Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Tau Iota Omega Chapter

Date: August 15, 2020 Regular Meeting No. 6

The virtual joint chapter meeting was held on Saturday, August 15, 2020, via GoToMeeting. The

meeting was called to order by Soror Erica D. Williams at 10:08 (x) a.m. ( ) p.m. It was announced

that the monthly meeting was being recorded. The International Hymn was sung by Soror Gail

Southers. The meditation was given by Soror Linda Warner. Soror Tameka T. White omitted

calling the roll and presented a PowerPoint Presentation giving sorors instructions on how to

complete the virtual roll-call process via email**(See Attached Attendance List)**. A quorum

was established (X) Yes ( ) No with 114 sorors on the GoToMeeting. A motion was made by

Soror Kristin Robair and the motion was seconded by Soror Tashika Tate to accept the August 15,

2020, chapter agenda.

READING AND

DISPOSITION OF

MINUTES:

It was announced by Soror Tameka T. White & Soror Erica D. Williams that moving forward the minutes will stand approved as presented unless corrections need to be made therefore the minutes do not require a motion to be brought to the floor.

CORRESPONDENCE(S):

RECOGNITION OF

VISITING SORORS:

Report Submitted: yes (X ) no ( ) Report Attached: yes

(x) no ( )

We had __8__visiting soror present at the August

Virtual Chapter Meeting. Soror Lillie Brown,

Hodegos, recognized & welcomed those sorors.

Those present were sorors Alwana Jostad (Iota

Omicron Omega Chapter ~ Fresno, CA); Robyn

Sherman (Upsilon Beta Omega Chapter ~ Salt Lake

City, UT); Naila McCraney (Beta Psi Chapter ~ Baton

Rouge, LA); Brianna Carter (Lambda Omicron

Chapter ~ Hammond, LA); Amber Thomas (Lambda

Omicron Chapter ~ Hammond, LA); Kirstyn George

(Lambda Omicron Chapter ~ Hammond, LA);

Jasmine Washington (Lambda Omicron Chapter ~

Hammond, LA) & Allana Lagrange (Lambda

Omicron Chapter ~ Hammond, LA).

Sorors with July & August birthdays were

acknowledged by Soror Lillie Brown, our Hodegos,

via a PowerPoint Presentation (Gifts to be given

during our next chapter business meeting, if

applicable).

July Birthdays:

Soror Erica D. Williams ~ 7/2/2020

Soror Shauntrel Douglas-Williams ~ 7/2/2020

Soror Vickie Garner ~ 7/3/2020

Soror Alexandria Jones ~ 7/5/2020

Ailah Martin ~ 7/5/2020

Soror Tasheia J. Watkins ~ 7/7/2020

Soror Robin Glasper-Chapman ~ 7/8/2020

Soror Gail Southers ~ 7/13/2020

Soror Anita C. Morris ~ 7/14/2020

Soror LaTanya Alfred ~ 7/16/2020

Soror Jacqueline Ratliff ~ 7/16/2020

Soror Wandra May-Vick ~ 7/20/2020

Soror Linda Cousin ~ 7/24/2020

Soror Angela Jupiter-McCon ~ 7/25/2020

Soror Latonyette Thompson ~ 7/25/2020

Soror Monteral Harrell ~ 7/26/2020

Soror Megan Warren ~ 7/29/2020

Soror Arlana Leblanc ~ 7/30/2020

Soror Chaska Weary ~ 7/30/2020

Soror Janie McKenzie ~ 7/31/2020

Soror Terrilyn Dunn ~ 7/31/2020

August Birthdays:

Soror Jaira Dove ~ 8/1/2020

Soror Tameka T. White ~ 8/3/2020

Soror Kadra France ~ 8/5/2020

Soror Kristin Robair ~ 8/20/2020

Soror Ciara Reed ~ 8/23/2020

Soror Monica Jackson ~ 8/25/2020

PROTOCOL:

Report Submitted: yes (X ) no ( ) Report Attached: yes

(x) no ( )

Soror Linda Cousin, our protocol chairman, reported

the following:

Virtual Chapter Meeting Etiquette

As Covid-19 continues to ravish our

communities, few entities have remained

unscathed. Virtual meetings have become the

norm and virtual meeting etiquette is a whole

new ballgame.

To help keep our meetings productive and

professional, these simple virtual meeting

etiquette rules and tips will hopefully help us

remain so.

1. Be early – log in early and be ready to start

and observe professional meeting behavior.

