advantage - vol 1 issue 1
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Volume 1 Isssue 1
ADVANTAGEThe Southern AreaThe Southern Area
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
ii nn ss ii dd eeExcellence Defined
A tribute to Immediate Past Area
Director Mary F. Currie
Page 3
Introducing STEAMM 2011-13 Southern
Area Program Focus
Pages 4 and 5
In Her FootstepsLessons in Leadership from
Area Director Nancy Shade Anderson
Page 6
Feeding Minds and Bodies
in NOLAArea conference’s
community project has big impactPage 7
Transformational
ProgrammingInsight from Southern Area Program-
ming Chair Daisy Walker
Page
Links Who Cook
Scott Hawkins
Leadership Institute
Cohorts Convene at Area Conference
Page 9
Introducing SOLACE
A new southern area initiative
Page
Ethics & StandardsDiscovering the value
of Ethics in Linkdom
Page
Links Love their CrownsSisters and the hats they love
Page
Friendship Month
65th Anniversary
Southern Area Executive
Committee Directory
Inside the AdvantageMeet our team and find out how you can
be a part of The Advantage
WelcomeGreetings from your Area Director
PAGE 3
Excellence DefinedA Tribute to Immediate Past Area Director Mary F. Currie
PAGE 4
In Her FootstepsLessons in leadership from 15th Southern
Area Director Nancy Shade AndersonPAGE 5
2011-2013 Program AgendaMentoring with a Twist
PAGE 6
Feeding Minds and Bodies in NOLA
Community project is highlighted by the N.Y. Times Journalism Institute
PAGE 8
Transformational Programming
by Daisy Walker - Program DirectorPAGE 9
Links Love their CrownsSisters and the hats we love
PAGE 10
Organizational EffectivenessDon’t let your ‘but’ get in the way
PAGE 11
Links Who CookFavorite recipes of Southern Area ‘chefs’
PAGE 12
Chapter must haves: Ethics & Standards
by Selma Robinson - AyersPAGE 13
Rituals: More than a White Roseby Juanda Maxwell
PAGE 15
S.O.L.A.C.E. A new Southern Arrea initiative
PAGE 16
Scott Hawkins Cohorts Convene at Area Conference
Ten fellows prepare for leadershipPAGE 17
65th Anniversary CelebrationJoin your sisters for a very special gala honoring 65 years of Linkdo8
PAGE 18
Fund Development 101Leveraging your chapter’s finances
PAGE 19
Myth of the Super LinkBalancing life to have it all
PAGE 20
Southern Area Executive Committee Directory
PAGE 21
Advantage cover models: Edna Moore, Debra Austin,Ruth Ramsey, Michelle D.Manning, Lynn B. Green,and Terri Love at the Area Conference community
service project in New Orleans, LA.
2
Link Sisters of the Southern Area,I greet you in the name of friendship and service!
Welcome to to your first issue of The Southern Area Advantage, our new e-zine. Due to budgetary constraints and the evolution of
communication through technology, we have transitionedto a state-of-the-art web-based newsletter.
It is my hope that you will find the Advantage useful, informative, educational and entertaining as we strive to take the Southern Area to newheights. The publication’s content is specifically designed with you in mind - by Links, about Links, for Links.
September is upon us, and as members of TheLinks, Incorporated, we are now entering our program year. As agents of change, the burden ofpurpose weighs heavy in our hearts, minds and
actions as we prepare to implement transformational programs and develop strategies that impact
our communities. We must not abandon our existing productiveprograms - but add to them by incorporating our arts integrated
STEM mentoring initiative. Together we will impact change throughthe power of friendship and service.
I invite you to educate yourselves on the Area’s program focus and encourage you to reach out to members of the Executive Committee if you have any unanswered questions. We are here for you.
In the spirit of friendship and service,
_|Ç~ XÇx|w
Eneid A. FrancisSouthern Area Director
3
Seventeenth Southern Area Director Mary F.Currie charted the course for The Links, Incor-porated to address a critical issue, childhoodobesity, facing children of the Southern statesduring her tenure.Link Mary will be remembered for many con-
tributions, but especially for the establishmentof the Commission on Childhood Obesity Pre-vention (CCOP) May 15, 2009, in partnershipwith the Morehouse School of Medicine, Com-munity Voices and Men’s Health Initiatives (At-lanta, GA).
Proceedings of the CCOP will be published,presented for entry into The CongressionalRecord and disseminated to members of TheLinks, Incorporated and audiences nation-wide.Link Mary planted the seed for the addition ofchildhood obesity as a National initiative (ap-proved by the Executive Council in November2010).Three new chapters were chartered during
her tenure: Camellia Rose (GA); Tri-County(AL) & Miami-Biscayne Bay (FL).
Now, if you think Link Mary has settled intoa schedule of relaxation and leisure, youcouldn’t be more mistaken.The industrious role model for servant lead-
ership has been appointed by National Presi-dent Margot Copeland tochair national’s Platinumand Alumna members initia-tive. In her new role, she ac-tively seeks to engage thetreasured population inLinkdom and enhance theirmembership experience.We proudly salute Mary F.
Currie for her excellent lead-ership during 2007-2011.
XåvxÄÄxÇvx Wxy|Çxw
Saluting the 17th Southern Area Director ‑ The Links, Incorporated
_|Ç~ `tÜç YA VâÜÜ|x
Under the leadership banner“Linking Our Actions
Today, with Our Dreams for Tomorrow”, Link Currie set the
agenda for 77 chapters inseven states ~ AL, FL, GA, LA,
MS, NC, SC, and Nassau.4
by Nancy Shade Anderson15th Southern Area DirectorI was the 15th Southern Area Director, and I enjoyed every
minute of my tenure. More than anything, it was the peopleand friends I met as I led the Southern Area. I learned manyyears ago when you are the leader no one cares as much asyou do. As a leader one must be dynamic, wise, and a vision-ary. Harvey Firestone once said, “To get the best from people,we must give the best of ourselves.” That is true whether it isgiving your best to The Links, Incorporated or to whatever else
might be left to yourcharge. When a Link iselected chapter presi-dent or to any other po-sition of leadership, herfirst realization must bethat she cannot do italone. As leader, her pri-mary job will be to get
people to work together with purpose and commitment for acommon goal. As a leader, she must provide her team mem-bers with opportunities to succeed on their own. These oppor-tunities will lead to skill. Skill leads to experience, andexperience leads to team solidarity. Skill and experience mayalso be attained through dedicated self-directed education, in-cluding hands- on experiences. Essentially, the implementa-tion of these elements leads to the creation of your philosophyof leadership.
As you are aware, it is one thing to gather people togetherand call them a team, it is quite another to bring a group of in-dividuals together and have them think, act, create, and per-form as one. Leaders in The Links, Incorporated not only haveto bring a team together to think, act, create and perform asone, but they also have the burden of doing this “in friendship.”That is an awesome responsibility.
An effective leader has vision. Your vision is probably thestrongest and most important building block when building aneffective team and leading the members of your chapter.Where are you taking the Chapter? What do you hope to ac-complish during your tenure? What and who will be requiredto accomplish this, i.e. who will you need to fulfill your vision?
Effective leadership determines the experience and talentsneeded, recruits the individuals, places them in the appropriateposition, and empower them to complete their assignment.
On occasion, a team mem-ber may do better in an-other position, do not beafraid to reassign her. Oneof a leader’s strengths mustbe to evaluate and assessthe team and its’ members,their potential and where they can best contribute. All parts ofthe team must be built, enhanced, and maintained.
Robert Jarvik said, "Leaders are visionaries with a poorlydeveloped sense of fear and no concept of the odds againstthem. They make the impossible happen." The presidentmust be capable, experienced, have integrity, leadership skills,and the chapter’s respect. Members will recognize whetheror not their leader is capable of leading, has a vision, givesthem respect, allows them to do their job, gives them support,challenges them, and disallows internal conflict. Effectiveleadership happens when the following three components arein place:
1. Clear expectations of what is required and the context inwhich they are functioning.
2. Commitment - members should want to participate, feelthe mission is important and of value. Instill a sense of own-ership.
3. Communication - to ensure success and viability theleader must communicate with the team, and the team mustcommunicate with each other and the larger body. Everyonemust feel free to have her say and feel involved in the deci-sion-making and planning process. Information must beshared and used to benefit the entire group.
4. Evaluation of the progress toward the ultimate goal ~ bothChapter and National.
Our best leaders are those who have sisterly feelings forchapter members, employ a sense of fair play, love the organ-ization, are knowledgeable, possess a good sense of humorand have the ability to laugh at themselves, respect the factthat all members are created equal, honor Chapter organizersand practice timeliness and neutrality. This might seem to bea tall order, but it is quite manageable when one cherishesevery moment of it all, so lead with honor and serve with pas-sion.
I am honored to share my experience with my sisters,Link Nancy
In her FootstepsLessons in Leadership
“It is one thing to gatherpeople together and callthem a team, it is quite
another to bring a groupof individuals together andhave them think, act, cre-ate, and perform as one.”
