implements the chapter evaluation process.

9 Evaluation Process o All chapters will be evaluated within the next four years (July July 2018). o Evaluations conducted primarily at Clusters and Undergraduate Roundups. o A complete evaluation is necessary if no evaluation since August A light touch/ pulse evaluation if evaluated between or if a 1 (above average) or a 2 (meets requirements) was received. Criteria for re-evaluation is needed if the chapter received a 3 (Unsatisfactory/Needs Improvement). o Regional Director notifies the chapter 45 days prior to any evaluation. The chapter is responsible for planning, budgeting and providing for evaluation team visit. Chapters evaluated at Undergraduate Round-ups, Clusters, etc., will share these costs. Top Evaluation Findings Inadequate financial records Incomplete and improperly bound minutes Poor records management Lack of mentoring Missing signatures on annual chapter report No joint meetings Evaluation consist of six sections Duties and powers of chapters Chapter officers and duties Joint meetings of chapters Chapters incorporating separate entities Finances Emblems, badges, colors

10 Buckle Up- 2 nd Half of New Dimensions Are You Ready? The International Program Chairman, Soror Thaune Fielding was introduced by Soror Angie Onianwa. Review Targets & Program Best Practices TARGET 1: EDUCATIONAL ENRICHMENT o ASCEND- provide 20,000 ASCEND students with academic enrichment and life skills training leading to meaningful employment and careers. o AKA One Million Backpacks- donate and distribute 1,000,000 backpacks and school supplies to students during o Think HBCU- Through education, engagement and advocacy HBCU s will be showcased as a critical venue for moving students to and through college. TARGET 2: HEALTH PROMOTION o Alzheimer s Disease and Caregiver Support- generate awareness and support for Alzheimer s programming and research o Stroke and Heart Disease Prevention and Awareness- international stroke prevention awareness campaign with special emphasis on hypertension management, diet and exercise o Mental Health and Wellness- increase awareness of mental illness advocacy and awareness TARGET 3: FAMILY STRENGTHENING o Seasonal Wraps for all seasons of the year o Continue to pair with Food Banks and other organizations or if your campus allows you to provide meals to children and families in the area o Identify the financial fitness needs in your community and plan a seminar to educate and discuss ways to meet those needs

11 TARGET 4: ENVIRONMENTAL OWNERSHIP o Talk to teachers/principals/pastors/church leaders in your chapter/community to see if they could utilize your help to beautify their playgrounds/ school grounds. o Educate ASCEND students on implementing green keys early. o Conduct quarterly cleanups, beautification days and play days at adopted spaces o Document chapter members Acts of Green at monthly meetings in a journal. TARGET 5: GLOBAL IMPACT o Register ASCEND group for membership in UNA-USA for FREE ( o Partner with local UNA-USA chapter in the area o Observe United Nations Day on October 24, 2016 o Plan activities to raise awareness on issues impacting youth in Africa such as education and nutrition. o Generate funds for Africare ( Finance Video The Regional Director, Soror Sharon Brown Hariott presented a brief Finance Video with handouts from Alpha Kappa Alpha Corp about changes that will be effective in 2017 regarding the sorority and income taxes. Later Soror Sharon announced there will be more training provided at a later date. Luncheon 12:30pm - 1:30pm (Entertainment by Calvin and Leigh) Grace was led by Soror Minerva Gadsden, Sigma Omicron Omega. Sorors freely went through several buffet lines. Pink & Green cupcakes and a beautifully decorated cake were offered as desserts. At 1:45pm, a raffle drawing was held and a mini Ipad was given away. Soror Lesley Sasser, Sigma Omicron Omega gave information on the Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Postage Stamp petition which can be obtained online. Sorors should click on the URL: and sign. She encouraged all to share on social media.

12 This project was launched at the 2016 Boule. Since that time, over 13,000 signatures have been collected. Our goal is to collect 100,000 signatures. Sorors Angela Cathey, Donna Wright and CharMeeka Scroggins, Sigma Omicron Omega gave out several door prizes. Following the luncheon, the following announcement was made: The Cluster IV Founders Day will be held on February 18, Madam Regional Director will be the featured speaker. Soror Harriott, Soror Angie Onianwa, Soror MiChele Stevenson & Soror Cheryl Seals presented 95 backpacks to local educator and students on behalf of the South Atlantic Region. Photos were taken. An EAF Raffle drawing was held and Soror Angela Carden, Sigma Omicron Omega announced the winner. EAF Coordinator, Deidre Barrett spoke and announced the following: $432,000 in scholarships were awarded last year through the Educational Advancement Foundation. Soror Barrett recognized platinum, Silver and Gold Chapters. There is a new look to the EAF website. akaeaf.org NCAP provides a bridge to collect charitable donations under the EAF umbrella. There will be an online seminar on NCAP later this fall. Emeralds & Pearls will be the 2017 EAF theme. EAF is targeting 100% in chapter contributions. Soror Cheryl Seals, Sigma Omicron Omega, announced AWARDS. All award recipients posed for photographs with the Regional Director and Cluster IV Coordinator: Mary V. Ford Outstanding and Distinguished Service Award Ethelyn Coleman Graduate and Undergraduate Attendance Awards

13 Undergraduate: Beta Alpha, Florida A&M University Graduate: Xi Omicron Omega, Lynn Haven, FL Mary E. Crawford/Christine D. Blaylock Undergraduate Scholar Award Soror Danielle Brye, Eta Iota Chapter Columbus State University, Columbus, GA Clinita A. Ford Undergraduate Chapter Community Service Award Beta Alpha Chapter, Florida A&M University Tallahasse, FL Imogene C. Conyers Cluster IV Media Award Rho Rho Omega Chapter, Columbus, GA Sherrell S. Newton Youth Advocacy Award Sigma Alpha Omega, Tifton, GA Valerie T. Bryant Justice Award Soror Bianca Jean, Beta Alpha Chapter Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL Former Cluster Coordinator Award, Carolyn G Randolph Servant Leader Award Soror Debra J. Abrams, Lambda Xi Omega Chapter Thomasville, GA Former Cluster Coordinator Award, Dianne Williams-Cox Technology Award Chi Upsilon Omega Chapter Tallahassee, FL

14 Closing Session Presiding: Soror Angie Onianwa, Cluster IV Coordinator, Sigma Omicron Omega Recorders: Soror Elaine Anderson, Sigma Omicron Omega Soror Ruth Wilson, Sigma Omicron Omega Registration..Soror Lesley Sasser, Sigma Omicron Omega Evaluation,,,,,,,,,,,,,,..Soror Juanita Davis, Sigma Omicron Omega Time/Place Report. Soror Evelyn Douglas, Sigma Omicron Omega Invitation to Cluster IV. Rho Rho Omega, Columbus GA Special Recognitions Soror Cheryl Seals, Sigma Omicron Omega Closing Remarks Soror Angie Onianwa, Sigma Omicron Omega Cluster IV Coordinator In conclusion, every Soror was asked to stand by Soror Sharon Brown Hariott, South Atlantic Regional Director, to sing Lift Every Voice and Sing. Submitted by: Soror Elaine Anderson Sigma Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Soror Ruth Wilson Sigma Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc