The Power of the Pearl Connection Launching New Dimensions of Service

Transcription

1 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Cluster II Conference St. Petersburg, FL The Power of the Pearl Connection Launching New Dimensions of Service Zeta Upsilon Omega - Host Chapter Soror Cassandra Williams, Basileus Soror Manitia Moultrie, Chairman Soror Sharon Jackson, Co-Chairman Soror Yolundra Whitehead, Co-Chairman Soror Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Supreme Basileus

2 The Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter of St. Petersburg, FL was excited and eager to host the 2015 Cluster II Conference. Chapter members were honored to host our very own South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, for her second Cluster II Conference as Regional Director. OPENING SESSION 9:00 A.M. Soror Cassandra Williams, Presiding Chapter Basileus, Zeta Upsilon Omega Recorders: Sorors Jenee Skipper and Kyesha Robinson, Zeta Upsilon Omega The opening session commenced with a warm welcome by Zeta Upsilon Omega Basileus, Soror Cassandra Williams who shared the format for the Opening Session and referenced the Cluster II program for the agenda. Zeta Upsilon Omega Chaplain, Soror Loretta Gilstrap provided the opening meditation from a passage entitled Love Seeks submitted by Soror Charisse Eudella Marshall, Tau Omega Chapter, New York, New York, North Atlantic Region and printed in the Launching New Dimensions of Faith Collection. Love seeks Patience. Love seeks Peace. Love seeks Forgiveness. Love seeks Fortitude. Love seeks out your true essence and inner beauty. Love seeks Kindness. Love seeks Energy. Love seeks Time. Love seeks out Faith. Love seeks out Self-Control. Love seeks out Gentleness. Love seeks out Goodness. Love seeks the best in you and me! The Cluster II Conference Protocol Chairman, Soror Janice Barge Clarke, introduced the special guests and members of the Dais as follows: Special Guests: International Committee Members Current Cluster Coordinators Former Cluster Coordinators South Atlantic Region Cabinet Members Regional Committee Members Golden Members 2

3 Dias Guest: Mrs. Sonja Williams Garcia, 14 th South Atlantic Regional Director Ms. Marsha Lewis Brown, 17 th South Atlanta Regional Director Ms. Manitia Moultrie, Cluster II Conference Chairman Ms. Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator Mrs. Cassandra Williams, Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter Basileus Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Deputy Mayor of the City of Saint Petersburg, Florida Mrs. Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, International Connection Chairman Mrs. Carolyn House Stewart, 28 th International President Mrs. Charletta Wilson Jacks, Supreme Grammateus Ms. Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director Welcome, Soror Manitia Moultrie, Cluster II Conference Chairman Soror Manitia Moultrie welcomed the cluster conference attendees to St. Petersburg, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Actress Angela Bassett and Producer Will Packer. The city known for our world-renowned beaches and of course our beautiful weather and casual lifestyle. Sorors were encouraged to take advantage of all that the city has to offer including our beautiful weather and thriving downtown shops and restaurants. Soror Manitia gave a historical overview of the Zeta Upsilon Omega s legacy of service to the community through the chapter s service projects, and youth programs which keep the chapter visible and in the forefront of the Saint Petersburg community. She also invited the sorors to share in the chapter s upcoming 60 th anniversary celebration scheduled for December She acknowledged that the sorors of Zeta Upsilon Omega work day and night, night and day, and work hard for AKA. Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter members welcomed conference attendees with a unique, yet creative rendition of a military cadence entitled Hard work, work! Greetings, Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Deputy Mayor, City of Saint Petersburg Dr. Tomalin extended greetings on behalf of Honorable Rick Kriseman, Mayor of the City of Saint Petersburg. She welcomed the attendees and expressed and extended special thanks and gratitude to the host chapter, Zeta Upsilon Omega for its hard work and for choosing the city of Saint Petersburg to host the Cluster II Conference, as she was honored to celebrate supreme service to all mankind. Soror Kanika also expressed special recognition and acknowledged Soror Mamie Hodges of Nu Beta Omega for her influence and introduction to our great sisterhood. Soror Kanika reminded Sorors that Saint Petersburg is known as the sunshine city, which has an array of activities to offer visitors, to include a bustling downtown with retail, restaurant, and a variety of art forms. We are home to baseball, festivals, and a variety of cultural exhibits and events. Dr. Tomalin commended both Cluster II Coordinator Soror Donna Douglas and our South Atlantic Regional Director Soror Sharon Brown Harriott for their outstanding leadership and service, and for creating an opportunity for fellowship, workshops and recognition of our hard work and outstanding service. Dr. Tomalin thanked Sorors on behalf of the City of Saint Petersburg for their contributions of backpack donations to the Pinellas County Homeless Education Assistance Team and acknowledged that Pinellas County children Pre K-12 th grade will benefit from all contributions. Poverty is a top priority of the city of 3

