November 2021 Minutes

Chapter Meeting Minutes
November 20, 2021

Call to Order/Greeting: The Basileus, Soror Cherise Story, called the November 20, 2021 virtual meeting of the
Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to order at 11:00 a.m. There were 556
sorors who joined by laptop, desktop, tablet or telephone.

Virtual Meeting Etiquette: Soror Rhonda Haralson, Technology Committee Co-Chairman, presented virtual
meeting etiquette for the day.

Adoption of the Rules & Parliamentarian Tip: Soror Veronica Johnson, Parliamentarian, presented virtual
rules to accommodate a virtual chapter meeting and the parliamentary tip: Members of the Nominating
Committee are not barred from becoming nominees for office themselves.

Approval of Agenda: Basileus Story announced agenda packets were uploaded to the Alpha Kappa Omega
Chapter website for review. Madam Basileus announced Soror Jo-Carolyn Goode would present The Epsilon
Lambda Chapter report, as one revision to the agenda. With no objections, the agenda was adopted, as revised.

Meditation & Prayer: Soror Charlyn Kyles, Chaplain, gave the meditation on the theme, Oh, Give Thanks!

Basileus Message:
● Basileus Story announced a Special Pandemic Update was issued by the sorority’s Pandemic Task Force on
November 12, 2021, essentially opening chapter operations for vaccinated sorors to allow in-person chapter
meetings, committee meetings, and community service activities beginning December 1, 2021. Chapters are
required to fully resume in-person meetings by April 1, 2022. Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter’s Public Health
Pandemic Sub-Committee, led by Soror Bonnie Word (infectious disease specialist), is meeting to explore how our
chapter moves forward.
● Regarding MIP: Basileus Story announced flexibility is critical. The favorable vote on 292 prospective candidates
necessitated the chapter reassessing the venue for the final commitment ceremony and revising MIP schedule.
Soror Edwina Johnson, Membership Committee Chairman, will review the revised MIP dates during the
Membership Committee report.
● Sorors will be, Reigniting the Flame of Excellence and Sisterhood at the 90th South Central Regional
Conference in Houston, Texas, March 15-20, 2022. Since the regional conference is scheduled for the 3rd weekend
in March, the Executive Committee will bring forward a recommendation to move the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter
meeting date.
● Basileus Story provided accolades to the Technology Committee, Soror Carolene Goffney, Chairman and Sorors
Lois Anderson, Rhonda Haralson, and Colleen Wesley, Co-Chairmen and all Technology Committee members for
their countless hours of dedication in the development of the chapter’s new website.
● At the time of the Basileus’ message, a quorum for the meeting had been met, exceeding the 232 members in
attendance required with over 380 sorors present, based on 927 financial members.

Introduction of Reactivated & Transfer Sorors: Soror Monica Arrington, Reactivation Committee Chairman
announced 111 sorors reactivated and forty-eight sorors transferred into the chapter. The names of reactivating and
transferring sorors were displayed on screen.

Update on Challenged Sorors:
Basileus Story requested prayer for:
● Soror Elaine Williams and her husband, who both are recovering from an accident
● Mr. Ronald Taylor, who is hospitalized. Mr. Taylor is the husband of Soror Margie Taylor, the father of Soror
Edwina Johnson and grandfather of Sorors Marsha Jackson and Jasmine Johnson.
● Soror Jacqueline Thornton, for a speedy recovery from a recent surgery.

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Introduction of Service Project: Target 5: Global Impact: Soror Clara Cooper, Chairman, announced Alpha
Kappa Omega Chapter would support two of Target 5: Global Impact Committee initiatives, i.e., Souls4Souls
and Lions Club International, for the November 2021 Service Project. From today’s date until November 23,
2021, chapter members can donate gently-used shoes (on behalf of Souls4Souls) and eyeglasses (on behalf
of Lions Club International). An announcement regarding the service project, with the drop-off locations, dates,
and times was distributed by chapter e-blast. Chairman Cooper thanked the following sorors for volunteering
their homes as drop-off locations for donated items: Laura Allen (Southwest Houston), Penny Carmichael
(Medical Center), Clara Cooper (Pearland), Mary Cureau (North Houston/Humble), Anita Merritt Brown (Sienna
Plantation), Krystle Simpson (Meyerland), and Tyra Turnquest (The Woodlands).

Chairman Cooper announced she would be stationed at The Power Center on Saturday, November 20, 2021
from 1 pm to 2 pm, to receive donations.

OFFICER & STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Please reference the chapter website for Officer Reports.

Approval of the Minutes: Basileus Story reported the September 18, 2021 chapter meeting minutes were recorded
by Soror Susan Bynam, Grammateus, and were distributed via chapter e-blast on October 13, 2021 and also
uploaded to the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter website for review. Soror Bynam announced, to date, there had
been no corrections received for the September 2021 minutes.

Action: With no corrections or objections, the chapter minutes were adopted by general consensus.

Correspondence: Soror Mary Smith Johnson, Epistoleus, highlighted November 2021 correspondence in the

agenda packet. Additional correspondence was received from the following:
● The Angels Surviving Cancer, Inc.
● The Rose Center for Breast Health Excellence and
● University Advancement at Michigan State University

Soror Johnson read a letter to the chapter from Soror Yolanda Murdock Wiltz, International Co-Chairman of the
Membership Intake Process Committee and member of Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, seeking chapter support of
her candidacy for the position, Regional Representative to the International Nominating Committee, for the South
Central Region.

