The Piper - November 2016

TheP i p e rAlpha Omicron Pi | November 2016

Board Candidate Form Information
Properties Board Strategic Plan
November Chapter Installations...
and more!

Mid-Missouri alumnae celebrating
October 2016’s AOII Night Out at Velvet
Cupcake Cafe.

SAVE THE DATES BoPardropMerteiesssage

NOVEMBER 1 Julie Bishop
Scholarship Applications
Available (Gamma Theta/U of South Florida)
NOVEMBER 6
Phi Alpha Re-Installation Properties Board President
(East Tennessee State U)
NOVEMBER 13 Our fall semester is well underway with visions of the
Delta Gamma Installation holiday season on the horizon. In late September, the
(Missouri State U) Properties Board members had the opportunity to
NOVEMBER 15 meet with our staff partners and vendors in Brentwood,
Leadership Academy Tennessee. During this meeting, we heard reports from
Scholarship Applications Due CSL Management Company, a review from our financial
FEBRUARY 3-5 advisory firm and Board committee reports. We also
Leadership Academy 2017 devoted time with our staff partners to evaluate our
current strategic plan.
1 CSL Management provided us a comprehensive report
of 2016 summer projects as well as a proposed assessment of future needs for each facility.
Our staff partners are now in the process of incorporating this information into a five-year
plan for each house corporation. Keeping in mind that long term plans of this magnitude
remain “fluid,” our goal is to share these plans with each corporation by summer 2017. CSL
continues to manage daily operational needs of our facilities and increase their staffing to
make certain requests are responded to in a timely fashion.
As International Vice President-Finance Susan Bonifield reported last month, “Financially,
our Fraternity has never been stronger.” The Properties operation is pleased to contribute
to that financial stability. AOII Properties is exceeding all financial metrics defined in our
strategic plan and continues to monitor university trends. Corporations’ budgets and actual
results are evaluated monthly to ensure that we are financially positioned to meet all future
needs. As part of the budget process, fee structures are analyzed to ensure that we are
attaining our savings goals, while remaining competitive on campus.
Our communications committee and staff partners have been diligently working on
creating a comprehensive communication strategy to be delivered through several
mediums. Leadership Institute attendees received brochures detailing AOII Properties
strategic plan and the services we provide. Director of Properties Mandy Doyle and her
team at Headquarters have created contact flowcharts that will be distributed to all chapters
and posted on the Properties website within the next 30 days. Additional brochures and the
Properties website are also in the development phase.
Finally, I am pleased to report that we are on target to meet the goals set forth in our 2015-
2017 Strategic Plan. We continually assess our progress to ensure that we are fulfilling
our core purpose, while evaluating our business model to maintain the effectiveness and
efficiency of the operation. The Properties team is committed to creating a legacy for the
sisters of our future generations.
Wishing all my sisters a bountiful Thanksgiving and fabulous holiday season.

Alpha Omicron Pi Properties

Strategic Plan 2015-2017

Experience
AOII Properties will enhance the member experience by

Providing members with positive living and learning environments that encourage them to join and
enhance their educational and social development.

• Provide properties that are attractive to members and competitive with on-campus and off-campus
options.

• Support transformative learning by offering programs, initiatives, spaces and services that help all
members benefit fully from the AOII membership experience.

Building Fraternity wide understanding of AOII Properties’ mission, vision and purpose.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy.
• Enhance overall branding of AOII Properties.

Resources
AOII Properties will provide exceptional resources by

Fostering a high performance environment.
• Ensure long term financial strength and stability.
• Advance talent management practices to improve service and efficiency to our members.
• Optimize development and delivery of training, resources, and support.
• Maintain the financial flexibility to respond appropriately to facility needs arising from changed
circumstances.

Providing excellent stewardship to all chapters and members.
• Build relationships with local stakeholders.
• Establish and communicate expectations for members understanding and accountability for the
care and maintenance of resources.

Relevance
AOII Properties will ensure relevance by

Identifying resources required to be competitive on each campus and to meet member expectations.
• Conduct comprehensive assessment of competitiveness.
• Further develop external relationships and partnerships with local/university communities and
facility owners/tenants where there are Alpha Omicron Pi chapters.

Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of AOII Properties operations.
• Use technology to improve efficiency and to enhance the operations and services of AOII
Properties.
• Providing collegiate members with leadership development opportunities.

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Save the Date!

Leadership Academy 2017
February 3rd - 5th

All Collegiate Chapter Presidents, Panhellenic Delegates and Chapter
Advisors are invited to attend Leadership Academy 2017 in Brentwood,
Tennessee. This annual event is a great opportunity to learn from
Headquarters staff, volunteers and NPC delegates, while building
relationships with sisters from the United States and Canada. More
information will be sent to these officers regarding how to register and
registration deadlines. Be sure to keep up with AOII on social media for
details about the event and what you can look forward to this February!

ELC Applications
Now Available!

The application is now open for our 2017-18
Alpha Omicron Pi Educational Leadership
Consultant team! Can you picture yourself working
and growing with a dynamic team of sisters as
ambassadors for the Fraternity? AOII ELCs serve
as liaisons between our collegiate chapters and
International Headquarters through individualized
chapter support and education. Along the way, our
ELCs create lasting memories and friendships that
make this an exciting opportunity full of many
rewarding experiences! More details including
application instructions, a position description,
responsibilities, and expectations for the role are
accessible on AOII’s website at
www.alphaomicronpi.org/career-opportunities.
Get your application started today!

Have you read the latest
edition of To Dragma?

Available online only, this special edition if full of content about arthritis.

5 Click here to read.

Celebrate AOII’s
November Chapter Installations

AOII is honored to announce the Installation of our Phi Alpha Chapter of Alpha Omicron
Pi at East Tennessee State University. We invite all initiated members of Alpha Omicron Pi to
participate in the Initiation and Installation Rituals and attend the Rose Reception welcoming this
group of new charter members into our Fraternity.

Please click here to RSVP to the ETSU events.

Please join us for the
Initiation & Installation Rituals to take Phi Alpha Chapter into our Order

Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 9 a.m.
Please arrive at 8 a.m.

Culp Student Center Building-Dining Rooms 1-3
Proper Ritual Attire of a white dress or white blouse & skirt and black closed toed shoes

are requested of all participants (alumnae and collegians).

Alpha Omicron Pi’s Rose Reception for Phi Alpha Chapter
Sunday, November 6, 2016
6 p.m. Millennium Center

2001 Millenium Center Drive, Johnson City, Tennnessee
Badge Attire preferred | Light refreshments will be served

Please RSVP through the link above and email
[email protected] with any questions.

AOII is honored to announce the Installation of our Delta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Omicron
Pi at Missouri State University. We invite all initiated members of Alpha Omicron Pi to
participate in the Initiation and Installation Rituals and attend the Rose Reception welcoming
this group of new charter members into our Fraternity.

Please click here to RSVP to the MSU events.

Please join us for the
Initiation & Installation Rituals to take Delta Gamma Chapter into our Order

Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 9 a.m.
Please arrive at 8 a.m.

Plaster Student Union Building-Ballroom West
Proper Ritual Attire of a white dress or white blouse & skirt and black closed toed shoes

are requested of all participants (alumnae and collegians).

Alpha Omicron Pi’s Rose Reception for Delta Gamma Chapter
Sunday, November 13, 2016

6 p.m. Plaster Student Union Building-Ballroom West
901 S. National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri

Badge Attire preferred | Light refreshments will be served

Please RSVP through the link above and email 6
[email protected] with any questions.

Executive Board and Foundation
Board Candidate Forms Now Posted

If you or a sister you know may be qualified and interested in the opportunity to serve on the AOII Foundation Board or
the Executive Board, please visit alphaomicronpi.org/executive-board-election-process and/or
alphaomicronpi.org/foundation-board-elections. Thank you for helping identify new leaders as we continue to work for
you and for Alpha Omicron Pi!

