March 2011
Teaching Multiculturally
Getting Beneath the Surface By Nicole “Jené” Reaves Guest Writer
In the first week of March, an elementary school teacher in Ohio, in an effort to have students gain a better understanding of slavery, separated the class into slaves and masters, and allowed the “masters” to look in the mouths of the “slaves” and feel their legs to judge their strength. A few years ago, a middle school teacher in New York came under fire after she attempted to show the cruelty of the slave trade to her students by having two African American students act as slaves. The African American girls had their hands and feet bound with tape and then had to crawl under desks to simulate the conditions on a slave ship. Of course the African American students were humiliated, parents were outraged, and community groups called for the teacher to be fired. Even more horrifying is the knowledge that for both teachers, this was not the first time they had conducted these lessons. As misguided as these teachers were, it is possible they felt that reading a passage in a textbook did not sufficiently convey the realities of American slavery. The problem is that they did not have an appropriate way to make multicultural lessons more meaningful. They are not the only educators who are in need of better strategies for culturallyrelevant teaching. Many teachers find that teaching about Eleanor Roosevelt, Garrett A. Morgan and Cesar Chavez does not get to the heart of high African American unemployment, referendums on gay marriage or anti-Arab sentiments. In response to this, some high schools have implemented Diversity Days which are days where the students have a chance to discuss issues that are relevant to them. These types of conversations are Continued on Page 17
On the Track of a
Theta Woman
By Shannon C. Stewart, Ph. D. Guest Writer
I’m getting ready for the big event—the one we’ve all worked on so hard and so long. The girls are ready; they know exactly what to do and when to do it; they’ve been practicing for months. They have the self-confidence, pride, and—let’s face it—swagger that comes from putting in hard work and making a real commitment to an organization, and they are ready to show off. I put on my shirt with its signature colors, recognizable letters on the front, and my own hard-earned and distinct moniker on the back. There’s a number, too, a special one. I continue dressing, putting on black bottoms and the expected and approved footwear for such an occasion— no open-toed shoes here! To top things off, I add some touches that are unique to me but still in keeping with the uniform: a necklace with our symbol on it, a personalized jacket, and so on. Soon the first whistle blows and the pack takes off. Of course, there are lots of butterflies (the in-the-stomach variety),
Continued on Page 6
What’s In This Edition? Meet our NUest Colony... Regionalization Check-In... Spotlight on Girls For A Change...
2 FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Sisters,
Staff Rashida Rawls Editor-In-Chief Elizabeth Edwards & Dara Monasch
Senior Editors Jamie Dawson Senior Designer Caitlin Bassett & Sarah Hein Copy Editors Atiya Hasan & Arianna Smith Staff Writers Tanya Arditi & Lindsay Romasanta Contributing Writers
Table of Contents
Cover Features ................................. 1 “Teaching Multiculturally” “On the Track of a Theta Woman” From the President .......................... 2 Sisterhood Spotlight ........................ 3 Featured Article ................................. 4 “Meet the Alpha Lambda Colony” Featured Article ................................. 7 “It’s Time to Say ‘I Do’” Featured Article ................................. 8 “Change Your World” Featured Article ................................. 10 “Regionalization Check-In” Chapter Highlights ............................ 14
Welcome to the Staff! Caitlin Bassett
#1 Enana Banana Fall 2007 Rho Chapter Currently: Xi Xi GAP
Our organization is going through many structural changes this year in hopes of improving our processes and growing successfully. I believe we are doing well in transitioning into our regional structure; of course it will take time to settle in and become more efficient. As we work on learning and fine tuning our new processes, I would like to encourage you to keep our roots in mind. It is easy to get caught up in organizational process and lose sight of our foundation, but it is essential to be mindful of our mission statement and tenets and how you are promoting them on a personal level and a chapter level, if applicable. Get together with your local sisters and share with each other how you are upholding our tenets in your daily life. If you feel you could improve on promoting one of our values, ask your sisters for ideas or do something as a group. Most importantly, celebrate our history and values as well as the reason why you joined Theta Nu Xi often enough that you don’t lose yourself in the day-to-day functions of the organization. Renewing your personal and Theta Nu Xi spirit is fundamental in continuing to be successful in promoting our mission that becomes more important in our world each day. We would love to hear how you are renewing your Theta Nu Xi spirit – email national.president@thetanuxi.org and let us know!
As we work on learning and fine tuning our new processes, I would like to encourage you
to keep our roots in mind.
ONE Love,
Amanda Tomchak National President
Convention Reminder:Start planning now! NATIONAL CONVENTION 2011 Butterflies Building a Better Tomorrow:
ONE Step At a Time New Orleans, LA | August 5th to 7th, 2011
Registration details and schedule coming soon! Payment Plans available but must be requested by April 15th, 2011. Contact national.president@thetanuxi.org for details.
SISTERHOOD SPOTLIGHT 3 What is your favorite thing about Theta Nu Xi?
My favorite thing about Theta Nu Xi has to be the sisters. I don’t think I will ever be able to explain how amazing all the women are that I have met so far. Sisterhood has brought me so much joy. I have way too many happy memories that all involve my sisters, especially my chapter sisters.
What was your reason for joining Theta Nu Xi?
I joined Theta Nu Xi because of what the organization stood for. I wanted so much to be a part of a community that believed in accepting, and not just tolerating diversity. Sisterhood was an added bonus for me, especially since I am an only child. I also saw Theta Nu Xi as an opportunity to help me grow as a person and a woman.
What would you say has been the most rewarding experience of being a Theta Woman so far?
The most rewarding experience I had while being a Theta Woman was in 2007 during a community service event at a local children’s museum. We were volunteering with an organization called Keep It Real, which helps integrate refugees from Somalia and Burma into the American culture. There was one girl from Burma named Elnyaw, who had been in the United States for only three weeks. She didn’t speak any English, and she wasn’t very social and didn’t interact with the other children. After spending the whole day with her, I wasn’t sure if she even enjoyed her time at the museum because her facial expression hardly changed all day. Right when it was time for her to leave she came up to me, gave me a hug, and smiled. It was the sweetest thing. I knew I made a difference in her life, even it was for just one day
Who inspires you?
My father is my main inspiration. He came to this country from Guyana, with literally a half-filled suitcase. He has shown me what it means to persevere and overcome any obstacles that are put in your way to achieving greatness. Since the time I was three, he has told me to reach for the moon because if you fall you will be among the stars.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I have many interests, but not too many hobbies. I am looking for some though. I’m a nerd, so I love science, mainly chemistry. In addition to liking science, I tend to gravitate towards anything that has to do with the Caribbean or my own spirituality. I also like Zumba, gardening, and reading. I really enjoy cooking (and am good at it!). Recently in my spare time I have been trying to get through my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. Some of those things include dancing in the rain, traveling in a hot air balloon, putting money in someone’s expired parking meter, and making a list of 101 things that make me smile.