5
20112013 SOUTHERN AREA PROGRAM FOCUS
Me nt o r i n g
The Southern Area program initiative is essen-
tially a mentoring program with a twist. Chap-ters are asked to design a program integratingmentoring with STEM (Science, Technology, En-gineering, and Math), which is introduced usingan arts integration approach. The youth who par-ticipate in the program will be paired with men-
tors, who optimally, havecareers in science, tech-nology, engineering ormath. In addition tobeing mentored, usingarts integration, thechapters will develop aprogram that introducesSTEM to the partici-pants. Chapters canalso present other prin-ciples such as child-hood obesityprevention, anti bullyingand good citizenship.
Our ultimate goal is to spark the inter-est among our youth in STEM careers.Through the program, youth will under-stand how STEM relates to their lives.In addition, we hope that by experienc-ing STEM through this delivery methodthe youth will be excited, informed andsee themselves as future college stu-dents and professionals in these areas.
Mentoring is an important aspect ofthe Southern Area program. Chapterswill recruit individuals to serve as men-tors to youth. Because of the focus onscience, technology, engineering ormathematics, chapters should recruit
mentors with careers in these fields.Chapters are encouraged to obtain
mentors by forming partnerships withprofessional organizations of individuals withthese careers or businesses employing individ-uals in these careers. College students majoringin these areas would also be good mentors.Chapters may also want to consider formingpartnerships with local organizations that al-ready foster quality-mentoring relationships. Tobe effective, it is important that chapters thor-oughly screen mentors to weed out adults whoare unlikely to keep their time commitment to theprogram or who might pose a safety risk. In ad-dition, chapters must conduct effective mentortraining. The Southern Area plans to provide in-formation to assist chapters in screening men-tors and conducting mentor training. In implementing the Southern Area program ini-
tiative, chapters are not being asked to abandonthe programs that they have already have inplace. Chapters are expected to focus on thecommunity they serve and identify and/or con-tinue needed programs. Many chapters are al-ready working with youth and they are
One of the six national priorities of The Links, Incorporated is organizational alignment. A secondpriority is delivering and sustainingtransformationalprograms. S.T.E.M.Education and CareerReadiness is oneof the organization’s program initiatives.
What is the Southern Area Program Initiative?
by Eneid A. Francis, Southern Area Director
The program emphasis in the Southern Area for the next two years will focus on our youth. By integrating several of our national program initiatives, chapters in the Southern Area will have the power to effectchange in the lives of youth livingin the communities we serve.
6
20112013 SOUTHERN AREA PROGRAM FOCUS
encouraged to add to these programs. Chaptersmay also want to form partnerships withschools in their communities and encour-age them to introduce STEM through anarts integrated approach into their curricu-lums. In addition, chapters could estab-lish afterschool or weekend programsimplementing the program.
One of the six national priorities is organiza-tional alignment. A second priority is deliveringand sustaining transformational programs.S.T.E.M. Education and Career Readiness is oneof the Services to Youth program initiatives.Mentoring is also a Services to Youth programinitiative. Arts integration is a program empha-sis of The Arts facet. Childhood obesity preven-tion is a Health and Human Services nationalprogram initiative and anti-bullying is NationalTrends and Services program focus.
Why STEM?Statistics show that the United States is falling
behind other countries in the areas of science,technology, engineering and math. These sta-tistics have raised concerns that the UnitedStates is falling behind as a competitive force inthe global economy. This has led to an empha-sis at the state and national levels to increasestudent involvement in the STEM subject matterareas. The federal government has invested$700 million in science and math education pro-grams. In November 2009, President BarackObama launched “Educate to Innovate,” a $250million public-private initiative to improve theparticipation and performance of America’s stu-dents in STEM.
What is arts integration and why is it being used?
In his speech launching “Educate to Innovate,”President Obama said “We’re going to show
young people
how cool science can be.” He also said “Theseefforts extend beyond the classroom.” With arts integration, art is not a separate sub-
ject. It is used with the subject matter as a tool.Arts integration pairs an arts discipline (dance,drama, music and visual art) with a traditionalsubject (math, language arts, science and socialstudies) to enhance understanding and compre-hension in both areas. Academic skills and con-cepts are applied and experienced in artisticcontexts. Integrating the arts allows for a levelof subject-matter engagement and critical think-ing not often found when the arts play a sidelinerole. Using art to support core learning not onlymakes learning fun, but also helps children re-tain what they learn.
Research has shown that arts integrated edu-cation improves academic achievement acrossthe entire spectrum. Arts integration has a par-ticularly positive effect upon at risk students.The arts can make a tremendous impact on thedevelopmental growth of all children and hasproven to help “level the learning field” acrosssocio-economicboundaries. Stu-dents not onlyshowed improvedacademic perform-ance, but also weremotivated and in-terested in theirprojects and had adesire to succeedwhen immersed inan arts integratedprogram.