Following the reading of the letter, Basileus Story inquired of a motion of support for Soror Wilks candidacy.
Action: Soror Mary Smith Johnson made a motion for the chapter to support Soror Yolanda Murdock Wiltz
in her quest for the position, Regional Representative to the International Nominating Committee. Seconded
by Soror Laura Allen, Anti-Basileus of Programs.

Basileus Story called for discussion on the motion. Hearing none, Basileus Story called for the vote.

ALL IN FAVOR: 261

OPPOSED: 19

Basileus Story announced the motion for Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter to support Soror Yolanda Murdock
Wiltz’ candidacy for Regional Representative to the International Nominating Committee passed.

Pecunious Grammateus Report: Soror Rayya Carrington, Pecunious Grammateus, presented the Financial
Summary Reports for the reporting periods of September and October 2021 and provided the following highlights:
In September 2021, the pecunious grammateus collected $11,150.00, the anti-pecunious grammateus collected
$4,930.54, and the chapter collected $25,992.88 via PayPal for the 2022 90th SCRC Assessment fees. In October
2021, the pecunious grammateus collected $11,850.00, the anti-pecunious grammateus collected $6,605.10, and
the chapter collected $21,058.43 via PayPal for the 2022 90th SCRC Assessment fees. The total amount collected
for the 2022 90th SCRC Assessment fees for the months of September and October 2021: $81,586.95. Total year-
to-date collected for 2022 regional conference assessment fees: $86,109.76. This report will be referred to the Audit
Committee for review.

Tamiouchos Report: Soror Keri Myers, Tamiouchos, provided financial highlights and updates for month-to-date
and year-to-date totals for September and October 2021, including highlights on the Zoom screen for sorors who
were unable to download the agenda packet.

This document is a draft until approved by the Alpha Kappa Omega Body of Membership.
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INCOME AND EXPENSES AT-A-GLANCE

for September/October 2021

YTD Year-To-Date
$271,502.00
Total Income $ $271,502.00

Expenses $ 129,539.59 $ ---

Net Income (Loss) $ 45,566.03

INCOME AND EXPENSES AT-A-GLANCE

for September/October 2021

Sept/Oct YTD Year-To-Date
$275,502.00
Total Income $ 82,141.35 $275,502.00

Expenses $ 105,044.07 $ ---

Net Income (Loss) $ (22,902.72)

Balance Sheet

Total Assets $ 496,236.19

Total Liabilities $ 14,741.48

Total Equity $ 481,494.71

Total Liabilities and Equity $ 496,236.19

Monthly Bank Reconciliations

Total Adjusted Bank Balance $ 490,917.37

Outstanding Transactions

Outstanding Checks $ 6,204.87

Grant and Self-Sustaining $ 263.52

For the months of September and October 2021, Soror Myers highlighted the following income and
expenses:
INCOME:

● Regional Conference Assessment Fees, in the amount of $80,618.87
● Total Income: $82,141.35

EXPENSES:
● Food/Catering: $11,950 (The $25.00 chapter voted on in the September 2021 meeting to cover sorors to
date, i.e., 478 sorors to date, for 2022 regional conference assessment fees during September and October
2021)
● Contributions: $13,400.00 (Includes chapter donations of $5,000.00 to The Rose, $5,000.00 to The
Angels Surviving Cancer, Inc., $2,000.00 to sorors impacted by Hurricane Ida and $1,400.00 to HBCU
students impacted by Hurricane Ida)
● Regional Conference: $71,700.00 (SCRC Assessment fees submitted thus far for 478 sorors)
● Total Expenses for September and October 2021: $105,044.07

NET LOSS for September and October 2021: ($22,902.72)
YTD NET INCOME for September and October 2021: $24,225.22

● Soror Myers highlighted the monthly bank account reconciliations, as of October 31, 2021:
● Operating: $279,640.77
● Housing: $120,456.61
● Grant & Self-Sustaining: $46,397.60
● Savings: $19,175.32

Total Bank Accounts: $465,670.30

Total Accounts Receivable: $1,066.05
Total Other Current Assets: $4,235.03
TOTAL ASSETS: $470,971.38

Total Liabilities: $12,379.39
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Total Equity: $458,591.99
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY: $470,971.38

Additional notes:

● All committee chairs must submit check requests for 2021 reimbursements no later than Wednesday, December

15, 2021.
● Emails are being sent to sorors who paid the full $175.00 for the 90th SCRC Assessment fee to complete the

check request form and submit to the chapter tamiouchos to receive the $25.00 refund.
● Sorors were reminded to complete the Outstanding Check Resolution form if their names are listed on the
chapter’s Outstanding Checks report.
● The Finance Committee will be available at The Power Center on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 10 am to

1 pm to collect dues payments in person, for those sorors who do not wish to pay electronically through PayPal.
● Payment links on the new chapter website have not been updated and not currently available to submit dues

payments.

Soror Myers report will be referred to the Audit Committee for review.

Hands Raised:
● Soror Lisa Brooks inquired of the possibility for the Tamiouchos to reimburse chapter members who paid the $175
for the 90th SCRC Assessment fee, rather than have each of those sorors submit a check request form? Per Soror

Brooks, a payment listing was generated in the past and used as documentation.

