through Purpose, Passion,mycontact4u.com/.../2014-Cluster-II-Conference-Minutes-Final-9-3-20… · 9/3/2016 · Welcome Presentation – Delta Omicron Omega Chapter Chapter members

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Theme: “Connecting our Pearls through Purpose, Passion,

Perseverance and Performance” “Launching New Dimensions of Service”

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® 2014

Theme: “Connecting our Pearls through Purpose, Passion, Perseverance and

Performance” “Launching New Dimensions of Service”

Delta Omicron Omega Chapter of Orlando, FL was excited and eager to host the 478 attendees of the 2014 Cluster II Conference. Additionally, we were honored to host our 28th Supreme Basileus, Soror Carolyn House Stewart and our very own South Atlantic Regional Director, Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, for her first Cluster II Conference as Regional Director.

OPENING SESSION – 8:30 A.M.– 9:00 A.M. Soror Donna Gatling, Presiding, Delta Omicron Omega Chapter Basileus Soror Grace Lias, Recorder, Delta Omicron Omega Chapter The opening session commenced with a warm welcome by Delta Omicron Omega Basileus, Soror Donna Gatling who shared the format for the Opening Session as displayed in the program. Soror Lakye Waldon, Delta Omicron Omega Parliamentarian, provided the opening meditation. Soror Tanya Cooke, Delta Omicron Omega introduced the members of the Dais and special guests as noted below.

Dais Guests: Mrs. Thuane B. Fielding, International Program Committee Representative

Mrs. Sonja Garcia, 14th South Atlantic Regional Director

Ms. Donna Gatling, President, Delta Omicron Omega Chapter

Mrs. Marissa Lewis, Cluster II Conference Chairman

Ms. Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator

Ms. Sonya Bowen, International Protocol Committee

Ms. Jahari Soward, International Sisterly Relations Representative

Mrs. Carolyn House Stewart, 28th International President

Ms. Annalise Anise, Undergraduate Member-At-Large

Ms. Marsha Lewis Brown, 17th South Atlantic Regional Director

Mrs. Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director

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Special Guests:

Mr. Samuel Ings, Orlando City Commissioner

Mr. Harris Rosen, President and COO of Rosen Hotels and Resorts

Special recognition and acknowledgements were given to Former Cluster II Coordinators, Golden Sorors and other Very Special Guests in attendance.

Greetings – Mr. Samuel Ings, Orlando City Commissioner - District 6 extended greetings and

thanked the sorority for its civic work and the tradition of community engagement. The Commissioner read and presented a Proclamation from the City of Orlando to Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. as a tribute to the contributions it has made to the community. November 15, 2014 has been officially “Proclaimed Alpha Kappa Alpha Day” by the City of Orlando.

Greetings – Mr. Harris Rosen, President and COO of Rosen Hotels and Resorts extended personal

greetings and thanks for selecting Rosen Resorts to host both the Cluster II Conference and the South Atlantic Regional Conference. He also showed a video that describes his philanthropic venture and work with the Tangelo Park community. Every child living in this community who graduates from high school is able to receive a full scholarship to attend college through the generosity of Mr. Rosen. After greetings were complete all guests left the room.

Welcome – Soror Marissa Lewis, Cluster II Conference Chairman

Sorors were enthusiastically welcomed to Orlando, the City Beautiful and reminded that it is known as vacation, entertainment and shopping central. Sorors were encouraged to take advantage of all that the city has to offer including cultural and sporting events.

Welcome Presentation – Delta Omicron Omega Chapter

Chapter members dressed in black dresses adorned with a pink rose welcomed conference attendees with a lively and energetic dance/skit explicating the theme of “Purpose, Passion, Perseverance, and Performance”. The welcome performance was choreographed to the song, Pretty Girl Rock by Keri Hilson. The dance stroll was all the more entertaining as the sorors creatively utilized props of feather boas, fans and pearls to the beat of the music. It was a fantastic display of sisterly coordination and cooperation as the chapter welcomed Cluster II Sorors.

