Reflecting With Courage and Conviction

Preparing to assume leadership of a task force, a committee or an organization demands an individual prepare mentally and sometimes physically for the rigors of that role. In October 2015, I accepted the awesome responsibility of leading the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) as chairman. NPC is composed of 26 inter/national sororities representing nearly 5 million women worldwide, with chapters on over 670 college campuses and more than 3,700 alumnae associations in communities across the globe. 

In a large public setting in front of Panhellenic partners, industry collaborators, family and friends, I pledged to lead with courage and conviction during a time when the pendulum has swung to a place where advocating for, defending and protecting the very existence of the sorority membership experience is the rule of the day. With a legion of volunteers and professional staff, NPC tackles the challenges one by one, day by day as women of courage and conviction commit to ensuring a rich, meaningful and value-added sorority membership experience. For the passion and dedication of these individuals, I cannot say thank you enough.

 

Building on the work of previous courageous sorority leaders, my vision for NPC included advanced training opportunities for skill building and empowerment of young women; enhancing NPC’s partnerships with college and university administrations; continuing a strong partnership with the North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC); and most important, seeking proactive opportunities to make the positive case for sorority whenever and wherever possible.

 

Reflection is only natural as a leader moves to the finish line. Was my vision shared? What was accomplished? Who did I meet along the way to promote change? Were there missed opportunities? When doing a mental inventory of those questions and more, I am reminded of the timeless leadership model of NPC and the expectation a seamless transition will occur from one leader to the next, helping ensure a forward trajectory. That leader, working together with a highly motivated and competent professional staff and alongside a legion of dedicated volunteers, will champion the mission, vision and purpose of NPC. I believe that is the charge framing the service of the NPC chairman; it guides her leadership and is reflected in what shapes her service. Oct. 28 marks the transition in NPC leadership. Please join me in welcoming Carole Jurenko Jones, Alpha Omicron Pi, as she assumes the chairmanship.    

My sincere appreciation and special thank you to all who made the journey with me and provided the opportunity to serve the women of the National Panhellenic Conference.

As NPC leadership passes from one member organization to another, our collective
Panhellenic values bolster our courage and conviction to advance sorority together.

Interfraternally,

Donna C. King Chairman 2015-17

Harriet Macht Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award

For the 2016-17 academic year, NPC proudly recognized 58 Alumnae Panhellenics for their work to advance the sorority experience. NPC annually recognizes Alumnae Panhellenics with achievements in areas such as programming, College Panhellenic relations and recruitment information events through the Citations of Merit and Programming Excellence Awards. Alumnae Panhellenics are evaluated on their programming accomplishments, submission of the Alumnae Panhellenic annual report and continued administration of their Alumnae Panhellenic online account. 

NPC also recognized the Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic as the biennial winner of the 2015-17 Harriet Macht Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award sponsored by Delta Phi Epsilon. It recognizes excellence in communication, programming, scholarship and service. Previous winners include Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic (2013-15) and the Coachella Valley, Calif., Alumnae Panhellenic (2011-13).

Both Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic and Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic have answered questions about the Harriet Macht Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award application process, what it means for their Alumnae Panhellenic to win and how they plan on sustaining excellence.

Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic Association

1. Do you have any suggestions for Alumnae Panhellenics in completing the award application?
One thing that would help is to commence the planning process at the beginning of the biennium. Print a blank form and distribute a copy to each member of the executive board. As you plan your association’s activities during the next two years, use the application as a guide to ensure that all, or most, of the criteria are met. When completing the application, clearly, but concisely, answer every point, adding extra sheets if needed. Begin working on it early enough that you are not pushed to meet the due date. Most important: apply for the award every biennium!

2. What does it mean to your Alumnae Panhellenic and community being selected as the Harriet Macht Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award winner?

Photo credit: Atlanta Alumnae Panhellenic,
www.atlantapanhellenic.org

Atlanta Panhellenic’s 21-member organizations work very hard to achieve excellence in all areas. They are so proud to be the recipients of this very prestigious award. AAPA has received recognition from the Governor of Georgia, the City of Atlanta and has been recognized as an Outstanding Georgia Organization, but to be recognized by NPC has a special meaning.

