Volume 1 Isssue 7

Serving chapters in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, South Carolina and The Bahamas

An E-Publication from the Southern Area of The Links, Incorporated - Eneid A. Francis, Southern Area Director

Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service

ADVANTAGEThe Southern AreaThe Southern Area

In Her FootstepsSaluting our first year contributors

Page 4

The Links Foundation Sustaining the Southern Area and America

Page 5

Keeping Your ChapterCohesive in the Summer

Page 6

Cooking Up Creative Communications in Linkdom

Page 7

Chapters Reveal Secrets to Successful Fundraiser

Page 8

The Ethics of Chapter Communications

Page 11

Closing Out the BooksAre Your Chapter’s Financial Records Fiscally Fit

Page 13

Transformational ProgramsThroughout the Summer

Page 14

Chapter HighlightsPage 23

38th National Assembly Highlights

Page 27

* Cover photo Fort Pierce (FL) Chapter2

inside this issueinside this issue

Greetings Link Sisters,

On behalf of the Southern Area Executive Committee, I would like congratulate you for a stellar year of service

through friendship. You wholeheartedly accepted the challenge to become agents of change in your communities

and began Effecting Change Through The Power of Friendship and Service.

Adding to our strong legacy of excellence in the Southern Area, we continued on the path set by those who

traveled that path before us, with new components for strengthening our bonds of friendship and service. Nine

months ago, we published the first issue of the Advantage to educate and inform Links across the Southern Area

about the issues impacting our communities and ourselves. Seven issues later, you have

responded, resoundingly, with articles about your chapter members, programs and

activities. Because of your contributions, we have been able to expand our content

and connect each chapter, one with the other.

The Southern Area communications team also concluded the monumental task of

completing the Green Pages, which will be released soon. This online directory

lists information provided by contributing Links by occupation, hobbies and

interests. The Green Pages will allow members with a specific need outside of

their chapter boundaries to connect to other Links across the Southern Area

who can fill those needs.

Through the First Monday Exchange, I have been able to have monthly

conversations with chapter leaders. As the name indicates, this conference call,

held the first Monday of the month, provides the opportunity for me to have a

dialogue with chapter presidents and for chapter presidents to exchange

information with other chapter presidents. In October, the Southern Area will

hold the Leadership Summit in Savannah, Georgia. Designed by leadership

experts specifically for the Southern Area, the two-day comprehensive work-

shop will help participants define their leadership style and increase their

effectiveness in their chapters and communities.

Most recently, at the 38th National Assembly, the Southern Area unveiled Connecting Threads, a component

of our signature program, Mentoring with a Twist!. Through the art of quilting, chapters will be able to use

an arts integrated approach to introduce the national STEM Education and Career Readiness Initiative to our

youth. The complete curriculum will be available on the Southern Area website in August.

This past year has been very busy, as we worked through the joys and pains of establishing a new administra-

tion while continuing our daily lives. In December, we lost our beloved Technology Chair Debra Gloston Lazare

and, in February wedding bells chimed for Health and Human Services Chair Cori Brock–Cooper. Many

chapters throughout the Area also experienced a transition in leadership and our circle of friendship was

expanded with the induction of 125 new Links. It is inspiring to know that through it all, we still get the job done.

As we enjoy the summer respite, let’s take this time to renew our commitment to The Links, Incorporated. Let’s

embrace the spirit of our visionary founders, Sarah Scott and Margaret Hawkins, by reaffirming our pledge to

uphold the true meaning of friendship as we serve our communities and our chapters.

In Friendship and Service,

Eneid A. Francis

Eneid A. FrancisSouthern Area Director

3

Special Thanks for providing

Lessons in Leadership

The Advantage introduced the Lessons in Leadership series to high-light past Southern Area leadership and share their experiences andwords of wisdom. Through the monthly column written in their words,those aspiring to leadership positions, and Links desiring insight intotheir administrations, are given first hand accounts from true experience.In our first year, two former Area Directors and three National Presidentsshared their wisdom with our sisters. See if you can recall the leadershipadvice of our contributing leaders.

1. Leaders have passion; they believe intheir role and The Links, Incorporated.

2. Leaders have an unconditional supportsystem. A leader should have a support systemthat is loyal to the cause and dedicated towalking alongside decisions that are estab-lished by the leader.

3. As a leader, you must take things in strideand understand that your feelings can not bewhat matters most; it’s getting the job done tothe best of your ability with fairness and in-tegrity.

4. As a leader, you care and you know thatcompassion tends to be contagious.

5. A leader needs to be able to process infor-mation, think analytically, and assess theneeds of the situation without paralyzing her-self or others.

Answers on page 41

Joyce Martin Dixon14th Southern Area Director

Dolly Deselle Adams14th Southern Area Director

Nancy Shade Anderson15th Southern Area Director

Julia Brogdon Purnell7th National President

Regina Jollivette Frazier9th National President

4

by Bessie A.Isom, Ph.D.Southern Area Representative,The Links FoundationWhile a separate entity, The

Links Foundation, Incorporated isa totally separate and independentorganization. At the same time, itserves as the philanthropic arm ofThe Links, Incorporated. It is a fed-eral tax exempt organization de-signed to support charitable,educational, and civic activitiesuseful in the communities servedby its members. Its purpose is toreceive, hold, and invest contribu-tions that are exempt from federaltaxation and disburse them. TheFoundation also ensures that theactivities it finances support TheLinks, Incorporated’s programs orother approved non-profit organi-zations in our efforts to serve thebroader community.

The financial resources of TheLinks Foundation, Incorporatedare obtained through membership

dues and the funds donated bymembers, chapters and Areas.Corporations also make significantmonetary and in-kind contributionsto The Links Foundation, Incorpo-rated for The Links, Incorporatedprogram initiatives.

All active members pay annualFoundation dues and assess-ments which support our effortsfor Grant-in-Aid, capital endow-ments and program endowments.While it is a requirement that re-cipients of Foundation funds are501C(3) organizations, chaptersalso raise fundsand support chari-ties in their commu-nity. Because theFoundation is a 501(c) (3) tax exempto r g a n i z a t i o n s ,donors and contrib-utors can legallydeduct these dona-tions ( up to the per-centage allowableby law) on their income tax re-turns. *

The Foundation awards over$500,000.00 on a biennial basis tocommunity groups and individualsthroughout the United States andThe Bahamas. In the past, overone million dollars has been con-tributed to the NAACP Legal AidFund and large grants have alsobeen awarded to organizationssuch as the Civil Rights Museumin Memphis.

A total of $100,000.00 is set

aside annually for Central, East-ern, Southern, and Western Areaassemblies and for The Links, In-corporated National Assembly. It isalso a practice of The Links Foun-dation, Incorporated to give tocharities in communities whereNational and Area Conferencesare held. Programs such as theWalk-A-Thon, Poster Arts and theCo-Founders Award are supportedby The Links Foundation, Incorpo-rated. **

Members are encouraged to ex-pand their chapters’ involvement in

fund development activities whichenhance charitable giving. Help-ing the needy among us is impor-tant in all aspects of the physical,emotional and academic develop-ment of children and youth. Addi-tionally, an introspective look atinforming members about thevalue of endowment giving to TheLinks Foundation, Incorporated isrecommended.

• Source: Financial Handbook (2012) TheLinks, Incorporated and The Links

Foundation, Incorporated** Link Katherine E. Wilson,

National Treasurer

-- The Links Foundation, Incorporated --

Sustaining the Southern

Area and America

The Foundation awards over $500,000.00 on a biennial basis to

community groups and individualsthroughout the United States and The

Bahamas. In the past, over one milliondollars has been contributed to the NAACPLegal Aid Fund and large grants have alsobeen awarded to organizations such as the

Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

5

1. La Capitale (LA) Chapter

celebrated Friendship Month with a

host of activities including:

A melody of friendship songs and

the distribution of a friendship booklet

was given- which included an accu-

mulation of friendship writings from

the Southern Area. The friendship

booklet was created to serve as a last-

ing reminder to each Link sister of the

beauty of the common bond that we

each share “the gift of friendship.” As

each Link sister reflected on the true

meaning of friendship, Link Mavis

Henderson-Lewis wowed the chapter

members with a combination of new

and old songs all centered on friend-

ship. As the names of Link sisters

were incorporated in each of the tunes,

the sense of affirmation of the reason

we are sisters was confirmed.

2. Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL)

Chapter was one of many chapters

that created a calendar of friendship

activities which can also be incorpo-

rated into your chapter during the

summer months. These activities in-

clude:

1. Calling a Link sister

2. Lunching with a Link sister

3. Sending a friendship card to a

Link sister

4. Sharing a friendship poem with a

Link sister

5. Worshiping with a Link sister

3. The North Broward County (FL)

Chapter shared recipes with sisters

and created a cookbook entitled Shar-

ing with Love Our Family Recipes

and Thoughts. Not only does this

cookbook share some delicious

recipes such as 7-Up Cake and Oat-

meal Toffee Cookies, it also shares

with us favorite family Bible verses.

What a fun and delectable way to join

in Linkdom this summer. Dessert

party!

4. Orangeburg (SC) Chapter had

a mock Breakfast at Tiffany’s. For

this fun event, each member put on

her “little black dress” and pearls and

shared a scrumptious breakfast. And

just like in the movie, the UPS man in-

terrupted periodically - this time bear-

Keep Your Chapter Cohesive in the Summer Months

by Tamara LeeSouthern Area Vice DirectorAsk any Link – there is something about

counting down to that last formal chapter meeting before the summer (usually in May or June) and she will say, “Whew, I need a break!” We have

all worked so hard, met so many deadlines, compiled so many committee reports, attended numerous committeemeetings- along with chapter meetings, attended chapter fundraisers and not to mention the countless hours (wellabove 48) that we have spent on programming activities in our communities. We deserve a little “time off” from theformalities of our work in Linkdom, but what a great time to renew friendships, make new friends and engage inmore fun and friendship, building activities!

Cohesion is the force within a group that attracts individuals to become a part of it and keeps them connected toit. We have the unique advantage as sisters in Linkdom to have so many friendships in which we can cultivate,nurture and grow, just as our founders envisioned when they created our circle of friendship. Chapter cohesivenessexists when there is a high degree of bonding and a strong sense of unity among members. The summer months arethe perfect time to facilitate such bonding by creating opportunities to get to know members of your chapter you maynot have spent much time with during the regular chapter year and also spending time with those you know best ina more relaxing atmosphere. These experiences also help members to think less of themselves as individuals andmore of themselves as part of a larger whole. After all, chapter cohesion reflects the degree to which members of thechapter like each other and enjoy each other's company.

Although we formally celebrate friendship month on our calendar during the month of November, we all knowthat friendship has no season, no reason, and it has no calendar. After reading such wonderful and delightful friend-ship reports, I was inspired to share with you what some of our chapters are doing in the name of friendship. Theseten activities were chosen randomly and we will continue to share some of these tidbits throughout the summer. Weare encouraging all of our chapters to continue their friendship activities this summer to ensure that chapter cohesionis in place when we gear up for the next chapter year!

Ten Friendship Celebration Activities of the Southern Area

...NOT!

6

-ing gorgeous gifts donated from high-

end area boutiques to lucky members.

At the conclusion, each member re-

ceived a huge Tiffany’s wrapped, dia-

mond paperweight as a memento

symbolizing the many facets of the di-

amond- love, strength, class, culture,

unparalleled beauty and brilliance.

Now who would miss an opportunity

to play dress up, receive diamonds and

celebrate friendship!

5. Not only did the

New Orleans Chapter

(LA) have a glorious

potluck at Link Presi-

dent Edna Moore’s

house, but they also do-

nated to a local home-

less shelter since these

Links sisters are from

New Orleans, we can

only imagine “red beans

are rice” and “gumbo”.

6. During the Brevard

County (FL) Chapter

“Rose2Rose Chapter

Chat”, members gath-

ered to celebrate friend-

ship month. After

reading The Help, the

ladies discussed their

thoughts on Kathryn

Stockett’s best seller

and enjoyed a fun-filled

evening complete with a

menu of southern fa-

vorites that included

Minny’s “chocolate pie!”

7. “Nice-teas” and more were on the

menu for members of the Bold City

and Jacksonville (FL) Chapters.

More than 50 ladies donned their Sun-

day best complete with decorative hats

and gathered together for the second

annual Friendship Tea celebrating

Friendship Month at the Epping Forest

Yacht Club in Jacksonville. During the

tea, members dined on savory appetiz-

ers and pastries, participated in an of-

ficial ceremony of friendship and

shared fun table topics and laughter.

Bold City member, Wanda Willis and

Jacksonville member, Karen Smith de-

veloped the “Friendship Tea” in 2010

as an opportunity to connect and fel-

lowship with area Link sisters.

8. This Bud’s for You is the

Tuscaloosa (AL) Chapter’s new ini-

tiative designed to foster and

strengthen membership bonds via af-

firmation, support and pampering ac-

tivities. After

a series of trib-

utes to friend-

ship, each

r e s p e c t i v e

Link received

a white rose in appreciation for em-

bodying that quality through her acts

of kindness, especially to her “bud.”

(This is the Link whom she will pam-

per throughout the year). Friendship

month was a ripe venue for indulging

each bud. From custom cards to gifts

from international travel, each expres-

sion from a member conveyed the sen-

timent that her Bud was dear.

9. Azalea City (GA) Chapter cele-

brated the power of friendship all

month long with a wide range of activ-

ities. Each chapter member was a

given a friendship scroll with the

poem, “The Essence of Friendship”

printed on it. As if that wasn’t enough,

the chapter also conducted a Friend-

ship Mixer during their November

meeting.

10. In November, the Fayetteville

(NC) Chapter held their monthly

meeting at the beautiful Luigi’s Italian

Restaurant. Prior to that meeting, the

candlelight Friendship Ceremony was

held. Following the dinner, there was

a presentation of thoughtful and lovely

gifts to each member as secret sisters

revealed themselves.

Friendship can weather most things and thrive in thinsoil - but it needs a little mulch of letters and phone callsand small silly presents every so often - just to save itfrom drying out completely. - Pam Brown

Chapter Presidents (left) Barbara Darby of Bold City (FL) and Betty Cody ofJacksonville (FL), joined forces to present a joint tea during Friendship Month.

7

by Sylvia Perry, Southern Area Communications ChairGreetings Link Sisters, with the greatest joy (more than you can imagine),

the Southern Area Communications team, proudly presents to you the finaledition of The Advantage for our program year.

It has been quite a year!With the blessings of the former Southern Area Communications Chair,

Maxine Smith, our contributions to the Area can be recognized as one of new beginnings. In an effortto maximize stringent budgetary constraints and “take advantage” of the diverse technology avail-able, the Advantage was created. From the moment I was appointed by our Area Director, my mindbegan to churn as to how the committee could best effectively serve our membership. Obviously Iwas one of many who really had no idea just how much work an Area Communications Committee inThe Links, Incorporated really does. Plunging in head first, we were off to a running start.