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Roll Call – Soror Jeraldine Sims, Delta Omicron Omega Chapter

Cluster II – Graduate Chapters 1. Delta Omicron Omega 2. Gamma Theta Omega 3. Nu Beta Omega 4. Nu Iota Omega 5. Omicron Kappa Omega 6. Psi Theta Omega 7. Theta Nu Omega 8. Zeta Upsilon Omega 9. Iota Pi Omega 10. Kappa Omicron Omega 11. Lambda Omicron Omega

Cluster II Undergraduate Chapters 1. Pi Psi 2. Sigma Nu 3. Zeta Upsilon

SESSION I and II – 9:00 – 12:00 P.M.

Soror Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator Presiding Sorors Grace Lias and Tiffany Green, Recorders Delta Omicron Omega Chapter

SESSION I Greetings – Soror Donna Douglas – welcomed sorors in her own unique and lively style indicating that Orlando the “city of magic” had cast a spell on her. Therefore by the use of her own magic wand she could unleash secret powers to successfully connect the “Pearls of Purpose, Performance, Passion and Perseverance” and have everyone re-energized to conduct the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.

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Approval of 2013 Cluster Conference Minutes – Soror Donna Douglas, Cluster II

Coordinator, officiated over the acceptance of the 2013 Cluster II minutes. The Official Minutes of the 2013 Cluster II Conference which convened on November 8-9, 2013, in Clearwater, Florida have been presented. The following corrections were submitted by the Basileus, Angel Ferguson, Psi Theta Omega Chapter.

On page 2 of the Acknowledgement and recognition, Soror Sonja Garcia 14th South Atlantic Regional Director was not mentioned

On page 3 under roll call Psi Theta Omega is not listed and Pi Psi (UCF) is listed incorrectly as Chi Psi

On page 3 Soror Alicia Keyes last name is spelled Keys On page 5 under National Update Soror Dorothy last name is Buchanan Wilson (Wilson) was

omitted On page 15 under "What sorors need to know” Bullet point 11 which begins Please take

only..it appears grammatically incorrect On page 15 under "What sorors need to know" bullet point 19 which begins one's

bread...should it be combined with the prior bullet point? On page 24 under presentations Soror Sonja Garcia made congratulatory remarks and

presented a gift to Soror Marsha Lewis Brown On page 23 under Very Special Guests Soror Sonja Garcia was not listed

The minutes were adopted with the noted corrections by general consent.

Introduction of the 28th Supreme Basileus – Soror Donna Douglas’ introduction highlighted

the programs initiated under the leadership of Soror Carolyn House Stewart. This historical leader launched the theme Global Leadership through Timeless Service. It was her vision to create programs such as Emerging Young Leaders, Pink Goes Red for the Day, Arbor Day Tree Planting, and MLK Day of Service as strategies to fulfill the mission of the theme. All sorors stood and gave a round of appreciative applause to the 28th Supreme Basileus in recognition of her excellent leadership.

Greetings – Soror Carolyn House Stewart, 28th Supreme Basileus – Soror Carolyn House

Stewart expressed greetings and thanked the sorors of Cluster II for their support and loyalty to the mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. She acknowledged and extended thanks to Delta Omicron Omega for hosting the conference. She announced that she is currently serving as the Third Vice President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for its Educational Advancement Foundation. A donation was presented to Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director’s EAF Scholarship. The focus of the message was in the spirit of thanksgiving and thankfulness for the service members render to the mission and purpose of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. She expressed her thanks for the impact we have on the communities we serve.

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The message included a good news report on the 66th Boule. It had an impressive economic impact on Charlotte, South Carolina. The following statistics were reported.

11.4 Million Direct Spending

22.0 Million Overall Economic Impact

4.2 Million Tax Revenue

1.0 Million Local Tax Revenue

195 Support Jobs

Introduction of the 17th Regional Director – Soror Donna Douglas introduced Soror Marsha

Lewis Brown and gave her accolades for her tremendous service to the Significant South Atlantic Region. During her tenure the South Atlantic Region’s membership grew to more than 10,000. All sorors stood and gave a round of appreciative applause to Soror Marsha Lewis Brown in recognition

of her service. Presentation of the Regional Director – Soror Marsha Lewis Brown, the 17th South Atlantic

Regional Director had the pleasure of introducing Regional Director, Soror Sharon Brown Harriott. She was elected at the 61st South Atlantic Regional Conference in Jacksonville Florida. She is a thirty-six year legacy member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. The introduction highlighted a list of impressive accomplishments, credentials, honors, awards, civic organizations and church activities of the Regional Director. She characterized her as the consummate professional with Christian values; a visionary leader who understands that her role is a privilege that demands true dedication and allegiance.