Response by Soror Keri Myers, Tamiouchos: Due to the refund checks being mailed, the check request

form provides an efficient process to ensure current and correct mailing addresses for sorors.
● Soror Josena Malonson inquired if the $25.00 refund could be applied to a soror’s annual dues payment?

Response by Soror Keri Myers: Some sorors pay dues payments by check; some through PayPal, which
incurs additional fees depending upon the amount paid, and consequently, would affect the refund

amounts, as well. For audit purposes, it is easier and more effective to keep the dues payments separate

from the refund payments.
● Soror Laverne Carroll Dailey requested the Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter address to send financial payments.

Response by Basileus Story: Funds can be mailed to the pecunious grammateus and anti-pecunious
grammateus, of which their contact information has been provided in chapter e-blasts (next notification to

be sent in the e-blast on Monday, November 22, 2021) to ensure correct receipt of funds by the appropriate

chapter officers.

Executive Committee: Soror Felicia Wright, Anti-Grammateus, presented an oral report of the Executive
Committee. The Executive Committee of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter met
virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 7 p.m. There were 32 executive committee members,
committee chairmen and the virtual technology team present. The Executive Committee brought forward the
following recommendation for ratification:

1. Recommendation the chapter hold the January 2022 and March 2022 sorority meetings on January

8, 2022 and March 12, 2022, respectively, due to MIP activities and the 2022 South Central Regional
Conference taking place on the 3rd Saturday of the month in March.

Madam Basileus called for discussion. Hearing none, Madam Basileus called for the vote.

ALL IN FAVOR: 285
OPPOSED: 4

The recommendation for the chapter to host the January and March sorority meetings on January 8
and March 12, 2022, respectively, was ratified.

EXCELLENCE IN PROGRAMMING REPORTS

Please reference the chapter website for Programming Reports.

#CAP Signature Program: Soror Thearodesia Williams, Co-Chairman, reported the committee met virtually on
Thursday, October 21, 2021 with #CAP scholars from James Madison High School and Ross Sterling High School.
Welcome and greeting remarks were provided by Soror Erica Smith, Chairman and Soror Laura Allen, Anti-Basileus
of Programs. Names of participating seniors who had either completed their FAFSA applications and/or had
received early college admission were placed in the Zoom chat. Dominique Candley (HoustonISD College and

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Career Readiness Department), the presenter a workshop on financial literacy, including a discussion on available
financial aid and resources to seniors, FAFSA, and how to complete FAFSA applications. At the conclusion of Ms.
Candley’s presentation, a Question & Answer session followed regarding financial aid and how to finance the
college experience without scholarships, grants or funding support.

Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness: Soror Cheryl Duncan, Chairman, reported the committee met on
November 3, 2021, by Zoom at 6:30 p.m., with 36 members in attendance, to discuss October and November 2021
committee events.

Recap of October 2021 committee activities:
● Breast Cancer Awareness Month
● Breast Cancer Virtual Webinar, October 4, 2021, was a success and received awesome evaluation ratings.
Door prize winners, i.e., Gwendolyn Berry, Kimberly Richardson, and Janice Workcuff received $25 Amazon gift
cards.
● The October Chapter Service Project: The chapter donated $5,000.00 to The Angels Surviving Cancer, Inc.
and $5,000.00 to The Rose for mammograms.
● Walking with the Supreme Basileus Step Challenge Winners: Soror Shannon Davis Hunter, first place
(14,238 steps), Soror Angela Lundy-Jackson, 2nd lace (12,958 steps), and Soror Courtney Prewitt, 3rd place (12,280
steps).

Chairman Duncan thanked all participating sorors for all October 2021 health committee activities. Special thanks
were extended to Sorors Cherise Story, Laura Allen, Andrea Bonner, Courtney Prewitt, Marissa Johnson, Staci
Fullmighter, Mary Bui, Jo-Carolyn Goode, Martina Judge, The Pink & Green Prayer Team, the Breast Cancer Sub-
Committee Members, and the Technology Team.

November 2021 committee activities:
● AKA Caregivers Day Observance - November 15, 2021, 7 pm to 8:30 pm: The Health Committee hosted the
“Fireside Chat” virtual webinar, Caregiving: A Matter of the Heart and Labor of Love. Caregiver donations in the
amount of $700.00 were made to each participating organization during the webinar: Lifting Families Together;
Alzheimer’s Association, Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter; and Harris County Area Agency on Aging.
Additionally, $500.00 was donated to Nixon Adult Day Center.

Special thanks were extended to Sorors Cherise Story, Laura Allen, Andrea Bonner, Catherine Blackwell-Garner,
Charlene James, Kim Topps, Jo Carolyn Goode, Martina Judge, The Pink & Green Prayer Team, Caregivers Sub-
Committee Members and the Technology Team.

Hand Raised:
● Soror Elnora Flewellen requested to delay her question until the Finance Committee report during the meeting.

Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy Committee: Soror Sahira Abdool, Chairman, reported the committee
met on November 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom, with 14 sorors in attendance. Meeting and program highlights
included:
Multi-Generational Wealth Webinars:
● How to Get Back on Track After a Pandemic Webinar #1, held on September 22, 2021, with 55 participants
● Get Your House in Order Webinar #2, held on October 21, 2021, with 69 attendees.
Both webinars had 100% excellent to good ratings regarding speakers’ knowledge and overall webinar experience.
● A Millionaire Mindset Webinar #3, held on November 11, 2021, with 119 attendees.