4 Saint Petersburg and the City officials will continue to work closely with community partners like Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to address this important issue. Soror Kanika invited sorors to visit the beautiful beaches, downtown waterfronts, downtown restaurants, and cultural activities while visiting the beautiful city of Saint Petersburg. Musical Selections - ZUO Ivy Notes, Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter Soror Donna Douglas, Presiding Cluster II Coordinator Workshops Session I Greetings, Soror Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator Soror Donna Douglas enthusiastically welcomed sorors and announced that Cluster II has a powerhouse of leaders. Sharing that over 400 sorors were registered for the conference. Soror Donna Douglas assured sorors that the Cluster II experience will be full of Connection information, Membership updates, Program information and friendly competition, fellowship, and superb memories. Soror Donna encouraged sorors to be attentive and to be AKA charged, renewed and revitalized and ingest all of the new and updated information from our dynamic speakers to share with their home chapters for successful implementation of Launching New Dimensions of Service. She thanked Zeta Upsilon Omega for accepting the charge to host the 2015 Cluster II Conference. Soror Donna Douglas introduced Soror Sonja Williams Garcia, the 14 th South Atlantic Regional Director and gave her accolades for her tremendous service to the Significant South Atlantic Region. Greetings, Soror Sonja Garcia, 14 th South Atlantic Regional Director Soror Sonja Garcia currently serves as a mentor at the St. Peter Claver Catholic School over a group called GEMS (Girls Empowered and Motivated to Succeed) and also serves as Finance Officer for the St. Peter Claver Catholic School Board. She is the Administrator of the Stella J. Lett Undergraduate Leadership Award, having awarded more than $20,000 to undergraduate sorors of the South Atlantic Region since Soror Sonja also serves as the Scholarship Director of West Orange County Culture Keepers, Incorporated, Secretary of Conn Memorial Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of the Tampa Bay UNCF Leadership Council. Soror Sonja Garcia expressed gratitude to the Cluster II leadership, welcomed Soror Carolyn House Stewart home and gave a heartwarming greeting to Soror Marsha Lewis Brown. She was ecstatic to share that giving to others makes us feel good and science proves this as well. She reminded us that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is our guiding light and a life of philanthropy and encouraged sorors to continue to be of service with a giving heart. Soror Sonja shared good news that being of service to others results in one experiencing a helper s high and a givers glow. 4

5 Roll Call, Soror Lisa Brody, 2015 Cluster II Conference Co-Chairman (standing in for Soror Sharon Jackson) The following chapters answered the call acknowledged their presence at the Cluster II conference. Cluster II Graduate Chapters Delta Omicron Omega Gamma Theta Omega Nu Beta Omega Nu Iota Omega Omicron Kappa Omega Psi Theta Omega Theta Nu Omega Zeta Upsilon Omega Iota Pi Omega Kappa Omicron Omega Lambda Omicron Omega Cluster II Undergraduate Chapters Pi Psi Sigma Nu Zeta Upsilon Approval of 2014 Cluster II Conference Minutes, Soror Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator Soror Donna Douglas officiated over the acceptance of the 2014 Cluster II minutes. The Official Minutes of the 2014 Cluster II Conference which convened on November 14-15, 2014, in Orlando, Florida and were ed to all chapter Basilei and Graduate Advisors for review and distribution to all members. The following corrections were submitted by the Basileus, Soror Angela Ferguson, Psi Theta Omega Chapter. On page 2 under Dias guest, Soror Sonja Garcia 14th South Atlantic Regional Director marital status is listed as Ms. instead of Mrs. On page 5 under greetings Soror Carolyn House Stewart middle name is lower case instead of an upper case. On page 6 under "Message Highlights Bullet point 1 which begins She is celebrating with us the launching...it appears the word of needs to be inserted before our new programs. On page 7 bullet point 16 should read golden instead of gold. Soror Donna asked that any other minor typographical comments be provided in writing. minutes were adopted with the noted corrections by general consent. The 5