Looking at the thousands (yes thousands) of hours logged by our team this year, that number isno surprise. Our duties include (but not limited to): Produce the Advantage (our Area’s signaturemedium of communication), edit submitted stories, proof chapter documents, create webinars,speech writing, act as photographers and interviewers, write stories, design and create SouthernArea ephemera, advise and educate chapter communications chairs and support all Area facet chairs.

As a "newspaper woman" by trade, the creative processes for the Advantage came natural. Whatwas needed was a few hard working Links who could share in that vision. The end result is a dreamteam of devoted Link sisters with a cadre of experience and educational expertise including 4 doc-torates, 4 masters and 1 lawyer who build upon each other’s skillset to ‘make it happen’ each month.

In retrospect, I am truly amazed at how well our committee works together. Each member is aleader and role model in their own chapter and community. Yet, they still all find time to devote toThe Links, Incorporated. Allow me to personally introduce you to the members of the Southern AreaCommunications Committe - the team who compose the ComSquad.

Kimberly LaMotte , LaCapitale (LA) - An original Superwoman. Kimberly, who already

has her Pharmacy Doctorate, has just earned her Juris Doctorate this May from SouthernUniversity Law Center. She is an active member and holds offices in several organizationsincluding Jack & Jill of America, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,Inc., the Junior Leagueof Baton Rouge and her church. She is also the mother of two and the wife of one. For

the ComSquad, she is the Region 2 chairperson and co-chairs Special Projects withKenyonn Demps. Her work ethic is one to be reckoned with as she graciously takeson responsibility with enthusiasm and resolve. A team player, leader, thinker and in-

novator, Link Kimberly is a true asset to her chapter and the Area.

Natille Duncan , Jackson (MS) - Natille was born to be a Link. The daughter of the

legendary Southern Area fashion maven, Link Janice Duncan, she is the spitting imageof her mother off the runway and in the realm of service. As Chair of Region 2, she workstirelessly to ensure the chapters in her three states are front and center. In addition tobeing a chapter officer, Natille also is the Southern Area Vendor Chair and Co-chairsthe Southern Area Boutique. This summer, she will be an alumnus of the ScottHawkins Leadership Institute Cohort IV. No matter the responsibility, Natille is avail-able day or night to see a project through with style and grace.

8

Cooking up Creative

Kenyonn Demps , Jacksonville (FL) - Link Kenyonn is our Communications fea-

tures writer and also Co-Chairs Special Events with Kimberly. I have personallyknown Kenyonn and her husband over 25 years as we all attended the same highschool. Her natural, keen intuition was a welcome addition when she enthusiasti-cally volunteered for the committee. Another “Wonder Woman”, she not only is adevoted wife and mother, she runs her own business - A Seasoned Affair - whichshowcases seniors through pageantry and also works as a consultant. In herchapter, she chairs the Fund Raising Committee. Kenyonn never shies away froma challenge and often adds to the mix by thinking outside the box. A ScottHawkins Leadership Institute graduate, she takes anything she is apart of to thenext level. I am honored she chose Southern Area Communications to share hertalents.

Joy Wallace, St.Petersburg (FL) - Ms. Joy lives up to her name. In every

venture, Joy is always the first one to volunteer, the last one to have a negativecomment and always willing to share a calming thought or prayerful verse. Asthe Region 1 chair, she graciously serves the communications needs of chap-ters in Florida, The Bahamas and South Carolina. Linkdom is also a family affair,her sister is past Southern Area Treasurer, Linda Dilworth of the Tallahassee(FL) chapter. When not serving as her chapter’s Communication’s Chair, Joy isa pharmacist and doting mother.

Thelecia Wilson , Bold City (FL) - Dr. T or “Ms T” as I affectionately call

her, is the consummate team player. As an English Major in college, the grand-niece of Dr. Mary McLoud Bethune is our official editor. Thelecia reads everyline of words disseminated from the Southern Area for clarity, spelling, punc-tuation and grammar. She is tenacious, pertinent, dedicated and punctual in allthat she does. She means what she says and says what she means. Fortunatelyfor us, she is dedicated and committed to Linkdom. Within her chapter, Theleciaco-chairs the Protocol Committee and serves on the Services to Youth Com-mittee. She is also the State Chair for Florida’s Links Day at the Capital. In ad-dition, she holds memberships in Jack & Jill, Incorporated and Alpha KappaAlpha Sorority. Her biggest accomplishment and favorite job is being “NumberOne Mom” to her son Nigel. The recent high school graduate will enter Bethune Cookman Universityin the fall. I am fortunate to be able to call Thelecia a Link sister, friend and team member.

So there you have it, an in depth peek at the five talented and dedicated ladies who make up theSouthern Area’s Communications Committee. As we prepare to enter our second year, we are plan-ning to smooth out any hiccups, and provide an increased level of service. Lead by the vision of ourArea Director, we are all committed to making the communication process to our area’s 77 chaptersas enlightening and empowering as possible. We hope you are enjoying the journey!

9

Communications in Linkdom

By Kenyonn Demps

Chapters throughout the Southern Area work tirelessly to

present programming that supports our national and area agendas,

but we rarely recognize what makes these effective community

contributions possible – money. While some chapters take the

high road and write a personal check, most chapters present en-

gaging community fundraisers that highlight their local impact

while promoting the Links’ brand.

Fundraising keeps our chapters moving forward. It allows our

chapter programming to progress for the betterment of our com-

munities and our chapter. Some chapters have signature fundrais-

ing events and others diversify their themes in accordance with

their community. Have you ever wondered how your chapter

could improve its fundraising efforts? Well, good news! There

are several chapters that shared their success strategies of

fundraising.

The Greater Miami (FL) Chapter has been successful with

book and author luncheons. Cristal Cole, Journalist/Public Rela-

tions Chair, noted, “It is a very popular and well attended

fundraiser.” The event entertains guests with a silent auction, a

book signing, and writing tips from the featured author. This year,

Terry McMillan shared excerpts from her latest novel, Getting to

Happy - the sequel to Waiting to Exhale (see page ). To keep the

event interesting and promising, the theme is varied annually

based on the author and novel being featured. Generally, the net

income for this event is $20,000. When you consider utilizing

your networking skills to recruit an acclaimed African American

author for this cause - at no cost to the chapter - that’s really good.

Lesson learned: Don’t hesitate to utilize your chapter’s net-

working opportunities.

The Birmingham (AL) Chapter nets an estimated $21,000

with their Harlem Renaissance Evening. Guests are excited and

dazzled donned in 1920’s attire while they are entertained with

great food, casino games, dancing, photo opportunities, and live

entertainment. The secret to their success is corporate sponsor-

ships. The chapter establishes a sponsorship team to serve on the

committee responsible for drafting and re-drafting corporate

sponsorships appeal letters, creating an eye catching brochure and

reply forms. These are then mailed to prospective sponsors at

least five months before the event. Chapter members volunteer

to follow up with specific corporate sponsors to maintain an open

relationship and communication. Obtaining corporate sponsor-

ships can be a long and lonely process - depending on the corpo-

ration and their

protocol. Therefore,

communication is a

key component as

the entire chapter

needs to be involved

in the who,what,

where, and how.

According to a

chapter survey,

about one-third of

the Birmingham

(AL) Chapter’s

members are com-

fortable asking for

financial contribu-

tions? While this

33% of membership

works their

strengths, the other

two-thirds are pro-

ductive recruiting

ticket buyers. Chapter members are all engaged from the first

chapter meeting with members meeting and communicating reg-

ularly until the event concludes. This year, the financial bar was

raised to $25,000 which they achieved. Lesson Learned: A suc-

cessful fundraiser requires 100% chapter participation with

defined responsibilities that begins early in the year with con-

sistent nurturing and attention.

The Buckhead Cascade City (GA) Chapter, will be celebrat-

ing their 17th year in successful fundraising. Their record high is

$110,000 yielding a net of $65,000. Their signature event, Link-

ing Heart and Soul, is a black tie event gala on everyone’s calen-

dar in the Atlanta, Ga area. Despite having impressive results, the

high profit is not without challenges. Continued on page 43

Chapters Share Secrets to Successful Fundraisers

The Durhan (NC) Chapter has written grants exceeding $100,000 to fund programs.

10

by Selma Robinson -AyersChairs, Ethics and StandardsQ: A prominent and well-liked charter member of a

Links chapter is affiliated with several noteworthyorganizations and has reportedly been sending un-solicited and unwelcome “non-Link” e-mails (per-taining to the organizations) to the membership. Sheis also suspected of distributing the chapter’s e-mailaddress listing to one of the organizations, as nu-merous e-mails have been received from said organ-ization by the members. The issue was raised to thechapter president by a concerned member. Howshould the situation be handled “tactfully” not to of-fend any member?

A: This is a complex situation! However, the Organi-zation’s Code of Ethics and Standards is very clear withregard to members not availing, distributing, or dissemi-nating Links address listings to “non-Link” persons andentities (outsiders). Reference Standard 1: Communi-cations; D. Making and Using Unauthorized Written andElectronic Communications; 1. “Members shall not dis-tribute addresses (such as e-mail and mailing addresslists) obtained in the conduct of the business of The LinksOrganization to outside persons or agencies without theexpressed written consent of The Links Organization orthe affected member.”

The other aspect of this situation involves human na-ture. The member expressing displeasure in receivingthe unsolicited e-mails (recipient) is well within her rightsto be offended by the intrusion of personal privacy (actualor perceived); and although the sender may be unawareof the offense, she is nonetheless clearly infringing upon

another Link’s privacy. The president may want to deter-mine why the recipient is offended.

Is it because she simply detests receiving “junk” elec-tronic mail?” If so, perhaps deleting or unsubscribingwould resolve the matter. Or, is it a matter of principle,in that the chapter’s e-mail listing is used to disseminate“non-Link” material? If this is the case, deleting and/orunsubscribing will probably not suffice as a remedy; shemay still be driven by “the principle” in that an improprietyis being committed (even though she is no longer receiv-ing the e-mails).

In either case, addressing the matter directly with thechapter membership is a viable option. The presidentshould iterate the Ethical Standards regarding commu-nications and a member’s personal responsibility toabide by those standards. She should also cautionmembers regarding the consequences of violating anytenets of the Code of Ethics and Standards (indeed, if itis determined that the chapter’s e-mail listing has beendisseminated to outsiders).

E-mail communications may be handled differently inchapters across the Southern Area, in accordance withchapter bylaws, etc. Many chapters mandate that thepresident is the only person authorized to formally sendout mass e-mails to chapter members. Others utilize amore liberal e-mail approach, allowing members to com-municate “at will,” and directly with each other.

In all cases, chapters’ bylaws must be followed andmembers must always utilize good judgment and adhereto the Organization’s Code of Ethics and Standards asthe guiding principles in all communications – whetherwritten, electronic or verbal.

QQ&AAThe Standard: Communications

11

The 18th Southern Area Administration welcomes you to utilize SOLACE

S O L A C ES O L A C ESupport of Links All Concern Encouraged

The Southern Area’s new initiative, SOLACE, allows Links

and their families who are experiencing a crisis due to death,catastrophic illnesses, sickness, or other life altering events,

to receive meaningful and compassionate support from Links throughout the Area who can assist them.

The way the program works is simple:1. A Link will go to the Southern Area website, click on the SOLACE link to send a

confidential communication discussing her need or the need of a chapter member. 2. The Southern Area Technology Chair, who is responsible for monitoring the com-

munications, will then send a confidential e-blast across the Area requesting mem-bers for assistance.

3. The donor(s) will then be connected to the Link in need. Assistance can rangefrom donating hotel points, airline miles, arranging appointments for medical treat-ment, donating blood, providing financial assistance to sending words of support orcards.

S

ECALO

Visit the salinksinc.organd click on SOLACE

Technology Chair anonymouslyblasts your need to our sisters

You are connected withyour voluntary donors

Florida - Georgia Bahamas -North CarolinaLouisiana - Mississippi-

South Carolina - Alabama

Support

of

Encouraged

Concern

All

Links

12

by Janice R. NelsonArea Treasurer

Finance can be the wind,which makes the wheelsturn, or it can be oxygen inthe air, that causes thebrass to tarnish. The finan-cial integrity of the chapter’sfinances is assured when

our finances are managed and reported in accordance withgood accounting practices. The entire chapter carries fidu-ciary responsibility for the organization; however, the treas-urer serves a leadership role in this area, overseeingappropriate internal control procedures for all financialtransactions that are documented and followed by all.

As you close out the books for the end of the fiscal year,take time to perform the following financial health checkto validate your chapter is fiscally fit:

1. Ensure fiscal transactions have:– No violation of Code of Ethics

and Conflict of Interest – Adequate funds available

to cover the expense– Recorded in the ap-

propriate accounts– Proper authorization

and approval 2. Devise financial con-

trols by ensuring:– All monies are given

first to the financial secre-tary, who writes receipts inthe triplicate: one for thepayee, one for the treasurer,and one for her files.

– A voucher system isused to request reimbursement offunds.

– All bank accounts require twoof the three authorized signatures beforefunds are disbursed.

3. The budget for the upcoming fiscalyear has been approved. A budget is the chap-ter’s blueprint, expressed in monetary terms, for the newyear’s programs. The budget should be realistic to gaugerevenues and expenses for the coming year.

4. The treasurer prepares timely, financial reports pro-viding transparency and understanding of the chapter’s op-erations. Reports should be prepared to coincide withchapter meetings.

5. Outgoing financial officers conduct a transition meetingwith the incoming officers on all details of operational pro-

cedures. All financial documents (audited books and otherpertinent financial material) should be transferred to the newfinancial officers within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year.

6. All financial obligations administered through the na-tional office and The Links Foundation, Inc.- including duesand assessments - have been submitted via the Member-ship Data System (IMIS) by April 1st of each year.

7. File Tax Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Servicefor the chapter before September 15th of each year. Send

a copy to the national head-quarters postmarked nolater than September 15th.Since September 15th falls

on a Saturday this year, thereturn is due the next business

day (September 17th).8. Pay bond insurance by Sep-

tember 15th of each year. All chapterofficers and chairs who handle funds are

required to be bonded. 9. Engage an internal auditcommittee or professional

external auditor to audit thechapter’s books at least bi-ennially or whenever there

is a change in the treas-urer’s posi-tion.

10. If thec h a p t e rs p o n s o r sfundraisers, as e p a r a t echecking ac-

count has been establishedfor the fundraisers’ incomeand expenditures. 11. Restricted funds are not

retained in the chapter’s operat-ing bank accounts. In addition,restricted funds should be used

solely for charitable purposes.However, ten percent (10%) of the

fundraiser’s net proceeds may be used as seed money orfor administrative costs associated with the next year’sfundraiser.

A revised copy of The Links, Incorporated and The LinksFoundation, Incorporated 2012 Financial Handbook is avail-able on The Links, Incorporated website. Hopefully alltreasurers and those interested in their chapter’s fiscal foun-dation have reviewed and become familiar with the financialpolicies and procedures of our organization.

Are Your Chapter’s Finances Fiscally Fit?