Total attendance for all three Multi-Generational Webinars: 243 participants.

Mark your calendar for the following projects before the end of the calendar year:
● December 2, 2021, 11 am – 12 pm: Grow with Google Initiative, in collaboration with Angela’s House, Bridge
Over Troubled Waters and Change Happens. Details forthcoming in the chapter e-blast on Monday, November 22,
2021.
● December 11, 2021, 11 am – 1 pm: Angel Tree Project at Change Happens: The committee plans to have 50
angels to adopt and assist 10 families affiliated with Change Happens. The Angel Tree Project will serve as the
chapter’s December Service Project. Contact Soror Juanita Chretien, Sub-Committee Chairman to participate and
for more information.
● Financial Freedom Challenge, for the remainder of 2021: Sorors are encouraged to invest and save using one
of the following Black-owned banks: Unity National Bank (Houston or Missouri City locations) or one of the following
online banks, i.e., Bankgreenwood.com or OneUnited.com.

Stay tuned for a special small business comeback entitled, A Pink and Pearl Market, slated for the first quarter in 2022.

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Target 4: The Arts! Soror Tracy Warner, Chairman, provided an update on the virtual poetry slam entitled, The
Pink and Green Spoken Word of Hope, Reformation and Renewal, held on Saturday, October 23, 2021:
● There were 99 attendees on the platform.
● Soror Cherry Gooden served as Mistress of Ceremonies.
● The poetry slam consisted of 14 talented student poets ranging from middle school, high school, and college
freshmen.
● Se7en was the featured guest poet and provided helpful feedback to the students.

On November 17, 2021, 14 chapter members and 3 undergraduate sorors from Epsilon Lambda Chapter
volunteered for the City Ballet Houston’s performance of The Nutcracker held at The Wortham Centre. Volunteers
assisted the students with dressing and dress rehearsal on November 16 to ensure the students had a successful
performance. Special thanks to Soror Krystle Simpson, board member of the City Ballet Houston, who coordinated
all volunteers.

Final activity before the end of the year will be a service project to provide art supplies to Hodges Bend
Middle School, Patrick Henry Middle School and Welch Middle school. Additionally, a holiday flyer will be provided
to several middle schools with art-related suggestions for students during the Christmas break.

Target 5: Global Impact Committee: Soror Clara Cooper, Chairman, reported the committee met on September
23 with 12 members present and October 28, 2021 with 11 members present to discuss highlights of the June 20●
21 Service Project and to finalize activities for the quarter.

Recap of June 2021 Service Project:
● Chapter members donated toiletries, gardening supplies, school supplies and women’s business attire to support
the three refugee organizations, i.e., Amaanah, Refugee Services of Texas and Women’s Empowerment Group
(FAM Houston), that participated in the World Refugee Day Webinar. Chapter members donated over 400 business
suits, shirts, slacks, and skirts, along with 36 pairs of shoes to assist refugee women seeking employment.
Additional donations included over 200 school supply items, 300 toiletry items, 40 gardening tools, and 100 food
items.
● On behalf of Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, $500.00 was donated to both Amaanah and Refugee Services of
Texas; A donation of $250.00 to Women’s Empowerment Group came from the Global Impact Committee budget.
Rationale: Since Xi Alpha Omega Chapter donated $250.00 to Women’s Empowerment Group, the $250.00
donation from the Global Impact Committee budget would ensure each organization would receive a total of
$500.00 from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
● In July and August 2021, Basileus Story and the committee co-chairs delivered the checks and donations to the
three refugee organizations. Because of the overwhelming support by participating sorors, the chapter lived up to
the 2021 World Refugee Day theme, Together, We Helped to Heal, Learn and Shine!

September 2021 Service Project
● The Global Impact Committee donated $100.00 to Literacy Advance Services, c/o Memorial Assistance Ministries
for ELS supplies to support the ESL program for learning materials at no cost to the students.

Sorors are encouraged to review the committee report for additional Target 5 – Global Impact information.

Committee Reports

Please reference the chapter website for Committee Reports.

Finance Committee – 2022 Proposed Budget: Soror Keri Myers, Chairman, reported the committee met on
Saturday, October 23, 2021 to review and discuss the proposed 2022 Budget previously presented to the chapter at
the September 2021 meeting. The committee considered revisions based on questions, comments and concerns
received during the September meeting to vote on the revised, proposed 2022 Budget at the November 2021
meeting.
● Initially, the proposed 2022 Budget was based on a projection of 800 active sorors.
● The year 2022 is projected to have an increase in some expenses due to more active sorors, post-Covid price
increases from service providers, and technology needs of the chapter.

Revisions (since the September meeting) to the proposed 2022 Budget include:
● Additional $3,000.00, for 60 hours of technology updates and maintenance for the chapter’s new website
● Additional $700.00, for technology hardware to purchase laptop for the Epistoleus
● Motion was carried to increase the proposed 2022 Budget for the Courtesies line item from $10,000.00 to
$11,500.00
● Additional $6,900.00 to cover PayPal fees for Sorors who pay prior to February 1, 2022.