6 Soror Donna introduced our Supreme Grammateus, Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks and asked her to introduce our Regional Director, Soror Sharon Brown Harriott. Introduction of the Regional Director, Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks, Supreme Grammateus Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks is the Supreme Grammateus for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Secretary of the EAF Board of Directors, AKA Housing Foundation and International Constitution Committee. She is a Life Member, Legacy and Silver Star. She was initiated into Gamma Upsilon Chapter (1976) and transferred to Alpha Chapter in the same year. In her current chapter-lambda Epsilon Omega-she has served as Basileus, Tamiouchos, Grammateus, and Graduate Advisor. Introduction of South Atlantic Regional Director Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks, Supreme Grammateus, provided an introduction of the Regional Director. She acknowledged the support of the sorors for support of our Regional Director because of her educational and service credentials; however the foundation for their support lies in her spiritual walk and the keeping of promises in this walk. Soror Charletta s introduction highlighted a list of impressive accomplishments, credentials, honors, awards, civic organizations and church activities of the Regional Director. Soror Sharon Brown Harriott was initiated in Theta Gamma Chapter at the University of South Carolina. She is a member of Gamma Nu Omega Chapter in Columbia, SC. She has served with distinction in regional and international leadership positions, including the International Reinstatement Task Force Committee, International Program Committee, Boule Luncheon Committee, Cluster Council Chairman and Cluster Coordinator. She also served as Chairman and Co-Chairman of two regional conferences. In her graduate chapter, she has served as Basileus, Parliamentarian and Graduate Advisor and chairman of the Pink Ice Gala. She is also a Legacy, the daughter of the late Ruby Young Brown. Soror Sharon earned her Bachelor s and Master s degrees from the University of South Carolina. She is an administrator at Midlands Technical College in Columbia, SC and is a licensed funeral director and former owner of Gibson and Brown Funeral Home in Union, SC. Soror Sharon is a member of the Chappelle Memorial A.M.E. Church and active in numerous civic and professional organizations. She resides in Columbia, South Carolina. She is the widow of the late Mack M. Harriott. Soror Charletta characterized her as the consummate professional with Christian values; a visionary leader who understands that her role is a privilege that demands true dedication and allegiance. Soror Jacks introduced Soror Harriott using the word Pearl and providing a reference to the books of the Bible corresponding to each letter in the word Pearl. 6

7 State of the Region, Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director Soror Sharon Brown Harriott began the session by recognizing the 28 th Supreme Basileus Soror Carolyn House Stewart, 14 th South Atlantic Regional Director Soror Sonja Williams Garcia, and 17 th Regional Director Soror Marsha Lewis Brown for their love, support, and encouragement. She reflected on the past 15 months of her term in office, recognized the excitement of celebrating Diamond Sorors and Chapters. Soror Sharon mentioned the senseless killings that are taking place in our country and acknowledged the most recent tragedy that took place overnight in Paris, France. She also referenced that terrorism is taking place in our country and noted that hazing continues to be an issue of concern in Alpha Kappa Alpha. It is important that the correct use of Alpha Kappa Alpha s name be respected and used properly. The cluster coordinators for their outstanding support as she has been making her first appearance at all of the cluster conferences. Message Highlights: Risk management task force has been reinstated. Former Supreme Grammateus Soror Susan Sims Marsh is the Chairman. Reminded sorors of our protecting our AKA brand and about the appropriate use of social media, whatever is posted in cyber space will follow us forever. Membership in the South Atlantic Region has grown to almost 13,000 members. Over 60 MIP requests have been approved. All AKA Days at the Capital in 2016 will be held in February due to the Presidential Primary. She ministered and provided love and support for the families of our fallen sorors affected by the Emanuel Nine tragedy. Recognized Cluster VII Coordinator Soror Patricia Henegan, South Carolina legislative liaison Soror Mia McLeod House District 79, and Soror Chandra Dillard House District 23 who worked tirelessly and serves in the South Carolina House of Representatives, spent 16 hours in one session to fight for the removal of the confederate flag. AKA Connection representative Soror Tiffany Moore Russell, Psi Theta Omega, South Atlantic Representative to the International Connection committee will share Alpha Kappa Alpha s action plans as we continue to Launch New Dimensions of Service through Political Action. Urged the use of and requested sorors to send MIP request electronically via . Soror Kimberly Willis Green, Psi Omega Omega, South Atlantic Representative International Membership Committee will share information on our membership process and the survey results. Importance of HBCUs and to continue to donate to HBCUs Continue active participation in all five of our program initiatives, as we continue to Launch New Dimensions of Service. She expects South Atlanta Region chapters to be recognized at the 67 th Boule Conference in Atlanta. New system for submitting chapter reports. Chapter reports will be uploaded to a share point site. 7