State of the Region - Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director, began the

session by leading the audience in a stirring rendition of the song “My Mind Stayed on Jesus”. She recognized the leadership team coordinating her first regional conference. Cluster II is the last stop for the cluster conferences. She thanked the cluster coordinators for their outstanding support as she has been making her first appearance at all of the cluster conferences. She also thanked Delta Omicron Omega for its hospitality.

Message Highlights:

She is celebrating with us the launching of our new program initiatives and new theme

The first project is the Million Back Packs – she thanked the group for its overwhelming participation

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Reminded sorors about the importance of HBCU’s and to donate to HBCU’s

Reminded sorors that the organization has policies and that they must be followed

Urged active participation in all five of our program initiatives

She expects chapters to be recognized in all program areas at the South Atlantic Regional Conference

We were asked to evaluate our commitment and our motivation for joining Alpha Kappa Alpha – it should be about a desire to serve

She received requests for 27 undergraduate MIPs

MIP information needs to be submitted in a timely manner and the rules must be followed

We must be selective in who we recommend and remember that AKA is not a club but an organization with high standards

Regional Director office hours are Tuesday – Thursday; 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM; weekends used for travel

A reminder to adhere to the organization’s Code of Ethics Policy and have all officers sign; it must be kept on file

Cluster II leaders and South Atlantic Region Cabinet members identified

New password and username information given

She encouraged participation in SARC and gave some highlights of new events as noted below First Golf Tournament First Prayer Breakfast The Golden/Silver Star Soror Reception is re-named the Carolyn House Stewart

Silver and Golden Reception Use of the Pinkie/Skee Wee is restored under certain conditions

Rationale is that it encourages camaraderie and spirit at the undergraduate level

It is not appropriate for business and chapter meetings In closing she stated “Make God’s word a regular part of your life”

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SESSION II WORKSHOPS

Presentation of Signature Programs and Initiatives – Soror Thuane B. Fielding, International Program Committee

International Program Committee; Gamma Xi Omega Chapter am” Presentation

Reviewed Signature Programs

2014-18 Continuing Bridging the Programs of Past with Programs of the Present.

Launching New Dimensions of Service o Target I Educational Enrichment- ASCEND:

Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking, and Developmental Skills

Focusing on both (male and female) high school students reaching their maximum potential.

Emphasis on SMART (Science, Math, and Related Technologies) o Target II Health Promotion (three areas)

Alzheimer’s Disease and Caregiver Support Program Stroke and Heart Disease Awareness Mental Health

o Target III Family Strengthening Childhood Hunger Initiatives Family Seasonal Wraps Fiscal Responsibility Programs

o Target IV Environmental Ownership 1908 Playground Project Restore, Refresh and Renew Project Acts of Green Program

o Target V Global Impact United Nations Association-USA Global Classrooms Project

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Protocol Soror Sonya Bowen, Launching New Dimensions of Protocol

International Protocol Committee; Nu Lambda Omega Chapter

“Protocol” Presentation

Presentation Topics: Code of Ethics

Member Responsibilities

Role of Regional Protocol Committee

Role of Chapter Protocol Committee

Protocol for Chapter Officers

Protocol for Chapter Members

The Alpha Kappa Alpha National Hymn

Official Alpha Kappa Alpha Badge

Official Alpha Kappa Alpha Symbols

E-Communication

Disposal of Alpha Kappa Alpha Materials

Rituals

White Attire for Rituals

Unacceptable Attire for Rituals

Attire for Other Rituals

Attire Guidelines

Business Casual

Forms of Address – Supreme Basileus

Forms of Address – Regional Director

Greek Titles

Correct Pronunciations

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CLOSING SESSION – 1:30 – 3:00 P.M.

Soror Donna Douglas, Presiding Cluster II Coordinator Sorors Tiffany Green and Grace Lias, Delta Omicron Omega Recorders Soror Tonya Cooke, Cluster II Conference Co-Chairman, Presentation of Backpacks Backpacks/Certificate presented to Soror Kat Gordon with Orange County School Board, District 5

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will promote the learning process by providing substantial support to students through AKA’s One Million Backpacks℠. Members have been charged to donate and distribute one million backpacks and related school supplies to students over the next 4 years.