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2022 Dues Projections:
● $300.00 for Graduate Members (comprised of $125.00 per capita, $10.00 EAF donation, $10.00 sorority
documents, $90.00 chapter operations, $45.00 hostess fees, and $20.00 for housing). Funds from the chapter’s
Operating Account used to offset some of the chapter dues.
● $175.00 for Life Members

The Finance Sub-committee is still researching additional venues to host monthly chapter meetings. Many venues
are still closed to outside organizations due to COVID. Sorors Monica Baynard and Elnora Flewellen are
spearheading this effort. For venue suggestions or to work with the sub-committee, contact Soror Baynard at
[email protected] or 504.319.1838.

A copy of the updated budget is located inside the November 2021 agenda packet.

Finance Committee Recommendation: To approve the proposed 2022 Budget of $323,706.18 with 2022 dues of
$300.00 for Graduate Members and $175.00 for Life Members as presented to the chapter.

Action: Basileus Story restated the recommendation and called for discussion.

Hands Raised:
● Soror Elnora Flewellen’s raised hand was acknowledged, but she requested to delay her question until after the
completion of the vote since it had nothing to do with the budget.
● Soror Demetra Jones’ raised hand was acknowledged, however Basileus Story requested her question be
addressed following the vote since it pertained to Target 5 – Global Impact.

Hearing no discussion, Madam Basileus called for the vote:

Note: Soror Andrea Bonner, Anti-Basileus of Operations, informed Basileus Story Soror Janice Chilton’s hand was
raised, but was not acknowledged prior to the start of the vote.

ALL IN FAVOR: 306
OPPOSED: 11

Basileus Story announced the chapter budget for 2022 was approved.

Hands Raised:
● Soror Elnora Flewellen commented the chapter collected approximately $57,000 for hospitality for 2021, yet

according to the records, the chapter had only used approximately $15,000.00 of this amount, leaving an

approximate $42,000.00 balance in hospitality funds.

Action: Soror Flewellen made a motion for the chapter to use $4,800.00 of the hospitality funds to cover
the 90th SCRC assessment fees for the chapter’s 31 or 32 Pearl Sorors. Rationale: The majority of our

Pearl Sorors will be unable to attend the regional conference, but regardless, as an honorable effort, the

chapter should cover the assessment fees for the Pearl Sorors.
● Basileus Story requested Soror Flewellen to refer her concerns to the Finance Committee for

further discussion as it relates to the chapter budget.
● Soror Flewellen inquired if Basileus Story was saying “No” to her motion. Basileus Story
responded that she was not saying “No” to her motion, but rather was requesting she bring a

Finance Committee-related item to the Finance Committee for review.
● Soror Flewellen responded she would submit it to the Finance Committee.

● Soror Janice Chilton inquired of the impact on a venue charge with the chapter’s projected size of over 1,000

members and considering same, if the chapter had voted prematurely on the dues. Basileus Story responded
research of venue and food accommodations for the chapter’s projected size is in process and being spearheaded

by Soror Monica Baynard. The Power Center is not offering any catering services. The proposed budget has been

used as a guideline for operations.
● Soror Gladys Goffney recommended Diamond Sorors be included for coverage of Regional Conference
assessment fees by the chapter (as a follow-up to Soror Flewellen’s motion), but tabled her recommendation since

Soror Flewellen had been asked to table her recommendation.
● Soror Darlene Alexander commented she planned to second Soror Flewellen’s motion, but there was no call for a
second and questioned the protocol since Soror Flewellen’s motion was not carried through. Basileus Story

mentioned for those sorors requiring financial assistance, Soror Laura Allen was solidifying support from sorors

willing to provide monetary support, as of the September 2021 chapter meeting.

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● Soror Diana Johnson requested Soror Veronica Johnson, Parliamentarian, provide clarification on Soror
Flewellen’s motion to ensure it was handled properly. Basileus Story responded Soror Flewellen agreed to allow her

motion to go to the Finance Committee.
● Soror Betty Merritte-Williams expressed concern about Basileus Story’s comment which stopped Soror
Flewellen’s motion and questioned if proper procedure was followed. Soror Merritte-Williams requested Soror
Veronica Johnson, Parliamentarian, to provide the protocol for handling Soror Flewellen’s motion.
● Per Soror Johnson, Parliamentarian, the presiding officer had a conversation with the motion maker and the

motion maker agreed to allow the conversation to go to a committee, which is okay to do.
● Soror Helen Houston commented it seemed the motion maker was forced to say she would do what was being

asked of her to do, even though the motion maker felt her motion should have been carried through. Soror Houston

commented it appeared to be a forced effort to go to the Finance Committee and requested the motion be carried
through, even if it’s a motion to be voted on for Soror Flewellen’s concerns to go to the Finance Committee.
● Soror Keri Myers commented all concerns were heard, documented and will be researched by the Finance

Committee in anticipation of a response by the December 2021 meeting.
● Basileus Story commented any non-budgeted item over $500.00 goes to the Finance Committee for review, first.
● Soror Marsha Penn, Regional Parliamentarian, commented Soror Flewellen’s motion should have been carried
through and a request for a second should have been made. When the basileus came forward and stated, “This
should be referred to a committee”—that in itself was a motion that should have been voted upon by the chapter to
refer this matter which was brought to the floor for a motion vote—which that was not done. Soror Penn stated the

presiding officer does not have the right to take away the motion without the decision of the body.
● Basileus Story responded the motion was never truly on the floor for the body to make a comment on. Soror Penn

disagreed and commented there was, in fact, a motion on the floor.
● Basileus Story commented a motion is properly before the body when it has been stated and seconded.
● Soror Penn commented the membership is muted, so to be able to speak to give a second, the membership has

to be unmuted or the presiding officer has to ask for a motion so the Technology Committee can unmute the

members.
● Soror Flewellen requested to restate her motion, for clarification, so that it could be carried through for the

members to vote whether they agree or disagree to the terms. Basileus Story asked for Soror Flewellen to state her

motion.