8 Eight chapters were evaluated by the Standards Evaluation Team and there will be more, all chapters are to be prepared as all chapters in the South Atlantic Region will have evaluations, most likely concurrent with the Cluster II Conference. Continue to be Wild about EAF We must adhere to Alpha Kappa Alpha s policies and procedures. MIP will be prohibited this school year for Undergraduate chapters without representation at the Undergraduate summit. In the closing remarks, accolades were given to the chapters in Cluster II for all of their hard work with hosting the 62 nd Regional Conference. Invited sorors to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the 63 rd South Atlantic Regional Conference. Video Greeting, Soror Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson, Supreme Basileus Madam Supreme Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson expressed greetings and thanked the undergraduate sorors for successfully Launching New Dimensions of Service. She acknowledged and welcomed graduate chapters back for the second half of the program year. She commended sorors for their service in their respectful communities since the launch of our new program initiatives. She reminded sorors that our foundation is sisterhood as the focus of the message was in the spirit of thanksgiving and thankfulness for the service members render to the mission and purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She expressed her thanks for the impact we have made on the communities we serve. Presentation of Risk Management Video Soror Donna Douglas, Presiding Cluster II Coordinator Workshops Session II Presentation of Launching New Dimensions of Service, Soror Thuane B. Fielding South Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Program Committee Soror Thuane B. Fielding, the South Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Program Committee reviewed the Launching New Dimensions of Service program and gave an update of the program to date: o Target I Educational Enrichment- ASCEND: Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking, and Developmental Skills. Sorors implemented ASCEND. Undergraduate sorors are encouraged to work along with graduate chapters to implement the ASCEND program. Continue to donate 5 backpacks per year; Think HBCU awareness and consider a $32 minimum contribution to HBCUs. Target II Health Promotion Continue to do a great job with Alzheimer s Awareness. o Target III Family Strengthening 8

9 Childhood Hunger- Continue to include canned goods, and seasonal wraps in the backpacks. 16,780 families were impacted in 2015, and 19,441 children have been helped by providing 31,296 meals. o Target IV Environmental Ownership 1908 Playground Project Update- Increased from 56 playgrounds to 66 playgrounds. o Target V Global Impact United Nations Association-USA Global Classrooms Project Community Impact Days MIP Presentation Updates & 2014 Survey Summary, Soror Kimberly Willis-Green South Atlantic Region Representative to the International Membership Committee Soror Kimberly Willis-Green, the South Atlantic Regional Representative to the International Membership Committee presented an overview of the MIP process and summarized the 2014 membership survey summary. The following are highlights from her presentation: MIP Updates To prepare for MIP each chapter must perform and submit a health check of your chapter. Graduate MIP timeline: nine days over three weekends. Undergraduate MIP timeline: twelve days. Graduate MIP information session: all perspective candidates, all sponsors, and all cosponsors must attend. If sponsor and co-sponsor aren t present the perspective candidate cannot continue. We must adhere to the official MIP intake process. As of January 1, 2015 the consumer credit check has been replaced with a background check. Percentage reduction for a graduate chapter to maintain a 95% retention rate has been reduced to 85%. Revised undergraduate membership and legacy application. Documents can now be sent to the regional director electronically MIP Survey Results MIP challenges and strategies- Open dialogue and conversation. Shared challenges and strategies. Sorors were asked to write down MIP challenges and strategies, as feedback will be taken to the International Membership Committee. Presentation of Community Service Donation, Soror Lisa Brody 2015 Cluster II Conference Co-Chairman (standing in for Soror Sharon Jackson) Backpacks and school supplies were presented to Rene Flowers, Pinellas County School Board Member District 7 and a representative of the Homeless Emergency Assistance Team who accepted the donation of backpacks and school supplies on behalf of the Pinellas County School Board. School Board Member Rene Flowers provided remarks. With our current Program, Launching New Dimensions of Service and the AKA 1908 Backpack initiative Sorors we have been making an impact in communities around the world 9