What is one achievement that makes you the most proud?
The achievement that makes me most proud is graduating college. For me it was definitely a struggle, maybe even a bit more than I let on. Being able to say that I am a college graduate (the first in my family) is something no one will ever be able to take away from me.
If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
The word that first comes to mind is eccentric. They say it’s a nice way of saying weird or quirky, which is how I see myself.
Samantha Swami #1 SPICE Fall 2005 Nu Chapter
4 FEATURED ARTICLE
Meet the Alpha Lambda Colony! By Dara Monasch Senior Editor
In the Fall of 2010, Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated made way for its first entity in New England: The Alpha Lambda Colony at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The Sisters of Alpha Lambda, originally all members of the interest group UNIQUE, are incredibly proud and excited to have brought the first multicultural sorority to their campus. Since the inception of UNIQUE, Soror Mekea Harvey has been involved with the group, first serving as a local advisor to the interest group, then transitioning into the role of Expansion Team Leader and finally becoming their Chapter Advisor. Soror Harvey maintains a close bond with the Sisters of Alpha Lambda and speaks with the utmost pride of the women she guided into our sisterhood. When asked what she is most proud of in respect to these Founders, Soror Harvey states that she is most impressed by their “sticktoitiveness.” For the duration of their existence, the Founders continued to always strive for excellence in every challenge they have faced. Despite all obstacles, Soror Harvey says, “they are here and still working as hard as day one.” As Soror Harvey has seen the Colony grow from interests to Sisters, she continues to encourage them to achieve more. She expects “these women will continue to excel in their academic and personal lives,” and “that they [will] stay involved with
Theta Nu Xi, both during their time in their initial chapter, as well as once they transition into GAP.” Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a very distinctive, high caliber technological school which attracts serious students. The Sisters of Alpha Lambda have embraced their “hardcore academic” reputation and are determined to maintain the high standards they have set for themselves, as well as bring to the campus a new multicultural perspective.
Alpha Lambda Founders “MATTER OF FACT” | Fall 2010
What is the Greek Community like at WPI?
HAYLEY SANDGREN: Greek Life at
WPI is really friendly… all of the organizations hold the strong belief that people will find the right organization for themselves and that competition is unnecessary… Also, the Greeks on our campus have been extremely welcoming to us – they are all genuinely happy for us to be here and many of them have given us congratulatory gifts and already contacted us about working together.
Why did you decide to bring Theta Nu Xi to WPI?
HARA WANG: I wanted to bring Theta Nu Xi to campus because I wanted to bring the idea of creating unity among di-
Lee Joan Villafuerte
Cathy Wang
Hayley Sandgren
Tiffany Chau
Hara Wang
Ijeoma Ezeonyebuchi
Cameo
Spark
Nina
Shockwave
heARTiculate
ENANA
versity to our campus. WPI is a very culturally and socially diverse school. However, we lacked some sort of community understanding and unity. I believed Theta Nu Xi would be a great addition to WPI, as an option for sisterhood, as an advocate for multiculturalism and as a force of community cohesion.
Why did you personally decide to pursue membership in Theta Nu Xi?
TIFFANY CHAU: All my life I have been surrounded by a group of diverse friends. Even though I was proud of my heritage, I always found myself attracted to people who had diverse backgrounds, ideas, personalities and cultures. Not only have I lived my life through multiculturalism, after discovering Theta Nu Xi, I realized its tenets attracted me as well. I wanted to be a part of an organization composed of women who shared the same desires to live their lives by Alicia Theta Nu Xi’s tenets and Turner promoted its ideals to their San
FEATURED ARTICLE 5 communities. I wanted to inspire change.
What was the greatest challenge in going from UNIQUE to the Alpha Lambda Colony? LEE JOAN VILLAFUERTE: [T]he roles of every member [have] changed. Most of us currently hold various positions and are still adapting to the roles and responsibilities that we must fulfill. It definitely involves a lot of work and dedication starting a colony and getting used to collaborating with the national organization and the campus.
What changes do you hope to bring to the WPI Campus?
CATHY WANG: I would like [to] spread and raise awareness of multiculturalism. Most people understand the concept of diversity but not necessarily multiculturalism. As a sister of Theta Nu Xi I feel that we should be leading to make a change on it. IJEOMA EZEONYEBUCHI: I really hope we can help integrate different cultural and social groups together. I would like us to be an organization that embraces and welcomes all. [By] expos[ing] our campus to more multicultural aspects, we will help everyone gain a greater appreciation for culture.
What are you most proud of thus far?
HAYLEY: I’m most proud that we made it—that we not only became lifetime sisters of such an amazing organization, but we also provided every woman [who] comes to WPI the opportunity to experience something as incredible as we have.
What do you anticipate to be your biggest struggle in bringing the mission of TNX to WPI?
IJEOMA: I do feel that we are a different type of sorority and it might be hard for people [to] understand, but in time I hope they will. I do want them to recognize our mission to bring people together through the celebration of culture. ALICIA TURNER: As the first cultural sorority we’re something new that many people on campus have never experienced and while we’ve gotten a ton of support from them, I want them to feel comfortable enough to join in our events with us.
What are you most excited about in being a member of Theta Nu Xi?
HARA: Theta Nu Xi feels like a home
away from home to me. As an international student, I did not know anyone before I came to the States; I did not have a single relative. But now, I have gained over 1000 Sisters across the nation and the world who all live my passion and share my belief. I feel bathed in sisterhood. It makes me smile.
Tell me one unique thing about the Alpha Lambda Colony.
“We are probably the most literal colony in existence.” -Founding Sister Tiffany Chau
What does being a Theta Woman mean to you?
CATHY: It means a lot to me! Since I’ve become a sister, I feel that I’m a part of something bigger. It means that I have sisters [who] are so different from each other yet are so accepting of all the differences. It means I’m a strong and brave wom[a]n who [is] not afraid of speaking up, nor afraid of challenges. I feel I’ve become an active advocate for multiculturalism, and I am making a change every day! HAYLEY: Being a Theta Woman means that I always have the power to achieve what I want to achieve, and be what and who I want to be, and that I can help other people do so too. It means I always strive for the best, carry myself like a lady, live multiculturalism constantly, and of course, be the best sister I can ever be.
How has becoming a Founder of the Alpha Lambda Colony affected your life? LEE JOAN: Found-
ing the Alpha Lambda Colony is one of the turning points in my life. It has changed my outlook and attitude in regards to life and my self... The process in gaining
membership has taught me a lot, and it has developed me into a stronger and confident Theta Woman. Tiffany: It has further demonstrated to me that with the right mindset, support, and effort, I can accomplish anything in life. It’s given me the confidence to be myself and not afraid of others’ criticisms.
What are you hoping that the Alpha Lambda Colony will be known for, both on the WPI campus and within the National organization?
