NEWS FROM THE GRAND BASILEUS

International Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith
Greetings Sorors Philos and Rhoers!  March is the month we observe and honor the significant contributions of women around the world. We particularity salute all Sorors and Affiliates of Sigma Gamma Rho for the tremendous work being done that aligns with our mission to enhance the quality of life for women and their families in the U.S. and globally. It is with great anticipation that we will hear about and celebrate the positive impacts made in our communities during the 2018 Regional Conferences. Additionally, we are thrilled about meeting newly inducted Sorors, Philos and Rhoers over the next several weeks at the conferences. 

United Nations Women's Commission on the Status of Women 
(CSW) Conference Representation
This year's United Nations Women's Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Conference is scheduled for March 12 - 23 in New York. While we are not hosting a session, we are pleased to announce the sorority has been invited to provide a panelist for two sessions:

Tuesday, March 13, 4:30 p.m. - The Gallery, 4W, 43rd St.
"Empowering Adolescent Girls: A Tool to Achieving Gender Equality" 
Hosted by Tabitha Cumi Foundation (Nigeria)
Representing Sigma Gamma Rho - Soror Yvonne Pointer, noted author, speaker, activist and philanthropist

Thursday, March 22, 2:30 p.m. - Church Center for the United Nations, 10th Floor
"The Intersectionality of Race, Class and Gender for Black Women in the Americas - Residing in Rural Areas"
Hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Representing Sigma Gamma Rho - Soror Donita Devance, Eta Nu Sigma Chapter and SGRho representative to the U.N.

We are asking all Sorors in the New York area to support the two U.N. sessions. We applaud the leadership of Sorors Pointer and Devance and know they will represent us well! We also want to thank Past International Grand Basileus Joann Loveless for her dedication and leadership.

March of Dimes March for Babies Campaign
We are excited about the upcoming March of Dimes March for Babies Campaign. We will have another opportunity to give babies a fighting chance! As announced during the fall 2017 Area Meetings, our 2018 goal remains at $165,000 to support mothers and babies. You don't want to miss the webinar on Wednesday, March 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET to learn more information and to receive fundraising tips. 

National Webinars and Membership Engagement Initiatives
Chapter Training and Development Needs National Survey - Open until Friday, March 30 - 11:59 p.m. 

Women's History Month

We celebrate our history. We celebrate our sisterhood. We celebrate our strength.
"Don't mistake politeness for lack of strength." 
-- Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

International First Grand Anti-Basileus
Rasheeda Liberty
Over the last year, the Honorary Membership Team welcomed the following new members to our sisterhood:

Corinthia Cromwell
Mayor Carol Evans
Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace
Carmelita Jeter

The team has developed some strategies and resources to assist the membership in identifying high caliber women who can build the profile of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. We have recently inducted women in entertainment, politics and sports. Our opportunity is much greater as we have many sorors who have the influence, the leadership and the positioning to attract many more women to this program.

The Honorary Membership Committee, led by Soror Deborah Brown, has a robust recommendation process to assist you, as members, to bridge notable members to the sisterhood. Please email honorarymember@sgrho1922.org to receive more information.


Soror Corinthia Cromwell

Soror Coral Evans


Soror Arianna Vanderpool-Wallace


Soror Carmelita Jeter

  BOULE REGISTRATION

Have you registered for the 57th Biennial Boule? We heard your suggestions and now, the Boule Planning Committee is putting your ideas to work. The team met recently in Dallas for a walk through of the hotel.

The excitement is building! Sorors, Philos and Rhoers, register and book your hotel room. Regular registration is open until May 1. Please visit sgrho1922.org and click the EVENTS & REGISTRATION tab for more boule information.

Please remember chapters that will be represented by delegates must complete the online Delegate Verification Form which can be found under the 2018 BOULE FORMS tab on the conference website. The form must be completed by June 4. See you in Dallas July 12 - 15!
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE BOULE MOMENT


The countdown is on to the 57th Biennial Boule! Flood your social media timelines on the second Thursday of every month with your favorite Boule moment. We want to see and hear about those special memories, connections and training opportunities. 

You can also send your favorite moments to International Grand Epistoleus Angela Spears at  pressoffice@sgrho1922.org.  


YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE

Let's vote! Let's encourage others to head to the polls as well. Our voice matters!

The U.S. Constitution's 15th Amendment ratified by the states in 1870: Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. The constitution was then amended three additional times regarding voting - 19th, 24th and 26th Amendments. The 19th Amendment granted American women the right to vote. The 24th Amendment prohibited both congress and the states from conditioning the right to vote in federal elections on payment of a poll tax or other types of taxes. The 26th Amendment prohibited the federal government and states from using age as a reason for denying citizens the right to vote. (Ratified 7-01-1971, previous requirement is that you had to be over 21 years of age to vote.)

This is written to give you the evolution of our voting rights and why it is so important to exercise it. Progression has happened and we must not allow disappointments in our local, state or federal elections allow us to regress. Allow your voice to be heard! Help others to speak as well! We ask that you register people, help them update their voting information or assist them in checking their status. Sigma Gamma Rho stands tall and proud in getting out the vote. Help others to stand with us.
March 2018