13

Closing Out the Books

Transformational Transformational

ProgrammingProgramming

365/24/7365/24/7

14

by Daisy WalkerSouthern AreaProgram Chair“Effecting Change

through the Power of Friendship & Service”, “Leading withExcellence and Serving with Grace” and “Linked in Friend-ship, Connected in Service” is the exemplar of the mis-sions and goals of this prestigious organization, The Links,Incorporated. Programming is the heart and soul of TheLinks, Incorporated. We envision The Links, Incorporatedto be an organization empowered by its rich legacy andproviding superior service through its circle of friendshipthat is a model of excellence and innovation.

We began a new era of implementing TransformationalProgramming, Collaborative alignments and integration,Strategic Partnerships, Cascading goals and Building col-lective strengths through friendship and service, chapterengagement, education and empowerment. Our goal wasto take our programs and services to new heights viastrategic planning which is the foundation of programming.

This responsibility continuously brings a plethora of ten-ants under the umbrella of program services. We mustcontinue to deliver community relevant, transformativeand sustainable programming. The important questionis…. did we deliver?

The Southern Area must keep the spirit and vision of ourSA Director, Link Eneid A. Francis which focuses onSTEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathemat-ics) with arts integration alive. This will continue to effectchange in the lives of youth living in the communities ourchapters serve. Education Linkage is developing and im-plementing the Southern Area Mentoring Initiative focus-ing on programs which integrate the disciplines ofScience, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) with the Arts. Current research has focused onways to implement our STEM initiative resulting in locatinga number of program models on “Quilt Making” which in-corporate Mathematics and Art concepts. Additionally,these models are highly adaptable for community rele-vance as they can bring our youth together with senior cit-izens and other intergenerational groups in symbioticrelationships where all participants benefit. In addition, we must continue our strong commitment to

childhood obesity prevention among African American

children. The National Childhood Obesity Initiativeprocess displayed the strength and innovation of theLinks, Incorporated Chapter. Forty Five Southern Areachapters submitted proposals from various states. Twentysix chapters were selected as recipients of the “Can YouImagine Me: National Childhood Obesity Initiate” mini-grant. The awards were based on merit, chapter capacity,and geographical – as well as rural vs. urban balance.The Southern Area received the largest number ofawardees.

The National Programming goals are clearly alignmentand integration via Transformational Programming. Serv-ices to Youth emphasizes (SOAR) Strengthen Opportuni-ties via Action and Results and focuses on measuringresults (inputs and outputs), being community relevant,mentoring, STEM and closing the achievement gap. TheArts focal points are integration of works, connections andacademic acceleration. National Trends emphasis is com-munity resources, economic and political influence, align-ment and integration, anti-bullying and disaster relief.International Trends goals are to engage all chapters inhumanitarian efforts for developing nations such as SouthAfrica, Liberia, and Haiti. Health & Human Services goalis to be a change agent for wellness with emphasis onChildhood obesity and collaborative efforts with healthprofessionals who can also serve as mentors. The South-ern Area Facets are aligned with National, but with SA’sown creativity and initiatives.

The Southern Area facets chairs have the responsibilityof working very closely with the assigned chapters as “KeyCommunicators.” Their goals were to work collaborativelyand cooperatively with the assigned chapters during theyear. We hope that this was an effective practice that en-hanced communication efforts and also through severalother communication vehicles:• Area E-Zine-The Advantage• First Monday Exchange with the Area Director• National Chain (Quarterly)• Programming Alerts (Urgent messages)• Scheduled Conference Calls/Webinars• E-Mails• Telephone• Green PagesAnother goal of the Southern Area is to increase collab-

UMBRELLA PROGRAMMING

Did Our Program Make a Difference?

Assessing Your Transformative Programs

15

Another goal of the Southern Area is to increase collab-orative partnerships, and extend existing initiatives to in-clude communities with the greatest need. TheWilmington (NC) and Charlotte (NC) Chapters “Link Armsfor Education and Hope: The CECM Experience.” In 2005,the Wilmington Chapter made its initial contribution ofschool supplies to Centre D’Estudes Classiques de Meyer(CECM), a school serving grades 1-13 in Jacmel, Haiti.This school provides schooling for children who otherwisewould have none. Because of the success of the initialactivity, the Wilmington Chapter adopted CECM and hascontinued to provide assistance. The chapter even joinedin celebrating its first graduation of 16 students in 2011.The school has now grown from 57 to 358 students. Inthe Charlotte Chapter, the project “Hats for Haiti” whichgenerated funds from members and matching chapterfunds, were donated to the country via existing worldwideorganizations. The Wilmington and Charlotte chaptersform a partnership to strengthen support which includesinstallation of a water purification system, a connection forinternet access, and financial support to increase theschool’s enrollment and curriculum which will have aSTEM emphasis.

Transforming programs into opportunities is an excitingjourney and venture that will continue to bring positivechanges in the communities we serve and work. TheSouthern Area Program

Team continues to emphasize that a program is a col-lection of related projects or events working in alignmenttowards a common cause. Programs drive our brand.Programming must be transitional, aligned, sustainableand evaluative. They must have a “Laser Focus” which isa true integration of the five facets. Emphasis was stronglypronounced to be sure that chapters understood the dif-ference between a program and an event. An event is “ahappening,” an occurrence, a one-time effort, a notewor-thy happening, and/or a social occasion or activity. Program Definition/Description

Your program descriptors required that all chaptersshould continue to engage in a planning process to in-clude the following:• Needs Assessment• Clearly defined goals• Outcomes oriented objectives• Activities/Strategies designed to achieve the objectives• Implementation framework• Formative evaluation-monitoring and redirection as nec-essary• A high ratio of Chapter involvement• Budget-Chapter funding and other sources• Evaluation-Summative impact statement

Programming Priority/Suggested GoalsIt is SA’s continued goal to support and enhance chapters’

efforts to deliver and sustain transformative programsthat:• Address problems, find solutions, and positively impact

critical needs of the community• Are comprehensive, accountable and replicable• Yield measurable outcomes and impacts• Promote collaboration and partnerships• Are aligned and integrated with Signature Programs

and National Initiatives, and Institutionalize our ServiceDelivery Model.

Transformational ProgramsWhat are transformational programs?The SA program team’s continued emphasis on clarity

in transformational programming and that chapters willcontinue to understand that: • Programs that are not merely an extension or improve-

ment over the past, but programs in which the new levelof performance is audacious.

• They call for a new level of innovation and collabora-tion.• They excite the people of the organization and unleash

their passion and creativity.• They experience change that is profound fundamental

and irreversible.• They experience a metamorphosis.• They excite the community.

What is a service delivery model? Do you understand theservice delivery model?

The National Program Team adopted a Service Modelin order to build a common language for accountabilityand evaluation across the organization. A Service Modelis a tool that may be useful in planning and evaluating pro-grams, committee work and other collaborative projects.

SERVICE DELIVERY MODEL• Provides a picture of your program: what you are put-

ting into the program, what you are doing, and what youare trying to achieve• Clarifies the strategy underlying your program• Builds common understanding, especially about the re-

lationship between actions and results• Communicates what your program is (and is not) about • Forms a basis for evaluation• “Theory of action” – what is invested, what is done, and

what resultsKey Questions for Developing Your Service Model• What is the community – level impact (change) that our

chapter would like to create as a result of our program?• What are the long-term outcomes or behaviors we

would like our clients to achieve?• What are the short-term outcomes we would like our

clients to achieve?

ASSESSING YOUR PROGRAMMING

16

• What programs, strategies or services do we need toachieve the short and long term outcomes?

• What resources or inputs do we need to support strat-egy or service implementation?

• What is going on in our community or in our client’slives that we have no control over but will affect the qualityof the success of our program?

The Southern Area Program Team goals cascade from

the National priorities and are in alignment with the Na-tional goals. Leadership from the top and all parts mustbe synchronized.Thank you for your support as we continue to travel this

exciting and winding road via transformational program-ming. We shall and must make a difference in the life of achild and embracement of a community.,

ASSESSING YOUR PROGRAMMING Cont’d

by Brenda JamersonChair, Services to YouthSummer is the time for the 5R’s in

Linkdom. It is a time to Re-evaluate,and Re-assess our strategic plans,and determine if we are makingprogress toward our stated goals andobjectives. We should Re-evaluate ifour chapter programs are meeting theneeds of our community and if ourchapter is truly making a difference.

It is a time to refresh old programsand ideas and put a different “twist”on how we are doing things. Reviewour National goals and objectives tomake sure we are operating in ourchapters in accordance to Nationaloutcomes. Revitalize our activitiesto make them more meaningful andspirited. Hold chapter retreats formembers and our community part-ners just for “programming” right afterthe National Assembly - while we areall excited about what we learned atNational. Consider adopting a Signa-ture Program, an Umbrella Programor an integration of a program with an-

other facet. Revisit all programmingmaterials. You may not need to rein-vent the wheel. Many excellent ideasare right at your finger tips that can beused to put a different “twist”, refreshand revitalize your chapter programs.

Renew your commitment to chapterprograms not “projects.” Take thetime to carefully consider the needs of

your community; evaluate what yourchapter can do to really make a differ-ence; refresh old programs with a “dif-ferent twist;” revitalize your memberswith new ways of thinking in terms ofsustaining programs and not one timeprojects, and renew your commitmentto chapter programs that bring aboutneeded service to the community.

Time to ReEvaluate, ReFresh, ReView,

ReVitalize and ReNew

Services to Youth

17

by Denise M. CooperChair, National Trends & Services“Empowering People; Transforming Lives!” This has been the National

theme for National Trends and Services of the past year and we certainlyhave lived up to its true meaning. Chapters throughout the Southern Area are to be commendedfor their dedication and commitment to service. Chapters have launched programs supporting thevarious National Trends and Services initiatives – AARP Links Academy, Ally Financial Wallet Wisefinancial literacy program and Trash Talk: It is no joke! - anti-bullying initiative. With five (5) chaptersselected to pilot the anti-bullying toolkit, two (2) chapters targeted for the AARP Links Academy and

numerous chapters operating as self-fundingchapters for Wallet Wise and AARP LinksAcademy, the Southern Area is putting itsstamp of transformational programming.

As the summer approaches, it is importantthat chapters keep up the programmingspirit. As school systems around the Areadismiss for summer break and families ven-ture out on long awaited vacations, our chap-ters are winding down the program year.Although members have been working hardall chapter year, we must remember pro-gramming is a year round endeavor - sum-mertime + planning = impact.

Chapters looking to get a head start ontheir programming can use the summer toreflect on the past year’s programming andtake the opportunity to conduct pre-planningfor next chapter year. No need for a formalmeeting because members can gather with

good food, music and games and just brainstorm. This dual-purpose gathering, program planningcomplimented by an informal social event, will keep the momentum of program spirit and fostersisterly relations.

The summer is also and an excellent time for chapters to reach deeper into their communities.With summer camps and vacation bible schools conducted in almost every community, chapterscan partner with these entities to conduct workshops and information sessions about various Linksinitiatives and programming ideas. Tap your local YMCAs, community centers and other communityorganizations for ways to showcase your current chapter programming. These workshops can actas a trial run for future chapter programming - as well as establish new relationships in the commu-nity and promote the Links brand.

So don’t grow weary in well doing; make the summer of 2012 a spring-board for your chapter’sprogram efforts in upholding our national purpose of establishing transformational programs.

Empowering People,Transforming Lives

NATIONAL TRENDS & SERVICES

Local summer camps are a perfect time and op-portunity to test potential program ideas.

18

by Mignon EarlyCo-chair Programming

Now that our program year has closed, wemust begin to look forward to next year andhow we continue to fund the programs thatare implemented to serve our communities.A key factor that affects future funding is thechapter’s ability to demonstrate accountabil-ity for the funding entrusted. There must bea framework established within each chapterto ensure a mechanism to appropriatelymonitor the use of funds awarded.

The following key points and tips shouldassist with chapter grant management. It isrecommended that these be used as thebasis of a checklist for successful usage ofgrants.

1. USE THE GRANT MONEY ONLY FORWHAT IS OUTLINED IN THE REQUEST FOR PRO-POSAL (RFP)Grants are not “free money,” according to Don Hofs-trand, business development specialist at AgMRC.“Groups may believe that grant money can be usedfor any purpose they want. In other words, it is likereceiving “free” money. However, grant money canonly be used for the purpose outlined in the Requestfor Proposals (RFP) by the granting organization.”

2. UNDERSTAND THAT PROCUREMENT OFFUNDING IS JUST THE BEGINNING

Receiving a grant is not an “end in itself.” Receivinga grant is just a step in the program development andimplementation process. The end goal is to create asuccessful and sustainable program. According toHofstrand, the task is not complete upon receipt of agrant; It is usually just the beginning.

3. ENSURE CHAPTER READINESS TO AC-CEPT GRANT FUNDING?

The chapter must assess its readiness to complywith the requirement set forth in an RFP to acceptgrant funding. The chapter must ensure that pro-

grams funded bygrants are not onlyexecuted but are ap-propriately docu-mented. There should be someone in the chapterassigned to complete all required documentation tosupport the use of the grant funding. An example toconsider is whether or not the chapter has the abilityto meet specific timelines. If the grant award is forone year and the reporting is required quarterly orperhaps monthly, the chapter will need to determineif it has the ability to commit to the requirement. If not,that grant may not be a good fit for that chapter.

4. CHAPTER COMMUNICATIONS ARE IMPERA-TIVE

Make sure all members of the chapter are awareof the grant award and a calendar is maintained ofall key dates related to the grant.

5. ENSURE THAT A PERMANENT FILE IS MAIN-TAINED

The file should contain a copy of the RFP as wellas all correspondence related to the grant. Addition-ally, records of volunteer hours, expenditures, otherreporting forms if applicable and press releasesshould also be kept in this file.

6. FINAL PROGRAM YEAR REPORTING IS AMUST

Make sure the final report is submitted on time. Ifa specific format or form is required, use it. If thechapter is unable to complete the report on time, re-quest an extension explaining why the report will belate.

Ensuring accountability to our funders is the re-sponsibility of each chapter. Grant accountability -as with grant reporting - should not be viewed as achore but more as the biggest opportunity tostrengthen relationships with those who are providingfunds- thus providing sustainability to the programswe all support in our communities. Strong relation-ships yield continuous and in some instances addi-tional funding. So in closing, I ask each of you tocommit to ensuring grant accountability within yourchapter. Happy Programming!

TTHEHE MMONEYONEY TTRAINRAINHow to Sustain Our Benefactors

Fiscal Responsibility

19

by Cori B. CooperChair, Health and

Human ServicesSummer is here! Al-

though you may not bemeeting regularly with

your chapter, you can continue to promote life balance,health, and wellness among your chapter members!Locally, our Health and Human Services (HHS) Facetteams are a wealth of information - not only for the com-munities we serve, but also our fellow Link Sisters.Many of you have shared your local programming,newsletters, or other activities with us, and we have en-joyed sharing your chapter stories across the SouthernArea. Please continue your great service over the sum-mer remembering to focus on your keeping your “LinkSisters in Sync” with their own health. Examples of ac-tivities to start/continue during the summer include:

• Start a walking/running group and set a goal to com-plete a 5K or 10K, maybe even longer!