HARA: I hope that, both on [the] WPI campus and within the National Organization, the Alpha Lambda Colony will be known for avid advocates and living examples of leadership and multiculturalism. We want to show everyone that we are dedicated to performing the missions of the Sorority in our everyday life. TIFFANY: At WPI, I hope that the Alpha Lambda Colony will be known for its ambitious nature and dedication to our work on campus. I hope that every Greek organization on our campus would be enthusiastic to host an event with us. Within the National Organization, I would hope that we are known for always stepping up to the challenge.
Above:
Alpha Lambda with their Colony banner
Left: Alpha Lambda Emergence
The Alpha Lambda Colony founders express great thanks to the all of those who have participated in their journey from interest group to Sisterhood. Special thanks to: ETL Mekea Harvey, ADI Rhaema Friday, Jamie Dawson, Xiomara Lara, Tanya Jankowski, Katherine Ntiamoah, Amariee Collins, Dara Monasch, and Naadirah Shapley-Wells.
6 FEATURED ARTICLE On the Track of a
Theta Woman
Continued From Page 1
Photos courtesy of A Boy Named Tsunami
but they usually disappear with the first hit, that first rattling knock given or taken. Let me guess: You were with me the whole way until I started talking about hitting folks, right? You knew what I meant about uniforms, hard work, and colors and letters, and all of that. But I wasn’t actually talking about Theta Nu Xi or preparing for an Emergence. I was talking about roller derby. And what may surprise you, Sorors, is that the two have more in common than you might initially think. The letters I’ve been referring to are “PSRG” and they stand for “Palmetto State Rollergirls,” my league. The color is green and the name and number on my shirt are “Tart of Darkness” and “11.” And just as earning my “ΘΝΞ” and “Egyptian Breeze” badges of honor took time, sweat, tears, and a serious commitment, so did my earning of these. In fact, many of the wonderful things about Theta Nu Xi and roller derby are shared. Roller derby leagues (the vast majority of them, anyway) are completely women-owned and women-operated, volunteer-run entities. Just like our sorority, nothing happens in roller derby unless we make sure it happens. For that reason, we roller derby girls put in a lot of time, effort, and energy to ensure that what we’re doing works and that we don’t put a new girl out there on the track to represent us until she’s also put in her own time, effort, and energy to learn our rules, our safety guidelines, and how to do what we do well. As you know from going through an intake process, there is a great sense of pride and accomplishment derived from that kind of training. When one of our “fresh meat” (or rookie skaters—yes, we have special names for ABOVE: Shannon on the track after a serious fall newbies, too) skates out in She now sports onto the track for the first an 2008. 8-inch scar where her time, sporting her jersey arm was operated on. with her special name and RIGHT: Shannon, in number on it, she does so green, about to make with a certain strut that contact with a skater comes from knowing she from the opposing team. earned the right to do so. And she knows she’s also giving back to her community in a number of different ways—just like we do in Theta Nu Xi. Most leagues either choose one charity to support and partner with for an entire season or pick a new charity for each bout and donate a portion of the proceeds from it to the organization. Like Theta Nu Xi, roller derby believes in supporting and giving back to the community that supports us. We’re also like Theta Nu Xi in that we are role (or, perhaps, roll!) models. The members of our teams also cross races, cultures, religions, backgrounds, and lifestyles. We’ll ac-
cept anyone who makes the commitment to our league, working hard, being a class act, and earning her spot among us to help us run the business that is our league as well as promote our ideals of good sportswomanship, self-actualization, and empowerment. I’ve been a part of roller derby since September 2006, and have consistently had a cadre of creative, tough, capable, funny, and strong roll“I’m lucky to have found ersisters by my side. roller derby when I did: It’s And because of all the best sisterhood I’ve been we’ve gone through— involved in since I joined and continue to go Theta Nu Xi in Spring 2000.” through—to make the PSRG successful, we’ve got each other’s backs…always. The fact that we look different from one another doesn’t matter. We have young skaters and a few nearing fifty. We have tattooed and pierced Suicide Girls and straight-laced-looking librarians. We have high school drop-outs and skaters with PhDs. We have full-time moms and single business owners. We have tall girls and short ones, skinny ones, thicker ones, and everything in between. And just like in Theta Nu Xi, it’s this diversity that we embrace, that makes us work so well together. Everyone is encouraged to play to her strengths and to push herself beyond what she thought she could do and we are all better for it. Of course, playing a full contact sport that involves hurling your body at an opponent while going full speed on quad skates doesn’t appeal to every woman, and not every woman can handle the rigorous training and serious commitment required to be part of roller derby. That’s okay, though—becoming a Theta Woman isn’t something that is for just any woman either! After all, taking a chance on anything new involves a very real sense of risk. Whether it’s the risk of physical injury that exists in roller derby (I myself now sport two pins, lots of wire, two plates, and fifteen screws in my right arm after breaking it in eight places in a bout a couple of years ago) or the challenge of becoming a member of Theta Nu Xi. Women of both organizations are cut from a different sort of cloth. What makes us all strong, brave, independent women who understand each other is that both rollergirls and Theta Women are those who choose to embrace these risks and reach for something greater. In roller derby and in Theta Nu Xi, the gains far outweigh the risks for all of those involved. And knowing that we’re all part of something positive, something that changes lives, is worth whatever it costs.
“
i do
IT’ S TIME TO SAY
“
Photos courtesy of Google Images
When we are young girls, we dream of the one event that is forever etched in our minds until one day it becomes reality. As young girls, we pretendplay to create what will be our wedding day as adults. We wear a pretty dress— the one that makes us look most like a princess. We use our mother’s makeup to make us feel beautiful and elegant. We pick from our own backyards the flowers we will hold, and use our teddy bears to represent the prince of our dreams and the people who will watch us walk down the aisle. We become Cinderella. When we are young girls, we watch movies like Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. We begin to believe that we are princesses born to marry our dreamy and charming princes. Marriage becomes the one important event in many women’s lives. We live our young adult lives looking for our prince. But what about the princess who isn’t looking for her prince but another princess? Does this story have a happy ending like Cinderella’s? As my wedding day approaches, I am reminded of the reality that this beautiful union is not recognized in the eyes of many. The many include some family, friends, religions, the State and the law. My partner and I happen to live in a state that recognizes Civil Unions. A law whose purpose is to provide same-sex couples all the state rights, benefits and responsibilities of a marriage. But, we can never dare call it “Marriage”, because the word
FEATURED ARTICLE 7
”
Diversity of Interests By Elizabeth Edwards Senior Editor
By Xiomara Lara Guest Writer
“Marriage” is used only when referring to the union of a heterosexual couple. However, we also live in a state where many employers and health insurance companies refuse to recognize civil unions. Again, denying us our right to protect our partners “through sickness and health” as intended in a real marriage. The LGBTQ community isn’t asking for special rights when it comes to Marriage. We are asking for equal rights. As Valentine’s Day has come and gone, many marriage license counters around the nation will team up with marriage equality organizations in support of the marriage equality movement. Many other organizations will organize marches, forums, walks and fundraisers in support. These types of events force many states to face the reality that the LGBTQ community will not give up their struggles to obtain the rights we deserve. We ask our straight allies, our communities and state representatives to support our cause so that we may have the right to marry our partners. We ask for our love to be recognized. We ask for legal access to all benefits, rights and privileges provided by federal law to heterosexual married couples. We ask that you join us in this fight so that we can create a change in our society. I ask that as your sister, you think of me. Because I do believe that a princess has the right to love her princess. To join the cause, please support your local Marriage Equality chapter at www.marriageequality.org.