2. Dress appropriately – while virtual meetings

offer the opportunity to wear

what you want, there is no reason to show your

pj’s, bonnets etc. (unless requested by the

basileus). Dress for the business occasion (at

least on top).

3. Be aware of your surroundings – This is a

business meeting and should be

done within the confines of your home, office,

or other private area—ALONE.

No one, particularly the public, should hear any

part of your conversation due to the

confidentiality and proprietary nature of

sorority business.

4. Adjust your meeting setup so that your

background is professional and meeting

appropriate –

a) be mindful of background noise (children

playing, music, talking.

b) close closet doors if within camera view so

as not to distract viewers. c) avoid eating noisy

foods, rustling papers, or making distracting

noises

d) mute your microphone when not speaking

5. Speak up – when joining a meeting,

introduce yourself and say “hi” making sure to

not interrupt someone speaking.

6. Stay seated (if possible) and stay present – it

may be tempting to check your inbox but don’t

do it. You might miss out on key information

or an opportunity to give input.

7. FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS! - Focus on the

task at hand. Treat a virtual meeting33 as an in-

person meeting. Keep phones and other

distractions away and focus. Plus, it is

sometimes obvious when you are on video

when you start playing games, watching

television, or doing your hair.

OFFICER REPORTS:

Basileus:

Report Submitted: yes ( X ) no ( ) Report Attached:

yes ( X ) no ( )

Soror Erica D. Williams, our Basileus, reported the

following:

Good Morning Sorors!!!! Sorors please take notes regarding the updates I

have received in the past couple weeks from Madam Regional Director and Madam Supreme it is a lot of information.

2020 SCRC Refunds

Anti-Basileus:

2020 SCRC Conference Souvenir Kits

2020 Virtual SCRC Delegates 1. Erica D. Williams 2. LaDonna Evans 3. Robin Glasper 4. Kristin Robair 5. Tiffany Scott 6. Christianne Ricard 7. Alicia George 8. Tracye Strickland 9. Jasmine Gardner 10. Erin Owens 11. Margo Hurston Peavy

2020 Virtual Boule’ Delegates 1. Erica D. Williams 2. LaDonna Evans 3. Robin Glasper Chapman 4. Carmen Clay 5. Victoria Grant 6. Chenise Hamilton 7. Angela Jupiter McCon 8. Arlana LeBlanc 9. Cynthia Patton 10. Leslie Pittman 11. Michelle Wilson

Virtual TIO (August-December 2020)

Standing & Adhoc Committee Sign Up (Last Chance!)

Senator Kamala Harris, Presumptive Democratic Vice-Presidential Nominee in the 2020 U.S. Election

Report Submitted: yes ( X ) no ( ) Report Attached:

yes ( X ) no ( )

Soror LaDonna Evans, our Anti-Basileus, reported the

following:

On behalf of The Programs Committee, we hope that our TIO sorors made the most of the summer break, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. As we reconvene and get back to the business of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC in what looks to be our new normal of a virtual environment, I want to take a moment

to reintroduce your Programs Committee Chairs and give a briefing on what the committees have done in 2020. 2018-2022 Program Theme: Exemplifying Excellence

Through Sustainable Service

Target 1: HBCU for Life: A Call to Action—Soror Carmen Clay, Chairman Earlier this year, the committee held a virtual book scholarship challenge via CashApp whereby the HBCU with the most earmarked donations would receive the total proceeds of the challenge. SUBR was the winning HBCU and recipient of the total $875 collected. #CAP—Soror Whitley McCoy, Chairman participated in a #CAP student membership drive at St Helena College and Career Academy. Also, under #CAP, the Public Relations Committee, Chairman Eureka Vernon spearheaded the TIO Class of 2020 Senior Adopt-a-thon to aid graduating seniors deprived of the long-anticipated graduation celebrations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under this initiative, TIO sorors selflessly and collectively gifted $5,520 to local Louisiana seniors and those in the states of Oklahoma, Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas. Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness—Soror Monica Young, Chairman and Soror Ashley Morgan, Co-Chairman. In May, the committee presented us with “Embrace Your Health” Week, which sent us into the summer break with our health awareness top of mind. The committee planned a week full of engaging activities ranging from a live soror lead exercise class, sharing of relaxation tips, and a virtual heart walk sponsored by the AHA, in which TIO sorors actively participated and posted pictures to our private Facebook page. Target 3: Building your Economic Legacy—Soror Darnester Nora, Chairman and Soror Latanya Jackson, Co-chairman. This committee diligently served their communities as leaders in the 2020 US Census counting endeavors, distributed backpacks filled with school supplies and necessities, and personally funded several scholarships to graduating seniors in their communities. Target 4: The Arts!—Soror Kristin Robair, Chairman and Soror Alexandria Jones, Co-Chairman. The committee planned a week of engaging activities centered around the Harlem Renaissance and The Black Arts movement. TIO sorors virtually participated in a Facebook Live concert featuring Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, African Dancing, virtual movie night, and a virtual art museum tour, among several other activities all centered around The Arts!