Action: Soror Flewellen moved that Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter cover the $150.00 Regional Conference

assessments for our 31 or 32-plus Pearl Sorors, with funds coming from the excess of the hospitality line

item. Soror Flewellen requested a second.

Basileus Story asked Soror Flewellen, before getting a second, if she planned to refer to the Finance

Committee as dictated by our chapter bylaws since the expense was an unbudgeted item over $500.00.
Soror Flewellen responded, affirmatively, stating “the amount would be referred to the Finance Committee
for review.”

Basileus Story called for a second. Soror Andrea Bonner announced a second in the Q&A by Soror Darlene
Alexander. Soror Alexander was unmuted by the Technology Committee to verbally second the motion.
Basileus Story restated the motion and called for discussion.

Hands Raised:
● Soror Doreatha Walker commented she suffers from anxiety, the back-and-forth discussion resulted in her

developing a severe headache, and moving forward, recommended the Parliamentarian intervene for clarity to

avoid any potential conflict.
● Soror Janice Chilton inquired if the motion should be amended to include Diamond sorors. Basileus Story

commented Diamond sorors are covered, per our chapter bylaws.
● Soror Tera Brown-Daniels inquired of the amount spent to date to cover the regional assessment fees for chapter

members and the budgetary line item. Basileus Story commented the amount and budget line item was discussed

in the Tamiouchos report, but will revisit her question following the vote.

Action: Soror Tamara Cubit called for the question. Basileus Story called for the vote on stopping debate
and discussion to move forward with the question.

ALL IN FAVOR: 258
OPPOSED: 16

Action: With a favorable vote, Basileus Story announced the chapter would move forward with no delay
with the vote on the recommendation for the chapter to pay the regional conference assessment fees for all
the Pearl Sorors and submit the recommendation to the Finance Committee for review.

ALL IN FAVOR: 253

OPPOSED: 35

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The recommendation passed. The Finance Committee will review paying the regional conference
assessment for the chapter’s Pearl Sorors.
Basileus Story circled back to acknowledge Soror Demetra Jones’ raised hand from earlier. Soror Jones responded

Soror Clara Cooper answered her question in the chat.

Membership Committee: Soror Edwina Johnson, Chairman, provided the following MIP updates:
● Completed Prospective Candidates Informational Session
● Completed the Reading of Prospective Candidates’ information
● Voted on Prospective Candidates
● Results: 292 Prospective Candidate forms were submitted to the Corporate Office
● Background check letters were emailed to all Prospective Candidates on Thursday, November 18, 2021.
● Upon notification from the Corporate Office the MIP packets and background checks have cleared, our Regional
Director, Soror Joya Hayes, will electronically send approval to proceed with MIP. It will take 20 business days for
processing, however we must allow for sufficient time based on our numbers.

Based on our number of potential candidates, a reevaluation of space availability for the Final Commitment
Ceremony was necessary. The MIP dates have been modified to the following three weekends:
● Friday, January 14, 2022/Saturday, January 15, 2022
● Friday, January 21, 2022/Saturday, January 22, 2022
● Friday, January 28, 2022/Saturday, January 29, 2022/Sunday, January 30, 2022

The Final Commitment Ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Sorors are encouraged to show off their holiday pride with beautiful decorations of Christmas trees and lights.
Chapter members interested in participating are requested to send a photo or 5-second video of their Christmas
decorations to Soror Jo Carolyn Goode at [email protected] by December 15, 2021. The video presentation,
Décor Galore to Explore – Alpha Kappa Omega Christmas Home Tour will be presented on December 18, 2021
during the chapter meeting.

Basileus Story circled back to acknowledge Soror Tera Brown-Daniels’ question: What line item did the

$25.00 reimbursement come from for the regional conference assessment fees? Soror Keri Myers responded the
funds came from Line item 5250.1 – Food and Catering, i.e., the group of accounts pertaining to hospitality. The

account was voted on during the September meeting.

Hand Raised:
● Soror Dawn Dubose inquired if there was a conversation ongoing as to how to move forward being such a large
chapter and how a chapter of our size will operate—from a national standpoint and/or from our chapter. Basileus

Story responded there was no formal conversation she was aware of, but a number of informal conversations on

the matter.

Nominating Committee: Soror Jo-Carolyn Goode, Chairman announced the committee was presenting a ballot
with the names of 23 sorors seeking to serve Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter as an officer or on the Nominating
Committee. All sorors attending the November 2021 chapter meeting are eligible to vote in the election. Voting will
take place on Sunday, November 21, 2021 via the Simply Voting platform.