We are a sisterhood of very unique women who participate in, care about, and are intrigued by a wide array of activities, things, and ideas. In an effort to expand our horizons and to encourage education outside of traditional environments, the staff of ONE Vision is beginning a new side feature on the diversity of our sorors’ interests. This simple list will usually accompany a story about a sister’s particular interest or activity and is intended to be a place where others can be incited to look into things they may not know much about or have never heard of at all. We would love if sisters would take the time to let the staff of ONE Vision know what they are passionate about so we can share that in the list—who knows what may come from your submission? We may ask you if we can write an article about it so we can share more about your passion to our sisterhood. So to start us off, here is our first list!
Cake decorating Autism Awareness Fantasy Football
Local Theater
Access to healthcare problems due to language barriers
Environmental Justice Reading the Classics Zero Footprint Living
8 FEATURED ARTICLE
D L R O W
change your
t on Gir
h Spotlig
By Jamie Dawson Senior Designer
development programs, ranging from the Girl Scouts to group homes for girls from low-income communities. One of the stark differences Whitney noticed between working with the Girl Scouts and in group homes was the sense of power that was instilled in the participants. Through her work with the Girl Scouts, she witnessed “girls feeling empowered and feeling like they could take an active role in their own lives,” says Ms. Yaniga. “But in the group home, she didn’t see the same opportunities there for the girls. She found so much anger, and so much frustration in these girls, because they really saw all these things around them that angered them, that they felt like they couldn’t impact or couldn’t affect.” Not surprisingly, many of the girls in the group home were from less affluent communities. Due to socioeconomic disadvantages, these girls were already dealing with heavy issues in their communities that left them feeling powerless; issues such as teen pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, and being shuffled around the foster system, to name a few. Using her experiences with the Girl Scouts as a starting point, WhitPhotos and images courtesy of Girls For A Change
Do you remember when you realized that you had the power to change your world? For some of us, it might have been from an early age. Maybe you were the little girl who always asked your teacher or parents “Why?” but was never satisfied with the answer. Some of us might have come into our power as teens, drawing on life experiences from high school to help us find our voices. Or maybe you only discovered what kind of power you had through your involvement with Theta Nu Xi. That is because this power, this idea of change, resonates with many Theta Women at their very cores. We want to build a better campus, community, and ultimately a better world, and we have discovered that the only way to change things is by being the change that we want to see, living by example as sisters of our amazing organization. It’s probably not surprising that the CEO and founder of Girls For a Change (GFC), Whitney Smith, had collegiate experiences similar to those of our trailblazing Founding Sisters, who identified a void on their campuses. While attending Pennsylvania State University, Whitney felt a void in the student life community for a specific group of students. Her solution, and first foray into making change as a young adult, was to found the first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender student group and LGBT Faculty Allies group. “She really took a stand for something that she believed in personally, because it was something that she felt was unjust and she needed to create change around,” says Annie Yaniga, Executive Assistant to Whitney. “She started to see she could really make an impact on the world around her.” Whitney went on to work with several women’s
ge
han C A r o ls F
ney set out to create a new program for girls that would not only teach important developmental and life skills, but that would be oriented around social change. As Ms. Yaniga points out, social change is addressing a community issue “that you identify as a problem; that impacts you and your community directly, and taking a stance on it and trying to change it.” Girls For A Change would do more than tell girls that they needed to be more confident and improve their self-esteem: it would teach girls how to find their voices, their own power deep within. Girls For a Change has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2002. The first Girl Action Teams were started in and around Silicon Valley with funding from sociallyconscious businesses and foundations. After several years of operating successful Girl Action Teams locally and regionally, GFC gained national momentum as Whitney began partnering
Above: The GFC curriculum help Girls identify problems in their world, and encourages them to let their “opinions flow, and don’t hold back.” Left: Founder and CEO of with large GFC, Whitney Smith corporate sponsors. The list of investors has grown significantly over the past three years and includes companies such as Clorox, Pine Sol, Kotex, Sephora, and Bank of America. Ms. Yaniga points out that some of these corporate relationships have specifically helped raise awareness of GFC not only through monetary donations, but also through heightened exposure in the
FEATURED ARTICLE 9 national media. Currently, GFC is working with 55 Girl Action Teams in ten different states and in five countries outside of the US (Rwanda, India, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Costa Rica). For every 10-15 girls on a Girl Action Team, there are two female coaches,. The coaches go through a transformative twoday training experience with GFC Trainers that outlines the curriculum, which is a combination of youth development and life coaching strategies, and highlights the need to give the girls the power to lead their own team. This idea is called “Girl-Led” and is a hallmark of the organization. “Girl-Led is one of the most important values that we are constantly living,” says Ms. Yaniga. “The coaches don’t lead the teams, the girls lead the teams. Coaches provide guidelines, the coaches teach the girls the steps: how you create a project, how do you start out, how do you do you work together as a team…. But the girls are the ones who decide what they want to work on, they decide how they want to address the problem, they decide the steps and they carry it out.” Giving the girls the ownership of their project allows them to realize that they have the power to accomplish whatever goals they set for themselves, instead of adults dictating what they can and cannot do. Ms. Yaniga says that every project that she sees is different, and special and amazing in its own way. The issues vary and have ranged from every topic imaginable, some of which include anti-littering, reducing stress, teacher appreciation, bullying, racism, teen pregnancy, body
YOU
WHAT
CAN DO!
