How is it going???

Hello out there! Now that the Sorority/Fraternity Year is over, I just wanted to touch base with all of you. For those of you that just crossed, how has it been thus far? I hope you are still enjoying the life of being a proud member of the Devine 9! When I run across neophytes, I get a warm feeling because it always takes me back to when I first crossed almost 20 years ago. I still can't believe I will be 20 years old next year. Where has the time gone?

Speaking of DeltaVersaries, I had the luxury of doing a photoshoot for a group of sorors who just celebrated 25 years of Sisterhood. They all came to Scottsdale to celebrate their 25th DeltaVersary and reached out to me to do their photoshoot. They did both a formal and informal shoot and I had a ball with all of them. I can't wait to do a photoshoot with MY ships as well.

Here are one of the pics I was able to capture. They LOVED IT!

I am looking forward to attending our National Convention in New Orleans next month, especially after we were told that it will be one of the LARGEST conventions ever (outside of centennial). My darling husband will be attending his Convention a week later in Las Vegas. His LS and prophytes will be there with him, and they decided to make it celebration to celebrate 20 years in the frat. (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.)

So for those of you that have crossed over, how has it been? Was it everything you hoped it would be? For me it definitely was and THEN some. I will be blogging about my NOLA experience while I am there. (If I have time that is). 

Until next time, Ciao for now!

V

Congratulations are in Order

Have I ever told you guys, how much  I LOVE this time of year??? My timeline has been filling up with bright new faces of Sorors, Sistergreeks, and Fraternity Members. Congratulations to all of you who have crossed the sands into -----Land. *Fill in the blank with your prospective organization*

As for me, today is my DeltaVersary! I can't believe that my ships and I are celebrating 19 years together. Where has the time gone?  Every time I witness a crossing, it reminds me of my very own crossing and my coming- out show! (That's what we use to call it back in the day). Seeing some of your NIPs online, you all put in some HARD work! Not only were they entertaining, but very educational. Great job to your prophytes! Once the dust settles, here is some advice that I want to give to all of you.

1. Be humble! I have personally witnessed how three letters can seriously change a person. Don't be THAT person. Remember just months ago; you were on the other side sitting at Rush, hoping, wishing and praying to be chosen. There are plenty of people that want to be on your shoes. They were not selected for whatever reason. Please don't give them a reason to be turned off due to your attitude. I am not saying to start becoming everyone's BFF, but if someone is inquiring about membership remember how you were once upon a time in their shoes.

2. Now the REAL work begins. I am sure you have heard this before, but it's TRUE! Membership in these organizations requires a lot of hard work. Join a committee and start learning the inner workings of your organization. You've always been on the outside, now see how it all comes together on the inside.

3. Prioritize your time. If you think you were mad busy going through the process, you are about to be active as a member. If you are a planner, you might want to pull out your calendar at your meetings so you can add all upcoming events to your schedule.

3. Save your COINS! I know that sounds crazy, but for real, FOR REAL, save your $! Membership in these organizations is NOT CHEAP but NO MEANS! Annual dues, conferences, Fundraising events, Community Service events, etc. They all cost $ and will add up quickly.

4. Please make sure to register for Regional Conferences and National Convention. This is the ONLY way to find out the inner workings of your organization at the regional and national level. You will NOT regret it, I promise! When I attended my first National Convention, I was in awe! Seeing thousands of Sorors in their White. And going to the opening, I cried. It was just a bit overwhelming. (In a right way mind you). This is also an excellent opportunity to meet Sorors/Frat brothers from all over.  I still keep in touch with a few Sorors I met from my first National Convention 19 years ago. This will give you a perfect opportunity to not only meet Sorors from your region (Regional Conference) or across the U.S. (National Convention/Boule'). Speaking of which let me revisit that you need to make sure you save your coins for Vendors. The BEST paraphernalia are at Conferences/Conventions/Boules!

