PEARL PAGES V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 2 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 THE O F F F ICIAL OME G A MU OME G A NEWSL E T T ER WWW.AKAOMEGAMUOMEGA.ORG "Serving Communities Along The River" P I N K R E D E D I T I O N G O E S
S O R O R M I L I K A S I N G L E T O N , B A S I L E U S A K A O M E G A M U O M E G A @ G M A I L . C O M BASILEUS' CORNER Sorors~ February is the month of Love. Express selfless love through sisterly acts for sorors and others. Express self-love by choosing things that nurtures your well being and serves you well. Take some time this month to brighten the day of our homebound and traveling Sorors with a call, card, or text. I ask that you continue to lift chapter Sorors in prayers especially our sisters that are experiencing health challenges and losses. In the month of February, Omega Mu Omega created “heartful” activities. The Membership Committee’s, “Mentoring Program Kick Off” event, The Pink Goes Red events which grows larger every year with more participation from the community and sorors. We strengthen our sisterly bonds with Sisterly Relation’s “Heart Sister” week-long activities, and we will end this month with the special kudos to our chapter Sorors who are utterly amazing and provides unconditional love and support continuously. In the words of Sister Sledge “We are Family, I’ve got all my sisters with me.” Remember to love one another because there is no other. I want to say thank you to the leaders in the chapter for all that you do and countless hours that you commit to this chapter. Way to go OMO! Let the work that we do continue to be selfless love and heartfelt. Let us continue to work together to provide service that is impactful in our communities. Remember to join chapter committees and contribute your talents. Let’s continue to extend sisterly love and help acclimate our newly reactivated and transferred Sorors and to be kind and respectful to one another and the leadership. Let’s continue to train and develop our chapter Sorors. I double dare everyone to know our documents and use them. Who is up for the challenge? We are a team and know that we can work together through anything. To do this, we must take accountability, find solutions, and support and embrace our Sorors as we go through this journey together. Sorors, as we prepare to attend the upcoming 92nd North Atlantic Regional Conference, here in our hometown of Philadelphia, please seek opportunities for learning and development in your knowledge about the sorority. Sorors then provide your assistance to implement what we learned. Meet another soror and make a connection. Pink roses to all OMO Sorors serving in NARC leadership positions. OMO will continue to support our chapter Sorors and their committees as we prepare for the F.I.R.S.T. NARC. Lastly, pink roses to all chapter delegates that will serve and represent our chapter. We love you and need you Sorors. Know that everyone is a valuable member of this Omega Mu Omega family! Keep SOARING to be F.I.R.S.T! Sisterly Serving You F.I.R.S.T., Soror Milika Soror Milika Singleton, Basileus We are One Sorority... One Chapter…One Sisterhood!
W E D N E S D A Y , F E B R U A R Y 1 5 , 2 0 2 3 6 : 3 0 P M - 8 : 3 0 P M Chapter Meeting
Happy February Sorors! This month has been an exciting one for Programs. Pink Goes Red for Heart Health continues throughout the month and culminates with our virtual WERQ Out and Walk It Out for Heart Health event. Please stay tuned for details on how to register and get those heart rates up! Also, we will have our first OMO Pink Table Talk on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. This virtual panel will tackle the topic of "The Portrayal of Black Women in Reality Television" as we recognize Black History Month and how important positive representation is in a global society. All events are open to the public, so be on the lookout for more details! Lastly, be sure to take part in our Mental Health Challenge below, powered by the Empower Our Families Mental Health Awareness Area of Focus! Don't forget to wear RED to the February Chapter meeting! The most fabulous LADY IN RED will win a prize! Soaring & Serving, Soror Sheronda-Rae Ball S O R O R S H E R O N D A - R A E B A L L , 1 S T A N T I - B A S I L E U S A K A O M E G A M U O M E G P R O G R A M M I N G @ G M A I L . C O M PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Do I love myself the way I love others? Do I know my self worth? What is my confidence level? How do I take care of myself? What do I need to thrive in life? Mental Health Love Yourself Campaign Do I love myself the way I love others? Self esteem impacts decision making, relationships, motivation, emotional wellbeing, and overall health. So take a moment and invest in yourself. During February, we want to encourage you to join us in our "Love Yourself" campaign promoting positive self-esteem throughout the month. Self-esteem can be defined as how we value and perceive ourselves. It’s based on our opinions and beliefs. Have you thought about checking your self esteem? Alexandria Warner, Lead Allison Gibbs, Co-Lead Save The Date: 3/22/23 Virtual Sleep Awareness Workshop
Do I love myself the way I love others?