Want to know how you can help further the mission of our National Philanthropy, Girls For a Change? There are several ways you can help! 1) Spread the word! GFC is on Facebook and Twitter, so find them, follow them, and share their messages with your net-
images in the media, immigration education, child abuse, domestic violence, selfesteem, anti-homophobia, drug abuse, and sex trafficking. Ms. Yaniga points out that a lot of the same issues crop up no matter where the GFC team is located.
your resources may be. And then... how do we turn these resources into something productive. And you start to create a cohesive idea of what you actually can do and who you are going to impact.” GFC sees the same remarkable results with the Change Your World trainings: powerful and Serving as an agent of social change in my poignant ideas turning into impactful awareness community inspired projects, about issues that me to examine issues the girls really care about. of injustice, to chalEven in the condensed lenge, and to act. form, girls demonstrate -Krissa, Participant and discover that they have the ability to change their worlds. From being in GFC, I learned that By giving the girls the I can do anything as long as I put reigns to control almost my mind to it. I learned about the every aspect of their variimportance of hard work, dedicaous “Girl Led” projects, tion, perseverance, optimism, and the Girls For a Change teamwork. I learned how powerful program provides the the voice of female youth can be. guidance that allows its participants to really find -Alina, Participant their voices and transform GFC has also themselves. But this transformation is developed “Change Your much more than watching a shy girl start World” trainings, which is an abbreviated to come out of her shell, or watching an version of the 12-week program. “Change insecure girl gain more self-confidence. Your World trainings are amazing,” says “The process of starting out with someMs. Yaniga. Over the course of two days, thing that makes you angry and... feeling the girls work on a mini-project, where powerless, and then getting to a point they are presented with the basic princiwhere you have completed a project that pals of the GFC curriculum. Once they addresses that, or if you can raise awarecome up with a topic, their coach will ness about it… it makes you feel like provide them with the same guidelines you can do something about it” says Ms. as a full 12-week program. “How do you Yaniga. “And then you take that with you create a project? What’s your first step? for the rest of your life.” Whitney and the Identify resources,” Ms Yaniga explains. GFC team have witnessed girls literally “Even just a place to meet, or phones to become social change agents, who come call people... maybe you know somebody to realize that they truly are the creators of at the local television station. Whatever their own destinies. works. Or visit them online at http://www. girlsforachange.org! 2) Continue to fundraise within your chapters and regions, but try to go above and beyond the minimum required donation. 3) Become a Coach! Contact Niki Pan tazis at niki@girlsforachange.org if you would like to start a team or to find out if there is a team already in your area. 4) Consider fundraising locally on a larger scale by soliciting businesses and
corporations in your area for a large contribution to the organization. If interested, please contact Lori Fitzmaurice at lori@ girlsforachange.org for more information. 5) Attend Convention and get trained! Whitney had a great idea on how to get us more involved with GFC and working with girls. She decided to tweak the Change Your World trainings specifically for our sisters, so that we can become trained to facilitate these programs in our various locations. This training will occur at the 2011 National Convention in New Orleans!
10 FEATURED ARTICLE
Regionalization
CHECK-IN The First Six Months
By Tanya Arditi & Jamie Dawson
Since Convention 2010, regionalization has moved forward at a rapid pace and has been demanding on the Regional officers and sisters, as we all adjust to this new structure.
To hear what is happening in the different regions and to shed light on the challenges, accomplishments, and plans, we asked each Regional Director a series of questions. Their responses are honest and enlightening regarding effects of regionalization and what we may need to think about in our own regions. West Katherine GIPSON
Central Valeria Fernandez
Southeast Natrina LAWSON
Mid-Atlantic Camille BOWENS
Northeast Jennis WATSON
The Regional Directors What are the challenges that your region faces? Katie, WEST: The biggest challenge that we face is similar to that of the Central Region in that our region is vast and it is very difficult to visit each other, have in person meetings, and/or conduct in person conferences. The closest chapter to me is 720
miles away, or 12 hours, and the furthest is 1,450 miles, or 24 hours. Our other challenge is sister participation. We have held elections and still have yet to elect a Regional Director of GAP and Undergraduate Intake and our Regional Administrator. I do want to point out that we have had several Sisters re-activate and we are in the process of bringing a chapter out of dormancy.
FEATURED ARTICLE 11 Valeria, CENTRAL: The Central region’s biggest challenge is
the fact that we are all so spread out. There are four chapters in the south and four in the north, with hours in between each one, and there are bigger distances between us than there are between chapters in any other regions.
Northeast Region is one of the smallest, if not the smallest, in terms of total membership. There are fewer hands trying to do the same amount of work. Externally, the biggest challenge is that the northeast is the birthplace of the multicultural Greek movement. As such, resident organizations are held to a very strict set of standards and expectations from the Greek community at-large. Our chapters have to be especially aware that their actions directly affect all of the other chapters in the area.
Natrina, SOUTHEAST: I guess the challenge is communication in general. In the Southeast, we’re kind of isolated: everyone gets involved in their area, and miss what’s going on in others. Our main challenge is getting the message across that all undergrad and GAP chapters should be sharing ideas. The transi- How are the challenges of your region similar or different from those in other tion from undergrad to GAP has proved challenging: undergrad regions? and GAP chapters tend to feed into each other, reinforcing the Katie, WEST: I believe the challenges we face are most simibubble effect. It’s therefore a challenge and it has become my lar to the Central region in terms of our focus to get new people and new ideas, region’s size and general culture. I especially at the GAP level, because believe that the three other regions have what you end up with are Sisters who a lot more in common with each other were undergrads and are now in GAP because of their size, membership, and chapters and know how everything the Greek culture and history in the area. works, don’t want to change or try anything different, and so they only have Valeria, CENTRAL: Our collecthis one perspective, and I think GAP tive challenge is: STARTING! We are women who come in on the GAP level the first regional directors; so setting a bring a freshness and new ideas that standard and laying down the ways to do help the chapter grow and stay dynamic business that were not there before has Southeast Region Sorors as we grow as an organization. been challenging. We’re figuring out that Camille, MID-ATLANTIC: As the largest region and the some ways work and some maybe don’t, but we’re still all learnregion expecting the most increase in membership during the ing and that can only be improved upon as time goes on. We’re upcoming semester under the current regionalization model, also all getting used to the new structure and procedure for the we face the challenge of handling transitions on the whole to entire system of getting things approved and moving forward include: me as the Director, the new Regional board and the with requests. new/current members. We are in a constant state of transition. Natrina, SOUTHEAST: The primary difference is that We must master a calm disposition in the face of New Memregions like Central and West have a distance issue where they ber exams/forms, errors with the MOS, intake-related requests, just can’t get together to hash things out and are isolated from inquiries, and issues, overflowing inboxes, Regional officer and a location standpoint; it takes a plane trip to get to some chapmember transitions, numerous invitations to listservs, and so ters in those regions! Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Southeast, much more. the chapters are fairly close, within driving distance. If I really wanted to go see a chapter, I could drive four or six hours, or To an extent we need to be unafraid of repeated attempts because our attempts even to another region. Regional directors experience the same “chapter bubbles” problem, and we are now acting as middlewill lead to something concrete. We must men, and it’s been interesting to see how chapters address not remember that the concept of Regionalization is still rather fluid and we can really having to go directly to Nationals. I think the challenges are the same; the differences are in how we address them. take this opportunity to rebuild, renew,
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and reshape our organization.” -Camille
We face issues with inactivity and it’s a double-edged sword that goes hand in hand with an issue of non-responsiveness from Sisters on a grand scale. Some sisters could be active and just aren’t and others who may need inactivity for personal reasons believe choosing it would cast shade over their dedication to Theta Nu Xi. Last but not least, we are challenged to make sure we are educating sisters adequately about what they can expect from their transition from being an undergraduate sister to a GAP/ GAL member. We are experimenting and seeing what works best, but it’s all trial and error.