10 with our donations of backpacks and school supplies. Members have been charged to donate and distribute one million backpacks and related school supplies to students over the next 4 years. On behalf of the Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter, Soror Lisa Brody thanked the sorors of Cluster II for their participation in the service project and their generous donations of backpacks and school supplies. Cluster II donated 357 backpacks and thousands of school supplies to schools assigned to the Pinellas County School District Homeless Emergency Assistance Team. The backpacks collected will be provided to homeless students in Pinellas County to ensure that they have the necessary supplies to pursue their education. Acknowledged the chapters who donated the highest number of backpacks based on the size of their chapter. One Backpack at a time we are getting closer to our goal donating one million backpacks by Large Chapter- Gamma Theta Omega, Tampa FL Medium Chapter- Psi Theta Omega, Orlando FL Small Chapter- Lambda Omicron Omega, Bradenton, FL South Atlantic Region 2015 Cluster II Luncheon Soror Manitia Moultrie, Presiding 2015 Cluster II Conference Chairman, Zeta Upsilon Omega LUNCH WAS SERVED Musical Selection- ZUO Ivy Notes, Sorors of Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter Cluster II 2015 Awards Program Presentation of Inaugural Cluster II Awards Program Soror Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator Sorors Loretta Gilstrap and Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter Robin Lynn Young Spirit Award- Sorors Belinda Smith Lawson, Gamma Theta Omega and Demetria Hill Sloan, Psi Theta Omega Alfreda W. Gary Golden Soror Attendance Award - Delta Omicron Omega Chapter Jerrie Coleman Sims Outstanding Educator - Soror Ethel Trawick, Delta Omicron Omega Chapter Lorraine Harris Outstanding Golden Soror Award - Soror Sylvia Marion Carley, Gamma Theta Omega Crystal L. Pruitt Pearls of Service Legacy Award- Sorors Charlotte and Dana Owens, Iota Pi Omega Tee Solomon Essence of Caring Award - Soror Angel Mitchell Ferguson, Psi Theta Omega Graduate Chapter Attendance Award - Nu Beta Omega Chapter 10

11 Undergraduate Chapter Attendance Award - Zeta Upsilon, University of South Florida Tampa, FL Undergraduate Academic Scholar Award - Soror Katrina Wharton, Zeta Upsilon, USF Tampa, FL CLOSING SESSION Soror Donna Douglas, Presiding Cluster II Coordinator; Gamma Theta Omega Presentation of AKA Connection, What s Going On with Connections, Sorors Sylvia Blackmon-Roberts, International Connections Committee Chair and Tiffany Moore Russell, South Atlantic Region Representative to the International Connections Committee Presentation Highlights: Acknowledged AKA presence during the Emanuel Nine Tragedy in Charleston, SC Encouraged sorors to be a voice in their community, educate members of the community of their rights and responsibilities, and encourage them to vote. Work to increase number of registered voters. Participate and support local voter registration drives in your communities. Take ACTION; Advocate, Communication, Train, Influence, Organize, and Network. Communicate the importance of voting in our communities. Network and partner with other Greek letter organizations as well as other organizations to educate others in your community about the importance of voting. Stressed the fact that there is power in numbers. February 3-4, Florida AKA Day at the Capital. Participate and attend your local city council and county commission meetings, you have the right to speak for three minutes. Presented solidarity walk and/or rally guidelines. Sorors were asked to think outside the box and organize voter s education events for example: Stroll to the Polls and/or Souls to the Polls. Volunteer to provide transportation on voting days Presidential Election will be a very important election. Presented the summary of the ACTION program, each chapter will receive two copies in the upcoming fall mailing. Increase impact days related to the AKA Connection. See your chapter AKA Connection Chairman for a full ed copy of today s presentation. 11