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE S O R O R S H A U N A S I N G L E T O N , 2 N D A N T I - B A S I L E U S A K A O M E G A M U O M E G A M E M B E R S H I P @ G M A I L . C O M
H I G H L I G H T I N G N E W M E M B E R S I N O M E G A M U O M E G A G I V E T H E S E S O R O R S A W A R M W E L C O M E Who's New In OMO? M A L I K A O W U S U - A N T W I S K Y L A R C H A R L E S S H A U N A C A R T E R D A N I E L L E N A K A M U R A C A N D I C E J O H N S O N A L E X A N D R I A W A R N E R R O B I N B A S S D I O N D R A B R O W N
I absolutely love the month of February. The second month of the year has always represented many important events : Black History Month- when we learn about the diverse strength of black folks, Valentine’s Day when we enjoy cutting out red or pink hearts, eating heart-shaped candies and reading mushy quotes like “ will you be mine” and my birthday, February 28- when I am compelled to take a moment to look in the mirror, deep into the mirror to reflect and smile the biggest smile. I smile and honor the strength, heart, freedom and soul of my ancestors that have instilled perseverance, determination and Black Excellence into me. Black Excellence-the quality of being outstanding or extremely good in spite of concrete or abstract historically, systemic oppressive barriers. Black folks, my people, have demonstrated Black excellence in academics, music, politics, sports, fashion, military, film, inventions, culinary arts, architectural design, science, math, art, technology, advocacy, child-rearing, agriculture, dance, medical advances, construction, creativity, and more since the beginning of our time in this country. Black excellence continues to thrive through the brambles of police brutality, negative imagery, glass ceilings, unfair treatment of our Black and Brown children in both public/ private school settings, “caste” system treatment when hospitalized, unfair hiring, retention and firing practices, building wealth without an inheritance, food insecurities and so on. Sorors, by the grace of God, our collective perseverance and determination over the past 400 years are all possible due to the seeds of excellence planted by our African ancestors. This month, let us celebrate and embrace our Black Excellence. Peace and Love, Soror Rochelle Chaplain/Chair- Ritual Committee S O R O R R O C H E L L E L I G G I N S J O H N S O N , C H A P L A I N A K A O M E G A M U O M E G A C H A P L A I N @ G M A I L . C O M Grace Notes Celebrating Excellence Happy Black History Month, Sorors! Joyce Allen-Taylor Deneen Hendrick Verita Starling Sheronda-Rae Ball Alice Culver DawnMarie Callaway Muriel Alston-Moseley Wanda White Ritual Committee Next Virtual Prayer Scheduled: March 3, 2023 (1st Fridays of each month, 7:08am-7:18am), Zoom link will be posted in GroupMe
S O R O R A L I C E M A R T I N , H O D E G O S A K A O M E G A M U O M E G A H O D E G O S @ G M A I L . C O M SOCIAL AMENITIES
B L A C K H E R S T O R Y M O N T H F E A T U R I N G O U R N E W L Y I N D U C T E D H O N O R A R Y M E M B E R S P A T T I L A B E L L E R E F F E R R E D T O A S T H E G O D M O T H E R O F S O U L . S H E I S A N A M E R I C A N R & B S I N G E R , S O N G W R I T E R , A C T R E S S A N D B U S I N E S S W O M A N . H E R C A R E E R H A S S P A N N E D S E V E N D E C A D E S , S H E H A S S O L D M O R E T H A N 5 0 M I L L I O N R E C O R D S W O R L D W I D E E R I C A C A M P B E L L A N A M E R I C A N U R B A N C O N T E M P O R A R Y G O S P E L , C H R I S T I A N R & B A N D C O N T E M P O R A R Y R & B S I N G E R A N D S O N G W R I T E R . S H E I S A L S O M U L T I - G R A M M Y A W A R D S W I N N E R A N D N A T I O N A L L Y S Y N D I C A T E D R A D I O H O S T L I S A B L U N T R O C H E S T E R A N A M E R I C A N P O L I T I C I A N S E R V I N G A S T H E U . S . R E P R E S E N T A T I V E F O R D E L A W A R E ' S A T - L A R G E C O N G R E S S I O N A L D I S T R I C T S I N C E 2 0 1 7 . A M E M B E R O F T H E D E M O C R A T I C P A R T Y , S H E I S T H E F I R S T W O M A N A N D F I R S T A F R I C A N A M E R I C A N T O R E P R E S E N T D E L A W A R E I N C O N G R E S S A L L Y S O N F E L I X S H E H O L D S T H E T I T L E O F T H E M O S T D E C O R A T E D A T H L E T E , M A L E O R F E M A L E , I N W O R L D A T H L E T I C S C H A M P I O N S H I P S H I S T O R Y W I T H 2 0 C A R E E R M E D A L S , 7 F R O M I N D I V I D U A L E V E N T S A N D 1 3 F R O M T E A M R E L A Y S .
