Sisterfriends...Another question

[AKA2D '91]

If you were formally inducted as the National President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, this summer, what would you have the organization to concentrate on during your tenure? Would you continue with the status quo?

[TempleAlum1993]

I had to think about this before answering.

With the 100th anniversary of the organization closely approaching. I would set an agenda of rededication to the ideals that the organization was based upon.

1. Reclamation would be important. I would charge each active member with the goal of bringing back anyone who has been away. I think this is important because membership is a lifetime promise.

2. I would make it a goal to visit/speak to each and every chapter to see what challenges the organization faces. The goal would be to address any issues that would impede continuity into the next 100 years.

3. Education. I would work closely with members to address the concerns that surround the Membership Intake Process.
(Since I'm not a member, I can't expand on how this could be done ).

4. Leadership. The organization has a strong tradition of women who are leaders in their community. I would create opportunities outside of the "formal" programs that exist to make sure that each and every member could develop the leadership qualities that were in them when they were selected for membership.

[SeriousAKA]

Soror SeriousAKA and I have had a tete-a-tete. I will open this discussion to Sorors later.

For now, this is an assignment, if you will, for the SFs.

[DeTeRm1NaT1on]

IF I was to be granted membership and IF I was to become President I would add the following things (along with the Targets and concentration on Leadership Development):

1) I think there should be even more of an emphasis on the Black Family. We all want to help with the many issues of the world today, but I think that we must start in our own homes. Many of todays children are being brought up in single parent homes, and I believe these children need some more support. This could also tie into mentoring these children (which many members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. already do).

2) I would also put up a national school book program. Many public schools (pre-k to 12th grade) in our communities are using old and worn out text books. This program would help give schools new text books for their students to work with. I believe that everyone needs a good education (as many people do), and old Textbooks should not be a reason not to get one.

3) Another would be a self-esteem/Confidence building concentration. I believe each chapter should build their own program to help build and lift these characteristics in our people (young and old). We all know that this is an issue that is the core of many of today's problems. If we had higher self-esteems and more confidence our lives would greatly improve.

[shani]

As a freshman in college I now realize that I along with many others weren't prepared for the all of the work and things that are required on a university level. It has been hard but I have been able to keep a nice G.P.A.

If I was to become president I would put primary focus on EDUCATION especially for high school students. I would talk with members that are in the educational profession and we together would come up with a string of programs that are intended on improving education.

[kitten03]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
If you were formally inducted as the National President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, this summer, what would you have the organization to concentrate on during your tenure? Would you continue with the status quo?

IF granted this opportunity, I believe that I would focus on three main points.

1) Sisterly Relations: While everyone can't always get along, the point of a sorority is to inspire good interactions between women. Knowing that the majority of members are graduate members, and understanding their roles as students, mothers, wives, etc means to put an emphasis on women working together as a united body. It is difficult to try to get everyone to do something together but the effort needs to be there. By encouraging a sisterly relationship, reclaimation(sp?) may be less difficult(I hope)

2) Reclaimmation
Women have their reasons for releasing their duties to the sisterhood. Some can't afford membership on any level. Some feel that greek life was "a college thing". Some feel that they had a difficult experience and never want to associate with the body again. For whatever reason, we, as a national body, need to know why. I would suggest sending a survey to all members who are not financial that would be brief but ask why they are not a part of the family. Hopefully by getting this information, one may be able to understand how to bring them back into the fold.

3) Community Initiatives
Every chapter has a commitment to the community it serves. Encouraging members on all levels to participate regularly in service activities will provide a positive outlook for some on greek life and show the commitment of the organization to the community at large. As stated before, people are busy and it's hard to make someone do anything at all. But the effort and opportunity has to be there for members to make a difference in any way they can.

Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this message are the ideas of Kitten03. If these remarks cause any offense, please PM me to prevent negativity to this board. I'm open to any ideas. Thanks

[prettyone]

Hello ladies! In response to the question above I think I would start with a program that promoted stability of the family. In the wake of the tragedies of 9/11 I think it is all the more important that you have family members to counsel with. I would encourage educating parents on how to talk to their children, because this is a new day and therefore you often have to use new methods to get through to your children.

Secondly I would not only focus on education but also encouraging young people to explore careers that do not have a lot of minority influence, such as in medicine or science. I know first hand with being a chemistry major that there are not many african americans that even bother looking into these fields. All young african americans should be able to follow their dreams, because they will already have a great burden ahead of them in life.

Also, I would feel a need to set up some type of network for young women of color especially black women, to interact with each other and share each others stories. There is so much going on today with the threat of AIDS, teenage pregnancy, physical demoralization, etc., and the best type of education is something that you can experience first hand. We could set up for them to visit with women who are dealing with these things, and hopefully you learn from the mistakes of others.

[Diarra]

Hello Everyone. It has been a while since I have been here and of course the forum is always on point!

I would focus on Education primarily and continue to further the programs in the other targets.

Bridge the Technology Gap.
Open computer centers where minority could learn basic computer skills and learn to take advantage of the vast resources of the Web.
-> Audience: All ages

Trade School Orientation.
Provide support and information to our brothers and sisters that have dropped out of school and have very little possibility of getting into college (because they are simply to behind). Many careers are available ( admin support, technician, legal assistant etc...). Provide support into registering to courses into community colleges and other institutions as well as providing scholarships
-> Audience: Young Adults and Adults

Book clubs for very young children, (4 to 8)
I think we need to instill the love of reading as early as possible, even if it means sharing books that only have images. (It worked for me!. I learned to read before entering kindergarden)

I know about the other targets and they seem pretty much on track. In my humble opinion, strengthening the Education target is key.

And Yes I would raise the minimum GPA requirement to 3.0 across the board… … and provide tutoring services to help everyone succeed. When given the chance to go to college we have to learn to excel despite circumstances. We all know what excuses are...


Cheers and stay blessed

[AKA2D '91]

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