January 2015 - Dst

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
St. Louis Alumnae Chapter
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
January 27, 2015
Natural Bridge Branch County Library
Present: Sorors Mitchelle Price, Phyllis Russell-Smith, Carolyn Thomas, Donna Dansberry, Rogerlyn
Williams-Simington and Cynthia Young
Excused: Soror Quintella Ivory
Others Present: Sorors Doris Carter, Carmelita Palmer and Anita Thomas
The Executive Committee Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Mitchelle Price. Soror
Price offered the prayer. Soror Dansberry moved that the agenda be accepted. The motion was
seconded by Soror Russell-Smith. A voice vote was taken and there were no objections. The motion
passed.
President’s Remarks – Soror Mitchelle Price
Regional Newsletter
The Economic Development Committee’s Innovative Entrepreneur Workshop article and picture was
featured in the January Central Regional Newsletter.
Regional Director News
On Thursday, January 8, 2015, a conference call with the Regional Director and Chapter Presidents was
held. Soror Coachman spoke about the VH1 Show “Sorority Sisters” and the urgent message to boycott
the program from Soror Paulette Walker. A recommendation to suspend the sorors on the show had been
made. The sorors that appeared on the show, have now been expelled as of Tuesday, January 13, 2015.
Soror Coachman asked that chapters having Founders Day Celebrations refer to our Protocol and
Traditions Manual and Rituals and Ceremonies documents for proper protocol.
There will be more Risk Management Training for the GEMS, Delta Academy, and EMBODI programs.
Chapters who want to sponsor college trips for their youth must be approved by the Regional Director and
chapters must make sure the applications and background checks for sorors and volunteers are complete
and cleared. Volunteers must know their expectations. Chapters with shared service areas will be asked
to discuss how they will operate. Collegiate chapters’ service areas were established in 2012-2013. A
template from National Scholarship and Standards is being developed. Soror Jackie Dillard will be
available to assist with language and wording.
National Convention Date: Will be held in Houston, Texas, July 23-30, 2015. More information will be
forthcoming.
Ariya
The Ariya Committee is accepting recommendations for Ariya Escorts. Ariya Escort applications are
available on the chapter website or from the Ariya Co-Chairs. Please see Co-Chairs Soror Karen Miller or
Soror Leslie Russell for more information regarding the Ariya. Rites of Passage will be held on March 22,
2015 at Gateway Classic Sports Foundation and the time is to be determined.
Technology
The Technology Committee is working on launching the Chapter Facebook page. Any event flyers to be
sent out on the chapter Website should be sent to Soror Vivian Cockrell or any Technology team
member.
Soror Price gave a special thank you to the Technology Committee for creating a lovely Founders Day Ecard that was sent to Sorors from the Executive Committee via email on January 13, 2015.
Fortitude Foundation
Soror Price was contacted via email from Soror Emma Morris, Chairperson from Fortitude Foundation,
regarding the chapter’s interest in securing plaques, trophies, scrapbooks, and other memorabilia that is
still at the Fortitude Foundation at 3858 Washington. Fortitude needs to clear the library room where the
1
St. Louis Alumnae Chapter items are located. Soror Morris stated their Board will designate individuals to
box the items and prepare them for pick-up by the chapter at a mutually agreed upon time. Soror Price
responded back and stated that our chapter would like to secure our properties and memorabilia and
requested if we could do a walk-through of the building, so we can identify some items that may be our
property that they may not be aware of. Additional storage space will have to be looked at for these
items.
NPHC of STL
Soror Brandese Spiller has new NPHC Directories and will bring them to the Chapter Meeting in
February.
Soror Spiller brought to the Executive Board the idea about hosting a Mardi Gras Party with a group
called Freetime. The concept would be RED MARDI GRAS and held on Friday, February 13, 2015.
There was discussion this date would conflict with the NPHC night at the Black Rep. Soror Price will relay
questions from the meeting to Soror Spiller for additional information.
Messages from our National President, Soror Paulette Walker
There is a lot of information that is being sent to the Sorority’s membership individually via email by Soror
Walker. Please take the opportunity to read this correspondence that is being sent by National
Headquarters.
nd
The Guidelines and Applications for step show teams for the 52 National Convention will be available
beginning Friday, February 20, 2015. Please see the National Website for more information.
To ensure accuracy and up-to-date information regarding each and every Soror of Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc., the National Headquarters staff is enhancing the profile section in the Sisters Only Member
Portal. As you Update Your Delta Data, you are confirming and/or providing information specific to your
individual member profile. Numerous departments within the National Headquarters office such as
Finance, Information Systems, Membership Services, and Event Registration will benefit from this update.
The profile enhancements are not currently available on the website. However, an email will be sent next
month requesting that you U.Y.D.D: Update Your Delta Data. Upon receipt of the request, please proceed
with completing the brief updates. Please share this information with SORORS both financial and nonfinancial, the Sorority is asking that they ALL create and or update their profile. Any soror that has not
created an account in the Sisters Only Member Portal must first send an email requesting a System ID to
[email protected]. The email should include (full name, current or last chapter of affiliation
and membership number).