Pecunious Grammateus:

Target 5: Global Impact—Soror Simeon Thomas-Goines. This committee was off to an aggressive start of collecting Soles for Souls and spectacles for the Lions Club eyewear donation program until efforts were put on hold due to the pandemic. So sorors, even during the Covid-19 pandemic, Programs is a serious matter! Nonetheless, as it stands for the health and safety of our membership, the Corporate office of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INC, has strictly prohibited all sorors from all chapters and general members from participating in ANY in person service efforts. Please allow this to serve as a reminder that we SHOULD NOT be engaging in any in person activities in the name of AKA or TIO. Additionally, be mindful of social media posts made while wearing paraphernalia, # hashtags used, or any combination of the two. We should not be displaying any photos participating in in-person community service until further notice from the Corporate Office—only virtually service projects should be carried out during this time. If in doubt, please reach out to me directly before participating and posting any service project in the name of TIO to ensure we are complying. As I wrap up, please make note of the following upcoming Impact Days:

• 8/23/2020 is AKA International Day of Prayer. TIO will be participating virtually with the Southcentral Region in a Corporate service at 2:00pm. More information to come.

• 9/21/2020 is AKA HBCU Day

• 9/20-9/26 is National HBCU Week And a special thank you to Sorors Cynthia Patton and Charlotte Seymore for continuously sending in their Black Dollars 365 Logs. This is a virtual activity that everyone can participate in. Blank logs can be found on the Members on section of the Tau Iota Omega website. As you complete them, please email them to me at TauIotaOmegaVP@gmail.com.

Soror Coleatha Fowler-Walker, our Pecunious

Grammateus, reported the following:

Tamiouchos:

Money collected during the Months of May-July 2020 as follows: 2021 Chapter Dues Payment May 2020

$675.84

2021 Chapter Dues Payment June 2020

$150.00

2021 Chapter Dues Payment July 2020

$325.84

2020 Chapter Assessment Payment May 2020

$1890.00

2020 Chapter Assessment Payment June 2020

$350.00

2020 Chapter Assessment Payment July 2020

$700.00

Report Submitted: yes ( X ) no ( ) Report Attached:

yes ( X ) no ( )

Soror Jacquelyn Warren-Williams, our Tamiochous,

presented the Finance report:

For the period ending May 31, 2020:

$36,126.04 in the Operating account

$2,700.00 = Corporate Overpayments

Receivable

$21,102.78 in the Fundraiser/Program

account

$59,948.70 equals the Total Assets as of May

31, 2020.

Total Collected: $4,091.68

For the period ending June 30, 2020:

$36,576.66 in the Operating account

$2,700.00 = Corporate Overpayments

Receivable

$21,122.66 in the Fundraiser/Program

Account

$60,399.32 equals the Total Assets as of June

30, 2020.

For the period ending July 31, 2020:

$38,166.97 in the Operating account

$2,700.00 = Corporate Overpayments

Receivable

$21,122.66 in the Fundraiser/Program

account

$61,989.63 equals the Total Assets as of July

31, 2020.

COMMITTEE

REPORTS:

Constitution & Bylaws:

Report Submitted: yes ( ) no ( X ) Report Attached:

yes ( ) no ( X )

Soror Kristin Robair presented the Constitution &

Bylaws report in the absent of Soror Paige Johnson our

Parliamentarian.

ALL sorors are asked if you have any proposed

amendments to the chapter bylaws please contact

Soror Paige Johnson our Parliamentarian by the

September chapter business meeting. You can reach

her via email: paige_johnson43@yahoo.com or via

phone 985.415.5557.

**If you have signed up for the constitution & bylaws

committee, please expect an email from Soror Paige

later this week.

Archives/History:

Report Submitted: yes ( X ) no ( ) Report Attached:

yes ( X ) no ( )

Soror Angela Jupiter-McCon, our Historian, presented

the Archives/History Report:

• The Archives Committee met via Zoom on

August 15, 2020.