On behalf of Cluster II, we will be donating 213 backpacks to local elementary, middle, and high schools within the Orange County area.

Sisterly Relations (Agenda change)

Soror Jahari Soward Nu Lambda Omega Chapter

5 key aspects of Sisterly Relations, and its importance to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

was the focus of the workshop

• Charge of Committee

• Understanding the Vision

• Soror Code of Ethics

• Model Behavior

• Key Events

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Recognitions: Donna Douglas Recent Elected Officials Tiffany Moore Russell Orange County Clerk of Court, Geraldine Thompson Florida Senator and Barbara Twine Thomas Circuit Court Judge 8 Tiffany Moore Russell 62nd Regional Conference, General Chairman Introduce the Honorary Committee Chairs, Committee Chairs and Co-Chair Update provided on the following topics:

Hotel incentive pay by November 30th, for early hotel booking

Draft budget reviewed

Discussed Selected Meal

Regional Conference attire selected

Sorors were urged to sign up on a committee

Sorors may join committees not associated with their chapter

Soror Willean Presley, Delta Omicron Omega Chapter Registration Report & Attendance Award Registration Report focused on 4 Categories of Registration:

Sorors Registered as General Members: 2

Graduate Sorors: 443

Undergraduate Sorors: 7

Very Special Guests: 22

Total attendance: 478

The attendance Award is calculated based on actual chapter attendance at today’s conference vs. chapter total active membership.

Third Place with 54% in attendance Kappa Omicron Omega

Second Place with 69% in attendance Delta Omicron Omega

The 2014 Cluster II conference Attendance Award is award to Nu Iota Omega with 93% in attendance

Awards presented to the Basileus of the chapter

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Robin Lynn Young Spirt Award Presented by Soror Cheryl Smith, Nu Iota Omega Chapter Awarded to Soror Hosetta Coleman, Gamma Theta Omega

Soror Carol Davis, Delta Omicron Omega Chapter Evaluation Report & Time and Place Report

Evaluations will be emailed to participants within a few weeks

Time and Place Report: The 2014 Cluster II Conference Time and Place Report is as follows:

o 2015 Zeta Upsilon Omega

St. Petersburg, FL

o 2016 Omicron Kappa Omega

Lakeland, FL

o 2017 Psi Theta Omega

Orlando, FL

o 2018 Kappa Omicron Omega

Bartow, FL

o 2019 Iota Pi Omega

Rockledge, FL

o 2020 Nu Iota Omega

Maitland, FL

o 2021 Gamma Theta Omega

Tampa, FL

o 2022 Theta Nu Omega

Ft. Myers, FL

o 2023 Lambda Omicron Omega

Bradenton, FL

o 2024 Nu Beta Omega

Clearwater, FL

o 2025 Delta Omicron Omega

Orlando, FL

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Special Recognition: Soror Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator (Presiding).

Soror Marissa Lewis, Cluster II Conference Chairman-Thanked Delta Omicron Omega, Soror Nicole Alford, and Soror Tanya Cooke

Former Cluster II Coordinators

1. Soror Lorraine Harris

2. Soror Alfreda Gary

3. Soror Belinda Davis

4. Soror Tempress Solomon

5. Soror Crystal Pruitt

6. Soror Jeraldine Sims

Current South Atlantic Region Cluster Coordinators

1. Cluster I - Soror Sylvia Sloane Jones

2. Cluster II – Soror Donna Douglas

3. Cluster III - Soror Rose Dean Andrews

4. Cluster IV - Soror Angie Bobo Onianwa

5. Cluster V - Soror Shevawn Broxton Young

6. Cluster VI - Soror DeVetta Williams Hughes

7. Cluster VII - Soror Patricia Moore Henegan

8. Cluster VIII - Soror Gloria Harrison Boozer

14th South Atlantic Regional Director - Soror Sonja Garcia

17th South Atlantic Regional Director - Soror Marsha Lewis Brown

28th Supreme Basileus - Soror Carolyn House Stewart

International Sisterly Relations Committee - Soror Jahari Soward

International Protocol Committee - Soror Sonya Bowen


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International Program Committee - Soror Thuane Fielding

Undergraduate Member-at-large - Soror Annalise Anise

Cluster II Coordinator - Soror Donna Douglas

Soror Donna Douglas: Recognition To our pearl of Purpose, Passion, Perseverance and

Performance South Atlantic Regional Director - Soror Sharon Brown Harriott

Closing Remarks, Donna Douglas, Cluster II Coordinator

Asked sorors to applaud for surpassing all records of attendance with over 450 sorors present.