5. Don't take it personally! Your new Sorority Members and Fraternity members are not going to agree with you all the time. You may not agree with them. And you know what? That's ok! That idea that you think is so brilliant? May not receive the majority vote that is needed to implement within the chapter.   Just don't take it personally, and keep it moving. I am saying this with love. The sooner you realize this, the better.

6. Keep your line issues within your LINE! If you and your LS have a problem, talk it out among yourselves.

I will share more later, so that's all for now!

Delta Authors on Tour

Happy Monday Everyone!

This past weekend was a busy weekend for my chapter. One Chapter from each Region (there are seven) was chosen to host a "Delta Authors On Tour" event. My chapter was selected to represent the Farwest Region. The Farwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. includes states such as Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Japan, Korea, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. We invited a Delta Author from each Region (Central, Midwest, Farwest, South Atlantic, Southern, Southwest, and Eastern) to represent their region at our event. It was a HUGE success. The event hosted at the AC Marriott Biltmore. We had food, live jazz music, and it the bulk of the event was held on the patio. The weather was PERFECT especially considering we just had a significant snowfall (YES, SNOW) a few weeks before. Each author spoke briefly about the books they were selling, and there was a variety of exciting book topics. There were Romance books, Children Books, Christian Books, books about self-esteem, etc. After each author gave a brief synopsis about their book(s), the audience was led to a room to purchase the books of their choice, have their books signed by the author and take a picture. 

There are a total of 7 Delta Authors on Tour Events (This is to once again, represent each region) and if there is one near you, I would highly recommend that you attend. 

Delta Authors

PMAC Chapter

I hope you all are enjoying your Monday. As I was glancing through the comments, it appeared that some of you have received the "call of your dreams." If that applies to you, CONGRATULATIONS! Please come back and check in with us, once you crossed the sands into *Fill in the Blank* Land! 

If you received the letter of rejection, don't give up! It's just not your time THIS TIME, but if you keep fighting, your time will come. I am sure it's hurts like heck, and it's okay to feel sad, angry, and even confused. Keep your head up.

For those you that are still waiting.....are you keeping yourself busy? I suggest that you do, because the wait can seem like YEARS, even though it's only been a few days.

Ciao For Now,

V

2019 Arizona Statewide Founders Day Weekend Celebration

Chicago Alumnae - Photo Credit

Each year, the Arizona Alumnae Chapters rotate to host our annual Statewide Founders Day weekend celebration. This year my chapter was the featured host. We invited National President and CEO Beverly E. Smith to be our speaker at the sisterhood luncheon. We also asked all Sorors from the Farwest Region to attend as well. To celebrate the election of our Chapter member Tracy A. and the Regional Rep. Christine E., we decided that this weekend event would be perfect for also hosting a "Congratulatory" Celebration to celebrate them both being elected into the office. 

Friday started off with the "Love Reception" to commemorate their election into Delta Office. We invited members from the Divine Nine, as well as several leaders of other prestigious organizations to speak on behalf of their organization at the event. It was a joyous occasion. We had grand old time celebrating with everyone, and the night ended with several divine nine members,  sorors and speakers from the event taking pictures with our National President, Regional Director, and our Regional Representative. Several vendors were in attendance to sell their fabulous Greek Items, as well as African Attire.  

Saturday included all Sorors getting dressed in their "Delta Red" to take our annual Statewide Founders Day Picture. We started with ALL members in attendance taking their picture and then breaking it down by Chapter. There were a lot of Sorors in attendance, including Sorors from the Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter. They chartered a bus, and 45 of their members came to support our RD, Regional Rep, of course, our National President, and the Arizona Chapters.

After concluding taking pictures, we all gathered to the ballroom for the Sisterhood Luncheon. To witness a sea of "Red" was breathtaking. Although this weekend filled with Love and laughter,  there was also sadness. Our founders Day Chair Soror Demetta W. who planned everything to a "T" unfortunately and unexpectedly, left us before the celebration. In honor of her, the Co-Chairs and the Founders Day Committee set aside a place on the dais to recognize her efforts. Although she was not physically there, you could feel her spirit throughout the room. 