3. How do you foresee upholding Alumnae Panhellenic excellence in the future?
For the last 90 years, Atlanta Panhellenic has been serving the greater community through our programs, communication, scholarships and philanthropic efforts. Going forward, we will continue to expand our focus, as needed, in each of these areas, continuing current programs and exploring others. Social media has become a driving force in promoting all that we do, and we view it as a means to convey a positive message of Alumnae Panhellenic excellence and the overall Greek experience. 

4. Do you have any words of encouragement or suggestions for Alumnae Panhellenics across the country that are striving towards excellence?
Focus on the basics: Collegiate support, scholarships, philanthropy and communication. Start with small objectives, and they will grow. Being a well-rounded organization is, in our opinion, as important as the numbers and/or dollars that come from your investment of time and talent in each of these areas. 
 

Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic Association

 
1. As an award winning Alumnae Panhellenic, do you have any suggestions for keeping records for your Alumnae Panhellenic?
Each officer and committee chairwoman is given a thumb drive, containing information on all aspects of that office or committee, which is passed on annually to the next officer. Each officer adds to it each year, so officers and committees continue to build on a solid foundation. Officers also have access to a designated email address so they can easily see and reference past communications. We try to start each new year on a firm foundation without having to re-design every aspect of the position, although new ideas are always welcome. Dropbox folders have also been created for executive board and committee chairwomen to access.

Phoenix Panhellenic also maintains a database in Excel that includes all Panhellenic officers, council delegates, alumnae club presidents and treasurers; Panhellenic contacts at Arizona universities; and past Panhellenic presidents and Panhellenic Women of the Year. This list is updated as needed and provides a database to contact Panhellenic women in our area. We have also been keeping this list current with past council members as we look forward to our upcoming Centennial Celebration in 2020.

2. Since being selected as the 2013-15 Harriet Macht Outstanding Alumnae Panhellenic Award winner, how have you sustained Panhellenic excellence through this new biennium (2015-17)?

Photo credit: Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic,
www.phoenixpanhellenic.com

Phoenix Panhellenic continues to have strong communications between executive board, committees and council. We host an annual summer retreat to make sure the incoming executive board and committee chairwomen are trained to understand the “big picture” as well as the particular duties and timelines for their office. Goals are set at this retreat, and expectations, responsibilities and timelines are annually reviewed and updated. It is also a great way for the new leadership team to get to know one another.

Sunflower Shout-outs! are included at every meeting to recognize the time, talents and treasurers of our sorority women, committees and alumnae chapters. Photos are taken at meetings with our Sunflower sign and then are posted to social media. Anyone may submit a Sunflower Shout-out! but they are typically received from executive board, committee chairwomen and council members.

3. Do you have any words of encouragement or suggestions for Alumnae Panhellenics across the country that are striving towards excellence?  
Phoenix Panhellenic’s executive board is chosen by rotation and has a 5-year commitment. Two years in advance, contact is made with the president of the next group to start the rotation to seek out potential delegates and to encourage participation and familiarity with our council. Executive board members are required to have served on Phoenix Panhellenic for at least one year prior to starting the rotation.

Although the delegate selection remains up to the alumnae club, we look for women who possess an enthusiasm about Panhellenic; exceptional interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; and the ability to motivate others through effective communication of desired objectives to engage all members.

National Campus Safety Awareness Month

This time of year, photos and posts of families traveling to college campuses fill our social media newsfeeds. We have all seen the images of thousands of eager students arriving on the front steps of their new home for their next — or even their first — academic year. I am unsure who tops the chart for most anxious: the student or those delivering them! For me, these posts bring back a plethora of memories of excitement and concern; the most poignant trepidation for the safety of my daughters on campus, in their residence halls, at off-campus events and in the community. 

September kicks off National Campus Safety Awareness Month, which helps raise awareness about issues affecting campuses throughout the nation, including personal safety, substance abuse, sexual assault, interpersonal violence and hazing. Campuses offer programming designed to raise awareness and educate students. On many of those campuses, sorority and fraternity communities are vigilant in providing opportunities for education and participation in communitywide safety initiatives and exposure to campus resources. Again this September, the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) launches the student safety initiative The Red Zone (#TheRedZone). The social media campaign is designed to raise awareness about the vulnerability female students face during their first 90 days on campus.

