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NEWS FROM THE GRAND BASILEUS
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International Grand Basileus
Deborah Catchings-Smith
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Greetings Sorors, Philos and Rhoers!
We are continuing to experience many firsts within our sisterhood! Our continued membership growth and regional conference experiences have contributed to achieving several milestones. A recap of our 2019 Regional Conference Season will be spotlighted during our May Communique. I appreciate the tremendous support and courtesies extended by the Sorors and Affiliates of the Southwestern, Central, and Southeastern Regions. I look forward to seeing all Sorors and Affiliates at the Western and Northeastern Regional Conferences this month.
50th National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Award &
Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland
We were honored to be invited by the NAACP to attend the 50
th NAACP Image Awards on Saturday, March 30, 2019. The HBO documentary chronicling Soror Sandra Bland titled, "Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland", was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Documentary (Television). The documentary is available on HBO NOW, HBO GO, HBO On Demand and partners' streaming platforms. We are elated to report that the film won!
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Sandra Bland Family Attorney Cannon Lambert, Madam Grand, and Soror Sharon Cooper at the NAACP Image Awards.
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2019 National Action Network (NAN) National Convention
Our sisterhood was invited to attend the NAN National Convention in New York to participate in a forum titled, "Greek Letter Organizations and Civil Rights". It was an honor to represent our sisterhood in the discussion about the role of historically Black sororities and fraternities in the areas of social action, activism, civic engagement and community service. The National Pan Hellenic Council Organizations that participated were Alpha Kappa Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho.
It was a phenomenal opportunity to share information with attendees during the NAN Conference. Thought provoking and engaging brain trusts and forums where held along with the attendance of several U.S. Presidential Candidates that shared their visions for serving our nation. Special thanks for the amazing support provided by Northeastern Region Syntaktes Thomasina Gore, the New York City Area Sorors, and Soror Keopeia "Kay" Merrill who attended the NAN Convention workshops. Kudos to Beta Psi Sigma Chapter Sorors for a wonderful dinner on Saturday evening!
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Photos L to R: Madam Grand and ICHQ Executive Director Soror Cynthia Eubanks. Madam Grand with Sorors from Eta Nu Sigma. Madam Grand with Sorors from Kappa Sigma. Madam Grand with Sorors from Beta Psi Sigma.
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Announcing the 2020 Boule Theme and Logo
In July 2020, we will be hosting one of our largest gatherings of Sigma women and affiliates in Atlanta. The planning for this four-day international convention is now in full swing! The boule provides an incredible opportunity for us to come together to learn, share ideas, ensure our activities, and operations align with the current strategic plan and to elect our international officers.
In celebration of our rich legacy of past and current dynamic women, we will honor many firsts within our membership throughout the boule experience. To continue to build a sustainable and bright future for our Sisterhood, we will introduce a few firsts. The firsts will include meetups for professionals and educators to share best practices, pop-up activities that stretch and challenge us, and a record-breaking community service engagement.
Save the Dates! July 9-12, 2020. You are all invited! Registration, hotel, speakers, and entertainment are coming soon.Get ready for a phenomenal boule experience! Stay tuned!
Spring 2019 Update
We are so excited to bid Spring 2019 welcome! This is a wonderful time for our sisterhood. Please take a moment to view my Spring 2019 update.
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Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Spring 2019 Update
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SPRING BRINGS GROWTH FOR SIGMA
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| International First Grand Anti-Basileus Rasheeda S. Liberty |
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We just ended a time referred to as "March Madness," symbolizing the height of performance for many college basketball teams. For Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., we are celebrating our greatest influx of new members. Specifically, we are welcoming our largest groups of incoming Sorors.
The new members are showcased through neophyte presentations on campuses throughout the country. Because neophyte presentations are "first impressions," we must represent
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2019 Southeastern Regional Conference Induction.
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exceptionally. Here are some best practices to ensure that our brand is not compromised but showcased with excellence:
Practice Makes Perfect
- Practice and planning for the neophyte presentation can start as early as Module 3 of the T.O.R.C.H. program. Practice can enable precision, eliminate missteps, and show confidence. Record the practices and dress rehearsals to critique performances along the way.
Smile
- Neophyte presentations represent rebirth, new beginnings, and great things ahead. A newly inducted member should be excited and happy with her decision to become a proud Sigma woman. A "grit face" or "face of anger" do not demonstrate this. Smile!