Timeline:
October 15, 2016
Executive Board Candidate Application Forms were posted online.
Foundation Candidate Nomination Forms were posted
online.
December 1, 2016
Executive Board Candidate Application Forms are due to the Nominating Trustees.
Foundation Board Candidate
Nomination Forms are due to the Foundation Nominating Committee.
December 15, 2016
Those eligible to continue in the election process are notified, and candidate names are made public to AOII Membership.
January 2017
Candidate Reference Checks
February 2017
Candidate Interviews
March 2017
Ballot Announced and Candidate Resumes & Bios are published in The Call to Convention

April 2017
Online Candidate Forum
June 2017
Meet the Candidates at AOII Convention in Washington DC

June 2017
Elections during Business Session at AOII Convention
This timeline may be adjusted slightly as needed, and any changes will be communicated in
a timely manner.

Need help finding official licensed Greek Vendors?

All AOII merchandise must be purchased through a vendor who is registered with Affinity Consultants in
order to ensure that AOII’s logo and trademarks are being used appropriately to protect our brand. We now
have an easier way for all AOII members to find AOII merchandise from vendors all over the world
who are official licensed Greek vendors. Follow the link below to find quality AOII merchandise.

For more information visit: https://findgreek.com/alphaomicronpi

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Bylaw Amendments Requested

To All Members of Council and International Standing Committees:
Each biennium when members of Council meet in Convention, delegates have the opportunity to consider and vote
on amendments to the Fraternity’s Constitution and Bylaws. The Constitution Interpretation and Revision Committee
(“CIRC”) asks that you, as officers and members of the Fraternity, review the Constitution and Bylaws as presented to
you in The Governing Documents of Alpha Omicron Pi. This document may be found on Fulfilling the Promise in the
Operations tab of the Officer Resource Library. The document also contains the Standing Rules and Book of Policies as
established by the Fraternity’s Executive Board.
Any proposed revisions to the Constitution and Bylaws that you wish to be considered at Convention next year must
be submitted to and received by CIRC no later than Sunday, November 13, 2016. Pursuant to Title IV, Article II of the
Bylaws, proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws may be submitted by:
• The Fraternity Executive Board
• Any officer or committee if the amendment relates to that office or committee
• Any five members of Council acting jointly (see Article VI of the Constitution for Council composition)
Proposed amendments should be submitted to CIRC via e-mail at [email protected]. Please note that you do not
need to submit the actual proposed amendment. Rather, you can simply raise the problem and describe the solution you
propose. CIRC will work with you to achieve the proper form and wording for the amendment.
The November 13, 2016 deadline is important as CIRC must have time to draft, review and edit proposals, and transmit
them to the Executive Board for its position statement. We look forward to your participation and to receiving your
suggestions for the improvement of our governing documents. Please do not hesitate to e-mail CIRC with questions.

Ritual Moments

Spend some time with AOII’s Founders! The Rituals, Traditions and Jewelry Committee
(RT&J) has recorded and developed a monthly podcast series called “Ritual Moments,”
where members can learn, understand and reflect on AOII’s rich history. Watch for a new
“Ritual Moments” installment on the second Monday of each month! October’s recording
was a “Letter from the 1950 Pledge Handbook.” Members can also access a transcript of each
recording in the Ritual section of the Officer Resource Library on Fulfilling the Promise
(edu.alphaomicronpi.org > Officer Recourse Library > Ritual > Ritual Moments & Ritual
Moments Transcripts).

Stay Connected: 8

AOII’s social media outlets are the best way to stay up-to-date on AOII news. From recruitment results
and photos, to Strike Out Arthritis! and other philanthropic events, to notes of congratulations to
exemplary members and chapters for accomplishments and good works in the community, we are
always sharing the latest information. If your chapter has news or photos to share with us, please send
them to [email protected]! Photos to be considered for To Dragma should be sent to
[email protected] and must be 1MB or larger in size.

facebook.com/aoiifraternity Instagram: @alphaomicronpi
twitter.com/alphaomicronpi apieceofthepiblog.com

Join Every AOII Collegiate and Alumnae
Chapter is encouraged to be a part of Team
TeoaurmJBR! AOII National for the 2016 Jingle Bell Run!
More than 100 JBR events are scheduled
throughout the country in November
and December. AOII has pledged to raise
$150,000 from the collective efforts of our
chapters and members. And if an event is
not near you, the option to Jingle in Your
Jammies allows you to still be on the team.