• Take chapter trips to your local Farmers Market• Take group exercise classes together (i.e.) Zumba,

Dance Trance, or JazzerciseWhile summer may be a time to slow down and catch

our breath, it is also a time for Facet chairs to reflectand prepare for the year ahead. Look back over yourprogramming year and complete a SWOT (strengths,weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. Iden-tify those areas that were widely accepted- com-

pared to those that struggled. What went right in thosesuccessful programs and how can you apply that thosesuccesses to the program that was not as successful?Or ask yourself these questions:

• Did we incorporate STEM into our childhood obesityprogram?

• Did we participate in Donor Sunday as part of Link-ages to Life?

• Did we conduct the HeartLinks program?If you did not have an opportunity to do some of the

above questions, plan now for next year! There is somuch work to be done in the area of Health and HumanServices and we appreciate your hard work and diligentefforts to move the Facet ahead.

Thank you to those chapters that completed theHealth and Human Services Facet survey sent out inMarch and April. If you missed it, we will send the sur-vey again so that we may continue to collect your feed-back on what health related programming your chaptersare participating in and what your needs are from yourSouthern Area HHS team. Some of you asked for newprogramming and your HHS team hear your interestsand are actively engaged in discussing just that!

As always, make sure your chapter is “talking thetalk” as well as “walking the walk” toward life balance,health, and wellness. Continue to send me your ideasand we will share with the area!

Happy Summer and stay in Sync!

Life Balance, Health and Wellness

Health and Human Services

Summer creates a perfect backdrop for working out with chapter members as a friendship activity

20

by Sharlyn SmithChair, International

Trends & ServicesCongratulations on a

wonderful year of impres-sive International Trends and Services programs! Weare thrilled that, as a result of your hard work, the pres-ence of the Links’ Incorporated has been spread in ourlocal communities, the island nation of Haiti and inAfrica.

How do we keep this going over the summer months?The International Trendsand Services facet has a"boots on the ground" ap-proach that provides forpersonalized methods forassisting and improving thelives of women, childrenand men worldwide. Afterthe long days of summer,the children in communitieswe serve will return toschool in hopes of betteringtheir lives through educa-tion. We can make a differ-ence by assisting thesechildren in having a produc-tive school year.

The Southern Area is committed tomaking a difference in the lives ofHaitians still recovering from the devastating earth-quake of January 2010. Many young girls and womenfind it difficult to secure even the most basic personalhygiene supplies. Learning when such basis suppliesare lacking is difficult. The Linking with Haiti programprovides basic survival kits to women and girls in Haitiso they can preserve their dignity. Each kit containsfundamental items such as: toothbrushes, toothpaste,soaps, and washcloths that are often taken for granted.

Many of our Southern Area chapters have providedoutreach to women and girls in Haiti affected by thedevastating 2010 earthquake through the distribution ofthese Women’s Survival Kits. The chapters who haveengaged in this program have reported the initiative asa wonderful bonding experience.

The program kit for the Linking with Haiti Programmay be found on our national website. I would also be

happy to provide information directly to you. Your chap-ter may wish to partner with a local organization. Forexample, a church or youth group could help spread theword of the needs of Haitian people even more. Yourchapter may have an organization in Haiti in mind tosend Survival Kits to. The program kit suggests inter-national agencies where the Survival Kits may be sent.A special request may also be made that the SurvivalKits be distributed to school girls. I also invite you tovisit the website of the Centre D’EtudesClassique deMeyer (“CECM”) http://www.cecmhaiti.org/. This school

in Jacmel, Haiti has receivedsupport from chapters inNorth Carolina. Should youwish to send Survival Kits di-rectly to CECM, please sendme an email and I will sharethe pertinent details withyou.

The proximity of Haiti toour area and the difficult re-covery still underway fromthe 2010 earthquake makesit a natural focus for theSouthern Area. Additionally,in Linkdom, we are alsotransforming lives in Africa.

The Links have adopted the fol-lowing four schools in: Liberia,West Africa – the Todee School,

AME University, the School for the Blind, and the AnnSandell School. I am certain they would be thrilled witha donation that arrived in time for the reopening ofschool in September! Additional information on theschools and possible donations can be found on ourwebsite.

There are other exciting, transformational, programsthat provide personalized methods of assisting women,men and children in the communities we serve globally.These programs include our signature programs, Edu-cation Across the Miles and our Safe Motherhood Ini-tiative in Liberia, West Africa.

As we enjoy the long days of sunshine, thank you forremembering people of African descent worldwide whowe are privileged to serve. Thank you for all you do toextend the presence of the Links, Incorporated globally.Happy summer!

Empowering People,With a Global Perspective

The Arts

Haiti has many needs our chapters could serve.

21

by Karyn M. CombsChair, The ArtsThank you everyone for

your hard work and manyvolunteer hours to imple-ment the National Artsgoal within your chapters

with sustainability and measurable goals throughout2011-2012.

Indeed it’s amazing that this year as flown by and nowwe are planning for our summer months of June, Julyand August to continue our programmatic efforts as ArtFacet Chairs. The fact that 21 chapters in the SouthernArea participated in the 2011-12 National Poster Artcontest is an indication that Art Facet chairs reachedout to involve youth in show casing their many talentsto address our National Theme of: Healthy, Active andWise-Make Health a Habit.

Therefore, the objective of this article is to encourageArts Facet Chairs to continue summer programmingwith an Art connection to Science, Technology, Engi-neering and Math (STEM).

The following is an example of a project that we areworking on at the school where I am principal on EglinAir Force Base in Florida. Feel free to take this ideaand implement it in your area.

With the input of the Science Coach, Air Force MilitaryLiaison, K-4 teachers, Deputy Superintendent, Mentorsand Engineers, we are planning a “STEM SummerCamp” for elementary students. Students will partici-pate in “hands-on” STEM activities that are connectedwith art in our new Science Lab equipped with sciencekits for primary and intermediate students. Grades 3-5are divided into teams of 4 and have “missions” theywill participate in, while K-2 grades will participate inbuilding art projects made out of leggos.

The objective to have a STEM Summer Camp is toprovide opportunities for our students throughout thesummer that relate to science. Research states thatstudents approximately one to three months when theyare not involved in summer school or summer programsduring summer vacation will acquire (Achievement Gapand Summer Learning Loss. In general, low-incomestudents lose around 3 months of grade-level equiva-lency during the summer months. Middle income stu-dents lose about 1 month of grade-level equivalencyover the summer. Thus, the achievement gap widens,due to out-of-school influences and lack of summer

learning opportunities. REF: Wikipedia)In addition, since our school is located on an Air Force

base, we are fortunate to have many engineers, scien-tists and mathematicians who volunteer to mentor andwork with our students throughout the year at Eglin El-ementary School.

Likewise, your chapter may have access to individu-als who are in the school system and looking for inno-vative ideas to expand STEM activities with an artintegration among their youth at their school or in thecommunity. Partnerships with businesses, fraternities,sororities or other organizations would be the startingpoint for individuals who have backgrounds in STEMand art and want to volunteer during summer months.

Actually, there are so many creative ways to continueinvolving youth with art projects related to science andhealth that will contribute to wise choices that will ben-efit our students during the summer months.

Once again, as stated in the October 2011 article, artis a fundamental part of the cultural heritage of everystudent and will serve to connect the imagination ofthese students so they can have visions to dream of en-gineering, becoming scientists, and mathematicians topromote global awareness in the 21st Century. Further,art allows students to acquire the tools and knowledgenecessary to create individual responses to a variety ofsubject matters. It bridges the gap between the pastand present, the impossible becomes the possible andthe unobtainable becomes the reality through this im-agery.

In closing, my prayer is to meet and greet Art FacetChairs at our National Assembly this summer and sharenew ideas that we can implement during the 2012-2013year. Your commit-ment to excellence inmaking a difference asan Art Facet Chair inyour chapter and com-munity is greatly ap-preciated, and yourimpact will be tremen-dous among youryouth by continuing asummer arts programfrom June to August2012.

Summer is Time to Keepthe Creativity Flowing

22

The Columbus (GA) Chapter helda Scholarship Luncheon on Satur-day, May 12th at Green IslandCountry Club. Each year, the pro-ceeds from the chapter’s signaturefundraiser, the Emerald Ball, areused to provide scholarships andsupport to local organizations thathelp to make a difference in the city

of Columbus. This year, the follow-ing organizations received charita-ble contributions: The AnneElizabeth Shepherd Home for Girls,The Black History Museum, TheBrown Bag of Columbus, Inc., TheLiberty Theatre, and Girls, Inc. Arepresentative from each of the or-ganizations attended the luncheon.

During the presentations, chaptermembers and facet chairs thankedthe representatives for their effortsin serving the local community andmaking Columbus a better place tolive. Link Carolynn Obleton servedas chair of the Scholarship Lunch-eon under Chapter President LinkCarolia Malone.

Members of the Columbus (GA) Chapter with their scholarship recipients

Columbus (GA) Awards Scholarships and Non-Profit Funding at Annual Luncheon

23

by June MichauxSouthern Area Protocol ChairThere are five (5) categories

of program participants at theNational Assembly which are:1. Delegates (Links)

2. Alternate Delegates (Links)3. Non-Delegates (Links)4. Officers (elected and appointed)5. Guests (non-Links)

- Protocol is established during plenary ses-

sions, luncheon and dinner programs.

- Protocol should be established by the first per-

son that speaks to open an event.

- Subsequent speakers do not have to re-estab-

lish Protocol, but simply address the presiding

Officers.

- Protocol does not need to be established dur-

ing social events.

Assembly Protocol at a Glance

La Capitale Chapter’s Services to Youth and Healthand Human Services Facets joined together recently tohost a “Healthy Choices Expo”. Parents of children in theFreeman-Matthews Head Start Center were invited to par-ticipate in continuing the Chapter’s ongoing relationshipwith the Center in activities aimed to combat childhood obe-sity. The relationship with the Center began in 2010 in aunique partnership with Louisiana State University’s Pen-nington Biomedical Research Center through a specialgrant. The goal of the three-month partnership is to em-power parents of Head Start children to be agents ofchange for healthy eating and lifestyles for their families..

The major focus of the “HealthyChoices Expo” was a review of basicnutrition using MyPlate - the new nutri-tion logo and guide designed and intro-duced by First Lady Michelle Obama in2011 to remind consumers about thebasics of a healthy diet. Replacing theformer food pyramid, the plate is splitinto four sections - for fruit, vegetables,grains, and protein - and served as thebasis for a workshop/demonstrationpresented by health educator JeffSoileau of Louisiana State University.His hands-on workshop provided oppor-tunities for participants to prepare mockmenus from the MyPlate teaching kit asthey browsed through “La Capitale Mar-ket”, reviewing nutrition labels. Facetmembers assisted the parents makingchoices from a variety of “foods” from thefour food categories. The parents were seriously and en-thusiastically engaged in the exercise, and seemed eagerto put their new learning experiences into practice for theirfamilies. Their children received totes containing activitiesto educate them about food choices, and were engaged inactivities led by the Center’s teacher aides utilizing the My-Plate teaching kit with its emphasis on food choices basedon taste, color and portion size.

The “ Expo” beganwith a healthy break-fast served to thechildren and theirparents from choicesof fruit, muffins, andfruit juices. Fresh fruitand vegetables from a“fruitland” displayarranged by a local truckvendor were distributed

to the parents prior to boarding abus for the trip to a local Piggly Wiggly Food Store. Clad inprovided emerald green tee shirts, each parent partneredwith a Link and, after reading the nutritional information,made food selections of either healthy snacks, or food forbreakfast, lunch, or dinner meals for a family of four. Foodpurchases were a courtesy of La Capitale Chapter. Thisphase of the morning’s activities marked the third year ofhealthy food shopping for the parents in cooperation withPiggly Wiggly’s management.

On return to the Head Start Center, several parents werethe lucky winners of door prizes that included small appli-ances useful in healthy food preparation, and the grandprize of a small flat screen television. Parents expressedappreciation for the morning’s experience and for La Cap-itale’s continuing efforts to encourage healthier living andnutrition for their children and families through workshopssuch as the day’s “Healthy Choices Expo.”

La Capitale (LA) Chapter Hosts“Healthy

Choices

Expo”

(Top) The Piggly Wiggly butcher and Link Mavis Lewis-Henderson pro-vide information on making healthier meat selections. (Bottom) LinksSoundra Temple, Lenell Young, and Stacia Hardy assist two of the HeadStart students make healthy breakfast selections.

24

The Dade County (FL) Chapter recently held

its installation of officers ceremony at the Don

Shula Hotel and Golf Club. Dr. Cynthia Clarke,

education consultant and Florida Memorial

University freshman studies professor, was

elected as President for 2012-2014. Clarke, a

retired Miami-Dade public schools administra-

tor, brings more than 20 years of executive,

strategic management, and community service

experience to her new leadership role. She

hopes to expand chapter initiatives such as LeanForward with Mentoring, a partnership with

Florida Memorial University, and implement

chapter programs that support national initia-

tives such as childhood obesity prevention,

breast cancer research and awareness, and stu-

dent retention at Historically Black Colleges

and Universities (HBCUs).

“I look forward to my tenure as president of

the Dade County Chapter,” said Clarke. “Work-

ing with the very dynamic women of our chap-

ter as well as members of other chapters, I know

we will continue to make a positive impact in

our community.”

The other officers of the organization include

Tammy Reed, Vice President; Veronica Rah-

ming, Recording Secretary; Karen Bullard-

Jordan, Assistant Recording Secretary, Elsie

Hamler, Treasurer; Shelain Welters, Assistant

Treasurer; Marilynn Lindsey, Esq., Correspon-

ding Secretary; Teresa Brown, Financial Secre-

tary; LaTaryn Gay, Archivist; Sandra Pelham,

Ed.D., Journalist; Geneva Knowles Woodard,

Ed.D., Parliamentarian, and Tawnicia Ferguson

Rowan, Chaplain.

In a separate ceremony, the group also recog-

nized its alumna members. Those honored in-

clude Virla Barry, Maud Newbold, Dr.

Gwendolyn Robinson, Marcia Saunders, and

Jessie Stinson. Stinson is one of three chapter

organizers. Collectively, all five women have

served Links more than 85 years, volunteering

countless service hours. “I am proud to be a

member of the Dade County Chapter of The

Links,” said charter member Maud Newbold,

who is also a retired Miami-Dade schools prin-

cipal. “It has been a rewarding experience. For

more than 25 years we have celebrated friend-

ship and given back to a community that we

love dearly. My involvement in the Links has

been one of the highlights of my life.”

Members of the 2012-2014 Executive Committee: (l-r) Geneva Knowles Woodard, Ed.D. (Chapter Organizer)

Teresa Brown, Veronica Rahming, Cynthia Clarke, Ed.D., Tammy Reed, LaTaryn Gay, and Tawnicia Ferguson

Rowan.

Dade County (FL) Celebrates

New Leadership, Alumna Members

Dade County (FL) Chapter of The Links, Inc. Alumna Members: (l-r) Marcia Saunders, Gwendolyn Robinson,

Jessie Stinson (Chapter Organizer), Francis Moore, Virla and Maud Newbold.25

The Greater Miami (FL) Chapter re-cently welcomed internationally ac-claimed author Terry McMillan tosunny South Florida for their 2012‘Getting to Happy’ Book and AuthorLuncheon. The highly anticipated an-nual event was held at the Hilton -Miami Downtown and attended bymore than 400 guests.