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Alpha Zeta Chapter Spring 2019 Virginia State University
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Be Royal and Golden
- When you imagine a can of coke, you visualize it as a red can with a white ribbon symbol. That is a brand. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is distinctly branded with two colors - royal blue and gold. Wear the colors beautifully so your image alone speaks.
Be the Commercial
- In our new social media world, you can and will be viral within seconds. Every neophyte presentation is a commercial of who we are and what we represent. Your representation goes beyond your campus, your city, your state, and your region. If your show cannot be a Super Bowl commercial, rethink the neophyte presentation.
Perfect the Look
- Each neophyte presentation participant must look flawless, from head (hair) to toe (shoes). In between those two things are the shirt, dress, pants, skirt, shorts, etc. Make sure that each participant feels comfortable in her outfit, has appropriate undergarment support, and can perform all stunts with a perfected look.
Dare to be Different
- A neophyte presentation is not always the best option.
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Epsilon Zeta Chapter Spring 2019
Virginia Commonwealth University
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Receptions, gifting ceremonies, and luncheons are great alternatives to introduce new members. It is not always appropriate to have a neophyte presentation, especially for those who may be impacted personally, professionally, religiously, etc.
For those attending neophyte presentations, remember, you are their biggest supporters. You need to represent flawlessly in royal blue and gold from head to toe as well. Your excitement, cheers, and support will cause others to be just as excited. Make sure you show up and show out boldly!
Finally, remember the prescribed T.O.R.C.H. process should always be followed regarding contacting candidates.
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APRIL 2019 UPDATE
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International Grand Epistoleus
Tamika Nicole
Williams-Clark
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Hello Sorors, Philos, and Rhoers,
I hope the renewed energy of Spring is treating you well. I especially appreciate your support throughout the current sorority year. Stay tuned, my committees and I have exciting projects planned in the upcoming months.
International History Committee Update
The History committee has begun meeting. Do you have audio or video recordings/transcriptions of Sigma chants, steps, strolls, and songs? If so, we want to archive and possibly showcase them. We are also still seeking undergraduates for the committee. If you are interested in sharing your creative Sigma expressions or are an undergraduate interested serving on the committee, please contact me at grandepistoleus@sgrho1922.org.
International Social Meda Committee Needs Undergrads
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IT"S OFFICIALLY SPRING!
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National Rhoer Coordinator
Shyretta M. Peacox, MMS |
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This season brings inductions, conference travel, military balls, proms, and graduations. Let's make sure we help to celebrate our Rhoers accomplishments by doing the following:
Alumnae Sorors - Flood your time lines with pictures of our beautiful Rhoers.
Rhoer Club Advisors - Highlight all of their accomplishments and make sure to send graduation reports/pictures to your Regional Rhoer Coordinator.
Undergraduate Sorors - Give a congratulatory shout out to Rhoers when they share their acceptance letters to your school.
Rhoer Haley Taylor Schliz Makes National News!
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Rhoer
Haley Taylor Schlitz
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Please join me in congratulating Rhoer Haley Taylor Schlitz on sharing her educational journey to law school on Good Morning America. If you missed it, here is a link to watch her interview:
Rhoer to Soror Spotlight
"The Rhoer Club impacted my decision to seek membership in Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. by allowing me to see the real
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Soror Ryan Franklin
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definition of sisterly servitude. It shaped me into the strong-willed black social change agent that I am today, and I am forever grateful."
-Soror Ryan Franklin, Delta Alpha Chapter
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SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE UPDATES
Data Needed on Sorors Serving in Political Offices
Sigma Gamma Rho would like to know which Sorors are currently holding political offices so that we can best support them in their efforts. Our goal is to separate the information by region and then by state. If you are an elected or appointed official, please complete the survey link below:
Once all the information is compiled, we will post it in the Golden Service Tool under Social Action. During election or retention years, Soror information will appear in a special current election/retention pop-up screen. Thank you in advance for completing the survey
Save The Date-Denim Day- April 24, 2019
In 1998, the Italian court system overturned a rape conviction because the female
victim was wearing tight jeans.
On Wednesday, April 24, 2019, Sigma
will be helping to bring attention to sexual violence against women around the world. Please wear your jeans to support this important cause. Post and share your pictures on social media using the
hashtags
#SigmaGammaRho #SGRho #DenimDay.
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