To participate in an event:

If you are starting an AOII team:

• Select either Register One Individual or Register Multiple Individuals
with the same credit card

• Select Start a Team then select New Team Under Group
• From the drop down box, select Team AOII National Scroll down and

type in your team name and enter your team fundraising goal and
participant goal
- Collegiate Example: Team AOII Alpha—Columbia University
- Alumnae Example: Team AOII--Mid Missouri Alumnae
• Select Continue
• Fill out the form and click Continue

If you are joining a team:

• Select either Register One Individual or Register Multiple Individuals w/the same credit card
• Select Join a Team
• From the drop-down box, select Team AOII National and click Select
• If there is an AOII team in your city, the team name will appear, click Join Team to the right

of the team you will be joining.
• Fill out the form and click Continue

Form a team. Run or walk for a great cause.
Become a part of Team AOII National.

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If there is no nearby event:

To Jingle In Your Jammies:

1. Register a Jingle in Your Jammies Team for your chapter in the Franklin, TN event
• Select the Franklin, TN Jingle Bell Run at jbr.org
• Select either Register one Individual or Register Multiple Individuals w/the same
credit card
• Select Start a Team then select New Team Under Group
• From the drop down box, select Team AOII National Scroll down and type in your team
name and enter your team fundraising goal and participant goal
- Collegiate Example: Jingle in Your Jammies Xi Rho—Sonoma State Univ.
- Alumnae Example: Jingle in Your Jammies—Kalamazoo Area Alumnae
• Select Continue
• Fill out the form and click Continue
2. Register as individuals on the general Jingle in Your Jammies Team in the Franklin, TN event
• Select the Franklin, TN Jingle Bell Run at jbr.org
• Select either Register one Individual or Register Multiple Individuals w/the same
credit card
• Select Join a Team
• From the drop-down box, select Team AOII National and click Select
• Click Join Team to the right of the AOII Jingle in Your Jammies team
• Fill out the form and select the Jingle in Your Jammies registration fee option and
click Continue

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AOII Foundation News

1 Join us for #GivingTuesday!

Throughout this year, we have been sharing stories from sisters whose lives
have been directly impacted through donor gifts. The primary support of
our sisterhood is entirely through generous donations from sisters, like you.
This year on #GivingTuesday, we are asking you to Share Your Story through
making a gift of $18.97 or more to show your gratitude for a special sister in
your life.
Giving is simple! Visit our website at www.aoiifoundation.org on Tuesday,
November 29 to make your gift. After you make your gift, encourage your
AOII sisters to make their gift with hashtag #AOIIGivingStory.

2 Scholarship Application Now Available

The Scholarship Application is now available for the 2017-2018 academic year! Scholarships are available to any AOII in
good standing who will be an undergraduate, graduate (alumna member two years or less), or returning alumna (alumna
member three years or more) student during the 2017-2018 academic year.
Plus, we have a new opportunity for members applying for graduate and returning alumnae scholarships! You can now
be enrolled as a full time OR part-time student and still be eligible for a scholarship. Applicants must be registered for a
minimum of 6 credit hours in order to be considered.
Questions? Contact our Program Manager, Sydney Talley, at [email protected].
Visit the Foundation website now at www.aoiifoundation.org for scholarship criteria and application.

Arthritis Foundation
Conference of Champions

The Arthritis Foundation Conference of Champions is November 3-4 in Denver,
CO. AOII Fraternity and Foundation will have several members in attendance
and be recognized in several ways. AOII International President Gayle Fitzpatrick
will be part of a panel presentation
representing AOII as part of their
National Partner Summit called “The
A Team” along with representatives
from Advil and Amgen.

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Apply to lobby on behalf of the
fraternity/sorority community in

Washington, D.C.!

AOII and the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition (FGRC) is looking for outstanding campus and 10
chapter leaders to travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for legislation that is important to the success of
fraternity and sorority organizations across the country. This opportunity provides students with the unique
opportunity to experience the nation's capital in a new way through direct interaction in the legislative pro-
cess. AOII will sponsor two US members to attend these visits.

The Congressional visits will take place in Washington, D.C April 24-27, 2017. You must be available during
those dates in order to apply. All applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, December 9,
2016.