The event opened with myself Performing the Black National Anthem "Lift Every Voice And Sing." Although I was the official photographer during this entire event, I completely forgot to ask someone to record my performance for my Mom and my Darling Husband. (My two BIGGEST FANS). Unbeknownst to me, my darling Soror from my chapter recorded my performance on her phone and sent it to me. (Thanks again Soror). The entire Sisterhood luncheon was phenomenal. Another one of my Chapter Sorors blessed us with Song, we had several speakers, and the Arizona Chapter Presidents brought Greetings on behalf of their Chapter. It was wonderful. We also set aside some time for Sorors who became members of the Organization for 25, and 50 years. Each of them received a plaque and posed with their Chapter President, the Regional Director, as wells as the National President to commemorate their 25 or 50-year service for Delta.  

One particular Soror who received her plaque had an extraordinary story. As she made her way to the stage that she had a certificate in hand. When she reached the Stage, she mentioned that the National President, Beverly E. Smith was ALSO her Chapter President 50 years ago, and signed her certificate after she became a Delta. She brought her certificate showing our the Signature of our National President, (Back when she was just Beverly Evans - maiden name).  She wanted to pose with both certificates. People in the room started crying, (including myself). It was a beautiful. As they were having their moment and possibly reminiscing about the times when they were both Deltas in undergrad, I was snapping away on my camera. Later that evening, I printed two of the pictures from them to give to my soror on the next day during our Ecumenical Service. I even posted the picture on my FB page that evening retelling the story of how that picture came to be. It went viral very quickly. Imagine my surprise when one of the images that I captured was later featured on the National Facebook page of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. the next day. When I gave a copy to the Soror for her to Frame, her eyes welled with tears. She later was able to reconnect with President Smith (Sunday afternoon) for her to sign the picture.

The Sisterhood luncheon ended with Soror Smith speaking to the body. As always, she was phenomenal. At the end of the speech, we were all asked to join outside for a Desert Soiree. The best part of living in Arizona is how we can have events outside during February. As a part of our Community Service for the weekend, we partnered up with the Breast. We donated 700 new and lightly used Bras for this organization. The collection of bras will help provide bras to women and girls in need.

Sunday concluded with the Ecumenical Service. Once again, I was blessed enough to be a part of the program; d  I dedicated the song that I performed to Soror Demetta. Six of my beautiful chapter Sorors performed  "Oh Lord How Excellent." They did a fanatic job. Our chapter, as well as Tempe Chapter, partnered together to bless us with a beautiful Praise Dance. We were later fed the word through one of Tempe's chapter members, Soror Morrison. 

Overall, this was a wonderful weekend. I was able to meet new Sorors, connect with old Sorors that I haven't seen in a while and it was great. My feet were exhausted after this weekend from being the Official Photographer and running here and there to capture the memories as they were happening. For those of you that are either going through the process right now or hoping to become members of your dream sorority or fraternity, I can not wait for you to experience your FIRST founders Day Celebration. Cherish the moments, as I promise you will never forget them.

Sponsorship/Letter of Reccomendation

You find out that the chapter at your college/university or the alumnae/alumni chapter has a rush. You are beyond excited, nervous; your adrenaline kicks in on the thought of you fulfilling your dream of becoming a member of XYZ org. You attend Rush with your excitement in tow, trying your best to impress who could soon be your sorority and or fraternity sister/brother.

Then reality sets in. The fee for membership is announced at Rush, and it is a lot more than what you anticipated. You realize you have to have so many hours of RECENT community service. You need a sponsor and don't have one. You have to have a FINANCIAL member write you a letter of recommendation that can speak about your character,  your RECENT community service efforts and why they feel you would be the perfect candidate for membership.