NPC and its 26 member organizations are resolute in women supporting women on college campuses. Sororities create communities that offer safe spaces for women built on respect for one another. Hazing or any act of individual degradation is never condoned or tolerated by NPC member organizations. This commitment to combat hazing could be seen this July when NPC joined a host of fraternal “umbrella” organizations and higher-education professionals to endorse new anti-hazing legislation called the 2017 Report and Educate About Campus Hazing (REACH) Act.

Also during the month of September, NPC and its member organizations partner with HazingPrevention.Org to actively promote and engage in National Hazing Prevention Week Sept. 18-22.

While writing this message and considering the safety and well-being of students back on campus, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are affecting the lives of thousands. To our students: Be safe and respect the safety of one another. To our families: Please know that through our network of partnerships with campus administrators, staff and the 26 member organizations, NPC stands prepared to assist, support and help ensure student safety on college campuses.         

Keeping pace with the next generation

Summer offers many of us the opportunity for multi-generational family gatherings.  Families come together most often with a broad spectrum of generations whether for a wedding, reunion, birthday party or another special occasion. Each person benefits from the other, while some in the crowd may shake their heads confused, trying to best understand the next generation!

Sorority communities provide a multi-generational familial experience as well. For more than 150 years, National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) inter/national women’s sororities have flexed, grown and, at times, shared in the confusion and challenge of how to keep pace with each subsequent generation. The Greatest Generation, Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millenials and Gen Y are all generations of members with unique profiles. These generations challenge women’s organizations to address change and adaptation to meet the needs of current membership.

2017 presents the advent of the newest generation, Generation Z or Gen-Zers coming of age (born 1995 to now). Currently more than 25% of the American population belongs to this demographic, and it continues to grow. Gen-Zers are the first generation to have no understanding of life without technology and devices. Social media is their research tool, multi-tasking across up to five screens is their norm, being culturally connected is critical, their social circles are global, they see society as blended and intend to make a difference and impact in the world. To further illustrate this point, click here to watch a video about understanding Gen Z.

Some may contend the sorority membership experience has not kept pace and has outlived the wants, needs and desires of Gen Z. Does sorority membership add value to a generation who are independent, self-directed, tech-innate and laser focused on the future? I would arguably say yes; sorority membership does add value. NPC sororities are committed to intentional strategic planning framed by membership surveys, ongoing assessment and deep seeded organizational values when crafting a membership experience. Determining purposeful programming and opportunities for impact is central to their missions and the benefits derived from membership.

Because the sorority membership experience is multi-generational, it requires an openness on the part of each sorority member no matter your generational moniker, to embrace change when change is necessary and see the infinite possibilities the newest generation will bring to women’s sororities. To our newest generation, Gen Z, we look forward to welcoming you and all that you will contribute to influence women’s sororities for the future!  

I Wear a Badge: Dr. Mari Ann Callais, Theta Phi Alpha

Photo courtesy of Dr. Mari Ann Callais

The theme for July’s blog is speaking up for the sorority experience, following the NPC chairman’s Message of Sorority.

Dr. Mari Ann Callais is a first generation college student and first generation sorority woman. Initiated into the Theta Phi Alpha chapter at Loyola University in New Orleans as a junior in college, Callais did not have much time as an undergraduate member. However, as an alumna, Callais served Theta Phi Alpha as programming chairman, chapter administration, member of the NPC delegation, NPC delegate and National President. Plus she held many volunteering roles within the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute and North-American Interfraternity Conference’s IMPACTs.

And who better to speak for the sorority experience than on whose career is all about speaking? Formerly, with CAMPUSPEAK and now The Catalyst Agency and Delta Delta Delta fraternity, Callais shares her experience with thousands of students a year. She reminds sorority woman that sorority is a gift not many are afforded and to take every opportunity to tell people why you are proud to be a sorority woman, as well as the value of the sorority experience.