• The following was discussed:

o Old Business – January – April

activities

o Chapter Charter

o Silver Shots

o Gala Highlight

o TIO Glitz & Glamour Club

o Silver Day & Parade

o Chapter Retreat

o Polished Pearls of Leadership –

Highlight outgoing officers

o Silver Belles – Christmas Party Gifts

Financial Expenditures:

Silver and Pearl Gifts – requesting additional $250

for honors for the remaining six months

Announcements: None

With unending pink pride, green gratitude, and sisterly love, Soror Angela Jupiter-McCon

Scholarship:

Report Submitted: yes ( X ) no ( ) Report Attached:

yes ( X ) no ( )

Soror Kenita Nicoulin, our Scholarship chairman,

presented the Scholarship Report:

The scholarship committee met via Zoom on Thursday, August 6 to discuss updates, action items, and to create a plan to complete the task at hand. The following is what was discussed and accomplished since that meeting:

1. Applicants who met the original March

13 deadline-all 36 applicants’ submissions were postmarked either on or before March 13

2. Review of number and monetary amount-we will select 8 winners to award $1,000 each

3. Deadline for completion of entire process (selection and announcement)-September 12 (next chapter meeting)

4. Items completed-each applicant was contacted to reaffirm or change collegiate plans to ensure validity of scholarship application (i.e. plans may have changed due to coronavirus)

5. In process items-initial applicant scoring, essay scoring from committee, and virtual celebration planning

Disaster Relief:

Report Submitted: yes ( ) no ( X ) Report Attached:

yes ( ) no ( X )

Soror Deoine Reed, our Disaster Relief Preparedness

chairman, presented the Disaster Relief Report:

Updated information regarding Covid-19 and the upcoming Hurricane Season.

Old Business:

88th Virtual SCRC:

69th Virtual Boule’:

New Business:

2020 Chapter Retreat:

Report Submitted: yes ( X ) no ( ) Report Attached:

yes ( X ) no ( )

Soror Margo Hurston-Peevy, Delegate, presented her

report on the 88th Virtual South Central Regional

Conference.

Report Submitted: yes ( X ) no ( ) Report Attached:

yes ( X ) no ( )

Soror Arlana LeBlanc, Delegate, presented her report

on the 69th Virtual Boule’.

Report Submitted: yes ( X ) no ( ) Report Attached:

yes ( X ) no ( )

Soror Tiffany Scott, our 2020 Retreat Chairman,

presented the following:

2020 Chapter Elections:

To Madam Basileus and Sorors Good morning! A much needed “pretty girl” break is on the way!

I am excited to work along with the committee members to plan for this year’s chapter retreat.

The 2020 Chapter Retreat will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2020. The time is TBA.

The location is “at the comfort of your own home”.

Importantly, we are looking for workshops topics and want to hear from you all.

Therefore, a quick 5-minute survey will go out after today’s meeting for your ideas and suggestions. The deadline to complete the survey will be Saturday, August 22, 2020 at noon (which is a week from today). After the deadline, the committee will collaborate on topics and planning.

Thank you for your time Sorors!

Report Submitted: yes ( ) no ( X ) Report Attached:

yes ( ) no ( X )

Soror Simeon Thomas-Goines, our 2020 Nominations

Chairman, presented the following:

ALL sorors interested in being nominated or

running for a position must have ALL their

financial obligations must be taken care of and

in good standing. **That includes your unpaid

assessment as well. **

ALL officer positions are open for the

upcoming election.

In order for a soror to be in good standing, their

financial obligations MUST be met by our

October 10, 2020, chapter business meeting.

We will be voting on all officers during our

November meeting, but a slate of nominations

will be submitted during our October meeting.

If a soror would like to nominate another soror

or themselves they can do so by contacting

Soror Simeon Thomas-Goines directly.

Save the Date(s):

AKA International Day of Prayer ~ 8/23/2020

2020 TIO Chapter Retreat ~ 9/26/2020

TIO Nomination of Candidates ~ 10/10/2020

TIO Chapter Elections ~ 11/14/2020

Announcements:

The meeting was adjourned at 12:47( ) a.m. ( X ) p.m. A motion was made by Soror Nikolya

Sparks and it was seconded by Soror Lillie Brown to adjourn the meeting. The next chapter

business meeting will be on Saturday, September 12, 2020, at 10:00am tentatively at the

Courtyard Marriott in Covington, LA, depending on the status of the current pandemic.

Grammateus_Tameka T. White______________________

Date Approved:___________________________________

Basileus:________________________________________