HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GRAND BASILEUS
 
International Grand Basileus Deborah Catchings-Smith
We are in the midst of regional conference season. It has been a pleasure seeing so many of you. Our Sorors, Philos and Rhoers continue to shine. I am excited about our growth and achievements.

You are living up to our motto, " Greater Service, Greater Progress." Significant community service work is being conducted to support our communities. Please ensure you are documenting your impact on our Community Service Reporting Tool.  Please keep up the great work! 

The National Membership Satisfaction Survey has begun with focus groups being held  at each of the 2017 regional conferences. The electronic survey has been released and closes May 9.

Please remember your voice is critical during the Special Boule as we will be reviewing the proposed recommendations and bylaw amendments associated with the Going for Sigma Gold Strategic Plan. There will be a Referendum Session held on  Thursday July 20. The regular registration period ends on  May 11, 2017. Also, make sure you secure your hotel reservation at Caesars Palace as rooms are going fast!    
ARE YOU A SISTER COACH?
 
International First Grand Anti-Basileus Rasheeda Liberty
As part of our Strategic Plan for Membership, I am happy to
 announce the launch of our Sister Coaching Program, a retention initiative. This program offers real time training and coaching to chapters that have a demonstrated need for assistance with operations, programs, growth or sisterly relations. 
 
Our first phase is to identify sorority members who have expe rience with individual and group coaching (professional or volu nteer), mediation, conflict resolution and strong administrative 
skills.  

Sister Coaches have a demonstrated knowledge of the sorority's constitution and bylaws, T.O.R.C.H. rules and regulations a s well as a strong track record of membership recruitment, retention and/or reclamation. Candidates must be able to work with local, regional and national leadership to successfully partner with chapters.  Learn more  about Sister Coaching and how you can get involved.
 
The application period for Sister Coaching program will be from April 7 - May 15. After  completing training, the selected coaches will pilot the program this fall.
 
Please download the application  and send the completed form to  firstgrandantibasileus@sgrho1922.org  with the subject line SISTER COACHING PROGRAM.
VOLUNTEER AS A WEBINAR FACILITATOR  

Executive Director
Rachel Morris, MBA

Education and training are major components for leadership in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. We have hosted almost 30 national leadership training and education webinars since August 2016. We are looking for sorors to help us facilitate those trainings. 

If you have a technology background and are interested in being a part of the team, please submit your statement of interest and resume.
SIGMA GAMMA RHO AT THE UNITED NATIONS

The health of mothers and babies was the major focus of a parallel event during the 61st Session  of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Sigma Gamma Rho teamed up  recently with the March of Dimes to host a panel discussion on "Prevention of Premature Births in Low- and Middle-Income Countries."

People from all over the world sat in on the discussion as e xperts, including Soror Dr. Christina Guillen, shared information about ways to prevent preterm birth. Everyone has a role to play. According to Soror Guillen, good nutrition, promoting  birth spacing and raising awareness about family planning can contribute to the birth of a healthy baby. 

Pre and postnatal care are crucial components to preventing premature births. We were proud to partner with March of Dimes as we shared life-saving information.

We also want to thank  Past International Grand Basileus  Joann Loveless for representing the sorority at the U.N. conference . She learned while gender specific violence and discrimination are improving, we still have a long way to go. 





THE AURORA... ON THE WAY

The AURORA is live and we are so excited! The fall/winter 2016 edition is now online . The magazine should start arriving in your homes after April 17 .

The Facebook page for The AURORA will go live very soon. It will serve as another online venue where you can find submission guidelines and updates.

We want to share your wonderful stories! The deadline for the spring/summer 2017 edition is  April 15 , so please keep those articles coming.

         
95TH FOUNDERS' OBSERVANCE

Plans are underway for the National Day of Service to celebrate 95 years of our illustrious sisterhood.  Chapters and affiliates are being asked to participate in a day of simultaneous community service across the nation and abroad on Saturday, November 11, 2017. 

The Sigma family will be engaged in making significant impacts in our communities! 

         
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SPECIAL BOULE
     
We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas for the 2017 Special Boule July 21 - 22. We will review constitution and bylaw recommendations specific to our Going for Sigma Gold 2015-2018 Strategic Plan. 

You still have time to take advantage of the regular registration rate until May 11. So, b ook your flight and hotel room now. This is your opportunity to take part in important changes that will contribute to the growth of our awesome sisterhood!
April 2017