NEWS FROM THE GRAND BASILEUS
 
International Grand Basileus   Deborah Catchings-Smith
Greetings Sorors, Philos, and Rhoers!
 
December is a time for reflection and appreciation! I am proud that we are continually "Making Firsts" through the work we are doing to improve the quality of life for children, women, and families in our communities. Thank you for your unyielding commitment to service and to our beloved Sisterhood!
 
97th Founders' Day in Beautiful Bermuda
Sorors world-wide celebrated our Sorority's founding with robust activities, truly making it a November to remember. It was an honor to attend Founders' celebrations across the country and internationally throughout the month of November. For the first time in the sorority's history, a seated International Grand Basileus celebrated Founders' Day, November 12, outside of the United States with an International Chapter! We applaud Bermuda's Gamma Sigma Sigma Basileus Nina Wilson, Anti-Basileus Tina Wilson, and chapter Sorors for the historic and impactful Founders' Day events held on the island.
 
Festivities included a program at Bermuda City Hall at Hamilton where government officials saluted the Sorority's 97th Founding and the community service impacts of Gamma Sigma Sigma Chapter. The service outreach involved visiting Bermuda's middle and high schools to discuss the importance of the students' education. We also delivered school supplies.  An evening community reception hosted by Gamma Sigma Sigma honoring our 97th Founders' Day was attended by Bermuda NPHC Sororities and Fraternities and our own Sorors rounded out the celebration. Gamma Sigma Sigma Chapter also executed flawless and impactful activations throughout the day that helped to establish a new standard on the island.
 
We appreciate the vision of New Jersey's Gamma Nu Sigma Basileus Talia Benders, her leadership team, and Chapter Sorors for helping to create the concept of celebrating Founders' Day on the Island of Bermuda. Northeastern Regional Leadership in Bermuda for the 97th Founders' Day events included Syntaktes Thomasina Gore, UCC Selicia Sellers, and Past Syntaktes Marica Harris. Several Sorors from the Northeastern Region also traveled from the United States to attend the various celebrations.  
 
Photos L to R: Gamma Sigma Sigma Chapter Sorors. Gamma Sigma Sigma and all Sorors at the Hamilton, Bermuda City Town Hall Event. Gamma Sigma Sigma Sorors at Founders' Day Community Reception. 
 
Founders' Day Celebrations in Atlanta and St. Louis
I also had the opportunity to attend Founders' Day celebrations held in Atlanta and St. Louis hosted by Eta Sigma, Eta Mu Sigma, and Zeta Sigma Chapters. Special thanks to Chapter Basilei Tamesha Favors, Sylvia Ross Toney, and Karen Isaac for the wonderful courtesies and hospitality offered.  
 
Photos L to R: Eta Sigma 97th Founders' Day Luncheon. Eta Mu Sigma Chapter 97th Founders' Day Luncheon. Zeta Sigma Chapter 97th Founders' Day Gala.
 
National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) National Affiliates Assembly  
 
Our Sisterhood was well represented at the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) events held in Washington, DC, November 20-21, 2018. I was honored to attend the Uncommon Height Gala on Wednesday evening which recognized the contributions of trailblazing leaders. More than 300 NCNW Delegates engaged in educational workshops, forums, and networking.
 
During the NCNW Affiliates Assembly on Thursday, December 21, I participated on an enlightening and informative panel discussion entitled the "Pearls and Perils of Leadership" with 5 National Affiliate organization leaders. We thank Past Grand Basileus Dr. Mynora J. Bryant, National Programs Chair Jacqueline Greely, Executive Director Cynthia Eubanks, Past Northeastern Region Syntaktes Deborah Walsh, and Past Northeastern Region Tamiochus Thelma Johnson for serving as delegates representing our sisterhood. A special thank you goes out to all Area 1 Sorors for the hospitality and courtesies provided.
 
USA Swimming Golden Goggles Awards
We represented our sisterhood at USA Swimming's Golden Goggles Awards held in Los Angeles, California on November 24, 2019. It was an honor to be recognized and accept accolades on behalf of our Sisterhood for our impactful Swim 1922 Drowning Prevention Initiative. Sorors and Affiliates can be proud of our remarkable contribution to reducing drowning deaths in the African American Community and Communities of Color.
 
We are appreciative of the tremendous work of Soror Scenario Jones, National Liaison for USA Swimming. Special appreciation goes to Western Region UCC Michelle Aldridge, the leadership team, and all Sorors for their hospitality and courtesies extended while in Los Angeles.  
 
Photos L to R: Soror Secenario Jones, USA Swimming Liaison and Executive Director Cynthia Eubanks.USA Swimming Athletes and Coaches at Golden Goggles.
 
Building a Sisterhood for the Future: 2019-2020 Strategic Plan
We are continuing the work of our 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. I want to thank Soror Marica Harris, National Strategic Plan Liaison, all the committee chairs, and team members for your efforts. Look for progress updates regarding our five goals in January 2020.
 