During the visits, much of our lobbying will focus on the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA)
that would help make fraternity and sorority housing safer and more affordable. Depending on the status
of other major legislation, including the pending higher education reauthorization, it is possible that other
issues such as the single-sex status of our organizations, freedom of association, campus safety and due pro-
cess for student organizations will be included in our efforts. You should not apply to participate if you do
not feel comfortable advocating for these legislative issues that are priorities for the FGRC.

The tentative schedule for the FGRC Congressional visits is as follows:
· Monday, April 24: Students arrive in Washington, D.C.
· Tuesday, April 25: Training for student participants in the morning and joint training for students
and alumni in the afternoon.
· Wednesday, April 26: Students and alumni participate in the annual lobbying day on Capitol Hill.
· Thursday, April 27: Students travel back to campus.

If selected, you will be expected to participate in prep work leading up to training sessions and visits that in-
cludes participation in a webinar to learn about the FGRC’s legislative priorities and securing letters of sup-
port from your institution’s leadership. It is also important that you are aware that you will miss at least 3-4
days of class that week and should be prepared to plan accordingly with your professors during that time.

To apply, click here to fill out the application by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, December 9, 2016.

If you have any questions about the legislative agenda, the application process or the Congressional
visits, please email [email protected].

Review this section to learn about all of AOII’s educational updates and opportunities for personal development. If you have

ideas or suggestions about resources your chapter needs, contact the Education Committee at [email protected].
Click on the underlined resources to view the item directly.

Celebrate Good Recently Added to the ORL
Times...Come On! 2016 Success Stories
(AOII Foundation )
Want to know a leadership secret? Great leaders
honor success and celebrate victory. Use these Tips On Asking For A Donation
last few weeks before you dive in to the Officer (AOII Foundation)
Transition Workshop to reflect on all that your
chapter has accomplished. Applaud not only the Fraternity/Sorority User Fees
advisers and appointed leaders but also the (Panhellenic)
general chapter members who demonstrated
patience as your team made adjustments to the Chapter Builder Knowledge Base
Calendar, Bylaws, or Standards Handbook (Recruitment)
throughout the year. Impress those newly initiated women in your chapter by
acknowledging their contributions to the chapter. Similarly, there are probably Relevant Workshops for this
dozens of graduating seniors who are looking to hear that their work in the chapter Month
matters—that they are valued. Invite any and all sisters to the Leaders’ Council
meeting before Class Caucus to help review the Standards of Excellence. Now is the Class Caucus Chairmen Training
time to recalibrate! Now is the time to celebrate! Elections Procedures
Officer Transition
Flying Solo Is No Fun
Resources in Production
Network Specialist Training
Digital Footprint Alpha Essential

5 Important Times to Involve Your Committee

1. When change is coming- If you are starting a new initiative or making changes that will effect the entire chapter, take
the project or idea to your committee first. Hear their concerns and learn how you can advocate for them in the next
Leaders' Council meeting. Starting at the committee level first is a great way to gain buy-in for when you propose a
vote at a chapter meeting in the future. You do not have to solve all problems independently!

2. When you are feeling dis-motivated in your role- A group brainstorming session can be the perfect motivator and
help you re-gain energy to complete an upcoming project or finalize details for an event.

3. When greater financial management is required- If the chapter is about to spend a significant amount of their funds
on an event, it is smart to involve our sisters in budget conversations . Especially in instances when the budget has
remained the same each year (i.e. philanthropy event), it can be great to think as a group how to be more cost-efficient.

4. When planning mandatory events - If the entire chapter is expected to be at an event, you will want to make the
experience worth their while. A chapter retreat is the perfect example of a time when extra hands are needed. Involving
sisters in the planning and execution of the event can also inspire them to run for a position in the future. Think of
committee involvement as a means of succession planning.

5. When projects or topics have received negative attention- If there is a negative connotation around a specific event
(i.e. Recruitment Workshops), bring in a group of women to collectively consider what needs are not being met and
how to make the topic more engaging.

See pg. 14 of the Collegiate Chapter Operations Manual for more on Utilizing Your Committee