“Art is the queen of allsciences communicating knowledge to
all the generations of the world.” LEONARDO DA VINCI
w i t h a t w i s t
7
by Rosa Ramirez
Louisiana, obesity and hunger exist hand
in hand. To combat these diet and health
problems, a group of Southern professional
women recently prepared boxes of food to
distribute at a local food bank.
One woman poured cold water over
frozen chicken thighs to defrost them. An-
other placed thawed chicken in plastic bags
for distribution. In other areas, groups
worked to prepare boxes of fresh fruits,
vegetables, pasta and canned goods for res-
idents in need.
The women volunteered at the Just the
Right Attitude Food Bank in New Orleans
East prior to the start of the Area Confer-
ence. The Links volunteers tripled the
usual number of volunteers who come,
said Debra Jones, the food bank’s execu-
tive director. About 10 people consistently
help the food bank feed locals, she said.
The food pantry distributes boxes of food
to an estimated 2,000 people each month.
It also delivers fresh food to senior citizens
at three apartment complexes.
Members of Links Inc.
cleaning and bagging un-
cooked chicken for distri-
bution at Just the Right
Attitude Food Bank. Debra
Jones, the food bank's ex-
ecutive director, aims to
help families that make too
much for government aid.
Stacy-Ann Ellis | NYT In-
stitute
Mary Currie, director of the southern area
of the Links, said one of the organization’s
goals is to tackle obesity. According to the
latest data from the Louisiana Department
of Health and Hospitals, 28.9
percent of Louisiana residents
were classified as obese.
Health-related complications
include hypertension, Type 2
diabetes and coronary disease.
Currie said her organization partnered
with Morehouse University’s School of
Medicine to research and educate parents
about childhood obesity, a health problem
that affects 35.9 percent of children in
Louisiana.
Unlike public assistance, which has a
maximum-earning cutoff, Just the Right
Attitude Food Bank gives local residents
food regardless of income, said Jones.
She wants to focus on families who make
“too much money to get help but not
enough to make it.”
Jones was one of those people. In 1999,
she was told she had ovarian and thyroid
cancer. When she and her husband sepa-
rated, she applied for food stamps because
she could not afford to take care of her two
children, her home and medical costs.
Jones, who worked as an accountant at the
time, was denied because of her income.
She promised she would “do something
to help out people in need.”
About a year later, despite numerous ob-
stacles, Jones converted her garage into a
small food bank. A local car dealership
later offered her space in a building in the
car lot.
On Tuesday, Jacqueline Gills, 67, walked
out of the food bank’s doors pulling a
shopping cart with food.
“This is the only place that feeds you
well,” Gills said.
This story was originally printed on the New YorkTimes Student Journalism Institute web site.
41st Southern Area Conference community project highlighted by the N.Y. Times Student Journalism Institute
Feeding Bodies and Minds in NOLA at
the Just the Right Attitude Food Bank
Members of The Links, pause from bagging and packing groceriesat Just the Right Attitude Food Bank during the Area Conferencecommunity project.
28.9 percent of LA residentsare classified as obese.
8
Programming will focus on the “whole child”
by Dr. Daisy WalkerSouthern Area Program Chair
Programming is the heart and soulof The Links, Incorporated.
I am honored to introduce myselfto the 77 chapters in the SouthernArea as we begin a new era. The
next two years will be focused on implementing trans-formational programming, collaborative alignments andintegration, strategic partnerships and building collec-tive strengths. It will be fueled through friendship andservice, chapter engagement, education and empower-ment.
Our goal is to take our programs and services to newheights via strategic planning which is the foundation ofprogramming. This responsibility brings a plethora oftenents under the umbrella of program services of whichthis team will proudly journey for the next biennium. Wemust deliver community relevant, transformative andsustainable programming.
Mentoring with a Twist which focuses on STEM (Sci-ence, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics,) with artsintegration, will effect change in the lives of youth livingin the communities our chapters serve. In addition, wewill continue our strong commitment to childhood obe-sity prevention among African American children.
The National Programming goals are clearly align-ment and integration via transformational program-ming. Services to Youth (SOAR) StrengthenOpportunities via Action and Results focuses onmeasuring results (inputs and outputs), being com-munity relevant, mentoring, STEM and closing theachievement gap.
The Arts focuses are integration of works,connectionsand academic acceleration.
National Trends emphasis is community resources,economic and political influence, alignment and integra-tion, anti-bullying and disaster relief.
International Trends goals are to engage all chaptersin humanitarian efforts for developing nations such asSouth Africa, Liberia, and Haiti.
Health & Human Services goal is to be a change agentfor wellness with emphasis on childhood obesity andcollaborative efforts with health professionals who canalso serve as mentors.