Goal 1: Design A Brand Strategy for Sigma Gamma Rho 
Chaired by Dr. Gail Baker
 
Goal 2: Improve Operations
Chaired by Executive Director Cynthia Eubanks
 
Goal 3: Diversify Revenue Sources
Chaired by First Grand Anti-Basileus Rasheeda Liberty
 
Goal 4: Increase Chapter Support
Chaired by Maya C. Paggett
 
Goal 5:Leadership Training and Professional Development
Chaired by LaJune Davis-Wiley
 
Mastermind Groups Pilot Program
We have received tremendous enthusiasm from the sisterhood about the sorority's "First-ever" virtual Mastermind Groups Pilot Program! Thank you to the 20 dynamic Sorors that have agreed to serve as facilitators. Also, thank you to Sorors who have signed up to participate in their journey towards personal and professional development in the fields of Education, the Judicial System, and Government. Updates on the pilot program will be provided in January 2020.
 
NPHC / ESPN and Air Force Reserve Celebration of Service Bowl Game Partnership
For the second year in a row, our sisterhood will be joining the NPHC Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities in partnership with ESPN and the Air Force Reserve at the Celebration of Service Bowl. As a part of the festivities, we will be engaging in service activations and hosting two Swim 1922 Drowning Prevention Clinics in Atlanta.
 
The Divine Nine organizations will be featured during the Bowl Game. It will be televised on ABC networks on Saturday, December 21, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta, GA. Kickoff is at 12 Noon ET. Be sure to tune in! Check your local listings for viewing times.
 
Upcoming National Events and Webinars
Sigma Gamma Rho Swim 1922 Clinics  
 
Friday, December 20, 2019
1:00 PM-3:00 PM, East Lake YMCA, Atlanta, GA
5:00 PM-6:30 PM, YMCA-TBD, Atlanta, GA
 
 
ESPN Celebration of Service Bowl Game and Events 
December 20-21, 2019
Divine 9 Community Service Event, 12/20, 7 AM-4 PM, Location TBD
Fan Zone Tail Gate Experience, 12/21, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM, International Plaza
Football Game Kickoff, 12 PM, Mercedes Benz Stadium
*Check local ABC TV listing for viewing times.
 
Christmas Day  
December 25, 2019
May you and your families have a bountiful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
 
 
DECEMBER 2019 UPDATE 
 
International Grand Epistoleus Tamika Nicole Williams-Clark
Thank you for participating in all our Founders' Month campaigns! Please know that my team and I are extremely pleased with your participation. Because of your participation, the anniversary and pride of this great sisterhood was not only celebrated by our membership but also by many media outlets. Even a few of our corporate sponsors and partners joined in on the celebration.  
 
This is a true testament to your hard work! I am proud to see all of us helping to make Sigma Gamma Rho and its mission a movement. Be on the lookout for more launches and promotions in the upcoming months.  
 
Social Media Impact (October 23, 2018-December 8, 2019)
Here is a snapshot of our social media growth over the last year. We have met or exceeded our goal for each of these platforms! In January, we will unveil a new goal for 2020.  
Facebook:
(2019 Goal 16,000)  
100% to Goal
Instagram:
(2019 Goal 15,000)
101% to Goal
Twitter:
(2019 Goal 12,000)  
101% to Goal
As of 10/23/18:
Followers: 13,799
Likes: 13,860
As of 10/23/18:
Followers: 11,208
 
As of 10/23/18:
Followers: 10,400
 
A s of 12/08/19:
Followers: 16,377
Likes: 16,009
As of 12/08/19:
Followers: 15,131
 
As of 12/08/19:
Followers: 12,367
 
 
New Platform: Linked In
Are you following us on Linked In? Please click our official Linked In page to interact and get information about our members and their professional achievements. Please like, follow, and share the page.  
 
Have You Purchased Your History Books Yet? 
Both volumes of our history book are available for purchase on our international website. A very special project is on the horizon and you will need the history books to participate. More information from the International History Committee will be forthcoming. 
 
Purchase Your Copies Today:
Go to https://sgrho1922.org/SGRho/Store and follow the steps below:
    1. Choose "Products".
    2. Go to "Page 2".
    3. Select which volume you would like to purchase.
    4. Proceed to check out to complete your purchase.
GOLDEN SERVICE UPDATE 
  
International Programs Coordinator
 Jacqueline Greely  
We thank all Sorors, Philos, and Rhoers from across the globe that engaged in service outreach opportunities throughout
November. Your determination to positively impact our communities is to be commended. Please continue to report your service hours!
Click here to access the Golden Service Tool on the International website.
58th BIENNIAL BOULE REGULAR REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW 
  
 
The 2020 Boule continues to track towards exceeding historic attendance numbers. Have you registered yet? 
 
Regular Registration pricing ends on March 30, 2020 at 11:59 PM PT / 2:59 AM ET / 1:59 AM CT. Click here to complete your Boule registration now! 
 
We'll be creating more firsts in Atlanta. We want to see you there so that you can be a part of history!
December 2019