S O R O R J A S M I N E B A R B E R , C H A I R M A N A K A O M E G A M U O M E G A N O M I N A T I N G @ G M A I L . C O M NOMINATING COMMITTEE Call or schedule meeting dates, times and location. Acquire meeting space, prepare agendas for each meeting, and oversee structure and direction for all meetings. Preside at all Chapter meetings, general, executive. Have the discretion, in exigent circumstances (i.e. Act of God, national or local emergency) and with the approval of the Regional Director, to call an electronic or virtual meeting (i.e. via Zoom) in lieu of a regular in person meeting and member attendance at a virtual meeting will count as in person. Sign all checks, vouchers on behalf of the Chapter along with the Tamiouchos. Appoint the Chairman of all committees and the Chairman and members of the Audit Committee on an annual basis, except where the Chairman is determined by the elected office. Appoint the Parliamentarian and Chaplain. These appointments do not require the approval of the Executive Board or the Chapter. Represent the Chapter at all local, regional and international Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority functions. Have completed or complete Basilei Certification Training, if offered, within twelve (12) months of becoming Basileus. Serve as an ex-officio member on all committees except the Nominating Committee. Serve as Chairman of the Executive Board. Be bonded. If applicable, serve on the Board of Directors of the Chapter’s charitable foundation. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Basileus Duties Second AntiBasileus Duties Execute the duties of the Basileus in the absence of the Basileus and First AntiBasileus. Serve as the Chairman of the Membership Committee. Receive from sponsoring members all materials for the processing of potential candidates for membership. Receive and verify the credentials of all prospective members and certify that the prospective member is eligible for membership. Monitor membership status and trends and recommend strategies for recruitment, retention, and reactivation of members. Develop, cultivate, consistently communicate and evaluate systems that maintain and support lifelong active membership. Assist with the planning of Chapter Founders’ Day activities. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Greetings Sorors! Nominations are coming up in November but it is never too early to start thinking of what criteria it takes to run for office along with what duties come with each position. The Nomination Committee will highlight various office positions throughout the year so that you can prepare yourself when it is time for elections. Also, consider sending a friendly nudge to a Soror that you think will be a great fit for office. As a reminder, we will be voting for Group I officers in November. Be a member in good standing, as defined in these bylaws as being active and financial, at the time of her nomination. Have been in good financial standing for the 12 months preceding her nomination Have attended at least 60% of the Chapter’s regular meetings and participated in at least 5 or 50 %, whichever is less, of the Chapter’s programs of service in the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the nomination for office. Been a member of the Chapter for thirty-six (36) consecutive months immediately preceding the nomination or been a financial member of Alpha Kappa Alpha for thirty-six (36) consecutive months preceding her nomination and having been a member of the Chapter for at least twenty-four (24) of those 36 months. Served as Chairman of a Chapter standing committee or Chapter program committee as stated in these bylaws. Attended at least two (2) of the following three (3) conferences, North Atlantic Regional Conference, Leadership Conference or Boule in the twenty-four (24) months immediately preceding the nomination for office. Criteria for Basileus and Second Anti-Basileus Of icers Source: Omega Mu Omega Chapter Bylaws, Article IV, Section II; Article IV, Section V Sisterly Hugs, Soror Jasmine Barber (Chairman), Soror Angela Ferguson, Soror Deirdre Jones Lowman, Soror Jennifer Johnson & Soror Regina Council