The Southern Area Facets are aligned with National,but with our own creativity and initiatives.
The responsibility of working very closely with the as-signed chapters falls with Southern Area Facets Chairswho will be “The Key Communicators.” Each facet chairwill be assigned an equal amount of chapters to workwith during the year. The chapter program and facetchairs can expect to participate in numerous conferencecalls designed to keep them abreast of program devel-opments, updates on localprogram initiatives and con-ferences.
Transforming programs into opportunities is an excit-ing journey and venture that will bring positive change.This change doesn’t happen overnight and can’t occurin a couple of hours. It takes planning, participation andsweat to make transformations.
Our programming goal is to transform the lives andcircumstances of the communities we serve for the bet-ter - an impact that will last a lifetime. Additionally, eachprogram includes a tenet designed to strengthen theprogram goals and objectives. These services includeGrant Management, Educational Linkages and Legisla-tive Issues, Public Affairs and Disaster Relief
I look forward to working with each of you as we de-liver transformational programming. We shall and mustmake a difference in the lives of our youth as we trans-
form our world one child at a time.Yours in Linkdom,
Daisy
P R O G R A M M I N GTransformationalTransformational
9
Women wear-
ing hats is still a fairly common scene in
African-American social and civic events as
well as churches across the country.
Links are no different, espeially at our Civic
Luncheons at Area Conferences and the Na-
tional Assembly.
And they are not simple hats -- they are
showy and stylish. Some are original designs.
They have come to be known as "crowns".
Many hat-wearers were raised by women
who wouldn't think of going to church or social
event without wearing their Sunday best. And
that includes a hat trimmed with things such
as feathers, bows, ribbons, buttons and flow-
ers.
Back in the day, for many black women, the
hat -- and the "good" suit or dress that went
with it -- was a break from uniforms and work
clothes.
And, therefore, when women stepped out,
they filled their events with crowns of all sizes,
designs and sizes.
Gail Lowe, who created a 2000 Smithson-
ian exhibit on African-American faith, said
she thinks that in the pre-civil rights days,
the black woman's church hat was worn
to show honor to God, to show respect
for the church, to give a boost to their
self-esteem and to make them feel more
beautiful.
Though the tradition is on the decline,
influenced by a more casual lifestyle,
modern hairstyles that are not hat-friendly
and the need to adjust priorities of spend-
ing as the cost of everything rises, crowns
are still on the scene and beautiful to see.
Three commandments of the “crown”
It is as if there are three universal crown
rules: (1) there shall be women who wear hats
at every grand event; (2) some of the women
will choose a hat in the exact shade of their
dress or suit; and (3) some shall be fancier
and more dramatic than others.
In a society that has become more jeans and
flip-flops than dresses and heels, what moti-
vates women to get dressed up and put a
fancy hat on her head?
Thelecia Wilson of the Bold City Chapter
has been wearing hats all of her adult life.
"I feel comfortable in my hats," she said. "I
feel like I am not completely dressed without
a hat. It is the final touch to my attire."
"My mother and older sisters weren't
dressed if they didn't have a hat on. And I re-
member saying to myself that I was going to
wear a hat when I got older."
To this day, Wilson said, she does not feel
she's dressed properly without a hat.
"I think that a hat makes any woman feel ex-
uberant and dignified," she said.
“I definitely want you all to be comfort-able for the fun conference we’re planning,
but when it comes to the Civic Luncheon, Iknow you all will be fabulous!” - Link Margot
Copeland regarding the 2012 National Assembly.
CCRROOWWNNSSLinks love their
10
by Faye HargroveChair, Organizational Effective-
nessMy sisters, I have to admitthat
when I responded “yes” to ourArea Director's request for me toserve as Chair of OrganizationalEffectiveness for our area, I had noclue what we meant by the phrase.
“Organizational effectiveness.” We all know that we en-vision our organization as...”providing superior servicethrough its circle of friendship that is a model of excel-lence and innovation.” Further, we are recognizedthroughout the world as a collective voice of talented andprofessional women committed to improving the qualityof life ofits global citizens.?
What does the vision look like when we are actualizingit?
What must we do to ensure that at the national, areaand local level we are indeed effective in bringing aboutthe results we envision? I'm glad you asked!
This is an exciting time in the history of our circle offriendship. On the national level, we will all be engagedin at least two new initiatives---the strategic planningprocess to align and equip us to deliver transformationalprograms and chapter assessments to give us neces-sary information for enhanced member services and en-gagement.
