Leadership
2012 Officers
President
Norma G. Gaither
First Vice President
Mary Williams
Second Vice President
Regina Forrest
Secretary
Felicia Wright
Assisting Secretary
Carolyn Smith
Corresponding Secretary
Anna Howell-Swanson
Financial Secretary
Dionne Blakeney
Treasurer
Ebony Farrish
Assisting Treasurer
Nicole Talton
Ivy Leaf Reporter
Cherise Jennings
Graduate Advisor
Delores Forrest
Courtesy
Dianne Blakeney
Parliamentarian
Artisha Todd
Archivist
Lillian Baker
Sargent-at-Arms
Dot McKelvin
Chaplain
E. Jean Oliver
2010-2014 Program
Global Leadership through Timeless Service
Inspired by a dedicated investment of human capital and a bold commitment to the principles of basic human rights, we shall devote our talent and resources to this cause. Awareness, advocacy and action are the primary vehicles for the worldwide delivery of our service initiatives. We invite you to join us on this journey and accept this great mission: Global Leadership through Timeless Service.
Signature Program Initiatives
I. Emerging Young Leaders (EYL) Initiatives ~ This signature program will impact the lives of 10,000 girls in grades six through eight by providing leadership development, civic engagement, enhanced academic preparation and character building. The increasing demands of the twenty-first century mandate our youth to be better leaders at a younger age making smart choices with positive consequences.
II. Health Initiatives ~ These initiatives encourage personal fitness and healthy life styles. We will support organizations which advance access to treatment and coordinate awareness and advocacy campaigns to reduce health disparities, save lives and impact health related legislation. Co-sponsored health forums will address: diseases which disproportionately affect women and minorities, prevention and treatment options.
A. Asthma Prevention and Management Initiative ~ This signature health program will benefit children and families enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The goal is early diagnosis, treatment awareness and parental education and advocacy.
B. Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability ~ This initiative, through community forums and activities, promotes strategies and awareness campaigns to encourage energy efficiency, conservation, eco-living, reforestation, urban gardening, education and empowerment of consumers with limited resources, “go green-living green” eco-tourism, opportunities for women owned businesses, environmental zones in urban communities and advocacy for and legislation related to public health and environmental justice.
III. Global Poverty ~ The goals for this initiative are to end hunger, preserve the environment and empower women. The program will provide food production skills and training in self-reliance through gifts of seeds, livestock and training in environmentally sound agriculture. Education in sustainable food practices will make women equal partners in ending poverty and hunger. Alpha Kappa Alpha will continue its membership and consultative status with UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization). We have global partners for self-help projects and awareness campaigns within the United States and abroad.
IV. Economic Security Initiative ~ This effort expands the current programs related to wealth building and allocation of resources, home ownership, estate planning, support and empowerment of female owned businesses and urban enterprise zones.
V. Social Justice and Human Rights Initiative ~ These initiatives will address gender equality issues including: human trafficking and domestic violence, services for children with incarcerated parents, youth aging out of foster care and children in homeless shelters. Voter empowerment; access to technology; training of parents as advocates for educational and health care needs of children and support of the arts will be emphasized.
VI. Internal Leadership Training for External Service Initiative ~ This initiative will afford Alpha Kappa Alpha members leadership training at all levels within the organization. It will serve as a catalyst for members to reach their fullest potential as skilled leaders in service to Alpha Kappa Alpha and other organizations and institutions.
Membership
Graduate Requirements
• Completion of at least a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative average of at least C+ or a graduate degree from an accredited senior college/university;• Motivation and ability to promote and extend the policies and programs of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
Process
The Sorority's official graduate Membership Intake Process (MIP) is by invitation only through one of our local graduate chapters and may not be solicited. Chapters host public events, such as forums, cultural presentations and social activities, which you may wish to attend in order to become acquainted with Sorority members and their community service activities in your area. The Chapter Locator section of this site provides chapter names and contacts in your community.
The MIP begins with an Official Letter of Invitation, on chapter stationery, signed by the local graduate chapter president AND membership chair. THERE WILL BE NO MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITIES PRIOR TO RECEIPT OF AN OFFICIAL LETTER OF INVITATION. Participation in MIP activities in the name of the Sorority prior to receipt of this official letter is prohibited. There is neither pledging nor a Rush.
Candidacy is also contingent upon approval of the required materials submitted by the prospective candidate.
For more information please contact Lambda Omega AKA Membership