Business Business Casual Rituals (Seasonal White Attire) Closed toe shoes preferred Sandals are acceptable Open-toe shoes or sandals Seasons white sling-back, peep-toe, mules, peep-toe with sling-back and pumps are acceptable Hosiery (optional) No hosiery Hosiery - white or flesh tone Short or long sleeves Sleeveless Short or long sleeves Skirt at knee length Skirt at knee length Skirt at knee length to midcalf Pants Suits Khakis, polo shirts, trousers, shirts, skirts, blouses, slacks, sweaters Dresses or skirted suits with sleeves S O R O R S H A U N A C A R T E R , C H A I R M A N M S S C A R T E R 2 @ G M A I L . C O M Soaring F.I.R.S.T With Protocol Sorors, it is February 2023 and we are increasing our in-person meetings on the international, regional, and chapter level. We are looking forward and making sure you don't miss a step as it pertains to protocol and presenting ourselves as women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Omega Mu Omega Chapter at various events and occasions. Every month, look here for very important tips and reminders, starting with this month's focus: protocol for chapter meetings. F O L L O W T H E P R E S I D I N G O F F I C E R S ' G U I D A N C E For chapter meetings, the presiding officer is Madam Basileus. If there is any uncertainty regarding the attire for a chapter meeting, sorors should confirm with Madam Basileus, Protocol Chairman, or Madam Basileus’ designee. In addition, if you know a VSG (Very Special Guest) is attending the chapter meeting, please immediately notify Madam Basileus and Protocol Chairman so appropriate courtesies. Lastly, If you have a question or comment about a report, please stand and address the presiding officer before speaking (e.g. Madam Basileus, I move that...) and allow the presiding officer to recognize you. This will allow the presiding officer to answer the question or comment herself or direct another soror to address the question or comment. C H A P T E R M E E T I N G S A R E B U S I N E S S M E E T I N G S Unless Madam Basileus designates attire other than business attire for a chapter meeting, sorors should be dressed in business attire. Here is a chart to help distinguish between business, business casual, and rituals attire. E X A M P L E O F B U S I N E S S A T T I R E E X A M P L E O F B U S I N E S S C A S U A L A T T I R E Source:Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® The Official Guide to Alpha Kappa Alpha Protocol 2022-2026 Administration
TECH COMMITTEE
92nd North Atlantic Regional Conference Information I M P O R T A N T D A T E S M A R C H 9 - 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 NARC Ontime Registration Ends: January 15th NARC Virtual Registration Ends: February 22nd or until capacity is reached Delegate Credentials: February 22nd Service Project Volunteer Signup: March 1st Service Project Collection: March 11th Stomp the Yard: F.I.R.S.T. Love Step Show Tickets: March 9th C L I C K B E L O W F O R N A R C G U I D E
OMEGA MU OMEGA 92nd North Atlantic Regional Conference Leaders M A R C H 9 - 1 2 , 2 0 2 3 Soror Milika Singleton Regional Director's Dinner, Chairman Soror Sheronda Rae Ball Souvenir Journal, Chairman Soror Shauna Singleton Sign, Graphics, and Printing, Co-Chairman Evelyn Sample-Oates Honorary NARC Chairman Soror Jacqui Hugee Programs, Vice Chairman Soror Deneen Hendrick Worship Service, Chairman Soror Sicily Hill Parms Hospitality Chairman Soror Kim Rush Registration, Chairman Thanks sorors for your leadership and thanks OMO sorors for your assistance as well for a successful upcoming conference!