Thanked Madam Regional Director, for allowing her to conduct the eighth Cluster Conference in

her inaugural administration.

Stated: “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality”, as stated by Warren Bennis.

Madame Regional Director, that occurred here this weekend. Your vision for an inclusive and

fun Friday night event became a reality with the Pink and Green out Pep Rally. You have sparked

the sister in sisterhood. “Thank you”!

Soror Marissa Wallace Lewis, Cluster Conference Chairman, thanked her for impeccable

leadership. Soror Tanya Cooke, Conference Co Chairman, and Soror Nicole Alford, recognized

for their excellent leadership and teamwork.

Thanked Delta Omicron Chapter Basileus, Soror Donna Gatling, committee chairmen, members

of each committee and the entire chapter…. “You were awesome”!

Thanked the workshop presenters, Soror Sonya Bowden, Soror Jahari Soward and Soror Thaune

Fielding. Stated “We have what we need to take back to our chapters and Launch New

Dimensions of Service”.

Shared Cluster II has a wealth of talent and leaders. Thanked Soror Tee for, “your constant

encouragement, many nuggets and late night talks and for being my ram in the bush”.

Thanked Sorors Deborah Barnes, her 1st Anti-Basileus and Carla White, 2nd Anti-Basileus for the

help that was given in her new role.

Thanked Soror Marsha for always being a phone call away and helping to extinguish fires, “when

it gets too hot in the kitchen”!


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Thanked two dynamic sorors who helped her tremendously behind the scenes with the

administrative duties; Administrative Assistant Sorors Lynette Barrett, and her Publicist who is

responsible for the Pink Alert, Soror Belinda Lawson.

Thanked Gamma Theta Omega Chapter, they are also the wind beneath her wings with love and

support. “You are the best chapter in Alpha Kappa Alpha”!

Thanked Cluster II Coordinators, for their support and kind words. Special thanks to Soror Crystal

Pruitt.

Cluster II Sorors are, “the best Sorors in all the clusters”!

Thanked and gave kinds expressions to her fellow Cluster Coordinators on the Council. Soror

Sylvia Sloan Jones, Cluster I Coordinator and also Co-Initiate, Soror Rose Andrews, Cluster 3

Coordinator, Soror Angie Oniawa, Cluster 4 Coordinator; Soror Shevawn Broxton Young, Cluster

5 Coordinator, Soror Patricia Henegan, Soror DaVetta Hughes, Cluster 6 Coordinator, Cluster 7

Coordinator and Soror Gloria Boozer, Cluster 8 Coordinator.

Closing statement, Remembering the great hymn “Blest be the tie that binds”, by John Fawcett.

Closing Remarks Soror Sharon Brown Harriott, South Atlantic Regional Director

Gave the sorors encouraging words and thanks for their service through the organization

Thanked the Cluster Coordinators for their support

Thanked sorors of Cluster II , Chairmen/Committees, and Delta Omicron Omega for all their hard work

“Love you dearly”

Closed with a verse from our national hymn

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Invitation to 2015 Cluster II Conference Zeta Upsilon Omega Chapter conducted their invitation and dance to the 2015 Cluster II Conference. Location: St. Petersburg The 2014 Cluster II Conference was adjourned at 3:15 P.M. ~ ADJOURNMENT ~ Arrangements have been made for Individual chapters to take group pictures after the conference. Respectfully submitted,

Tiffany D. Green

Conference Grammateus

Grace B. Lias Conference Grammateus

Donna A Gatling Donna Douglas Chapter Basileus Cluster II Coordinatoor

Documents

through Purpose, Passion,mycontact4u.com/.../2014-Cluster-II-Conference-Minutes-Final-9-3-20… · 9/3/2016 · Welcome Presentation – Delta Omicron Omega Chapter Chapter members