The slate of candidates for 2022 chapter officers: Tamiouchos
Anti-Basileus of Programs Keri Myers
Laura Allen

Anti-Basileus of Operations Anti-Tamiouchos
Andrea Bonner Meredith Hawkins

Grammateus Pecunious Grammateus
Mary Smith Johnson Monica Matlock Baynard

Anti-Grammateus Anti-Pecunious Grammateus
Felicia Wright Darlene Johnson

Epistoleus Philactor
Jo Carolyn Goode Rebecca Savoy
Joyce Warner

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Anti-Epistoleus Hodegos
Thedrial Jackson Pamela Cormier
Reporter to the Ivy Leaf
Erika Edmond

Historian
Susan Bynam
Rayya Carrington

Graduate Advisor to Gamma Psi
VeRonique Williams

Graduate Advisor to Epsilon Lambda
Jennifer Rachal

Graduate Advisor to Omicron Gamma
Pippa Brown Andrews

Nominating Committee:
Johnetta “Kittie” Long-Alfred
Creaque Charles
Sheri Cole
Christina Allen-Crowder
Cheryl Duncan
Chataria Nikki Geason
Yvonne Jackson
Cheryl Johnson
Latosha McGill Clayton
Andrea Miller
Andrea Stamps Porter
DiAnn Robinson
Krystle Simpson
Terrie Tillman
Tracy Warner
Karen Washington
Angela Williams
Dina Williams

The committee recommended speeches be heard only from candidates who have opponents. Soror Veronica
Johnson, Parliamentarian, advised to vote on the recommendation.

Action: Basileus Story restated the recommendation and called for discussion. Hearing none, Madam
Basileus called for the vote.

ALL IN FAVOR: 278
OPPOSED: 10

The recommendation passed.

The committee presented the candidate speeches by video for the following candidates:
● Rebecca Savoy, Philactor
● Joyce Warner, Philactor
● Susan Bynam, Historian
● Rayya Carrington, Historian

Soror Goode reminded sorors to check their emails for their respective ballot from Simply Voting. Sorors were also
reminded to select only 9 sorors for the Nominating Committee when voting.

Soror Carolene Goffney, Technology Committee Chairman, informed of the Simply Voting instructions (instructions

were also displayed on screen), procedures for telephone voting, and provided the following additional voting

instructions:
● The voting window will be Sunday, November 21 from 9 am to 3 pm via Simply Voting.

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● To capture credit for attendance, the window of opportunity closes 30 minutes after the November chapter
meeting. Sorors attending chapter meeting as a group must email their names and respective financial card
numbers to [email protected].
● Sorors should email, [email protected], with any issues with voting on Sunday.
● Election results meeting will convene at 5 pm on Sunday, November 21, 2021. The same Zoom link to access the
November 2021 chapter meeting should be used to rejoin the meeting.

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties experienced by Soror Faye Phillips, the Strategic Planning Committee meeting
was permitted to report ahead of the Standards Committee.

Strategic Planning Committee Meeting: Soror Karen Reed, Chairman, reported the committee met during the
months of August and October 2021 to review the 2017-2020 Strategic Plan. Soror Reed, along with Sorors Aiesha
Odutayo and Shewanna Rochon, co-chairmen, recommended the following updates to the membership portion of
the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan:
● Broaden and diversify the membership base
● Reduce the generation gap
● Create a framework for the merger of all leadership training and development initiatives under the umbrella of the
of the chapter’s leadership development program.

More specific updates can be found on the committee report that was included in the November 2022 agenda
packet.

Due to the size of the strategic plan, Soror Reed requested her report be postponed and presented again at the
December 2021 chapter meeting to allow sorors time to review the strategic plan and updates.

Standards Committee: Soror Faye Phillips, Chairman, reported a link has been provided in the At a Glance
section of the chapter’s weekly e-blast for the past four weeks for sorors to complete and submit the Annual
Chapter Self-Assessment survey. The survey is a part of the Standards Committee end-of-the-year report, which
assesses the effectiveness of our chapter operations. To increase participation this year, the committee added an
incentive of a weekly drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card. Gift card winners to date are Sorors Sandra Jackson
Alridge, Tishauna Washington, Thearodesia Williams and Angela Wright.

To date, the committee has received a total of 187 responses to the Chapter Self-Assessment survey. Supreme
Basileus Glenda Glover has moved the due date to receive Standards Committee End-of-Year Reports from
December 31 to December 1, 2021. The last date to complete the Chapter Self-Assessment survey is Tuesday,
November 23, 2021. A final gift card drawing will be held during this time.

Chapters completing the Self-Assessment and submitting the End-of-Year Standards Report by December 1, 2021
will be recognized at the 90th South Central Regional Conference with the Excellence Award.

Sorors are encouraged to complete and submit their survey responses by the deadline.

The Technology Committee displayed a QR code for sorors to scan to access the survey questions during the
meeting to review as Soror Phillips read the survey questions on screen.

Technology Committee: Soror Carolene Goffney, Chairman, provided the following committee highlights:
● The new AlphaKappaOmega.com website has been launched. Since it is a new website developer, the previous
website is not connected to the new site.
● Access to the Alpha Kappa Omega members portal requires a one-time password reset. A virtual website
password reset training was held on October 22, 2021, with 41 attendees and two onsite website trainings were
held October 27 and November 10, 2021 at The Power Center. Special thanks to Sorors Tamara Cubit and
Jo- Carolyn Goode for assisting sorors with hands-on support in resetting website passwords.
● The Virtual Tech Team has helped the chapter stay connected and continue to serve the community, since the
start of the pandemic in March 2020 by hosting several chapter-only events, virtual events and conducting AKA
Target Programs through Zoom and Facebook Live.
● All Zoom invitations are now coming directly from Zoom. Sorors are encouraged to check their Junk/Spam folder if
unable to locate Zoom invitations before contacting the Virtual Tech Team.
● Soror Goffney thanked all Virtual Tech Team Members for their unwavering support, i.e., Sorors Loris Anderson,
Rhonda Haralson, Jo-Carolyn Goode, LaTanya Joubert, Andie Simon, Courtney T. Smith, Tishauna Washington,
Felicia Wright and Laurie Wright.