Chaired by Toni Randolph, the lucra-tive event featured live entertainment,a silent auction, scholarship presenta-tions, a special dance performance bythe Peter London Dance Companyand of course the highlight of the day,a special reading by Ms. McMillan.The author delighted the audience withexcerpts from her latest novel Gettingto Happy (the sequel to Waiting to Ex-hale).

During her remarks, Ms. McMillanalso paid homage to The Links, Incor-porated for its longstanding commit-ment to providing quality programswhich enhance the lives of others on aglobal scale, stating “I have a lot of re-spect for what The Links do in educa-tion, organ donors, and their efforts inAfrica. So, I’m happy to support theGreater Miami Chapter because I like

what they stand for.”In appreciation, and as a special sur-

prise to the author, Greater MiamiChapter President Renée S. Jonesannounced that the Chapter would bedonating 50 desks to one of Ms.McMillan’s favorite charitable endeav-ors in Africa – Kids In Need of Desks(KIND). Adefinite crowdpleaser, Ms.M c M i l l a ng r e e t e dguests andenthusiasti-cally signedbooks follow-ing the lunch-eon.

Past au-

thors who have participated in theChapter’s event include the late BebeMoore Campbell, Valerie Boyd, thelate E. Lynn Harris, Valerie WilsonWesley, Michael Cunningham, CraigMarberry and Edwidge Danticat, whoenjoyed this year’s luncheon as aguest.

Ms. McMillan thoroughly enjoyed hervisit to Miami which also included a

day on the beach, and a Meet andGreet with Chapter members hostedby Toni and Carl Randolph. She wasalso inspired to write during her mini-Miami vacation.

Greater Miami’s 2010 Book and Au-thor Luncheon, another memorableevent, featured the unveiling of the

Chapter’s 120-page limited edition,hard cover table top book titled Link-ages and Legacies which chroniclesthe history and contributions of 50 no-table pioneers of African descent wholived and died between 1861 and2001, and helped shape GreaterMiami. Linkages and Legacies, thebrainchild of the late Link FrancesReeves Jollivette Chambers was in-deed a labor of friendship and love.

Thanks to the tireless efforts andhard work of the event committee,Greater Miami Chapter members,sponsors and donors, this year’s Bookand Author Luncheon was by farexciting, entertainingand happy!!

: Greater Miami (FL) Welcomes Acclaimed AuthorTerry McMillan to Annual Book and Author LuncheonSS TTAA RR PP OOWW EE RR

SS TTAA RR PP OOWW EE RR

Shown 2nd from the right seated is Link Regina Jollivette Frazierand authors Terry McMillan and Edwidge Danticat flanked by chap-ter members.

Platinum Member Gwen Wel-ters getting her book signed byTerry McMillan assisted by LinkJeanne F. Jacobs, PresidentMiami-Dade College HomesteadCampus.

26

Southern AreaHighlights of the 38thNational Assembly

27

Cohort IV of the Scott Hawkins Leader-

ship Institute concluded two years of inten-

sive training Tuesday with final exercises

and a standing room only graduation cere-

mony.

The day began with a meet and greet

session and continental breakfast with new

cohorts from the fifth class. The young lead-

ers were met with a surprise memento when

visiting their personal registration area pro-

vided courtesy of the Southern Area. In ad-

dition to an engraved Franklin Covey

executive pen, the cohorts also received a

glass mug.

“This was such a surprise,” said Kimbra

Bell, Chicago (IL), I will use my pen and

mug in my offices and recall all of the train-

ing and friendships made during the last

two years,” she said. This was the first time

a SHLI cohort received special celebration

gifts.

Following breakfast and greeting by head

Dean Jan Collins Eaglin, the two cohorts

separated into their sessions that would bear

witness to a new beginning for five, and a

culminating celebration for four. As part of

their final exam, cohorts were required to

present a two minute speech on, “My Jour-

ney to Effective Leadership”.

The Cohort speeches were diverse and

poignant covering everything from child-

hood experiences to the ideal leader of the

future. According to the deans, the topic was

meant to be interpreted by the cohort as

they saw fit. Speeches drew tears and cheers

often sharing personal, poignant informa-

tion. One Cohort even shared how being a

breast cancer survivor had made her more

powerful as a leader while another noted

their upbringing as their backbone of lead-

ership principles.

The speeches wrapped up two years of

theoretical and analytical applications of

leadership skills. Cohorts, age 25-45, are re-

quired to complete several individual and

small groups assignments as a part of their

curriculum. They are also required to at-

tend meetings held at the National Assembly

and Area Conference. Throughout the two

year process, they participate in webinars

with Links leadership and receive in depth

knowledge of operations practices.

The standing room only graduation cere-

mony was attended by National President

Margot James Copeland, National Vice

President, Glenda Newell-Harris and Na-

tional Treasurer, Kathy Wilson. Chapter

members, loved ones and Cohort IV also

witnessed the solemn occasion that included

a candlelight ritual presided by Jan Colline-

Eaglin and all four of the Area Directors.

Each cohort had the opportunity to have

her name called and receive the diploma.

After the festive occasion, the Cohorts again

joined their Cohort V colleagues and the

participants of the Links Leadership Insti-

tute where they were addressed by the Na-

tional President.

“This has been a phenomenal experi-

ence,” said Charlotte Foutz, Beaumont

(TX). “I look forward to bringing my newly

acquired skillset back to my chapter.

Ten Southern Area Cohorts were among the 50 new graduates of the Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute Cohort V. Shown aboveis the class photo including cohorts from the Souther Area Yolanda Norwood, Jan Duncan, Natille Duncan, Erica Moore, Eboni Lewis,Lathesia Saulsberry, Raynetta Waters, Nichole Walker, Sylvia Perry, Kim Jackson, Gina Spicer, Brandi Delaney, and Lisa Nicholas.

Scott Hawkins Leadership Institute Graduates Include 10 Southern Area Cohorts

28

Food, Fun and Fellowship Highlight

the Southern Area Hospitality Suite

Maurine Allen - Columnbus (GA)

Ruth Terrell, Christel Sands-Feaste ,Thelecia Wilson, Kim-berly Sweet, Sharlyn Smith, Cynthia Hightower and CharlotteHenderson.

Cecelia Washington and Ann Washington - LaGrange (GA) Southern Area Executive Committee members

Kathy Hall, Karen Ballard and Janis Sanders Ruby Adams, Nicole Archie and Christie Sabir29

Food, Fun and Fellowship Highlight

the Southern Area Hospitality Suite

Lois Delaine, Alison Peterson and Candice Nickens Frye Laurie Pelham, Maurine Allan and Brenda Proctor

Food, fun and fellowship! Sisters enjoy a European buffet.

Paula Clayton - La Capitale (LA) andBrenda Burkett - Baton Rouge (LA)30

Food, Fun and Fellowship Highlight

the Southern Area Hospitality Suite

Delores Lee and Ronice Warren - Orlando (FL)Vivian Green and Karyn Combs - Pensacola (FL)

Southern Area Director Eneid A. Francis and National President Gwendolyn B. Lee.

Walter & Phyllis Anderson - Augusta (GA) with PamelaHaley - Delaware Valley (DE) Tuskegee (AL) Chapter

31John & Barbara Darby - Bold City (FL)Sheila Lowe and Jan Duncan - Vicksburg (MS)

Food, Fun and Fellowship Highlight

the Southern Area Hospitality Suite

Following the Thank You Party on Friday night, 22 members of theSouthern Area Executive Commitee worked until 1 a.m. preparing for the Southern AreaBreakfast the next morning. The sisters enjoyed camaradie and soul music while defining the ultimate level of team work!

32

Southern Area Breakfast Unveils New Signature Program - Connecting Threads

The Southern Area breakfastserved as the backdrop for the in-troduction to the area’s new signa-ture program, “ConnectingThreads”. Under the area’s Mentor-ing with a Twist banner, which inte-grates STEM into arts education,chapters will utilize quilting to intro-duce mathematics to middle schoolstudents.

The guest speaker was awardwinning fabric artist Billie McCray.The self trained artist displayed ex-amples of her conceptual art andalso used a colorful powerpointpresentation that showed howgeometry and mathematics are andcan be used to teach youth.

"Quilting is so educational," saidMcCray. "It teaches, history, mathe-

matics, art appreciation - the ap-proach has limitless potential."

Highlights of the breakfast in-cluded greetings by President Mar-got Copeland and heradministration and the presenta-tions of Southern Area Diamonds tonew Platinum and 50 Year Mem-bers.

9th National President Regina Jolivette Frazier learns of the quilting

process from Organizational Effectiveness Chair Faye Hargrove.

Vendor chair Natille Duncan (center) awards

two surprise gift baskets to breakfast attendees.

Keynote speaker, fabric artist Billie McCray, wowed the audience

with her knowledge of quilting and colorful display of her items.

National President Margot Copeland

greeted breakfast attendees.

33

Congratulations to the following Southern Area Chapters who received

Program Awards at the National Assembly

SERVICES TO YOUTH2nd Place Gainesville (FL)3rd Place Birmingham (AL)

THE ARTS2nd Place Greater Miami (FL)

NATIONAL TRENDS & SERVICES

LEGACY AWARD– Fayetteville (NC)

INTERNATIONAL TRENDS & SERVICES1ST Place Wilmington (NC)

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES1st PLACE – Fort Valley (GA)

Save the Date on Your Friendship Calendar

Southern Area Leadership Summit

October 4-6, 2012Savannah, Georgia

Southern Area Conference

May 8 - 11, 2013Miami, Florida

34

CCoonnnneeccttiinnggTThhrreeaaddssLLiinnkkiinngg tthhee PPaasstt wwiitthh

AA NNeeww GGeenneerraattiioonn

AA SS..TT..EE..MM.. QQUUIILLTTIINNGG IINNIITTIIAATTIIVVEE

PPrreesseenntteedd bbyy tthhee SSoouutthheerrnn AArreeaaTThhee LLiinnkkss,, IInnccoorrppoorraatteedd

Complete programinformationavailable on the SouthernArea website August 1st

35

The Birmingham (AL) Chapter,through its Arts facet, has partneredwith the Birmingham City Schoolsand the Alys Robinson StephensPerforming Arts Center’s Artplayprogram for the last two programyears to create diverse educationopportunities for are youth.

The AlysRobinson Stephens Per-forming Arts Center is a multi func-tional concert hall that brings worldrenowned performers including mu-sicians, dancers, and actors to theBirmingham community . Fouryears ago they embarked upontheir largest arts education en-deavor in their short history. The“Arts in Action” Education and Out-reach Program has a strong em-phasis on arts education for allages and partnerships with com-munity and other organizations.The Birmingham Chapter is one ofthe first partnerships establishedand has proved to be a huge suc-cess for the Alys Stephens Center,the Birmingham City Schools andespecially the Birmingham Chapter.The chapter was responsible forestablishing relationships with theschool principals and teachers andcoordinating the school outreachprograms.

The goals of the program are to:• Provide Arts programs targeted

to Birmingham elementary schoolstudents affected by budget reduc-tion of arts in their schools;

• Become mentors and positiverole models for the students bysupporting and encouraging theirparticipation in the program;

• Supplement the Arts curriculumby providing field trips, supplies andend of year programs for the stu-dents and their parents;

• Work to expand the program to

“Link” with other organizations toeventually become the muchneeded “community catalyst” forour public schools

The programs are currently pro-vided to two elementary schoolsthrough outreach classes.

The “ Watershed Workshop”teaches the importance of the wa-

tershed and its interdependentplant and animal species through aseries of lessons using creativewriting, song, visual art and move-ment as teaching tools. The pro-gram provides writingopportunities, construction of a vi-sual art pieces, musical perform-ances and a final showcase of whatwas accomplished during the pro-gram - all centered on speciesfound in our local watershed. Thisprogram is an example of howmentoring and the Arts can be usedto introduce STEM (Science,Tech-nology, Engineering, and Math).

A second outreach project is the“Poet’s Corner Poetry Workshop”with poet and actor, Shariff Sim-mons. The objective of this pro-gram is to provide a

comprehensive series of creativewriting projects. This interactiveprogram focuses on school agechildren, and students in “at risk”programs with special needs.Through the use of poetry and spo-ken word, students are given theopportunity to participate in com-parative literature while learning

about the history of the oral tradi-tion in comparison to contemporaryforms of expression like hip-hop,theater and rhythm & blues.

All courses utilize the AlabamaState Department of Education inits course of study for students.Grade level standards are used todetermine objectives for the work-shops and for each of the one hoursessions over a six week period.

Chapter members step in andserve as surrogate Moms, mentors,helpers, and cheerleaders for thechildren and look forward to work-ing with the students weekly. ArtsFacet Chair Gaynell Hendricks ex-pressed the sentiments of all in-volved, “I think we get more fromour interaction with the childrenthan we ever expected.”

Birmingham Partners to Integrate Art in STEM Education for Area Youth

36

The achievement of national andchapter goals and objectives wasthe focus of the members of The In-ternational Trends and ServiceCommittee of La Capitale Chapter(LA) as they hosted an activity onApril 28, 2012. The Facet Program,previously a pilot program in part-nership with Pennington ResearchCenter and Freeman-MatthewsHead Start Center, is presently incollaboration with Freeman-Matthews Head Start Center,Southern University, and Louisiana

State University and CommunityResources.

The theme, “Linking Together In-ternational Cultures”, with empha-sis on weight gain prevention ofother countries, offered solutionsusing parents as change agents fo-cusing on healthy food choices, ac-tive lifestyles and life balance. Theseventy-two attendees includingLinks, parents, students and staffmembers of the Head Start Centerwere afforded a learning experi-ence that gave insight into various

aspects of African, Korean andMexican cultures.

Presenters in native attire ex-hibited displays of cultural, his-torical and social artifacts fromAfrica (Kenya and Senegal),Korea and Mexico and ex-changed information on theirnative lands including customs,lifestyles and healthy eating be-haviors. Each attendee re-ceived a stipend for theirparticipation. Capturing the at-tention of everyone were per-formances of a Korean danceby eight-year old Si Nae don-ning her native dress with propsand skills in Korean Martial Artsby six- year old Jung Nook.Also, a sampling of a deliciousimported Bae/Nashi (KoreanPear) was enjoyed. Doorprizes were awarded to parentsincluding a Kindle Reader,fruit/vegetable baskets and in-ternational cookbooks. The stu-dents received coloring/activitybooks, place mats designedwith First Lady Obama’s My-Plate and tips for preparing

healthy meals, healthy snacksfrom Germany, Greece, Poland,Italy and chopsticks with instruc-

tions for use. Members of the Committee in-

cluded Pamela Hall, Joyce Mete-via, Elaine Patin, LindseyRobinson-Jones, Lorina Turner,Ashley Shelton-Co Chair, LuverneTravis-Chair and Jacqui Vines-President. Annually, the committeemembers identify brokerage of alocal foundation to support theLycee Prive Maranatha in BurkinsFaso, Africa with funding to provideproper nutrition for elementary stu-dents.