February 13th Precious Pearl "Galentine's Day" at P.F Changs 6:00- 8:00 p.m. February 15th OMO Chapter Meeting 6:30- 8:30 p.m. February 20th WERQ it Out for Heart Health 7:00- 8:00 a.m. February 21st YLI: Conwell Cohort One Meeting 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Black History Month Panel Discussion 7:00- 8:30 p.m. February 23rd Membership Reclamation Virtual Open House 7:00- 8:00 p.m. February 25th OMO Pink Goes Red "Walk It Out" For Heart Health 9:00- 11:00 a.m. I F Y O U D O N O T H A V E A C C E S S T O T H E C H A P T E R C A L E N D A R P L E A S E E M A I L : A K A O M E G A M U O M E G A C O R R E S P O N D I N G @ G M A I L . C O M Upcoming Dates You 're You 're You 're Invited Invited Invited
T H E N E W S L E T T E R C O M M I T T E E I S B A C K A N D I N F U L L A C T I O N ! W E A R E H E R E T O M A K E T H E B E S T N E W S L E T T E R Y O U H A V E E V E R S E E N B U T W E N E E D Y O U R H E L P F O R T H A T S O R O R S ! I F Y O U A R E W O N D E R I N G H O W Y O U C A N H E L P - T H E F I R S T S T E P I S T O S I G N U P A N D J O I N . NEWS want to join? Newsletter Committee [email protected] Your Newsletter Committee: Jasmine Barber,Sheronda Rae-Ball, Sherica Mays,Natrisha Spencer
Officers Basileus-Soror Milika Singleton First Anti-Basileus-Soror Sheronda-Rae Ball Second Anti-Basileus-Soror Shauna Singleton Grammateus-Soror Jennifer Johnson Anti-Grammateus-Soror Jael Delva Tamiouchos-Soror Sue Levy Giles Anti-Tamiouchos-Soror Janel Carrington Redcross Pecunious Grammateus-Soror Sara Greene Anti-Pecunious Grammateus-Soror Danielle Nicole Laws Epistoleus-Soror Jasmine Barber Philacter-Soror Deneen Hendrick Hodegos-Soror Alice Martin Historian-Soror Evelyn Sample-Oates Ivy Leaf Reporter-Soror Regina Rowland Perry Parliamentarian-Soror Kim Rush Chaplain-Soror Rochelle Liggins Johnson Members-at-Large: Soror Barbara G. Pratt Soror Joyce Allen-Taylor Soror Vicki Clark Soror Alice Culver Omega Mu Omega Chapter 2023 Officers & Committee Chairmen
Standing Committee Chairmen Constitution and Bylaws-Soror Kim Rush Finance-Soror Sue Levy Giles Program-Soror Sheronda-Rae Ball Nominating-Soror Jasmine Barber Standards-Soror Christina Young Membership-Soror Shauna Singleton Connection and Social Action-Soror Allison Gibbs Archives-Soror Evelyn Sample-Oats Technology-Soror Medinah Bey Leadership-Soror Barbara G. Pratt Protocol- Soror Shauna Carter Sisterly Relations-Soror TiRease Holmes Rituals-Soror Rochelle Liggins Johnson Tellers-Soror Natrisha Spencer Scholarship-Soror Jocelynn Norris Executive-Soror Milika Singleton Fundraising- Soror Robin Bass Social Amenities- Soror Alice Martin Audit- Soror Christina Young Risk Management- Soror Kim Rush Other Award- Veronica Hammond Business Manager- Soror Adrienne Byrd EAF- Soror Regina Rowland Perry NPHC Representative- Soror Sicily Hill Parms Newsletter- Soror Jasmine Barber Strategic Planning- Soror Sue Levy Giles Omega Mu Omega Chapter 2023 Officers & Committee Chairmen