NEWS FROM THE GRAND BASILEUS
 
International Grand Basileus  
Deborah Catchings-Smith
Greetings Sorors, Philos, and Rhoers!
 
Welcome to the new sorority year! The 2019-2020 sorority year has kicked off in high gear. We have already achieved several firsts. We are anticipating, identifying, and seizing opportunities to expand our community service reach while documenting our impacts. Let's continue to remain intentionally united with a laser focus on goals and objectives so that we can do our greatest work. Our communities are counting on us!
 
National Swim 1922 Swim Clinic
On June 22, 2019, Sigma Gamma Rho hosted a national SWIM1922 Swim Clinic in
partnership with New York State Senator Kevin Parker. The collaboration with Senator Parker is a result of our engagement with elected officials during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference.
 
More than 50 adults and youth attended the event at the Thomas S. Murphy Clubhouse-Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. Soror and Olympian Maritza McClendon led the swim clinic. Special thanks to Basileus Kimberly O'Neale and all the Sorors of Eta Nu Sigma Chapter for their tremendous support in planning and executing the Swim Clinic. We certainly made a positive impact!  
Madison Square Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Stan King, Grand Basileus Catchings Smith, New York Senator Kevin Parker, First Grand Anti-Basileus Liberty, Olympian Maritza McClendon and Eta Nu Sigma Basileus Kimberly O'Neale.
 
 
Upcoming National Events
Throughout this and the upcoming month, Sigma Gamma Rho will be bringing greetings and attending various conferences across the nation. Please come out and support our leaders as they represent our sisterhood.  
 
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc .
54th National Convention Public Meeting
July 10, 2019 @ 4:30 pm CT
Ernest Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
 
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
2019 Conclave Public Meeting
July 10, 2019 @ 6:30 PM PT
Westgate Las Vegas Casino and Resort, Las Vegas, NV
 
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
110th National Convention Public Meeting
July 21, 2019 @ 6:00 PM ET
Cobo Center, Detroit, MI
 
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
37th International Conclave Public Meeting
July 22, 2019 @ 7:30 PM ET
Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC
 
National Urban League
Annual Conference Public Meeting
July 24, 2019 @ 6:00 PM ET
Indianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN
 
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
95th General Convention
July 24, 2019 @ 6:00 pm PT
Bally's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV
 
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
2019 Conclave Public Meeting
July 30, 2019 @ 7:00 PM ET
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
 
 
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

International First Grand Anti-Basileus  Rasheeda S. Liberty
In June, the Regional Syntakti and the National Membership Committee came together in Houston. We reviewed our membership strategy, discussed results, and brainstormed modifications and enhancements for future growth. For the upcoming sorority year, you will have the opportunity to discuss, vet, and assist us in forming recommendations for Grand Chapter consideration. We are hopeful that the ideas will be a win-win for process enhancement and ease for the membership. Here are just a few of the key topics:
  • TORCH Training and Conversion to Online Platforms
  • Online TORCH Processing for Candidates and Membership Chairs
  • Local Chapter Tools & Resources for Officers
  • NPHC Engagement at the Regional Level
  • Modifications to the Role of Syntaktes
  • Membership Development Grant Modifications
  • Undergraduate Conference Registration Scholarships
  • Regional Breakfasts at the 2020 Boule
  • Chapter Standards for Charter and Reactivation
  • Corporate Partnership with Regional Conferences
  • 2019-20 Membership Calendar
We are looking forward to a great year ahead as we continue to be intentional with our membership growth and care strategy.
 
Regional Syntakti and the National Membership Committee in Texas discussing membership strategies.   

GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
 
 
Dubai Charter Registration Information
Last month,  we announced the chapter chartering in United Arab Emirates (UAE). As mentioned, the charter date is September 28, 2019. Please find information below regarding the charter ceremony, reception activities, an excursion, photo shoot, and a small gift representative of the culture.   
 
All currency is reflected in AED, so be sure to convert costs to US dollars for true pricing, as the market fluctuates.
 
Airport Transportation 
We have secured Bellobus as an option for airport transfers to and from the hotel property. We have negotiated discounted rates for airport transfers (including a meet and greet services) and in-town transportation. To secure your reservation, email Bellobus team here to provide your travel details. Make sure to indicate you are with Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

You can also visit their website at  http://bellodubai.com/ to review all the services offered.
 
NOTE: UBER is also a safe and cost-effective option widely used in Dubai.
 
Registration
Registration for this event is required to participate in the charter ceremony and activities. Your registration will include the charter ceremony, reception event, lunch, an excursion with a photo shoot, and a small gift. Registration for this event is due no later than August 15, 2019. Registration is limited due to space and event accommodations.
 
 
For registered attendees, there will be a special webinar to help you better prepare for the fun, excitement, and culture.  
CELEBRATION OF MEMBERSHIP - JULY 2019
   
Celebrating Our Legacies
This month, we are celerating legacies. Members and affiliates post images on social media using the hashtag #SGRHOLEGACY. 
 
We celebrate legacy. We honor legacy. We build legacy!  
 
July 2019