The Mentoring Keys Scholarship is a new educational opportunity offered by the Delta Research and
Educational Foundation (DREF) and is generously funded by the KeyBank Foundation. The scholarship
award is open to African American students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in business related disciplines
at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). The scholarship award of $5,000 will be made over
a two-year period, beginning with the junior year of study through the senior year; applicants must apply
during their sophomore year. A major component of the Mentoring Keys Scholarship is a new educational
opportunity offered by the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) and is generously funded
by the KeyBank Foundation. Also, the Mentoring Keys Scholarship will include a Mentoring Keys Advisory
Panel to assist the scholarship awardee in achieving academic success and personal development.
Criteria for Applicant





Recognized by institution as a sophomore in good standing
Major in business related field at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)
Possess a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
Have permanent residency in KeyBank service area
Have ongoing regular check-in with Mentoring Keys Advisory Panel during junior and senior
years
2
Application deadline: Tuesday, March 3, 2015. Please go to the National Website for more information
and to apply.
Stephanie Tubbs Jones Summer Internship Program
The Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF), under the auspices of its Center for Research
on African American Women (The Center), established the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Social Justice
Institute. Currently the STJ Institute offers an annual summer internship, in collaboration with the
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, for young women to work in the U.S. Congress. The intensive
nine-week summer internship program offers the opportunity for college students from across the nation
to learn about the legislative process, leadership and careers in policy making. Interns work in CBC
member offices, attend professional development events, and participate in leadership development
projects. The program prepares young people to become informed decision makers and influential
leaders who shape our world. The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Intern will also attend select programs and
events sponsored by DREF, in addition to full participation in the CBCF Congressional Internship
Program.
Benefits of the Internship Program
 A $3,000 stipend
 Room and board at a local university
 Interns may be eligible to receive academic credit at their college or university for participating in
the program.
Qualifications
 U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S.
 Female student currently or recently enrolled in college full-time when applying for program
 Demonstrated interest in public service, governance, and policy-making process
Application deadline: Tuesday, March 3, 2015. Please go to the National Website for more information
and to apply.
Community Empowerment Grantmaking Program
The Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF) has collaborated with Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc. for the 2015-16 Community Empowerment Grantmaking Program. The 2015-16 grant
awards will be made using funds from the Delta Centennial Program Planning & Development Fund
established at DREF. Grants will be awarded to chapters of the Sorority and community organizations
who partner with local Delta chapters, provided they have similar missions and goals as those of DREF
and the Sorority. This program will fund community service-based programs that address one of the
following focus areas:





Civic Engagement
Educational Development
Financial Literacy
Health and Wellness
International Awareness and Involvement
Grant awards will range from $500 to $1,500 based on the rating score received. Proposals must clearly
delineate how the target population will be empowered to improve their current condition. Chapters and
organizations may submit only ONE application through the Community Empowerment Grantmaking
Program.
Application deadline: Monday, March 2, 2015. Please go to the National Website for more information
and to apply.
3
Mental Health Grant Program
The Mental Health Grant Program aims to reinforce the importance of recognizing the signs of mental
illness and of seeking help and treatment from healthcare providers. The Delta Research and Educational
Foundation (DREF) in collaboration with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will award grants to conduct
Mental Health initiatives, using funds from the Sorority’s Centennial Program Planning & Development
Fund established at DREF. The Mental Health Program Grant will be awarded to chapters of the Sorority
and community organizations who partner with Delta chapters, provided they have similar missions and
goals as those of DREF and the Sorority. Eligible programs must address issues affecting African
American Women and their families related to the following Mental Health subjects as specified in the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Mental Health Across the Lifespan Initiative:
 Bullying
 Postpartum Depression
 Successful Aging Later in Life
Application deadline: Monday, March 2, 2015. Please go to the National Website for more information
and to apply.
Alpha Omega City-Wide Chapter Request
Alpha Omega City-Wide Chapter sent an email to Soror Price requesting to be placed on our February 7,
2015 chapter meeting agenda. Alpha Omega City-Wide Chapter would like to ask the chapter for
financial support for their Sickle Cell Foundation Initiative. The financial support will be in conjunction and
partnering with St. Louis Alumnae and St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae chapters. It was decided that
Alpha Omega would be put on the agenda and that the chapter will be asked for support via passing the
hat.
Gospel Jazz and Blues brunch will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at St. Louis Airport Marriott at
1:00 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person. It was suggested the flyers need to be brighter. The flyers are
hard to read.
A full Executive Board Meeting, with all standing committees, will be held next month. Date and location
to be announced. Tentative date was set for Wednesday, February 25, 2015. There was discussion to
consider holding conference calls versus in person meetings and to also consider having some sorors call
in, who are unable to attend in person.