In the Southern Area, our Area Director, has issued acall to integrate her vision of Mentoring with a Twist (amentoring program using an arts integrated approach tointroduce the STEM concept) with issues like childhoodobesity into our chapter programs in addi-tion to several others initiatives that willtake us to the next level of excellence andinnovation.If you have not visited the members only
section of our website lately, you are in fora delightful surprise. Tools such as plan-ning templates, a strategic planning video,information on transformational program-ming, setting SMART goals, budget plan-ning and other resources to support allother aspects of chapter management areavailable.
Unfortunately, even in the face of innovation, growthand positive change, a few of us are prone to take theposition of “yes... but.” The yes butters, will resist for-ward movement with familiar statements not necessarilysupportive and masked in negativity.The success of The Links, Incorporated and the "Links"
brand is rooted at the chapter level. Our Area is only asgood as the chapters that make up our organization. Oureffectiveness in accomplishing the vision of The LinksInc. on the national level is a reflection of each chapter'sability to deliver on the national priorities by makingthem our local priorities. We are the Links brand.
With that perspective in mind, I would like to think thatorganizational effectiveness for us means that we arealigned, engaged and achieving at all levels - and that weenjoy each others friendship in the process.
As your Chair, I am committed to being a resource foreach of the chapters in the Southern Area. I will be work-ing with you to complete the chapter assessments thisyear and in other areas where you may find my skillshelpful to you. If you have problems, questions, con-cerns or desire helpful team building strategies - do nothesitate to reach out. The only shame in recognizingbeing dysfunctional, is staying dysfunctional.
Let us commit together to lose the "but" and find a"can" as we embrace our national agenda and work tocreate transformational program outcomes and extraor-dinary friendship linkages.
I can be reached at [email protected] 706-364-4230.
Link Faye Hargrove is an Industrial/Organizational Psycholo-gist, CEO of Hargrove Leadership Services, and author of thebook, BETTER CHOICES. As an executivecoach and consultant, her focus is leaderdevelopment, board development,team building and retreat facilitation.
- but that's not the way we have alwaysdone things.- but we already have enough to do.- but we don't have enough money.- but our chapter members won't get onboard with that idea.- but it wasn't my idea so I won't support it.AND THE BUTS GO ON!
It's hard to be good when your
butbutis in the way
11
Links who Cook
Ingredients3 sticks butter8oz package cream cheese3 c sugar6 eggs1 c sour cream2 tsp. vanilla2 ½ c cake flour (sifted)½ c cocoa (sift with flour)¼ tsp salt (optional)¼ tsp baking soda Directions
Grease three 9-inch cake pansCream butter and cream cheesestogether. Add sugar and beat until
light and fluffy. Add eggs one at atime and beat well with each addi-tion. Alternate adding flour andsour cream until gone. End withflour. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Test for donenessusing a toothpick. Do not over-cook. Place on rack to cool. Icing 1 2# bag Confectioner sugar, add
2 8 oz. packages of cream cheese(cut into squares first). Add butterif you don’t have enough creamcheese. Add ½ c cocoa and 1 ½tsp vanilla flavor.
Whip and frost!
Directions1.Bring a large pot of lightly salted
water to a boil over medium-highheat. Add sweet potatoes, cover,and cook until soft, about 10 min-utes. Drain, and set aside. 2.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
(190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2quart souffle dish. Sprinkle dish with1 tablespoon white sugar, shakingdish to evenly coat bottom andsides.
3.Place the sweet potatoes intothe bowl of a food processor. Addthe butter, 3/4 cup sugar, heavycream, eggs, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Process until mixture is smooth. Pour into pre-pared souffle dish.
4.Bake the sweet potato mixture in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350 de-grees F (175 degrees C). 5.Bake the sweet potato mixture until edges are slightly browned, about 40 minutes more. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients3 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes,peeled and diced1 tablespoon white sugar1/2 cup butter, melted3/4 cup white sugar1 cup heavy cream5 eggs1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 teaspoon salt
Gourmet Sweet Potato Souffle
Meet casual Chef Link Candace"These are two of my most-requested dishes (and I don’t even like to cook). It's perfect for holidays,
or anytime you need a fancy side dish or classic dessert. They look much more difficult to make than itis, and guests are always impressed! Even people who don't like sweet potatoes ask for second helpings!And you know how hard it is to turn away from a home baked cake. I hope you enjoy it too. Maplesyrup can be substituted for the vanilla extract. Sisters please keep it healthy and limit yourself to oneserving! It will be hard but worth the sacrifice” Candace Thompson - Jacksonville (FL) Chapter
Easy Classic Chocolate Layer Cake
12
Greetings to you from the Commission on Ethics andStandards!