The problem? You do not have the money. You don't have a sponsor. You can't find a financial member to write you a letter of recommendation. You realize that you are either lacking in the community service hours, or the service hours you do indeed have has been from years prior. So what do you do? Well, it appears you didn't prepare yourself for membership. Real Talk! When I found out I wanted to be a member of Delta Sigma Theta (14 years old btw), I did my research. I  have spoken to members. I was able to establish various relationships with Deltas. I also attended multiple events. The internet wasn't as popping as it now, and the only website that was available at the time was the DeltaNet founded by Sorority Sister Bonita Jackson (BeeJae, RIP Soror). I loved that website. It was filled with a wealth of Delta information. Her popular blog post entitled "So you think you want to be Delta" was VERY popular and appeared on many College and Alumnae websites. She is the reason why I decided to create this blog. Her website helped me SO much, and I wanted to pay it forward to all prospective BGLO members.

Although it wasn't publicly known HOW much it would cost, I worked my tail off during Summer months while I was in college to save at least $1100 for the initiation fee.  (It cost nowhere near that much, thank GOD)! I kept my community service hours current, and I stayed in touch with the people that was in charge of my volunteer service so I could use them as a reference. I was hoping to use my ex's sister to gain a letter of rec. from her since she is a Delta (unfortunately, that fell through) I was blessed enough to have two other Delta on standby who were willing to write me a letter. (Thank Goodness) I guess my point is, I was prepared. I was ready. I just needed for the members to take a chance on me. Thankfully they did. The competition was fierce at my University. EVERYONE wanted to be a Delta, so to be quite honest, even after putting my best foot forward, I wasn't expecting to be chosen during the first try. I was wrong. They extended an invitation to me. I was blessed enough to have received the necessary votes for me to start the process of becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

If you don't have the $, the sponsorship, or someone to write your letter, all is not lost. You need to take this time to work, work, work! Work on saving that money. Work on establishing meaningful relationships with members of the org you so desire to become a member of. My RD gave me the BEST advice. She stated that if someone asks you to write a letter of recommendation are you willing to PAY for their initiation dues? (Hint, membership in all of these orgs are NOT CHEAP). If so, write them a bomb rec. If not, then keep it moving.  I have had a quite few young ladies in applying for membership at both the College level and at the Alumnae chapter ask me for a letter of recommendation.  How many have I written? ONE! I am very particular on writing letters, and if I haven't worked with you, (and recently) and cannot honestly speak on how you can be an asset to the organization from my personal experience, then I will not be writing a letter. Some of the women I haven't heard from in a while. So the first time I hear from them was to ask for a letter of recommendation? Sorry sweetheart but Issa no. If you know me personally, you know that I am a HARD working Delta. I am very active with my chapter, so I will only be writing letters for people that I feel will work hard for the organization as well.

When people say no, don't take it personally. Just realize that you need to ask someone that you feel comfortable with, that can speak to your character, work ethic and knows you personally. This is vital. We (and by we I mean ALL members of BGLOS) have enough T-shirt wearers in our Orgs and don't need any new ones. A T-Shirt wearer is a person that wants to be a member of XYZ org, goes through the process, only to be never seen again. But trust and believe they will make random appearances at Greek Parties or will give a shout out twice a year on Social Media. (The time they crossed as well as their Founders Day). They are either only active/financial while they are in college, and never pays another DUE after graduating from college, or goes through the process as an alum member, and disappears. As I have always stated, LIFE happens. (It did for me during my first few years of getting married, and although I was a member at large while making my monthly Diamond Life Payments, I was not affiliated with an actual chapter).

I tell people all the time, membership in these organizations requires Sisterhood/Brotherhood, MONEY, TIME, and EFFORT! Without them, these orgs would not exist. Just giving you all a food for thought as Rush season is upon us. Good luck all of you, and for those of you that are currently going through the process.

It's that time again.....