Minutes – Soror Cynthia Young
The minutes from the December 17, 2014 Executive Board/Executive Committee Meeting and January 3,
2015 Chapter Meeting were reviewed. Soror Russell-Smith moved to accept minutes from the December
17, 2014 Executive Board/Executive Committee Meeting and January 3, 2015 Chapter Meeting. Soror
Dansberry seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and there were no objections. The motion
passed.
Correspondence – Soror Donna Dansberry
 A thank you card was received from Soror Thomasina Hassler.
 A thank you letter was received from Soror Louise Wilkerson and Thomas Kitchen for $100 donation
to Project Power to the People.
 Save the date from Alpha Omega City-Wide Chapter for their DST Appreciation and Fun Night on
Friday, April 10, 2015. Location to be determined.
 The AKA Pink Goes Red event will be held on Friday, February 6, 2015 at Myrtle Hillard from 11:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 Greek Night at the Black Rep will be held on Friday February 13, 2015. Tickets are $35. Tickets
include the play and admission to Troy’s Jazz Gallery, featuring Tim Cunningham.
 NPHC Old School Grove on Friday, February 20, 2015 at Kappa Kastle from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. See Sorors Kim Banks or Brandese Spiller for
tickets.
 The St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Jabberwock will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015
at Missouri Athletic Club at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $50.
4

Lincoln University Founders Day luncheon will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the
Renaissance Airport Hotel. Tickets are $40. See Soror Barbara Thomas for more information.
Soror Dansberry suggested envelopes leftover from meetings with minutes, agendas and updates, which
were not picked up by sorors without internet access should be shred. There are 34 sorors without
internet access. Soror Thomas suggested we should make copies for only half the amount of sorors
without internet access, since copies are not being picked up.
REPORT OF THE OFFICERS
Financial Secretary’s Report – Soror Rogerlyn Williams-Simington
Financial Secretary, Soror Rogerlyn Williams-Simington, reported on the receipts for the Operations and
Regions Bank accounts for the month of December 2014. The report will be filed pending audit.
Soror Williams-Simington will correct the report and send to Executive Committee by Thursday, January
29, 2015.
There was continued discussion about the credit card machine. Soror Russell-Smith moved to accept
Soror Williams-Simington information about the mobile device with Bank of America and to move forward
with the purchase. Soror Dansberry seconded. A voice vote was taken and there were no objections.
The motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report - Soror Carolyn Thomas
Treasurer, Soror Carolyn Thomas, reported on the bank balances for the Operations, Ariya, Education
and Social Action accounts for the month of December 2014. The report will be filed pending audit.
Membership dues will be due starting in January, 2015. Sorors planning to attend the 2015 National
Convention, must have their 2015-2016 membership dues paid by Tuesday, March 31, 2015.
Program Planning & Development Report – Soror Phyllis Russell-Smith
Soror Russell-Smith presented the Program Planning and Development report for the following
committees: Breakfast with Santa, Community Awareness and Involvement, Economic Development,
Twinkles, Education, Physical and Mental Health and International Awareness and Involvement. (See
Chapter website for complete PP&D report under the Members Only section)
There is a Regional Initiative, “Violets Against Violence”. A workshop will be held on February 28, 2015 at
O’Fallon Park YMCA, sponsored by Project 13 Chair, Soror Laverne Bady.
Membership Services – Soror Phyllis Russell-Smith (for Soror Quintella Ivory)
Soror Russell-Smith presented the Membership Services report for the following committees: Check out
the Church, Fellowship, Founders Day, Merry Widows, Rededication, Delta Dears and Reclamation and
Retention. (See Chapter website for complete Membership Services report under the Members Only
section)
New Business - None
Nominating Committee – Soror Carmelita Palmer
Soror Palmer presented the Nominating Committee report and the 2015 Call to Nominations. The
positions open for the 2015-2017 sorority year are: Treasurer (2 year term), Nominating Committee
Chairperson (2 year term) and Nominating Committee members (5) (2 year term). The Nominating
Committee has now been changed to a two year term and will have to be held in conjunction with an
elected office. It will now always be held with the Treasurer election.
Arts and Letters – Soror Anita Thomas
The “Delta Authors On Tour” event will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Zuka Art Gallery
th
located at 2701 N. 14 St. from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Three authors will be featured. Authors will
handle their own transportation and lodging. Letters and flyers will be sent to various organizations.
5
Internal Audit – Soror Doris Carter
The first audit was completed in December, 2014. The next audit will be in March 2015.
Announcements
 Soror Anita Thomas is getting married on Sunday, February 15, 2015 at 12:00 noon at Christ
Southern Mission Baptist Church located at 5630 Page Ave.
Recommendations Requiring Executive Committee Vote - None
Action Items:
 Pass the hat at the February Chapter Meeting to partner with Alpha Omega City Wide Chapter for
the Sickle Cell Foundation Initiative.
Soror Mitchelle Price asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Soror Williams-Simington moved that the
meeting be adjourned. Soror Russell-Smith seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and there were
no objections to the motion. The motion passed.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Soror Cynthia Young
Recording Secretary
6