La Capitale (LA) Links Together International Cultures to Enlighten Youth

1st row: Jung Wook and Si Nae-Korea; Back row: Luverne Travis-Chair,Lori DeBenedetto-Webb, Korean Presenter; Jacqui Vines-President

37

Advocacy was the order of the day and the theme of everydaywhen it comes to the Links in Louisiana. The 8th annual LouisianaLinks Day at the Capitol was held in Baton Rouge, La for a fullschedule of activities centered on advocacy.

The focus of the Louisiana LDAC has consistently been advo-cacy and awareness, along with making an impact in the areasof interest to The Links, Incorporated including women’s issues,education, and childhood obesity. This year, the LDAC honoredthe Women of the Louisiana Legislature by giving them whiteroses donned with green ribbons at the annual luncheon that fea-tured Senator Karen Carter Peterson, Chair of the Louisiana Leg-islative Women’s Caucus (LLWC) and Chair of the SelectCommittee on Women and Children, as the keynote speaker.Senator Peterson shared eye-opening findings of the state ofwomen in Louisiana from a recent study conducted by the LLWC.

The day began with morning breakfast session with State Rep-resentative Patricia Haynes Smith, Chair of the Louisiana Leg-

islative Black Caucus. Representative Smith, who serves onthe Education Committee, briefed the group on the status ofproposed education reform and legislation on anti-bullying –an initiative of The Links, Incorporated. Following the morningsession, participants had the opportunity to spend time meetingdirectly with legislative leadership in both the House of Repre-sentatives and the Senate, learning about various statewide is-sues, and discussing the LDAC Scorecard. Meetings were alsoheld with President Pro Tempore of the Senate Sharon WestonBroome and Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representa-tives Walt Leger.

One of the hallmarks of the Louisiana LDAC is the developmentof the Legislative Scorecard. Each year the LDAC committeeconducts an in-depth review of the proposed legislation for theupcoming session. From that review, a list of legislation is identi-fied to either support or oppose. The list with the recommendedposition is then discussed within the committee and with chap-ters. Once agreed upon, this list becomes the Scorecard. TheScorecard is then used as our guide for the remainder of the leg-islative session. Prior to attending the LDAC activities, memberslearn through their chapters and email alerts (provided by theLLDAC committee) about advocacy and current events that mayhave an effect on our areas of interest.

The day closed with both the House and Senate presenting res-olutions commending The Links, Incorporated for its Links Dayat the Capitol efforts. Robyn Merrick, state LDAC co-chair, said,“In Louisiana, Links understand that advocacy has become suchan essential component in a true democracy that it undergirds

the three branches ofgovernment and it’ssomething that mustbe done throughoutthe year.” Co-chair,Link Cheryl GrayEvans, was quotedsaying “I am verypassionate about ad-vocacy and the is-sues affectingwomen and our com-munity.”

Following theLDAC, members of

the Baton Rouge and La Capitale Chapters hosted visiting sisterLinks at the regularly scheduled mixer that the two chapters at-tend monthly. The April mixer was held at Stroubes restaurant,near the Louisiana State Capitol, in downtown Baton Rouge. Thechapters discussed possible charities to highlight for the 2012-2013 program year while enjoying friendship and fellowship aftera long day of Effecting Change Through Friendship and Service.

Louisiana Links Take Advocacy to Action for the

8th Annual Louisiana Links Day at the Capitol

Above: Links attend the LLDAC Luncheon at the BatonRouge Camelot Club. Right: Louisiana Links relaxing afterLLDAC at the monthly Mixer of the Baton Rouge and LaCapitale Chapters: Standing L-R: Judy Johnson-White(Baton Rouge), Cynthia Hightower-Jenkins (Shreveport),& Charlotte Henderson (Baton Rouge). Seated - ExyieRyder (Southern Area Alumna), Helen Butler (SouthernArea Alumna), Arminta Bolden (La Capitale).

38

The Savannah (GA) Chapter part-nered with the City of Savannah in itsAdopt-A-Street program. The streetsin the neighborhood that bear sig-nage with the chapter’s name areMay Street from Gwinnett Street toAnderson Street, and AndersonStreet to M. L. King, Jr. Boulevard. A“Keep Savannah Beautiful” Procla-mation was also awarded to theChapter. Nathaniel Glover, SanitationOutreach & Education Coordinatorfor the city, presented the Proclama-tion to Chapter President, Dr. ConnieS. Cooper.

It was by design that May Streetwas chosen for adoption, as theWest Broad Street YMCA (a heritage

YMCA) is on May Street. The Sa-vannah Chapter hosts a mentoringprogram, Links FA-Me, at that loca-tion and have also partnered with theYMCA on other youth-related proj-ects, and health and wellness ses-sions. They have also receivedfinancial contributions from the chap-ter.

The first kick-off and clean-up isscheduled for early summer. ChapterProgram Chair, Denise Cooper isexcited about the chapter’s involve-ment and is looking forward to partic-ipating with the City of Savannah tohelp keep the city clean. Adopt-A-Street will afford chapter members,and Links FA-Me participants an op-

portunity to partner with Keep Savan-nah Beautiful – City of Savannah, theneighborhood associations in thearea, Gadsden Elementary School,Hodge Memorial Daycare Center,the Housing Authority, Frazier-Kay-ton Homes - a satellite unit of theBoys and Girls Club of the CoastalEmpire, the Economic OpportunityAuthority, St. Matthews EpiscopalChurch, West Broad Street YMCA,and the surrounding neighborhood,at large.

“We are proud that we have em-braced the concept of giving back toour community through neighbor-hood involvement,” said Link Cooper.

Keeping Savannah Beautiful with the Savannah (GA) Chapter

Members of the Savannah Chapter (GA) Keep Historic Georgia Streets Beautiful with the Adopt-A-Street Program

39

On Saturday, April 28, 2012, severalvery excited elementary school-agedmembers of the W. W. Woolfolk Boysand Girls Club, located in S. W. At-lanta, presented a Model United Na-tions in partnership with the BuckheadCascade City (GA) Chapter. Dressedin traditional costumes, the youth rep-resented Haiti and Saudi Arabia, argu-ing for the rights of women and girls.Their afterschool research on the his-tory, culture and demographics yieldedbeautiful table displays full of artifacts,native foods, and arts and crafts madeby the boys and girls. The youth alsoentertained their parents and commu-nity guests with authentic dances fromthe countries.

Buckhead Cascade City membersvolunteer weekly at Woolfolk as part ofthe chapter’s umbrella communityservice programming, titled “KeepingOur Youth Engaged” (K.O.Y.E). Char-tered in 1995, Buckhead Cascade Cityhas a long standing partnership with

Woolfolk beginning with the donationof a computer lab several years ago.In accordance with the program’sthrust of the Southern Area, the chap-ter is currently sponsoring initiativestargeting childhood obesity utilizing theumbrella approach of incorporatingmultiple facets to provide transforma-tional programming that bridges thegaps that our partner at Woolfolk has

identified in reaching our community’syouth. From conflict resolution andanti-bullying tactics, to FitGram as-sessments, to plans for instituting aneducational gardening program, thechapter strives to enrich the programparticipants in the areas of science,technology, engineering, and math(STEM) with an emphasis on readingand comprehension.

Buckhead Cascade City (GA) Grooms Future Global Ambassadors

Front centered, President- Elect Deborah Barnes (left) President Sarita Cathcart-

McLarin (right) surrounded by members of Camellia Rose Chapter, Links Lourie Pel-

ham (2nd row), Jennifer Jones, Pat Jeter, Wanda Thomas, Marla Coleman-Holloway,

Sheila Tenney (3rd row), Cynthia Quarles, Pat Jones-Young, Pam DeVeaux, Joyce Mur-

ray (back row), Dr. Gunn (center rear), and Colgate Van volunteers (red shirts).

The Camellia Rose (GA) Chapter hosted the Colgate Dental Van at the Andrew and Walter

Young Family YMCA on May 9, 2012. Dr. Marla Coleman, a member of the Camellia Rose

Chapter, assisted with dental screenings. The children viewed a children’s dental film and

received a gift bag filled with dental products. Volunteer dentists, Drs. Coleman and Gunn,

screened more than 130 children between the ages of 3-8 yrs. of age, that participate in the

pre-school and afterschool programs at the YMCA. The dental screening event was planned

as an umbrella service program including Services To Youth and Health & Human Services

Facets. Dental Disease is the No. 1 chronic childhood disease, sending more children in

search of medical treatment than both asthma and ear infections combined.

Camellia Rose Provides DentalScreenings for Disadvantaged Youth

Nassau Chapters Sponsors DanceTheater of HarlemThe Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensem-ble will be on tour in the Caribbeanduring the months of May and June,2012. Dubbed The Harlem –Caribbean Friendship Tour, the pur-pose of this tour is the following: toshare Dance Theatre of Harlem’s so-cial and artistic legacy with Caribbeannations - through performances andeducational experiences, highlight op-portunities for American tourists to visitthe Caribbean, provide opportunitiesfor Caribbean-born ballet artists to finda conduit for international recognition,and allow opportunities for Caribbeanaudiences to witness at home whattheir families in New York City havebeen able to enjoy for 43 years. Thelast time Dance Theatre of Harlem ap-peared in the Caribbean was in thesummer of 1970; it was the Company’sfirst international tour.The DTH Ensemble, also known as

40

NEWSMAKER AWARD L E A D E R B O A R D

The Southern Area would like to announce the following chapters are atthe top of the leader board for the inaugural Newsmaker Award. Theaward, which will be presented at our Area Conference in May 2013, laudsthe chapter that has excelled in the area of branding. Points were awardedone point persubmission, to all chapters who submitted the requested mediahit information. Chapter Presidents and Communications’ chairs shouldbe on the look out for our expanded point system which will be disseminatedbefore the start of the program year. Chapters without a high representa-tion will still have plenty of opportunity to participate. Congratulationsand keep up the good work.

Columbia (SC) 33Greater Miami (FL) 25

West Palm Beach (FL) 17Birmingham (AL) 14Dade County (FL) 13

Altamonte Springs (12)One Voice One Brand

LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP: Dolly DeSelle Adams (4) , Nancy Shade Anderson (1), Joyce MartinDixon (3), Regina Jollivette Frazier (5) Julia Brogdon Purnell (2) .

41

Crescent City (LA) Goes Around the Worldwith International Trends and Services

The Crescent City (LA) Chapter recently sent over 800 public

school students around the world for an International Cultural

Awareness Day. The Warren Easton Charter High School gym-

nasium was transformed for the cultural expedition that toured

the children through some of the most interesting continents and

countries of the world. Students entered through U.S. Customs

and received a passport to travel to different stations and experi-

ence the culture of 5 continents and 15 countries.

While in Africa, they traveled to Egypt, Kenya, and South

Africa, where they learned about ancient civilizations and great

African leaders. In South America, they saw historic wares and

heard music from Brazil, Argentina and Peru. Next up was Eu-

rope, where they visited France, Spain and Germany; countries

that so many of our nation's ancestors once called home. The tour

of Asia took the students to South Vietnam, China and Japan. But

their world travels would not be complete without a visit to North

America where they stopped in Jamaica, the United States, and

of course, Louisiana. Many of the represented countries offered

cultural food, music, and costumes, as well as a lesson in the na-

tive language and politics.

This program was a partnership between the chapter’s Services

to Youth and International Trends & Services Facets. Teachers

and students alike commented on how they have a new appreci-

ation for diverse cultures and enjoyed being exposed to world ge-

ography.

Cultural outfits allow the students to experiencethe look and feel of different countries.

African cultural facial designs were not only beautiful, but meaningful as well.

South Vietnam offered a variety of great food and drinks for the participants to enjoy.

In Germany, participants read literature about German politics and policy while tasting delicious pretzels.

42

The Baton Rouge (LA) Chapterembarked on a venture to focus oncombating childhood obesity by do-nating $25,000 to the ExxonMobilYMCA. The donation, used to reno-vate and reconstruct three smallareas in the facility into a large mul-tipurpose room, will provide the op-portunity for more children tobenefit from the diverse activitiesand programs offered. The newlyrenovated space is now called theBaton Rouge Chapter of The Links,Inc. “Kids Zone,” and grand open-ing was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and opening ceremony onSaturday, May 12, 2012.

The chapter’s relationship withthe YMCA began during the sum-mer of 2011 with the donation of$11,600.00 to fund scholarships forchildren to attend The Links’ BootCamp. The camp is a four-week

summer program where childrenlearn the basics of strength and car-diovascular conditioning, engage infun, safe and age appropriate phys-ical activities, while learning aboutnutrition and healthy lifestyles. Theinitiative is the result of the effortsof the National Trends and Servicesfacet with support from the entireChapter. The Chapter’s focus oncombating childhood obesity in theBaton Rouge community was theimpetus for funding the scholar-ships which benefitted approxi-mately 200 children. Theparticipants represent children whowould not have such an opportunitywithout financial assistance. Par-ticipation in the Links’ Boot Campdoes not require membership at theYMCA. Children only have to applythrough the YMCA Changing LivesScholarship process. The success

of the program led the Chapter toagain partner with the ExxonMobilYMCA to continue to meet theneeds of children and adults in theNorth Baton Rouge community. Thechapter is still committed to con-tinue funding scholarships for theLinks’ Boot Camp in addition tofunding the Kids Zone.

Through the “Kids Zone,” theYMCA can now accommodate nutri-tion classes, physical activity, well-ness education, art programs, acomputer lab, and meetings foryouth. Although the area is called“Kids Zone”, adults can also benefitfrom the expanded space. "

“The Baton Rouge Chapter of TheLinks, Incorporated is very happy tocontribute to an environment whichwill enhance the healthy develop-ment of our children," said BrendaBirkett, chapter president.

Baton Rouge (LA) chapter members announcing grand opening and ribbon cutting.

Baton Rouge (LA) Donates $25K to Local YMCA for Youth Enrichment and Aid in Battling Obesity Epidemic

43

The Buckhead Cascade City (GA)Chapter inducted “The Fantastic Fif-teen” into their sisterhood on May 5th.The chapter also honored new Alum-nae members Marva Brooks andBrenda Kennedy for their years of ded-ication, wisdom, and service. Theevent was made even more special bythe presence of Southern Area Direc-tor, Eneid Francis. The BuckheadClub was awash in green and white asfamily, friends, and fellow Links partic-ipated in the special celebration.

As a part of their community serviceproject, the candidates unveiled afloor-to-ceiling mural at the WoolfolkBoys & Girls Club, which prominentlydisplays the Club’s values and pres-ents pictures of club activities withBuckhead Cascade chapter members.A friendship chain LINKS the framedphotographs together against a back-drop of the Club’s logo.

Seated (L-R): Gail Tusan Washington, VP/Membership Chair; Eneid Francis, Southern Area Director, and Chapter PresidentRunette Flowers-Williams. New members standing: First row: Alice Cannon, Nina R. Hickson, Stephanie Russell, Lynne Espy-Williams, Vikki Millender-Morrow and Cheryl Session. Second row: Joi Jackson, Jewell Harper, Tania JohnsonTompkins, Kelli Ba-cote-Boone, Verna Jennings Cleveland, Scarlet Pressley-Brown, Ericka Newsome-Hill and Deborah Payton.