Jennis, NORTHEAST: The Northeast Region faces both internal and external challenges that, when combined, can be a significant hurdle. Internally, the biggest challenge is that the
Camille, MID-ATLANTIC: The only difference I perceive really is in the quantity of sisters/chapters in each region, which in turn determines how things are done to effectively handle the transfer of information in that region. There are almost no models and really no templates. For example, the Northeast region does not employ the help of as many Regional Officer positions as the Mid-Atlantic region; each Regional Director has to evaluate what the needs of her region are, decide which roles she is willing and able to absorb, and then a structure becomes more defined from that. Jennis, NORTHEAST: While many of our national undergraduate chapters experience competition on their own campuses, in the Northeast Region, there is constant pressure for both undergraduate and GAP chapters from an overall Greek culture that values intensity, precision, and socialization.
12 FEATURED ARTICLE What are some short-term and long-term goals of your region? Katie, WEST: Wow! This is a great question. I think it is hard
for me to speak for the region when we haven’t been able to meet as a body yet, but I know that there are a few general things we can agree on: We would like to have a regional retreat begin to be a feasible option for our region; we would like to see expansion for our region when the moratorium ends; and we would like to build greater bonds between our members and chapters.
Valeria, CENTRAL: This year, I’d want to see all chapters
flourish both with new membership, establishing traditions and overall just developing as chapters. I’d want to see increased participation from GAP/GAL sisters and Undergrads, everyone collaborating together to make the region wonderful.
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In the long-term, I’d like to see more undergrad Sisters make the transition as GAP/GAL members and continue to be an active part of the sorority. I’d also like to see GAP/GAL sisters who are currently inactive come back to activity.” -Valeria
Natrina, SOUTHEAST: Short-term: Getting the regional
conference up and running hopefully in April, to get Sisters in the same room to talk, share ideas, network, and realize that there is more than just their chapter— that there’s a whole level of the organization for them to work with. By the end of my term, I’d like to have more GALs become active. I had two chapters technically go dormant (Xi Zeta and GAP Anchor chapter), so I’d like to bring those chapters back. We have international Sisters so I’m hoping to get them into the GAP Anchor chapter so they can feel represented in the organization with a voice when it comes to things like legislation and so they know that just because they live outside the U.S. doesn’t mean they have to be inactive. I know that when I was a GAL, it was a struggle for me to find out what was happening, but we have so many Sisters “out there,” on top of inactive Sisters, so if we could reach them, we would have a lot of great ideas and resources to tap into and become more dynamic.
Camille, MID-ATLANTIC: The region’s first regional teleconference was held on February 13th and I got to hear from Chapter Presidents and delegates about what they’d like to see happen for the region. Other members were encouraged to listen in if they wished. From my current standpoint, I have three major goals: 1) reach transitional stability; 2) run a successful reclamation campaign (modeled after that of the Northeast region) to regain activity within the region; and 3) enforce a culture of appreciation being that I’m not the only one making this change for us possible. All the sisters actively contributing on a daily basis are making this happen as well. I’ve said it from day ONE: This shift for the region is not my show. Everyone is part of this performance and I’m here to lead and put as much into motion as plausible.
Jennis, NORTHEAST: In the short-term, the immediate goal is and has been unifying the region. We must have a common position upon which to build future goals that will affect us all.
In the long-term, the focus will be reclaiming inactive members, formulating cooperative agreements among chapters to encourage a singular regional personality, providing opportunities for more and more regional members to be engaged with the Sorority, and becoming the premiere “cultural” sorority in the northeast.
What events has your region organized or what are the plans for future events? Katie, WEST: As of right now there are no events planned other than a regional conference call that will count as one of our regional meetings. We are still trying to figure out if we can hold a regional retreat/conference over the summer that would be attended by the majority of members. Valeria, CENTRAL: We haven’t had an event yet, but taking the example of the Mid-Atlantic Region, I want to see my region have a Teleconference. Since the region is so spread out, I didn’t want to have a regional conference yet—it would be hard to plan and would involve too much money; money that I feel Sisters could really be using toward their chapters at this point. The Central Region will aim for an actual conference when Sisters will get the opportunity to bond and work on development possibly in the Fall or next Spring.
Natrina, SOUTHEAST: The Southeast Regional Conference is my brainchild, and I love the initiative of the sweet young ladies of Alpha Alpha who came up to me and said they want to host it in Gainsville.
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My main goal is to take the opportunity to provide training, resources, and strategies for chapter leadership and living a tenet-based life, and to provide Sisters with tools they can take back to their chapters and use in their chapters and communities.” -Natrina
The conference will center on what tenet-focused programming looks like, how to evaluate it, how to plan it better; also going over basic financial management procedures, fundraising ideas, intake, recruitment and retention, and also elaborate on what can be gained from being in the Sisterhood. We also want to break down and explain what it takes to go though the bid process for a national or regional office, so that hopefully when the time comes they’ll feel more comfortable and want to run for office or be in a committee. Camille, MID-ATLANTIC: Following the successful teleconference in February, tentative arrangements for an in-person conference in North Carolina towards the later part of the year are in full motion.
Jennis, NORTHEAST: The Northeast Region had its first regional conference in December 2010, a meeting which took place on a conference call. This meeting focused on clarifying the new processes and procedures that were made necessary by regionalization. In February 2011 we had our first on-the-ground regional conference at Ramapo College of New Jersey. The theme was Unity and Image in the Northeast. Following Convention 2011, the regional leadership team will begin to explore
FEATURED ARTICLE 13 opportunities for large-scale service and social events.
How are chapters and members of your region adjusting to the changes that regionalization has brought? Katie, WEST: I think that there is still a lot of confusion surrounding where to turn in documents, dues, and other things. On the other hand, I feel that the Sisters in my region have been very open to asking questions whenever they are in doubt and have been open to learning.
Camille, MID-ATLANTIC: I think the chapters are handling it amazingly! I know that in some cases requests for help or information may seem redundant and overwhelming. Some chapters have even gone so far as to suggest things directly to me or tell me what they think of my contact with them. I love feedback and think it’s entirely essential. Jennis, NORTHEAST: The response from chap-
I feel that it has had a positive effect on board members. I know that it may not seem as if that is the case right away, but I really feel like once all of the kinks are worked out, things will fall into place and become a lot easier for board members.” -Katie
Valeria, CENTRAL: They’re adjusting well. Some positions have actually had more work making the changes for regionalization than others, but I believe overall we’re all pretty happy. I’d like to think it has helped everyone do their job better.
Northeast Regional Conference February 2011
ters in the Northeast Region has been outstanding. Chapter officers have all taken the initiative to learn what the changes will mean for their members and are beginning to form the inter-chapter network that will undergird Theta Nu Xi’s regional presence.