This document is a draft until approved by the Alpha Kappa Omega Body of Membership.

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Graduate Advisor Reports

Gamma Psi Chapter, Texas Southern University: Soror VeRonique Williams, Graduate Advisor, provided the
following chapter highlights:
● Hosted an impactful HBCU Week, taking alumni down memory lane and hosting a Kahoot! Night entitled, What
Do You Know About TSU?
● Donated $1,800.00 on HBCU Impact Day.
● Partnered with University Program Council on the campus of Texas Southern University to discuss and spread
awareness about breast cancer, hosted a Breast Cancer Walk on the TSU Tiger Walk, and donated $350.00 to
Sisters Network.
● Participated with Alpha Kappa Omega, Epsilon Lambda and Omicron Gamma chapters for the 2021 Joint Chapter
Meeting entitled, Think Pink: Persevering Through a Pandemic
● Hosted a pretty, spooky Skee-Week from October 24 -30, 2021, consisting of a Creepy Crawley Credit Party”,
where students on campus were encouraged to learn more about their credit; Monsters and Mocktails, where
students learned about the Renaissance Era; and Boo-ling Burpees, for women’s health.
● Partnered with My Brothers Keeper at Bruce Elementary, to collect a total of 54 coats for students on the
campus.

On November 15, 1950, the Gamma Psi Chapter was chartered on the campus of Texas State University, now
known as Texas Southern University. Gamma Psi Chapter is proud to celebrate 71 years of service.

Epsilon Lambda Chapter, University of Houston: Soror Jo-Carolyn Goode brought greetings on behalf of
Jennifer Rachal, Graduate Advisor, and the entire Epsilon Lambda Chapter. Soror Goode highlighted the following
chapter updates:
● Fall Skee-Week, entitled Planet Ivy, September 19-25, 2021, which included the HBCU Graduate College Fair, a
financial literacy workshop, a Body Positivity Seminar, and a Little Dress-making event.
● In honor of Epsilon Lambda’s Charter Day on September 26, 1969, the chapter collected items for Hurricane Ida
victims and made care packages to be delivered to Lake Charles, Louisiana.
● During the month of October 2021, the chapter hosted an activity with Omega Psi Phi chapter on campus to
highlight breast health and domestic violence.
● Chapter members attended the Joint Chapter Meeting in October 2021.
● Chapter members will host a feminine product drive to address the lack of feminine products for women living in
Ethiopia.

Soror Rachal extends accolades to the following, four sorors who were inducted into Order of Omega, the campus’
Greek Honors Society: Taylor Anthony, Olivia Pittman, Daria Minnifield, and Amiah Williams.

Omicron Gamma Chapter, University of Houston Downtown: Soror Dina Williams, Graduate Advisor, provided
the following chapter updates:
● Participated in Skee-Week themed, Certified Pretty Girl, October 17-22, 2021, where they hosted a Fair-Trade
Financial Seminar, Tea Rose Poetry Slam, Women’s Health Seminar, made little dresses for the young girls in Haiti,
and highlighted HBCUs.
● Extended special thanks to Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter’s Economic Legacy Committee for the opportunity to
serve during their three-part, multi-generational webinar.
● Participated in UHD’s Walk to Vote, held October 21, 2021.
● Attended National Night Out
● Participated in a tabling event with UHD police officers to get to know UHD police force better.
● Epsilon Lambda Chapter invited Omicron Gamma sorors to donate to their Feminine Hygiene Drive.

Soror Williams encouraged chapter members to review The Ivy Vine newsletter located in the November 2021
agenda packet for additional updates.

New Business: None Heard.

Announcements:
● Soror Mary Smith Johnson, Epistoleus, announced all IEACF members are invited to attend a Virtual Business
Meeting on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 7 pm.

Birthday Acknowledgment: On behalf of the Hostess Committee, Soror Cheryl Mitchell acknowledged all sorors

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celebrating birthdays during the months of October and November 2021 with the reading of a poem entitled,
Unforgettable Birthday. A presentation of names for all sorors celebrating birthdays in October and November was
displayed virtually and accompanied with a happy birthday salute by Stevie Wonder.

Closing Prayer – Pink and Green Prayer Team: Soror Stephanie Johnson provided closing prayer.

Basileus Story announced meeting attendance would be validated at adjournment. Ballots for the 2022 officer
elections would be emailed in the morning by Simply Voting. Voting will take place from 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday,
November 21, 2021. The chapter would reconvene for election results on Sunday at 5 pm.

Adjournment: Basileus Story announced the chapter was in recess at 1:40 p.m.

Submitted by:

Susan Bynam Cherise Story
2021 Grammateus 2021 Basileus

Please contact Soror Susan Bynam via email at [email protected] with any suggested
corrections.

This document is a draft until approved by the Alpha Kappa Omega Body of Membership.
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