Buckhead Cascade City (GA) Welcomes the Fantastic Fifteen to Linkdom

The candidates’ project for the Woolfolk Boys and Girls Club.44

On April 16, 2012 Greater Miami Chapter in partnership

with Barry University, hosted a reception featuring Marsha

B. Henderson, Assistant Commissioner for Women’s

Health at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Greater

Miami Chapter is one of eight pilot chapters selected to

participate in the AARP/ Links Are You Ready? Initiative,

designed to increase awareness in the areas of health and

wellness, financial literacy and health care reform among

African Americans age 50 plus.

Ms. Henderson shared information on the agency’s Take

Time to Care program and the Affordable Health Care Act

with university officials and students, representatives from

various community organizations and Sister Links. The

goal of Take

Time to Care

is to protect and advance the health of women through pol-

icy, science and outreach by providing free educational

materials through outreach activities and collaborative

partnerships with national women’s organizations, health

professionals, universities and faith-based organizations.

Chapter members Robbie Bell and Kay M. Sullivan, co-

chairs of the event are both Barry University graduates

and felt it was important to connect with other community

organizations in order to effectively promote awareness as

it relates to women’s health. Greater Miami Chapter Pres-

ident Renée S. Jones is extremely proud of the Chapter’s

efforts this program year as they relate to health and well-

ness, and financial literacy education among the 50 plus

generation.

Over 200 supporters of the Savan-nah Chapter (GA) attended theirfundraiser, "Misbehavin After Dark" onthe campus of Savannah State Univer-sity.

Attendees traveled from the nearbyareas of Bluffton and Hilton Head Is-land, South Carolina; Atlanta andBrunswick, Georgia; and from as faraway as Florida, Connecticut, Massa-chusetts, and Missouri to attend thefundraiser. They enjoyed a mix of ac-tivities, including listening to the musi-cal sounds of legendary bass playerBen Tucker and his band; dancing tolive music presented by Nickel Bag ofFunk; hot food and casino style enter-tainment in the ballroom of the univer-sity's new Student Union.

"We are elated over the success ofthis fundraiser,” said Chairperson Pa-trece Grant. “The community's unwa-vering support of the chapter is key tothe organization being able to continueto provide excellent programming andsupport to Savannah-Chatham Countyand surrounding areas," Grant said.

Proceeds will be used to contributeto community organizations with simi-lar missions, provide scholarships tostudents at Savannah State and Arm-strong Atlantic State Universities, andto support programming for the LinksFA-ME leadership and mentoring pro-gram. Links FA-ME (Fabulous Active

Me) is a program designed for middleschool age girls with a focus on thearts, health and wellness- includingchildhood obesity, financial literacy,leadership skills, character education,academics- including STEM educa-tion, career exploration, and civic andcultural awareness.

“Misbehavin’ After Dark” with the Savannah (GA) Chapter

Greater Miami Chapter (FL)

Presents AARP/Links Are You Ready?

Making Partnerships Work

45

Hadassah WootenTUSCALOOSA, AL - Hadassah

Wooten, a Junior Psychology majorwith a 3.82 GPA is the 2012 and firstrecipient of the Tuscaloosa Chapter ofThe Links, Incorporated EndowedScholarship at Stillman College inTuscaloosa. The chapter satisfied the$25,000 funding level required for en-

dowing the scholarship in May of 2011and Ms. Wooten's selection was an-nounced at this years' Honors DayProgram at the college. She currentlyserves as a Student Senator, a Stu-dent Marshall, President of the Psy-chology Club, and President of DeltaSigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa AlphaSorority, Inc. She is from Jackson, Ms.

Stillman College is one of the 51 his-torically black institutions (HBCUs) inthe Southern Area. The college has astrong partnership with the TuscaloosaLinks and has embraced the chapter'sinitiatives since its chartering in 1993.Founded by the Presbyterian Churchin 1896, the college has been a vitalpart and a strong supporter of theTuscaloosa Chapter. Members of thechapter enthusiastically donated andraised funds to endow the scholarshipto acknowledge Stillman's quest toprovide a quality education to some ofour best and brightest future leaders.

Tuscaloosa (AL) EndowsStudent With 25K Scholarship

On May 15, 2012, The BatonRouge Chapter of The Links, Incor-porated provided meals for resi-dents of the St. Vincent DePaulWomen and Children's Shelter.Chapter members purchased, pre-pared and served 22 nutritious andsatisfying meals. The Women andChildren's Shelter provides tempo-rary housing for displaced womenand children until a permanenthome is found.

The Baton Rouge Chapter,through the National Trends andServices Facet, has been providingmeals at this facility twice per yearfor many years. Chapter memberseat and share fellowship with theresidents.

(L-R) Links Ernise Singleton, Yolunda Taylor, Carolyn Collins, MarilynSeibert, President Brenda Birkett, Sylvia Winder and Patricia Robinson.

Baton Rouge (LA) Manna Givers

Project Provides Meals for the Homeless

Fort Valley Contributes to FVSU Endowment

As a part of its ongoing commitmentto support Historically Black Collegesand Universities, the Fort Valley (GA)Chapter presented a $2000 contribu-tion to the Fort Valley State UniversityFoundation during its monthly meetingon May 8, 2012. Dr. Melody Carter,Vice President for External Affairs andExecutive Director for the FVSU Foun-dation, Inc. accepted the donationfrom Link Robertiena Fletcher, Presi-dent of the Fort Valley Chapter. Thechapter presented the initial $10,000endowment to the Fort Valley StateUniversity in 2008 with a donationfrom the Southern Area. A second$10,000 endowment was created inthe local chapter’s name in 2009. Thismost recent contribution representsthe second donation to the endow-ment. Since its inception, the organi-zation has contributed $24,000 to theFort Valley State University Founda-tion in support of the HBCU NationalInitiative under the Services to YouthFacet of The Links, Incorporated.

46

Birmingham (AL) Celebrates the Harlem Renaissance

The Birmingham (AL) Chapterhosted a fundraising event at OldCar Heaven in Birmingham, Ala-bama spotlighting the Harlem Ren-aissance, a cultural movement thatbegan during the 1920s and thrivedthrough the 1930s.

Old Car Heaven was transformedinto a 1920s era night club. Guestsarrived and were entertained by thesounds of live music provided byKen Talley and Jeff Lopez of Good-fellas Jazz and were warmlygreeted by servers strolling with ap-petizers. Guests got into the spirit ofthe evening by wearing vintagefashions that included fur stoles,feather boas and shawls, flapperdresses and cocktail dresses, dra-matic headdresses and hats, satingloves, flashy jewelry and pearls ga-lore. The men’s attire ranged fromdinner jackets, various styles ofsuits including zoot suits, tuxedos,fedora hats, and spats. ConnectingLink Robert Holmes, Jr., attired in asophisticated tuxedo with tails,served as the host emcee.

Throughout the evening, guestsplayed Vegas-style casino games,danced to lively music and mingledwith other guests. Several buffetstations featured beef short ribs withbuttermilk mashed potatoes, collardgreens with Mexican corn muffins,carved honey glazed ham and freshroast turkey, assorted vegetables,fruits and cheeses and assorted,mouthwatering deserts, all preparedby Creative Catering by Ambrosia.

To incorporate the casino theme,tables were decorated with silvervintage goblets containing purplehydrangeas interspersed with greenand white dice and poker chipshighlighting the Links’ colors. Ele-gant couples in black and white for-mal attire were displayed onbanners suspended from the ceiling.A New York skyline backdrop wascenter stage with adjacent screensfeaturing a video presentation high-lighting literary figures, entertainers,intellectuals and other images fromthe Harlem Renaissance period.The splendid selection of rare an-

tique automobiles on display at OldCar Heaven also further helped tocarry out the theme. The eveningended with an exciting drawing forprizes.

Images from recent BirminghamChapter projects promoting child-hood obesity prevention, healthawareness, Services to Youth, theArts and other community activitieswere projected on several screensthroughout the venue. The fundrais-ing goal set for this event was ex-ceeded. Proceeds will help fund themany community service projectscarried out by the BirminghamChapter and contributions made toorganizations including the UNCFand Sickle Cell Foundation.

Members on the Planning Com-mittee were: Co-Chairman, Car-netta Davis, Co-Chairman CherylKidd, President, Vanessa Falls,Camelia Holmes, Gaynell Hen-dricks, Brenda Adams, DemetruisTaylor, Angelene Whatley, KimHitchens, Cathy Bradford andSamuetta Nesbitt.

47

The Health and Human ServicesFacet of the North Broward County(Coral Springs, Fl) Chapter is mak-ing a difference with twenty-twogirls participating in the “Girl’s onthe Move” program.

This two year program is de-signed to promote and facilitatehealthy living practices among ado-lescent girls (11-14 years old). Thechapter has developed a series ofmodules that are designed to pro-mote behavioral changes neededto address the challenges and con-sequences of adolescent healthand development for African-Amer-ican girls. This program takes intoconsideration the body systemusing the STEM concept- as it re-lates to nutrition, self-image, socialskills, literacy, family life stylechanges and dental care.

This year’s modules includedTeen Nutrition, Body Image and thePerception of Your Bodies, How toHandle Bullying, The Importance ofDeveloping Values, Karate and SelfDefense Instruction, and Fitnessand Exercise. Through a partner-ship alliance, the girls receiveweekly tutoring sessions with theHuntington Learning Center. The“Our Hope Garden” is planned fornext year, which will further en-hance the girl’s nutritional knowl-edge.

“Girls on the Move”, together withtheir parents, were honored by oneof the program’s major sponsors,the Crocket Foundation, at their Lit-eracy Gala. Foundation founderHenri Crocket, a former NFL foot-ball player, has been instrumentalin providing financial support in ad-

dition to introducing the program tothe community.

The program culminated with aMother-Daughter Luncheon whichfeatured two chapter members,Cassann Blake and Alison DeS-ouza, who facilitated a panel dis-cussion between the girls and theirparents on medical issues concern-ing today’s youth.

Through the program, the chapterstrives to meet the goals of theLinks, Incorporated national initia-tive to support the maintenance ofgood health in our youth. This isdone through fostering action-ori-ented programs that will not onlydisseminate information, but de-velop strategies toward eliminatingchildhood obesity while strengthen-ing community based relations.

GOTM: Broward County’s Girls On theMove Program Helps Adolescent Girls

Girls on the Move participants with their Link mentors

48

On April 12, 2012, at Petree Elemen-tary School, the three candidates formembership in the Winston-Salem(NC) Chapter, Lisa Caldwell, PamelaDockery-Howard and Patricia Hick-man, implemented their Service Proj-ect. The Service Projectencompassing two facets, Services toYouth and Health and Human Serv-ices, was a comprehensive programon Childhood Obesity for Petree stu-dents and their parents. Of particularnote, this program was presented at aTitle I School which, by definition, pro-vides free lunches to a majority of itsstudents. Additionally, the studentpopulation is comprised of a majorityof African-American and Hispanic eth-nicities.

The program, involved coordination-not only with school personnel- butalso with: the after-school program,the director of the Zumba classes anda community organization, Change,which provided transportation for stu-dents and parents. Candidate PatriciaHickman, Petree School faculty mem-ber, managed coordinating the logis-tics.

The three-part program began withBlast Off to a Healthy Start, an inform-ative and creative talk about nutrition

and physical activity by pediatrician,Dr. Pamela Dockery Howard. The talkengaged parents and students andevoked multiple comments and ques-tions.

Following the presentation by Dr.Dockery-Howard, students, and par-ents and several Links members en-gaged in an energetic Zumba class.

The finale, a light and healthy repastof sub sandwiches, salad, fruit andwater was served by Link membersand candidates.

The program was well received by

students, parents, school administra-tion and staff.

Principal Essie McKoy expressedappreciation for this very specialevent- which served 42 children and45 adults.

Candidate Lisa Caldwell developedthe program agenda and created theflyers and other written materials inboth English and Spanish. Addition-

ally, Mrs. Caldwell obtained doorprizes, arranged for media coveragefor the program, and compiled the finalreport.

The Chapter was well representedwith 15 members in attendance in-cluding: President, Janet Wheeler;Vice President, Rosa Tribble Wilson;Financial Secretary, Amy White; Treas-urer, Brenda Hodge; Program Chair,Linda Jackson-Barnes; Health andHuman Services Chair, Kay Clark andNational Trends and Services Chair,PJ Williams.

Winston-Salem (NC) Support and EncourageChapter Candidates During Service Project

Winston-Salem (NC) candidates for membership:Pamela Dockery-Howard,Patricia Hickman and Lisa Caldwell.

Chapter members were on hand to show support by serving the meal.

49

SAVE THE DATE ***SAVE THE DATE *** SAVE THE DATE

Southern Area Director Eneid A. FrancisThe Southern Area Executive Committee and

the Savannah (GA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated

invite you to the

2012 Southern Area Leadership Summit

LINKS: DREAMING, DARING and DOING

Do you currently hold an elected or appointed office in your chapter?

Interested in enhancing your current leadership abilities?

Are you considering a leadership role in the future?

Save the date and join your Link sisters from throughout

the Southern Area for an intensive two day workshop!

Nationally renowned, leadership experts will help you explore your inter-nal and external leadership skills to increase your effectiveness within

your chapter! Workshop participants will query who they are as leaders;how utilizing this information can enhance their chapter,

and learn how the infusion of this information can assist you and your chapter to best effect change within your community.

Attendees will earn 20 service hours for their participation.

October 4 - 6, 2012Savannah Marriott Riverfront

50

Camille Whitworth

Camille Whitworth

Selected for the Sugar

Bowl CommitteeCamille Whitworth, Crescent City

(LA) Chapter, has been accepted as a

member of the 2012 class of the All-

state Sugar Bowl Committee. She was

one of 8 from a field of 35 voted on to

the committee. The Sugar Bowl com-

mittee currently is set by its charter at

85 active members, plus about 40 more

who reached emeritus status at age 65

and eight associate members with less

than two years of service. That's far

less than the other major bowls, such

as the Fiesta Bowl, that counts 3,000 in

its membership.

The committee is drawn mainly from

the professional, hospitality and gov-

ernmental ranks in the metro area, al-

though in recent years a handful of

members from other parts of the state

have been added.

This is a group that puts promoting

the city at the forefront through volun-

teerism. It was founded for the pur-

pose for the purpose of promoting

amateur sporting events that would

stimulate tourism and have a positive

economic effect on the New Orleans

metropolitan area. The Sugar Bowl

has brought over one billion dollars to

the region over the past decade.

Velma Jackson Honored at the Greater Baton Rouge Meharry MedicalCollege National Alumni Fundraiser

Dr. Velma Hunter Jackson was honored at a scholarship fundraiser hosted by the

Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of the Meharry Medical College National Alumni Asso-

ciation on Saturday, May 5th. Organizers solicited donations for scholarships to be

awarded to Louisiana students.

The event was held at the Baton Rouge Delta Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority, Inc. Sorority House, where Link Jackson is a member. Dr. Jackson is a local

dentist and has operated Renaissance Smiles in Baton Rouge, for more than 30 years.