As members of the Links, Incorporated – Ethics is every-one’s responsibility and we all share the obligation to con-duct ourselves in an ethical manner consistent with theorganization’s Code of Ethics and Standards. Built upon aset of Core Values, the Links Incorporated’s Code of Ethicsand Standards provides guidance to members in pursuingour mission of services through friendship.Fostering an ethical environment and facili-tating an ethical culture is at the forefront ofall our actions in “Effecting Change throughthe Power of Friendship and Service!” At the crossroads of yesterday and tomor-
row is today; and today, we live in difficult times. In con-junction with the emphasis on transformation andalignment of the organization to meet the challenges of ourtime, it is imperative (at this juncture) that we also align our-selves ethically and that Ethics becomes the matrix for ef-fecting change. In everything that we say and do, theSouthern Area is evolving, transforming, and aligning itselfto reinforce the organization’s Code of Ethics and Stan-dards. Whether from a National, Area, or Chapter platform– the tone at the top, the mood in the middle and the buzzat the bottom is all about Ethics! And why is that Link Sis-ters? Why is it that Ethics is such a hot topic, cropping upin Chapters across the nation? Simply put – it’s aboutawareness – enhanced awareness by membersand a desire to utilize that awareness to ourbest advantage. We want to ensure that ourawareness is completely accurate, precise, andindeed ethical and legal. And, we’re committedto providing sound advice, timely support, ed-ucation, and resources to mitigate uncertainty,misconduct, and violations when dealing withethical issues. To that end, and to broaden ourknowledge and understanding of ethics in ac-tion – several initiatives are in the works:
The Commission on Ethics and Standards iscurrently developing enhanced training mod-ules for this year’s Ethics education to be de-ployed to Chapters later in the year. Memberswill again be required to complete the training;sign and acknowledge understanding of theprinciples, policies and governing documents;
and agree to abide by the Code. We are also paying attention to the buzz in some Chapters
that the Code of Ethics (COE) Forms are not user-friendly;the Complaint Process is in dire need of refinement; ambi-guity is rampant throughout the pages of the Code; and bet-ter granularity is required for more effective enforcement.Preparations are in the works to undertake the necessaryeffort and steps toward alignment and revision.
Additionally, the Ethics and Standards Committee is col-laborating with other National Committees in formulatingcombined presentations and workshops for the NationalAssembly in Orlando. The content will include situationaltopics concerning Membership, Parliamentary Procedures,Organizational Effectiveness, and Ethics and Standards. Lastly, in response to inquires from Chapters seeking eth-
ical advice regarding the Standards (Communications, Fi-nancial Operations, Intellectual Property, Equal Opportunityand Conflict of Interest) the National Commission is com-piling a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and An-swers for dissemination throughout the organization.Additionally, the Southern Area has implemented formal
“Ethics Advisory Opinions” in response toChapter inquiries and will make these avail-able to all Southern Area Chapters duringArea Conferences and as otherwise requiredand mandated.
Ethics is every Link’s responsibility and weare all obligated to conduct ourselves ethi-cally in providing service through friendship.As a “rule of thumb,” whenever we are facedwith an ethical situation, concern or dilemma– pause and take an “Ethics Check!” Seek ad-vice and guidance! Check with your Presi-dent; your Chapter Ethics and Standard Chair;or your Southern Area Chair (yours truly). Re-member: Pause… Check… and then proceedwith confidence!
Warmest Sisterly Regards, Link Selma
The value of
Ethics & Ethics & Standards Standards in Linkdom
Selma Robinson-AyersChair, Ethics & Standards
Southern Area
“Whenever we are faced with an ethical situation, concern or dilemma
– pause and take an “Ethics Check!
13
The Priceless Treasure
Friendship is a priceless giftThat can't be bought or sold,But its value is far greaterThan a mountain made of gold.
For gold is cold and lifeless,It cannot see nor hear,And in your times of trouble,It is powerless to cheer.
It has no ears to listen,No heart to understand.It cannot bring you comfortOr reach out a helping hand.
So when you ask Godfor a gift,Be thankful that he sends,Not diamonds, pearls, or riches,But the love of a real, truefriend.
HELEN STEINER RICE
FriendshipHow will your chapter celebrate ?
NOVEMBER is
Month
Don’t forget to send us photos from your Friendship Month activities to be featured in a future issue!
GET CREATIVEGET CREATIVE- See a play together- Attend the latest movie- Read a book followed up witha discussion- Hold a tea with sister chapters- Plan a complete “Girls NightOut”-Visit a museum
-Host a Chapter “tasting” andeveryone bring their favorite dish
- Arrange a wine tasting at a localeatery
14
by Juanda Maxwell Rituals ChairThe Links, Inc. rituals and cere-
monies are rich in tradition andculture and reflect our passionand commitment to our great or-ganization. Our rituals reinforceour bonds through the uniformityof our ceremonies. Continuity of
our rituals links each chapter across Linkdom. In the Southern Area, our goals are to
enhance our use and compliance with sa-cred ceremonies. Beginning the programyear with the Rededication Ceremony is awonderful way to remind Link sisters of their com-mitment to our programs and how we will effectchange in our communities.
