Pay it Forward

By: Anna Kate Sumler

On my first day at Grand Convention, I had the great pleasure of having a very special training session with former Grand Council member (among her many titles) – Lindy Lutz Cash.

            Today at the Foundation Luncheon Mrs. Cash was the Keynote Speaker and focused on the leadership tagline of the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation’s belief system of “Educate. Lead. Serve.”  Mrs. Cash began her speech by quoting the words of our Creed,

“I believe that my sorority is more than a ritual or symbol,

that it is a way of life.”

            Anyone that has been fortunate enough to meet Mrs. Cash knows what an exceptional person and outstanding Alpha Delta Pi sister she is.  During her speech she says that she owes her many successes in life to the foundation of skills that she developed in Alpha Delta Pi and especially because of her time as a President at Chi chapter.

            You might be familiar with the quote,

“There are four kinds of people in the world –

People who make things happen.

People who watch things happen.

People who wonder what happened.

And people who don’t know anything happened.”

Mrs. Cash closes ends her speech by saying, “Learn, grow, and thrive from your leadership experience in Alpha Delta Pi.  My foundation in Alpha Delta Pi has taught me that I am someone who makes things happens.”

What kind of person are you?

Why You Do What You Do (or Don’t Do) For ADPi

Volunteer Luncheon with guest speaker Rick Barnes (not to be confused with Texas BBall Coach Rick Barnes)

Thanks to the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, we had a wonderful speaker for our Volunteer Luncheon. International Officers, Advisors, House Corporation members and other Alpha Delta Pi volunteers gathered to listen to Rick Barnes talk to us about why it is that we do what we do in the name of sorority affairs. Barnes is a renowned speaker, a former international board member for his own organization, a former higher education administrator, and a past president of the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, who touches on leadership, hazing issues, alcohol issues and other topics pertinent to Greek life through speaking engagements.

Barnes highlighted some key issues for us to consider as volunteers, but he also asked us a very important question. Why do you do what you do for Alpha Delta Pi? Here’s what some of my fellow diners said:

“Because I want to see our organization remain relevant to our women today”- International VP of Collegiate Membership Susan Swicord Mathews

“Because I want to make an impact”-District II Finance Director Caitlin King

“Because I believe in the values of our organization”- District II CPD Shannon Roach

“So I can see our organization grow”-District II TME Director Melissa Felts

“Because I want to leave a legacy”-Me:)

Dessert at the Volunteer Luncheon. A subcommittee will be formed to 

determine what the "green stuff" was. Jello? Fruit cocktail syrup? We're not sure, but it was good!

When we joined Alpha Delta Pi, we subscribed to the higher values and expectations that are laid out in our ritual. We should be LIVING OUR RITUAL. We should always be working to fulfill the purpose of Alpha Delta Pi. That does not end with graduation. So as volunteers, what is our role? According to Barnes:

1.      1.  Provide guidance, advice, and knowledge

2.     2.   Use caution when caution is necessary

3.      3.  Function as a liaison

4.       4. Clearly establish your role

5.      5.  Be a role model

6.       6. Hold your chapter to higher standards

7.      7.  It’s okay to let them make mistakes

8.      8.  Build upon their strengths

It’s hard to explain to my non-Greek friends, or heck, even my Greek friends who have been out of school for as long as I have why I am coming to a sorority convention. “Aren’t you too old to be doing that sorority ‘stuff’,” they’ll ask. Um. No? Lifetime membership. And Barnes reiterated that today. This is personally rewarding. That’s why I do what I do, and why I am proud to continue to be involved with my sorority. According to the strategic plan update that we listened to this morning, our 2009-2011 numbers for advisory board numbers are down from where we were in 2007-2009. Get involved! Contact someone in your area if you want to get involved. Your local campus is always a great place to start. So what’s your one sentence answer for why you do what you do, or don’t do, for Alpha Delta Pi? 

Violets for My Sister

by Leadership Consultant Ashlyn Stallings

We just have the sweetest flower ever, huh? Photo courtesy of Tumblr.

Don't be late! Friday, June 10, 2011 marks the deadline to purchase Foundation violets for all those sweet sisters you want to recognize. Sure, you can buy them at Convention, but all violets purchased by tomorrow will be packaged and delivered to the honoree at check-in. And you know how good it feels to have a nametag decked out in violet appliques on Day 1. Just take a gander at two of our Leadership Consultants workin' hard on pre-ordered violets...

Megan and Reagan gettin' it.

At 5 bucks a pop, all revenue generated through this program goes to the Clasped Hands Fund. Grants from this fund aid alumnae members facing financial hardship. Honorees will receive an acknowledgement card and violet applique.

Clearly, District IV TME Director Becky Barnes is popular and rackin' up on those violets.

Worried that the woman you want to honor may not make it to Phoenix? No worries--violets may be purchased for sisters who will not be in attendance at Grand Convention. They will be mailed in early July.

Click here to download an order form, which can be submitted through fax, mail, or email. Orders must be paid in full at the time of purchase. Gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Contact foundation@alphadeltapi.com for further information.