She is also a 1972 Meharry alumnus and a charter member of La Capitale (LA) Chapter

of The Links, Incorporated.

Margaret Montgomery Richard honored by Sigma GammaRho Sorority, Inc. at the Focus on Women Luncheon

M a r g a r e tMontgomeryRichard washonored re-cently by TheE p s i l o nSigma Chap-ter of SigmaGamma RhoSorority, Inc.as part oftheir annual

Focus on Women Luncheon recogniz-ing outstanding women in the commu-nity. The event was held at LaceGrand Ballroom in New Orleans Eastand attended by several Crescent City(LA) Chapter members. Educator,civic leader, and business owner Mar-garet Montgomery-Richard, Ph.D., aprincipal with DMM & Associates, LLC

in New Orleans, Louisiana has over 30years of extensive experience in man-agement and leadership at the na-tional, state, and local level. She hasheld several senior level administrativepositions in higher education institu-tions and systems level.

With an unflagging commitment toaccessible quality education for all, Dr.Montgomery-Richard brings the sameenergy and vision to her work as abusiness owner, educator, and civicleader that has characterized herdecades of community service. She isthe recipient of numerous awards andhonors. She currently serves as Pres-ident of the Kingsley House Board ofDirectors.

The Crescent City (LA) Chapter isproud to salute Link Margaret Mont-gomery-Richard!

51

Link ZaDonna Slay, a member of the Savannah (GA) Chapter, has been selected as one of the 21 ‘Dream-ers and Doers’ that compromise GenerationNext: Savannah’s Rising Stars of Business in the March/April2012 edition of Savannah Magazine. Savannah Magazine and Business in Savannah (BiS) partnered toprofile the leaders in the Savannah area under the age of 40, whose sharp business sense is matched onlyby their humanitarian efforts.ZaDonna is a 2005 cum laude graduate and President’s Second Mile Award recipient of Savannah State

University (SSU) earning her Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW) in threeyears. The President’s Second Mile Award is the University’s high-est award given to a graduating senior who has exemplifiedstellar and meritorious character and values in both leader-ship and community service. She is also a graduate of theUniversity of South Carolina (USC) where she obtainedher Master’s in Social Work (MSW). During hertenure at USC, she was able to study abroad inKenya, Africa and aided in the emergency reliefand clinical support of displaced victims of Hurri-cane Katrina.

Link Slay is proud to work and serve in hercommunity. Her community affiliations include,but are not limited to: serving in the capacity ofDirector of Constituent Relations for one ofthe city Aldermen; graduate advisor for theChatham County Youth Commission; Co-Chair for the Big Kidz Foundation SavannahAdvisory Board; Savannah Chapter of theNational Forum for Black Public Administra-tors; and a diligent member of her sorority.Her passion for working with youth can beseen in her efforts to empower youth toreach their full potential while serving as arole-model/mentor to community teenagers. Currently, she is the Executive Director of

Savannah/Chatham Court Appointed SpecialAdvocates (CASA) and is a recent graduate ofthe Dale Carnegie Georgia CASA LeadershipAcademy. Her daily work epitomizes her com-mitment and dedication to being a voice and ad-vocate for children. Link Slay is committed toimpacting her community through servant-leader-ship and entrusts herself to the quote, “No one risesto low expectations,” and that God has led her to thispoint in her life to fulfill a meaningful purpose of leadingand serving the community.ZaDonna joined the chapter in 2011. She serves on

the The Arts and Health and Human Service Facets.She is also the Chair of the Grants Committee.

ZaDonna Slay of Savannah (GA) Honored as a “Dreamer and Doer”

OOnnee ttoo WWaattcchh!!52

by Link Karen Winston Fox, Pub-licist

The Magic City (AL) Chapter ofthe Links Incorporated was recentlyawarded the 2012 Wells FargoBest In Minority Business Awards(BIMBA) from among four finalistsin the category of Non Profit/FaithBased service. A special event ofthe Cox Media group, the awardceremony was sponsored by theAlabama Power Company andState Farm Insurance Company.The event’s keynote speaker wasConnecting Link Dr. George T.French, President of Miles Collegeand husband of Magic City memberJoyce French. Dr. French receivedthe 2012 Distinguished LeadershipAward.

The accolades continued whenLink Connie Sheppard Harris, CPAand President of Sheppard Harris& Associates, was honored as a top12 candidate of the 2012 Best InMinority and Women Owned Busi-ness Owners during the evening’sevent. Her company services manyindustries such as small busi-

nesses, state & local governments,and nonprofit organizations. She

provides a variety of services fromtax & auditing to consulting andmuch more. Ms. Harris has spentthe last 18 years building her com-pany into one of the most reputableminority firms in the City of Birming-ham.

The BIMBA Awards highlightsand celebrates the diverse talentsand businesses in the Birminghamcommunity.

Susan Yvette PriceCongratulations to Susan Yvette

Price of the Montgomery (AL) Chap-ter who was recently appointed In-terim Chancellor of the AlabamaCommunity College System. As In-terim Chancellor, she is Chief Exec-utive Officer of the AlabamaDepartment of Postsecondary Edu-

cation. Susan came to the depart-ment in 2004. From 2007-2011,Susan served the department asVice Chancellor for Instructional andStudent Services, a division that pro-vides technical assistance in theareas of program and staff develop-ment - as well as student supportservices.

Prior to her tenure at the AlabamaDepartment of Postsecondary Edu-cation, she served as Assistant Di-rector, Appeals Division, of theDepartment of Revenue for the stateof Washington for seven years. Inthat capacity, she headed a divisionof 17 administrative law judges. Sheis a graduate of Princeton Universityand the University of Virginia Schoolof Law.

Susan is a member of The Links,Incorporated, where she currentlyserves as president. She was also amember of Scott Hawkins Scholar,Cohort III.

Susan Price Appointed Chancellorof Alabama Community Colleges

Magic City (AL) Wins Big at Annual BIMBA Awards

Shown left are Magic City Links atthe BIMBA Awards Dinner (L-R)Links Kareninston Fox, Sandra Z.Harris, President Deborah Byrd-Walker, Michelle Williams-Bridge-water, Connie Sheppard Harris,Terri Gardner and Joyce French

53

Nu Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Honors Rometa Porter as Volunteer of the Year

The Nu Chapter of Eta Phi Beta, Sorority, Inc., recently honoredBold City (FL) Chapter member Rometa Graham Porter as Volunteerof the Year. The surprise announcement was made at the sorority’sFounder’s Day Luncheon which also honored Bold City’s chapterpresident, Barbara Darby, in the field of Education. Shown above atthe event are Nu Chapter President Gloria Rhett, honoree RometaPorter, and Eta Phi Beta Southeast Regional Director, Chloe McGrit.

Cynthia Joliff- Johnson

Joliff-JohnsonNamed Asso.

Provost Cynthia Jolliff-Johnson of the St Pe-

tersburg (FL) Chapter has been se-lected as the new Associate Provostfor the St. Petersburg College-Mid-town campus effective May 14th,2012.

She has been with the college formore than 22 years, serving as aCounselor, Director of Student Suc-cess, and most recently as the Directorof College-wide One Stop Centers.She holds a doctorate degree fromNova Southeastern University inHigher Education, and a master’s de-gree from the University of SouthFlorida in Guidance and Counseling.

Successful fundraising tipsContinued from page 10Past challenges have included the bad economy and get-ting the media to buy into their event. Lesson learned” Whatyou give out is what you get in – make sure everything yousend out is representative of what you’re asking for and will-ing to provide.

The Durham (NC) Chapter funds their programmingthrough grant writing. In 2008 and 2010, the chapter wrotea successful grant garnering $100,000 from the Ford Foun-dation to fund Links Give. The purpose of Links Give is to1) develop tools to enhance roles of Links as philanthropistsand document the ways they give to their communities, andto 2) enhance Links’ social justice philanthropy and addressthe inequity issues inherent in the prevalence of childhoodobesity in African-American children. The grant writing didnot happen overnight requiring both time and persistence.

The Links Give award took three years from initiation to ac-tual funding. Lesson learned: Funding can come fromdiverse sources. Chapters should consider diversify-ing their resources to increase their outreach.

The summer months are a time to renew and inspire our-selves for another successful year of Linkdom. As we pre-pare our mind, body and pockets for the future, keep inmind the collective efforts necessary to make a fundraiserpositive experience. Also remember the many diverse op-portunities you can incorporate to increase your bottomline. Fundraising can be a fun, rewarding experience thatenables us to expand our community outreach in additionto locally increasing brand awareness on The Links, Incor-porated. By utilizing great planning, unique ideas and inter-nal resources, your chapter has a head start to a financiallylucrative event.

54

Toni Freeman

The Charlotte Chapter is very proud of

the achievements of all of their members.

However, special recognition and bou-

quets are sent to Toni Freeman and Imana

Legette this month. Between them you

have a global scholar, museum COO and

the new President of the Association of

Junior Leagues International.

On February 13, Link Toni Freeman

joined the staff of the Mint Museum in a

newly created position of Chief Operating

Officer. As COO of The Mint museum she

reports to the President and CEO and will

be a critical member of the museum’s sen-

ior management team who participates in

long-range planning and overall manage-

ment of the museum. She will oversee key

departments including finance, facilities

management, information technology, spe-

cial events, and the museum shop. She will

also manage the museum’s risk-manage-

ment program and serve as liaison for legal

matters.

The 1936 Mint Museum opening was

the first art museum in North Carolina, and

currently possesses one of the largest art

collections in the Southeast. The original

and current site, on Randolph Road, is

housed in what was the original branch of

the United States Mint.

In June Link Toni will be named Presi-

dent of the Association of Junior Leagues

International, Inc. (AJLI). She will serve

as the head of one of the largest, most ef-

fective women’s volunteer organizations

in the world representing 293 independent

Junior Leagues and 155,00 members.

Link Toni has been a member of the Jun-

ior League of Charlotte since 1993, and

has served as President, and VP of Fi-

nance. She also served as Treasurer of the

AJLI.

For more information about Link Toni

Freeman, the Mint Museum, or the Junior

League go to www.mintmuseum.org or

www.ajli.org.

She will not be the first President of

color to take the helm. Link Deborah Brit-

tain, an affiliate of the Southern Area, was

the Junior League’s first African-American

President.

Education around

the world is

the name

of the Game!

Imana Legette

Link Imana Legette, Educational Tech-

nology Director, Diversity Coordinator

and National Junior Honor Society Advi-

sor at Charlotte Country Day School, a

prestigious private school in Charlotte,

will be traveling to Senegal for a ‘Study

Visit’. A program sponsored by University

of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

The goal of the program is to help edu-

cators become leaders for global education

by looking beyond the borders of North

Carolina and experiencing a culture, coun-

try, and people different from their own.

She will use her skills in technology to

help meet this goal. In her words, “Tech-

nology provides a way to connect with

groups that we may not have access to.

Africa is a world away for most of our

Middle School students and I would like

to create a video blog of the entire experi-

ence to share with students. It is important

for students to see the similarities between

our cultures. It helps to build tolerance and

understanding on a level that middle

school children can understand.”

Educators will explore significant cul-

tural and historical sites and interact with

Senegalese families. This experience and

follow-up workshops will give participants

the ability to add global content to their

teaching and help their schools and col-

leges become more global in focus. In her

words, “Our National Junior Honor Soci-

ety continues to look for ways they can

provide service to others and if I could

bring back a personal experience it would

help make them understand how the work

they do positively effects another school,

village or even an entire country”.

Imana is excited about the trip and says,

“It has always been my dream to visit

Africa. It is the land of my ancestors and

has it has been my desire to experience this

continent and all the history that it holds.

The experience would be deeply personal

for me because of the genealogy that I

have discovered. My family was able to

trace the exact countries in Africa where

my ancestors lived and flourished. To be

able to touch the soil from which I came

would be a humbling and incredibly rich

opportunity”.

Charlotte (NC) Chapter Proudly Claims Global Scholarand Upcoming International Junior League President

55

Vice DirectorTamara Y. Lee

Tuskegee (AL) Chapter

vicedirector@salinksinc.org

SecretaryAnne T. Herriott

Miami (FL) Chapter

secretary@salinksinc.org

TreasurerJanice R. Nelson

Bold City (FL) Chapter

treasurer@salinksinc.org

ParliamentarianRosalind Fuse- Hall

Tallahassee (FL) Chapter

parliamentarian@salinksinc.org

Chair, Nominating

CommitteeOphelia Nicholson

Shreveport (LA) Chapter

nominatingchair@salinksinc.org

Southern Area Rep.

The Links Foundation, Inc.

Bessie Isom

Greater Mobile (AL) Chapter

linksfoundationrep@salinksinc.org

Financial SecretaryCharlotte Henderson

Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter

financialsec@salinksinc.org

Chair, ProgramsDaisy R. Walker

Charlotte (NC) Chapter

programschair@salinksinc.org

Assistant Chair, ProgramsMignon Breaux Early

Greenville (SC) Chapter

asstprogramschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, National Trends

& ServicesDenise M. Cooper

Savannah (GA) Chapter

nationaltrendschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Legislative Issues,

Public Affairs and Disas-

ter ReliefMarguerite Archie- Hudson

Charleston (SC) Chapter

publicaffairschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Services to YouthBrenda T. Jamerson

Orangeburg (SC) Chapter

youthchair@salinksinc.org

Education LinkageLucinda R. Sullivan

Augusta (GA) Chapter

educationchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, International

Trends & ServicesSharlyn Wilson Smith

Nassau (Bahamas) Chapter

internationaltrends@salinksinc.org

Chair, The ArtsKaryn M. Combs

Pensacola (FL) Chapter

artschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Health

& Human ServicesCori M. Brock

Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter

healthchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Ethics

and StandardsSelma Robinson-Ayers

St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter

ethicschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Organizational

EffectivenessFaye Hargrove

Augusta (GA) Chapter

effectivenesschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, ArchivesKimberly Sweet

LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter

archiveschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Awards

and RecognitionMaxine Smith

Charleston (SC) Chapter

awardschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, CommunicationsSylvia Perry

Bold City (FL) Chapter

communicationschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Conference

& Event PlanningRuth H. Terrell

Fayetteville (NC) Chapter

conferencechair@salinksinc.org

Chair, Fund Development

Ruth Waters McKayBold City (FL) Chapter

fundchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, ProtocolJune W. Michaux

Durham (NC) Chapter

protocolchair@salinksinc.org

Chair, RitualsJuanda F. Maxwell

Selma (AL) Chapter

ritualschair@salinksinc.org

Chair, VendorsNatille E. Duncan

Jackson (MS) Chapter

vendorschair@salinksinc.org

As a pledge for my administration, we will have an open door policyfor all Links. The Executive Committee is here to discuss everythingfrom membership issues and facet questions to grant writing and protocol.

If you have a question or concern for any member of the leadershipteam, feel free to contact us. Eneid

Southern Area Exec.Committee Directory

Area Director:Area Director: Eneid A. Francis

Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter

(H) 504.284.3660 (F) 877.284.3660 Southernareadirector@salinksinc.org

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