You attended rush, received all the information that you need to apply for membership, received an application, and you can't believe the time has finally come. The time has come for you to fill out your application for membership in your desired sorority or fraternity. You're anxious, nervous and excited at the same time. The BEST advice that I can give you at this time? Double, Triple, Quadruple check your work. Make sure all your "I's" are dotted and your "T's" are crossed. The last thing you don't want is for you to be disqualified over a small error on your part. Make sure you have enough time to submit your application. If the organization requires you to mail it in, I would suggest spending a little extra $$ by using FedEx or UPS, with tracking information. That would at least give you confidence that the organization received your application.

Good luck to all of you, and once your application is off, the HARDEST part is....the waiting. You wait, and you wait, and you wait, and you wait. It was HARD for me, so I get it. TRUST ME! But as I said in previous posts, make yourself busy during this time. I know for me, I jumped every single time my phone rang, because I didn't know when or IF for that matter they were going to call. And the waiting can be a LONG TIME. This can depend on if the org has a set schedule, the number of applicants that submitted an application,  screening each app. etc. As for me, right when I was about to give up and came to the realization that wasn't going to receive a phone call, they finally did call at 1:35 am.  I remember how HARD it was for me to sleep that night because I was excited, yet nervous about my upcoming interview. I remember getting out of my dorm room bed, turning on my light, and laying out multiple outfits for my interview. I was too excited and nervous to go back to sleep.  I was a zombie going to my 8 o'clock class that next morning, but I was cheesing like no other. I GOT A PHONE CALL which meant I was one step closer to my goal. Now all I needed to do next was NAIL the interview.


Ciao for Now,
V

New Year, New Beginnings, New Members

Happy New Year Everyone!

I wish you all a beautiful and prosperous 2019. I know this new year will bring a lot of questions, anxiety, hopefulness,  and anxiousness for those of you that are vying for membership in a BGLO. The first thing I would tell you to do is, breathe. You got this. Hopefully, you have been preparing for this for a while. Although I have touched on how to prepare for Rush in previous posts, I will highlight a few things. Here are my top five.

1. Get there Early! If you attend a college or university where the org of your choice is very popular on campus, chances are a lot of people will be going out for membership. This is especially the case if you are trying to gain membership from an Alumnae/Grad chapter. Get there early so you can choose a great seat.

2. ASK QUESTIONS! Most orgs have a Q & A at the end of their presentation. I know it can be intimidating to ask a question in front of a bunch of strangers, but how else will you get the information? Chances are there are others who have the same burning question, but they are too shy to ask. Great way to stand out as well. (wink, wink).

3. Meet other people at the Rush/Informational. This is a time for you to connect with your future sorors or fraternity members. Hopefully, you have been doing that before rush however it's essential that you continue during rush as well. Small talk is always welcomed. If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone you don't know, then at least connect with those who you do. Remember to gain membership for most of these orgs; they will be voting on you.

4.  Business Attire PLEASE! I am guessing that everyone has a different definition of business attire, so I ask that you visit my post that focuses on this. There was a time when I would say wear Sunday Best - referencing how people dressed for church, but now Churches allow people to wear Jeans, Sweats. Etc. So instead I will say this. Dress as if you are going out for a job that you really, really, REALLY want and you want to impress your future boss. I stress this because I have seen people attend rush in Jeans, Sweats, Leggings, and I was just shocked. I was business sharp when I visited my rush. I wanted my future sorors to know that I was serious and that I meant business.

5. Relax! I know this is easier said than done, but I have said this before. Every single sorority/fraternity member was once a prospective member. They sat in the very seat that you are sitting in. Smile, be approachable and take it all in.

BONUS: I hope you saved enough money because joining these organizations are NOT CHEAP by NO MEANS! No, they don't have payment plans, and for the most part, you have to have all the money up front.

I hope this helps and wishing you all the best in your quest in becoming members of Greek-land.