12 Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) Presentation, Soror Deidre Barrett, EAF Regional Coordinator for the South Atlantic Region Presentation Highlights: Acknowledged our 3 rd Vice President of the Educational Advancement Foundation, Soror Carolyn House Stewart and Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks, Secretary of EAF. We know that providing scholarships is important to assist students in attaining their dream of higher education. We are excited as we continue to be WILD about EAF as the campaign continues through We are WILD about November as it is budgeting season, and EAF Awareness Month. Madame Regional Director would like to see an increase (double) in the number of platinum level contributions from graduate chapters by the 2016 Boule. Currently there are 10 platinum chapters in the South Atlantic Region, by Boule we would love to have 20 platinum chapters in the South Atlantic Region. Budget for EAF chapter contributions (silver, gold, platinum level) deadline to submit 2016 contributions is February 15, 2016 to be recognized at the Regional Conference. Currently 32% of the chapters are participating, goal is 100% participation. Cluster II chapters encouraged to achieve platinum level status. Donate to EAF via mobile giving. Designate the contributions to the Sharon Brown Harriott Endowment, goal is $20,000. Get excited about the 2016 fundraising contest TBD at a later date. Shared the mission and history of EAF. Registration and Attendance Report, Soror Lisa Brody 2015 Cluster II Conference Co-Chairman (standing in for Soror Sharon Jackson) Soror Lisa presented the final registration and attendance report as follows: Sorors Registered as General Members: 3 Graduate Sorors: 370 Undergraduate Sorors: 6 Very Special Guests: 19 Total Conference Attendance: 398 Evaluation, Soror Marilyn Fudge, Zeta Upsilon Omega All Cluster II Conference attendees will receive an evaluation link via . Soror Marilyn encouraged sorors to complete the evaluation to help improve processes and/or procedures, as we continue to Launch New Dimensions of Service and perpetuate Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 12

13 Report of Time and Place Committee, Soror Kyesha Robinson, Zeta Upsilon Omega The Time and Place report was presented as follows: Year Chapter Location 2016 Omicron Kappa Omega Lakeland, FL 2017 Psi Theta Omega Orlando, FL 2018 Kappa Omicron Omega Bartow, FL 2019 Iota Pi Omega Rockledge, FL 2020 Nu Iota Omega Maitland, FL 2021 Gamma Theta Omega Tampa, FL Sigma Nu University of Tampa Zeta Upsilon University of South Florida 2022 Theta Nu Omega Ft. Myers, FL Sigma Upsilon Florida Gulf Coast University 2023 Lambda Omicron Omega Bradenton, FL 2024 Nu Beta Omega Clearwater, FL 2025 Delta Omicron Omega Orlando, FL Pi Psi University of Central Florida 2026 Zeta Upsilon Omega St. Petersburg, FL Invitation to 2016 Cluster II Conference Omicron Kappa Omega The sorors presented an invitation to those in attendance to the 2016 Cluster II Conference which will be held in Lakeland, FL Presentations and Special Recognitions, Soror Cassandra Williams Chapter Basileus, Zeta Upsilon Omega Thanked 2015 Cluster II Conference Co-Chairman Soror Lisa Brody (standing in for 2015 Cluster II Co-Chairman Soror Sharon Jackson in her absence), 2015 Cluster II Co-Chairman Soror Yolundra Whitehead, and all Sorors of the host chapter, Zeta Upsilon Omega for all of their hard work. Acknowledged and showed appreciation to the 2015 Cluster II Conference Chairman Soror Manitia Moultrie for all of her hard work and dedication for a successful Cluster II conference. Recognized our South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Sharon Brown Harriott and our Cluster II Coordinator Soror Donna Douglas for providing Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter the opportunity to serve as the host chapter. Presentations and Special Recognitions, Soror Manitia Moultrie 2015 Cluster II Conference Chairman Special thanks to the all of the Sorors of Zeta Upsilon Omega for all of their hard work Recognized and acknowledged all working committees: Protocol, Courtesies, Registration, Logistics, Publicity, Printing, and Friday Night Live. 13

