NEWS FROM THE GRAND BASILEUS
International Grand Basileus
Deborah Catchings-Smith
 
We are in the midst of Hurricane Season. Unfortunately, many lives have been lost. Our prayers are with those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The stormed dumped 27 trillion gallons of rain in Texas and Louisiana in six days. The destruction and devastation are unprecedented. At least 60 people have died. It's estimated that more than 30,000 people will need temporary shelter. 

Now, we are dealing with Hurricane Irma. We pray for our family and friends in the Caribbean. Lives have been lost and homes destroyed. The storm is set to have an impact in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.  

Please be safe. I encourage you to have a disaster kit with supplies that allow you to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Create a family communication plan. Also, if the need arises, please know your evacuation route. The American Red Cross is a great resource. On its website, you can find a list of supplies that should be in your kit as well as other information that will help you during and after the storm.   

Members of our Sigma family have been impacted by the hurricanes. Their lives have been turned upside down. Let's call and check on each other during these tough times. We know Hurricane Season is far from over. It officially ends Nov. 30. So, let's stay prepared and be alert as other storms have already developed. Let's continue to support our members and affiliates emotionally and financially by  donating to the Sigma Gamma Rho Disaster Relief Fund. We can have a tremendous impact on our Sigma family. 
FINA WORLD JUNIOR SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
95 Countries, More Than 680 Athletes

The 2017 Fédération Internationale' de Natation (FINA) biennial World Junior Swimming Championships held Aug. 23 - 28 in Indianapolis, Indiana was an awesome moment in history for our sisterhood! Tremendous appreciation to the hundreds of Sorors, Philos and Rhoers who traveled from across the country to Indianapolis to support the event and participate in making history!

The stellar leadership of Soror Scenario Jones, national USA Swimming liasion, was priceless! Soror Jones and her volunteer team were flawless in the execution of activities during FINA. The Swim 1922 Clinic was highly successful in breaking down the barrier of fear for several Sorors and Philo who did not know how to swim.

We appreciate the innovation of Soror Cherie Washington, national corporate liasion, for securing Carol's Daughter as a corporate sponsor who hosted the Beauty Suite. The event provided valuable information about hair care and maintenance at FINA! The barrier of hair care maintenance and swimming was tackled!

We certainly appreciate the leadership of our internal board of directors and past grand basilei, along with the invaluable assistance from Central Region Syntaktes Delia Harris, the Central Region Board, Alpha Sigma Chapter Basileus Soror Catina Harris and all Alpha Sigma Sorors and Rhoers. We want to acknowledge our meeting planner, Aminata (Amy) Mbaye, for successfully driving the agenda and tasks throughout the collaboration with USA Swimming in order to achieve "the experience of a lifetime." Our International Corporate Headquarters Staff worked tirelessly and was a critical component in the successful outcome! Thank you Deputy Executive Director Teresa Evans Hunter and Membership Services Director Soror Elaina Hamilton! 

Below are a few highlights of the FINA event:
· Sigma Gamma Rho was catapulted on the international stage
· Championships spotlighted the USA Swimming partnership and Swim 1922 Initiative
· Televised internationally on the Olympic Channel nightly for six consecutive days
· National leadership participated in the nightly televised championship awards ceremony
· Sigma Gamma Rho branding dominated throughout the swimming championships, television commercials and the city of Indianapolis!




UNDERGRADUATES BACK IN SESSION

International  Second Grand  Anti-Basileus Katrina Ruiz
The undergraduates are back in class! That being said please remember to uphold our principle of scholarship. I challenge you all, and myself, to have at least a 3.22 GPA this semester/quarter and raise our chapter GPAs to 3.0. It's a lot of work and dedication, but we can do it.

Let's come into the school year strong with our grades and our events. Additionally, please remember that if your chapter is doing a fall intake, you will need to submit your dues before Sept. 30 in order to be financial and meet T.O.R.C.H. requirements.

Prissy & Precise is back too. We are collecting submissions for the September issue. We are also looking for contributors. Please email your articles, pictures or intent to collaborate to secondgrand@sgrho1922.org.

Lastly, it was wonderful to see so many sorors at the FINA World Jumior Swimming Championships! We made history! Thank you, as always, for your commitment to our great sisterhood.
 WALK OR RUN TO END CHILDHOOD CANCER
 
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death for children in the United States. Sigma Gamma Rho will team up with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to walk and run to end childhood cancer.

No family ever pays a bill at St. Jude as it is "finding cures and saving lives." Let's   give the gift of hope. 

Donate and sign up for the Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer.  Join us Sept. 16 or 23. Let's end childhood cancer together!
JCPENNEY SALUTES SIGMA GAMMA RHO 95TH FOUNDERS' DAY
 
We are pleased to announce the sorority's national partnership with J CPenney Company, Inc. The department store chain will be saluting Sigma Gamma Rho's 95th founding! This corporate partnership is designed to elevate our brand nationally while offering a membership benefit.
Exclusive shopping events will be held in targeted cities across the country on Sunday, Nov. 5. Sorors and affiliates will also be provided a discount coupon for use at all JCPenney stores across the nation. More details about the exclusive shopping events will be coming soon!
95TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will soon celebrate 95 years! On Saturday, Nov. 11, we will join together as an international sisterhood for International Day of Service. We are asking all sorors and affiliates in the U.S. and abroad to perform an impactful day of service in their communities. Chapters may on their own or in collaboration with other chapters and affiliates pick from one of the three H3 Program Thrusts that encompasses healthy choices, healthy living and healthy generations to promote overall health. 

Nov. 11 is also Veterans Day. Please consider hosting a volunteer opportunity to serve our veterans. 

Each Soror and affiliate member should perform a minimum of two hours of service. Please document your service activities on our  Community Service Reporting Tool. We look forward to seeing all of the actives on this special day. 

Be sure to wear your commemorative t-shirt. If you do not have one, you can still order it until Sept. 15. 




SIGMAS IN THE CAPITAL

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will host a reception during  the Congre ssional Black Caucus 47th Annual Legislative Conference. Mark your calendar f or   Sep t. 22. We will honor our unique partnership with USA Swimming. O ur Swim 1922 Initiative is saving lives by promoting water safety.

Please RSVP for the reception. We look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 22 !
September 2017