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Have you seen any evidence showing how the regionalization process has affected our National Board members? How do you think they are adjusting?
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Valeria, CENTRAL: Of course there has been confusion on my part as well as on the chapter’s part as we all get used to this new thing, but its all part of the learning and growing process. Chapters have come to accept regionalization and I think things will only get better as time goes on and as chapters as well as officers get used to the structure and as we see what opportunities develop and what things become possible thanks to the structure. Natrina, SOUTHEAST: I’ve had a lot of interactions where at first Sisters were lost about procedure, but now that they’ve gotten the regional officers in place, they are getting the hang of it and it’s been easier to get information from everyone. So now they’re used to me and we’ve developed a rapport. I hope I can get a system in place with GAP chapters where we have more interaction. Everyone otherwise has been professional and sisterly while adjusting to regionalization, and very open with questions and concerns, and have been very wonderful with patience and understanding that no one has ever done this Regional Director thing before me and I’m learning to play the role as I go. Sisters have been receptive to the regionalization process once they figure out what we’re doing.
turn-around have made her the go-to person for regional chapters with respect to intake and/or expansion. She is also my righthand-woman in all circumstances, including those that do not directly relate to her duties. Danielle is the epitome of the leader that the Regionalization Committee was envisioning when this Regional Officer position was created.
GAP-at-large members have been enthusiastic about what regionalization will do for the region as a whole. We are seeing women become active after several years of inactivity.” -Jennis
Also, I cannot express enough how critical my Regional Officer of Intake and Expansion, Danielle Smith-Scott, has been to the success of the Northeast Region. Danielle’s hard work and quick
Natrina, SOUTHEAST: I think it’s hard to tell because we have so many new National Board members. I hope they are less stressed and that the new structure gives them more room to work on other things. For example, I think Amanda [Tomachak] has been able to refocus on making sure that we transition to OrgSync and the R.E.N.E.W.A.L. initiative. The Regional Directors have been able to split up everything that [was previously the responsibility of the] Vice President, for example with Standards reports, so the process is quicker, and I think that has alleviated a ton of stress. We’ve definitely spread the work around, and we’re also transitioning to using electronic resources more. We’re getting to a point where we’re organizing the National Board for the potential of our growth, whereas before we were just reactionary. We’re not working on putting the structure in place so we can delve into the side projects like the GAP Pen
Continued on Page 16
14 CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS In order to keep all sisters up-to-date on what our various chapters are doing, each issue of ΘΝΞVision will chronicle quarterly highlights from each contributing chapter.
Zeta
The Chapter celebrates its recognition as the Greek organization with the highest GPA at Georgia State University. Out of its eight members, five made the Dean’s List and one achieved President’s List status, which recognizes a 4.0 GPA for the semester. Sisters also celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Zeta Chapter, this past December by gathering with all the Zeta Chapter sisters and sharing their experiences and gratitude for chapter founders Leticia Simmons and Rebecca Gonzalez Wiegard. Once the spring semester started, the sisters held a Room Warming/ Ten-Year Celebration in their new rooms with a great turnout from sisters, fellow Greeks and friends.
Omicron
Omicron received the first place trophy for best step performance at the Multicultural Greek Council’s annual “MGC Showcase”. The Chapter received third place at the 2nd Annual “International Explosion” hosted by the Council of Ethnic Organizations in November 2010. The sisters will be enjoying three official, extravagant, and classy bachelorette parties in the month of February for Alex, Sonia, and Cassandra (and their sweethearts)!
Alpha Theta
The Alpha Theta Chapter is proud to announce that they have crossed their first Fall line! They would like to formally welcome to the Chapter: Sorors Shirley Rojas, Erika Simmons and Storm Flowers. Also in the Fall 2010 semester, Chapter Founder Larissa Forik completed her undergraduate degree and is now an alumnae as well as a Chapter advisor.
Alpha Iota
This past summer Nadera Bhuayan interned in the public relations department at Lancôme Paris. She was featured in the Educational Opportunity Program newsletter in the center spread because of the special campus presentation she hosted about her internship and how to be assertive and reach your goals. Habiba Braimah studied abroad in Mexico over the summer and was inducted into the Rho Lambda honor society. Genesys Nuñez was inducted into the Greek-based honor societies of Rho Lambda, Gamma Sigma Alpha, and Order of Omega as well as the leadership honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa. The Chapter’s first event on the Plattsburgh campus was a great success with about 40 people attending the event, “What Color Are You? Discovery of Skin Tone and Physical Beauty.” This skit-based program explored the pressures that society places on women to reach an ideal beauty.
Xi Alpha
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS 15
Xi Alpha welcomes its new members Larissa Pamen (Alpha Iota), Stefany Diaz (Sigma), and Mimi Patel (Alpha)! The Chapter would also like to congratulate Rhaema Friday for starting a new job as a Staff Accountant with Community Renewal Team (crtct.org) and Jeanelle Folkes for starting a new position as Student Services Officer for the Office of Graduate Student Services at Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. In December, the Chapter worked with Habitat for Humanity in Newark, NJ; delivered homemade lunches to New York City’s homeless; and worked with the Liberty Humane Society to help raise money. The sisters also very
much enjoyed continuing their tradition of a sisterhood holiday dinner at Soror Iris Lovell’s house.
Xi Beta
In September, Dara Silver (pictured at left) joined the staff of the Arts Council of WinstonSalem and Forsyth County as Manager of Funded Partner and Grant Programs. During the Fall 2010 semester, Ashley Smith (pictured at right) made the Dean’s List at UNC Greensboro where she is pursuing her second bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies.
Xi Gamma
Xi Gamma is proud to be donating $2,200 to Girls For A Change after another hugely successful Winter ONEderland. This year marked the ninth annual Winter ONEderland with over 200 guests grooving to music provided by DJ Cuzzin B at the elegant and sophisticated Tabaq Bistro in the heart of the Washington, D.C.’s U Street Corridor. In sister updates, Tanya Aditi completed her Master’s degree in Public Policy from American University this past semester and Cori Ahrens will be completing her Master’s degree in Business Administration this May.
