NEWS FROM THE GRAND BASILEUS
International Grand Basileus
Deborah Catchings-Smith
 
June was a busy month for our Sisterhood and our families!  Again, I congratulate all the graduates who persevered and accomplished a personal milestone no one can take away from you or your loved ones. Also, most family reunions are held during the summer and this is a time to reconnect and share stories that bind us all.

For Sigma Gamma Rho, June 30 was the end of our fiscal year. And Sorors, we have much to celebrate. This time last year, we were preparing for our upcoming boule in Cleveland, Ohio. During that time together, the torch was passed to new leaders who willingly accepted their new or continuing role to build upon the legacy of our Founders.  I introduced a slogan that keeps me focused as your International Grand Basileus, "Intentional, Impactful, and Measurable: A Sisterhood for the Future."
 
A quick review of the past Golden Communiqués is evidence that Sorors are working hard for Sigma! We ended the fiscal year with a crescendo in Indianapolis and New Orleans! Swim 1922 is now on the international map and a source of immense pride for our Sisterhood. Sorors took this five-year old partnership between USA Swimming and Sigma Gamma Rho to new heights when the sorority hosted more than 100 swimming events nationwide, logged in over 1,000 hours of community service hours related to swimming, with 2,500 swim lessons completed and 500,000 laps swam. A recent survey noted that the number of African Americans lacking basic swimming skills has dropped from 70 percent to 64 percent. USA Swimming attributes much of this decline to the sorority's efforts.
 
These efforts were recognized with an invitation to be the presenting sponsor for the 2017 Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) biennial World Junior Swimming Championships being held August 23 - 28, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. We accepted and the agreement includes prominent signage visible to the NBC Sports broadcast cameras and our sorority logo will be included on all athlete bibs. We are the first and only sorority to hold this distinction as sponsor. 

The competition features nearly 1,000 athletes from more than 100 countries and provides an early look at young athletes who will vie for positions on their respective nations' Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 rosters. Sorors Maritza Correia McClendon and Scenario Jones continue to provide the vision and leadership that is intentional, impactful and measurable. We saw this first hand, again, at this year's Essence Festival. Thank you! Thank you also First Grand Anti-Basileus Rasheeda Liberty, the Sorors (too many to mention here) and Membership Services Director Soror Elaina Hamilton for making our investment in the 2017 Essence Festival one for the record books!
 
Well, Sorors and Philos, it is time to pack! Las Vegas awaits! Our Special Boule is just days away. Please check your email or visit the website for all the details and sign up for the webinar on July 13 to learn more about what to expect at the Special Boule. I look forward to an engaging two days, as together, we build a "Sisterhood for the Future."
SIGMA GAMMA RHO AT ESSENCE FESTIVAL




WHAT TIES COMMITMENT TO RESULTS?

International First Grand Anti-Basileus
Rasheeda Liberty
Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to results. - Bob Proctor

At the onset of the year, each Regional Leadership team set S.M.A.R.T. goals for their respective region. As we close the 2016-17 sorority year, it is important to reflect upon those goals and make a transparent assessment. There is a lot to be proud of whether it is establishing a donor club in the Southwestern Region, hosting one-on-one basilei calls in the Central Region, planning a day of political advocacy with lawmakers in the Western Region, collaborating in a "think tank" with board members to devise a strategy for the Southeastern Region, or celebrating a milestone 75th Regional Conference in the Northeastern Region.

Each region will be providing an accountability report by July 31st in a webinar format, via electronic newsletter or teleconference. This report will include information about Membership (Recruitment, Retention and Reclamation), National Program Implementation, and a review of Special Initiatives for 2016-17 from your region just to name a few areas. Stay tuned for your respective region's accountability report. As stated, the work of each region this year has been exceptional. It is the hard work of each individual Soror that translates commitment to results. 

TIME TO PAY SORORITY DUES

International Grand Grammateus
Karya Beamon-Evans
The new sorority year is underway! We are currently in the grace period where dues  and assessments can be submitted by Sept. 30 without incurring a late fee. The  member remittance form and  affiliate remittance form  are now available.  
 
We want our undergraduates to make a smooth transition into graduate membership. Connecting with an alumnae chapter is a great way to begin building a foundation professionally and personally to propel them to the next stage in life. 

Undergraduates, we are here to support you and assist you with the process of taking your next step into alumnae membership. There is a discount on the sorority head tax for  new alumnae members.

Welcome to the next phase of our sisterhood! 
THE AURORA On Facebook

The Facebook Page for The AURORA has been lau nched. You can find the submission guidelines, magazine updates, tips, deadlines and the direct link to the latest editions as soon as they are produced. 

Be sure to ask the editor-in chief questions, and post your comments and suggestions! Check out The AURORA Facebook Page!  
OPERATION BIGBOOKBAG
 
Our youth are getting ready for the new school year. Unfortunately, some of them will not have the school supplies they need. Operation BigBookBag ensures members and affiliates of Sigma Gamma Rho maximize the potential to make it a success for our kids. We want them to be ready to learn on day one.

Start collecting supplies now. At that Sigma Roundup, bring school supplies for children in need. Reach out to principals and teachers to find out what's needed. Connect with partners about donating supplies or becoming a drop off site. 

Let's make #OBBB2017 a success! Document your piece of history. Take pictures and share your story with International Grand Epistoleus Angela Spears at pressoffice@sgrho1922.org.
95TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE

We continue to prepare for our centennial!  We are excited to announce our first milestone event on our journey to 2022! On Saturday, November 11, 2017, we will join together as an international sisterhood for International Day of Service. We are asking all Sorors, undergraduate and alumnae chapters, along with their affiliates in the U.S. and abroad, to perform an impactful day of service in their communities. On the day of service, 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. Also, since Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, consider hosting a volunteer opportunity to serve our veterans. 

All Sorors, Philos and Rhoers should perform a minimum of two hours of service. Please document your service activities with our Community Service Reporting Tool.
TEXAS BOUND

Mark your calendar and start saving for Boule 2018! We are heading to Texas July 12 - 15!
July 2017