Callais believe that it is import for both collegiate and alumnae members to speak up. In April 2016, Callais’ niece, Emily, was diagnosed with leukemia and flown to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Due to the efforts of organizations like Tri Delta and Alpha Delta Pi, her family will never receive a bill for Emily’s medical care or their housing. Emily’s family lived in Tri Delta Place on St. Jude’s campus and the Ronald McDonald House, supported by Alpha Delta Pi, for nine months.

Today, Emily is cancer free. Callais speaks on the value of the sorority experience because without the commitment of sorority women her niece may not be here today.

Callais reminds us all to not quit or walk away from your sorority experience because it might get difficult. “We are not just social organizations, but we are families who need to be there for one another.”

Message From the Chairman: The Message of Sorority

One only has to watch a morning talk show, view the national news, read a magazine or scan a newspaper to see that sororities and fraternities are under the microscope and often the subject of interest for the general public. At the core of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) mission and vision, we advocate for the sorority experience. NPC takes seriously the challenges posed by the press and public opinion. With a professional staff and legion of volunteers, advancing a positive message centered on the benefits of sorority membership defines our initiatives and work. Gathering data to support and validate the sorority experience is ongoing. Plus, it’s a priority to engage public relations experts to help us build relationships with the media and most effectively frame, craft and articulate NPC messaging.

As NPC chairman, I log long hours in airports and on airplanes. We all know “the dance” when sitting in your seat: engage in small talk, start browsing on an electronic device or close your eyes hoping to nod off. Years ago, I challenged myself to alter my routine and tell the story of “sorority” to seatmates willing to listen. In truth, some conversations are easier than others, because people can be interested and receptive. Others come with preconceived ideas and negative stereotypes often formulated by bad press about the sorority experience.

My story is just one in a tapestry of narratives unique to each sorority woman. For more than 150 years, sorority women have been sharing their stories and advocating for the sorority experience. In a fast-paced society that expects explanation and validation as to why sororities add value to a campus and to a woman’s life, sharing our experiences does make a difference. The importance of communicating stories directly impacts the broader discussion, especially when we face negativity fueled by public opinion. Inspire yourself to share your sorority story by taking three minutes to watch the video below. 

Speaking up and sharing the sorority story, coupled with NPC’s commitment to advocate and advance sororities through factual and grounded messaging, drives the narrative necessary when we address adversity or enjoy prosperity. To all sorority women, thank you for sharing your stories. And to our publics, thank you for listening. 

Interfraternally,

Donna C. King
Chairman 2015-17

Our Commitment in the Fight Against Hazing

By Donna C. King, chairman 2015-17

For those that have closely followed the news out of Penn State University this spring, the details of the tragic death of Timothy Piazza have been both shocking and heartbreaking. Words cannot adequately express the extent of the tragedy; put simply, a community that exists to support and nurture young people fell devastatingly short of its goals and ideals.

While the events that led to Tim’s death may have taken place in a fraternity, the changes needed to keep them from happening again require that all of us take action. This has been, and continues to be, our message with the leadership at Penn State University and on campuses throughout the U.S. and Canada.

With the unanimous support of the National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Board of Directors — as affirmed at our recent meeting — we stand ready to work closely with Penn State as the campus implements changes in its community. And as that process unfolds, it is essential that we ensure the community-wide engagement required to make sure the reforms are successful. Only when we work together can we transcend this tragedy to create a stronger, safer and more supportive campus community.

As one of the world’s largest organizations advocating for women, NPC has long been a part of the fight against hazing. We stand committed to addressing this pervasive problem arm in arm with our campus partners and other collegiate organizations.

In 2014, NPC stated its strong position against hazing and voiced its support for anti-hazing initiatives that engage and empower students to enact positive change and meaningful reform within our community. Hazing undermines the values and ideals of sorority and fraternity life, and serves as a detriment to our ultimate goal of building strong, independent and engaged leaders on college and university campuses.

Today it is more crucial than ever that we reiterate this position, affirming our commitment to thoughtful, substantive partnerships with institutions of higher education where any of our 26 member organizations are recognized. NPC’s utmost priority is the safety of our students, and through transparency, collaboration and advocacy, we hope and believe, we can create campus cultures that reflect our shared goals and ideals – and, most important, keep students safe.