Xi Epsilon
Jessica Johnson was team member of the year for her region at Red Robin and was promoted to assistant manager at the Newnan Crossing location in Georgia. Ahdia Browne (formerly Harrell) married Maurice Browne in Mexico (pictured at right). She is also putting her planning experience to use as a certified wedding coordinator. Sumiye Jarreau is enjoying her new position at the Marcus Autism Center as a Behavioral Parenting Counselor. She now travels throughout Georgia providing clinical services to parents whose children have recently been diagnosed with Autism. Xi Epsilon is happy to welcome Elise Meyers, Jessica Johnson, and Nilaja Montgomery to the Chapter and is happy to announce that Xi Epsilon has started its own Twitter page TNX_XiEpsilon and blog (http://onelovega.blogspot.com). In late 2010, Xi Epsilon launched “Number ONEs: A Year of Hits” during which all of the events are intended to be groundbreaking and unforgettable—just like the number one hits they are named after. Last year, the Chapter held “Cater to You” a sisterhood spa day and participated in “The Greatest Love”, an annual Radiothon to raise money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The sisters were even mentioned live on the radio station Star 94 during the latter. The first event of 2011 was a service event, “Imagine”, which was a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
16 CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS Xi Iota
Naadirah Shapley Wells (pictured, left) was invited to facilitate the GrrrlFest social justice camp for girls in Michigan for a third year in the summer of 2011. Zandria Robbins (pictured, center) accepted an infant care/teaching position after graduating with her Master’s Degree. Venus Kendall (pictured, right) has been using her creative talents to pen songs that demonstrate her love for our Sorority. The Chapter is looking forward to its Annual Sisterhood Retreat in Chicago in early March.
Xi Xi
Recognized on February 5, 2011 as the Lower Hudson Valley (LHV) GAP Colony, the Xi Xi Chapter chartered just three weeks later on February 27, 2011. This chapter is an initiative that has been more than six years in the making. Xi Xi is anchored in Mahwah, New Jersey and will primarily serve Rockland County, New York and Bergen County, New Jersey.
GAL
Jazmin Peralta-Armstrong gave birth to a baby boy on February 6, 2011. Baby Ernesto A. Armstrong, III was welcomed into this world by his family at 9:31 p.m. weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz. and measuring 21 ¾ inches. Jamonique Holt (pictured at right) led a study abroad excursion with nine high school students from Wakulla High School to Mexico. Taryn Townsend is the recipient of the John Hilton Knowles Fellowship at the MGH Institute of Health Professions where she is pursuing a MS in Speech-Language Pathology. This fellowship is a merit based scholarship that pays for 100% of her tuition and is awarded to one person in each department. Taryn has also taken a leadership role as Student Government representative for her class.
Regionalization CHECK-IN Continued From Page 13
Pal, the GAP trip, the mentor program, which need the foundation of regionalization.
Camille, MID-ATLANTIC: I have definitely seen evidence. Initially with the amount of individual transitions it was hard to feel relaxed but as we’ve gotten farther from September 2010 it’s grown easier by the day. I think the Board is transitioning well and everyone on the old board has been more than willing to assist those from the new board. I’m even more delighted to see that sisters from other regions have reached out to the MidAtlantic region specifically to help. All it takes is commitment and willingness. We are getting there, slowly but surely.
Jennis, NORTHEAST: Initially, as was expected, there was an adjustment period. Over the course of the past five months, the board has established internal procedures to manage the change in work flow, and communication has improved. Regional Directors, the national officers with the greatest day-to-day work load, have been wonderful and have taken the new challenges in stride. Overall, the regionalization plan as formalized at Convention 2010 is turning out to have been an important step in the Sorority’s development.
Regional Director
Contact Information
West | Katherine Gipson
director.west@thetanuxi.org
Central | Valeria Fernandez director.central@thetanuxi.org
Southeast | Natrina Perkins
director.southeast@thetanuxi.org
Mid-Atlantic | Camille Bowens director.midatlantic@thetanuxi.org
Northeast | Jennis Watson
director.northeast@thetanuxi.org
COVER FEATURE 17 Teaching Multiculturally Continued From Page 1
Photos and illustration courtesy of Google Images
wonderful for students, giving them a chance to construct their own knowledge on topics that are meaningful to them, but they create the possibility of putting the teacher in a precarious position. If a student states that they are gay and other students proclaim that homosexuality is wrong, what should the teacher do? Are they to now allow dialogue without intervening or will that mean that they are contributing to the alienation of a gay teen? The problem becomes even more troubling when the students look to the teacher for the correct answer. When asked about teaching racial diversity, a recent research study by Bic Ngo found that many teachers are not satisfied that Black History Month posters and a Hispanic Heritage assembly alone adequately address what African American and Latino students experience. In fact, for some educators it seems that a separate celebration of food or holidays of a culture makes them appear outside of the mainstream and different from the ‘regular’ White Americans that are studied throughout the school year. Researchers like Ellen Swartz find that to be troubling especially when we look at some American historical figures through a multicultural lens. Conquerors and slave masters are praised, giving validity to their methods and excuses to their treatment of others. In recent years the celebration of Columbus Day has become a lightening rod of this very concept: Latino activists ask the public to “Reconsider Columbus Day,” leading the charge of pointing out that Christopher Columbus was no hero. They stress that he brought slavery, disease and death to many indigenous people in Latin America, and that he is not the type of person that America should celebrate. Rethinking American history because of multiculturalism is exactly the type of thing that worries people like Florida Congressman Allen West. In a
February interview he stated his belief that ideas of multiculturalism have “grown on steroids,” and have the potential of dividing American society rather than uniting it. He says that even though his family has Jamaican roots, he makes sure that his children learn all about American history and identify first with being American before anything else. His fears, that the classifications of African American and Irish-American and Korean-American will divide us instead of unite us as a nation, are not new. However, critics of the ‘just American’ movement would cite that when there is not a conscious effort to celebrate diversity, women, or racial and religious minorities, they are often omitted just as they are from most history books. Perhaps it was this fear of division, this need for “just American” history that led Arizona lawmakers to propose a bill outlawing high school MexicanAmerican studies classes, along with other ethnic studies classes, last spring. This is not the first time we try to deal with the “other” we fear by banning just think of science classes banning evolution, or abstinence-only health classes. We know that banning ethnic studies will not increase the amount of multicultural knowledge in our students, and that putting up a new poster each month of Asian, female or gay historical figures has the potential to actually create opportunities for learning. But this still does not allow students to better understand themselves or each other. So what is the answer? One university thinks they may
have found it. Northern Illinois University has created the Curriculum Transformation Institute, where teachers and professors come to learn about ways to make their courses more multicultural. Their process starts with the traditional curriculum and adds discussion of women, racial and religious minorities, lesbians and gays in ways that do not regard them as ‘the other.’ At the end of the training, their courses can have an official multicultural designation if at least 60% of the content deals with diversity in a way that is “genuinely inclusive of all people and representative of the diversity in our classrooms and the world throughout.” This process not only increases the multicultural knowledge of the teacher, but it also creates classes where the content is more in line with the life experiences of the students, and where the classroom dynamic promotes healthy dialogue. We can only hope that this type of training will spread across the country to high school and elementary school teachers so that important topics of diversity can be appropriately and effectively taught. Nicole Jené Reaves, Spring 2010, is a member of the Xi Gamma chapter. She holds a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Higher Education with an emphasis on urban schools. She teaches at Bowie State University and is researching developmental math courses, and has been teaching culturally- and racially-diverse students for the past ten years. She is also the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Treasurer and Officer of Undergraduate Programming, and Xi Gamma’s Education Chair and GAL Coordinator.