Programs and Projects

Programs, initiatives, and projects initiated by this officer are as follows:

The Syntaktes’ Challenge:  Encouraged the Southeast Region (Sorors, Philos, and Rhoers) to support national partnerships and philanthropic endeavors of the sorority by issuing annual challenges aimed to increase participating in giving, volunteering, etc.  In 2008, the challenge was to increase giving to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the 2009 challenge was to give to March of Dimes and to support the United Negro College Fund.

Desktop Community Service Projects:  Developed e-blasts and electronic flyers that sorors can use to “forward” information on critical issues affecting our local communities or to encourage support of national organizations and partnerships that the sorority supports.  The first e-flyer was in support of National Women and Girls HIV / AIDS Awareness Day on March 10, 2010.  The second e-flyer was to promote the importance of the US Census, “Fill it out…Mail it back.”  The April project focused on National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Presidential Proclamation to support efforts to strengthen families and communities and the May service announcement was to encourage support of the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Leaders:  This officer has worked to motivate seasoned sorors to mentor to the new generation of upcoming leaders.  In order to bridge the generational gap in regional leadership, younger women in Sigma were appointed to committee chairs, as state liaisons, and as TORCH trainers to give them experience and exposure.

Southeast Region Goes Green:   In order to preserve the environment, the SE Region utilizes technology for communication and the dissemination of information. Officers are accessible via email and the regional website located at www.seregionsgrho.org is the one stop source for all regional information. All chapters, regional members, and life members are encouraged to get connected by obtaining an email address, joining the SE Regional Listserve (seregionsgrho@yahoogroups.com), and visiting the Regional Website.

Sigma P.E.A.R.L.S. Undergraduate Round-Up/Retreat:  In Fall 2010, I will pilot the first Sigma P.E.A.R.L.S. Undergraduate Round-Up Retreat in Birmingham, Alabama.  This one day workshop will help younger women in Sigma get her P.E.A.R.L.S. (The Plan for Excellence as a personal mantra,

Active Involvement in the sorority, Responsible Citizenship in local communities, Leadership Development, and Self Improvement of the mind, body, and spirit.)  Retreats will feature speakers and activities addressing topics and issues such as Protocol and Etiquette, Leadership Styles, Time Management, Program Planning, Women’s Health, Scholastic Achievement, Non-Profit Organizations, and Mental Health.  Participants will also have an opportunity to network with other sorors and share best practices, steps, chants, and other information related to the sorority.  The Sigma P.E.A.R.L.S. Project will become a template that can be implemented on the area level across the region or as a region-wide, weekend event.  All undergraduate sorors will be asked, “Do you have your Sigma P.E.A.R.L.S.?”

Syntaktes’ Activity Summary

The following is a summary of my activities since our last meeting in June 2009:

Attended the International Board of Directors Meeting and Officers Essentials Training at St. John’s University in New York in July 2009.

Actively supported and promoted the following partnerships, activities, or announcements from the International Headquarters or as directed by our International Grand Basileus:

·The Project Reassurance 5K Challenge/State Farm 50 Million Pound Challenge

·March of Dimes Walk-a-Thon