14 Sincere thanks to the Basileus of the Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter, Soror Cassandra Williams for her leadership and all of her hard work. Requested all of the conference Co-Chairs to come forward and Sorors of Zeta Upsilon Omega chapter to please stand and announced that the the 2015 Cluster II Conference has been handled. On behalf of the Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter, presented special gift to our Cluster II Coordinator, Soror Donna Douglas for her advice and leadership. Special presentation to our South Atlantic Regional Director for her leadership and guidance, and the wonderful experience. Presentations and Special Recognitions, Soror Donna Douglas Cluster II Coordinator Presented Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter Basileus, Soror Cassandra Williams with a gift and special thanks for her leadership. Acknowledged 2015 Cluster II Conference Co-Chairman Soror Sharon Jackson in her absence (due to the passing of both of her sisters) and thanked her for all of her hard work. Special presentation to 2015 Cluster II Conference Co-Chairman Yolundra Whitehead for her dedication and hard work. Special appreciation to 2015 Cluster II Conference Chairman, Soror Manitia Moultrie for all of hard work, leadership, and dedication. Thanked Madame Regional Director for the opportunity to conduct our seventh Cluster Conference. Soror Donna stated that, she is humbled to serve with the seven other unique, talented, and lovable Cluster Coordinators whom are awesome Alpha Kappa Alpha women. Special thanks to the entire chapter of Zeta Upsilon Omega for working day and night to ensure the members of Cluster II had the best conference possible. Acknowledged and special thanks to all of the workshop presenters, Sorors Kimberly Willis Green, Soror Sylvia Blackmon Roberts, Tiffany Moore Russell and Soror Thuane Fielding, for their presentations. Recognized Soror Tee Solomon for her constant encouragement, late night talks and for being there to lend a hand in various capacities. Gave special thanks to Soror Lynette Barrett, Pink Alert Publicist for helping behind the scenes with the administrative duties. Soror Belinda Lawson and Soror Jestina Cox. Soror Nanette Henderson and Sandra Davis for coordinating hospitality. Special thanks to the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter, You are the wind beneath my wings with your love and support. You are the best chapter in Alpha Kappa Alpha! Thanked former Cluster II Coordinators, for their support and kind words. Special thanks to Soror Crystal Pruitt for taking me under your wing from day one and one year later still offering to lend a hand to help me behind the scenes with whatever is needed. Thanked all of the Sorors in Cluster II, You are the best Sorors in all the Clusters. Acknowledged all fellow Cluster Coordinators on the Council. Presented gifts to former Cluster II Coordinators. 14

15 Presented Madame Regional Director with a gift and thanked her for her wisdom, guidance, love and support. Announced that the Lambda Omicron Omega in Sarasota, FL will host 2016 Founder s Day at Michaels on East. Closing Remarks Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director Commended Sorors of Zeta Upsilon Omega for a job well done. Thanked Cluster Coordinators for sponsoring and presenting their awards. Recognized and thanked the 14 th and 17 th South Atlantic Regional Directors, Sorors Sonja Williams Garcia and Marsha Lewis Brown as well as the 28 th Supreme Basileus, Soror Carolyn House Stewart for their continued encouragement, love, and support. Acknowledged and thanked Supreme Grammateus, Soror Charletta Wilson Jacks. Thanked Cluster V Coordinator, Soror Shevawn Broxton Young and Cluster I Coordinator Soror Sylvia Sloan for their support of fellow Cluster II Coordinator, Soror Donna Douglas. Appreciated Cluster II Coordinator, Soror Donna Douglas and all of the Sorors of Cluster II for all of their hard work. Announced that the 63 rd South Atlantic Regional Conference to be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina March 23 27, 2016 The 2015 Cluster II Conference was adjourned at 3:15 P.M. ~ ADJOURNMENT ~ Respectfully submitted, Dharvette Barwick Conference Grammateus Zeta Upsilon Omega Cassandra B. Williams Chapter Basileus Zeta Upsilon Omega Manitia Moultrie Conference Chairman Zeta Upsilon Omega Donna Douglas Cluster II Coordinator Gamma Theta Omega 15