In the month of November, we all should celebrateour organization’s birth by participating in ourFounders’ Day Ceremony. These are just examplesof our traditional ceremonies that should be apart ofeach Link chapter during the year.
Each chapter should have a designated person totake the lead in assisting the local chapter presiden-with rituals and have access to our Rituals Manual.Compliance with ceremonies requires unique itemsthat are peculiar in there combination only to our or-ganization. We will be recommending a Ritualstoolkit with all items for our ceremonies containedtogether. Having all needed items together willmake the use of rituals easier and more cost effec-tive.
Our ceremonies set the tone for friendship and re-mind us of our love for service and each other. Wein the Southern Area are in forefront of “effectingchange through the power of friendship and serv-ice.” As we serve our communities and each otherthrough friendship and service, we believe when ourworks are spoken together, our bonds of friendship
are strengthened.
Our sacred ceremonies celebrate the tradition while strengthening the bonds
Rituals represent more than candles and roses
First Monday series kicked off for Chapter Presidents
The inaugural First Monday Exchange kicked off on Labor Day
with over 30 Southern Area Presidents participating. Hosted by the
Area Director, the exchange is an informative conference call that gives
chapter presidents the opportunity to interact with each other and the
hostess.
A variety of topics were covered ranging from the building assessment
and chapter boundaries to the new administration's program agenda.
Presidents were also encouraged to send their respective questions in
beforehand to have them addressed.
The idea for "First Monday Exchange" came from a similar concept
in the Central Area.
"We are always learning from each other," said Link Eneid, "after
hearing how well received it was for the Central Area, I had no doubt
it could become a part of the Southern Area's agenda.”
Several Presidents responded after the initial call in appreciation and
support for the idea. They not only found the opportunity to connect
with the Area Director an asset, but also the ability to connect with
each other. As a tenet to Link Eneid's pledge for transparency through-
out her administration, future calls will be recorded and available for
review by all Links via podcast. Please check your chapter email reg-
ularly for updates.
The next First Monday Exchange is scheduled for Monday, October
3, 2011.
By definition, a brand is a name for or a trademark
claimed for a certain product or service by either an indi-
vidual or a company. A brand helps others know and iden-
tify the product or service.
When you think of the Links “brand” what comes to
mind? Women? The color green? Volunteerism? Whatever
that thought may be, it should be the same no matter where
you are. Just as when you see the ‘golden arches’, Mc-
Donalds comes to mind before a burger is even mentioned.
That is why the use of The Links, Incorporated logo is just
as important. Our branding is a component of National
President Margot Copeland’s 2011-2014 Strategic Plan.
The goals include increasing brand recognition throughout
the Links Diaspora and establish 100% consistency within
the organization among the chapters. This could be as sim-
ple as making sure our logo is ONLY printed in its proper
title (PMS 347), to validating our local collaborative part-
nerships to ensure they are aligned with the same core val-
ues as The Links, Incorporated.
Stay tuned to future issues of the Advantage for more on
branding.
Wh
at
’s
t
he
b
ra
nd
?
15
The 18th Southern Area Administration is pleased to present
S O L A C ES O L A C ESupport of Links All Concern Encouraged
Based on the program implemented by the Louisiana Bar
Association, the Southern Area’s new initiative, SOLACE, allows Links and their families who are experiencing a crisisdue 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 simple1. 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
communications, will then send a confidential e-blast across the Area requestingmembers’ 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 supportor cards.
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 - BahamasNorth Carolina - LouisianaMississippi-South Carolina
Alabama
Support
of
Encouraged
Concerned
All
Links
16
Scott-Hawkins LeadershipInstitute convenes in New Orleans
Shown above at the SHLI Southern Area Cohort workshop are (L-R) STANDING : Sylvia Perry (Bold City, FL), Natille
Duncan (Jackson, MS), Erica Moore (Atlanta, GA), Nichole Walker (Orlando, FL), Jan Duncan (Jackson, MS), Kimberly
Jackson (Azalea, GA) and Lathesia Saulsberry (Selma, AL). SEATED: Raynetta Waters (Asheville, NC), Scott Hawkins
Area Dean Deborah Brittan, Scott Hawkins Head Dean Jan Collins-Eaglin (Lansing/East Michigan, MI), Eboni Lewis
(Crown Jewels, NC) and Brandi Delany (Raleigh, NC).
One component of National President Link
Margot Copeland’s strategic plan for the or-
ganization, is preparation of leadership under
the age of 45 to ensure the Links, Incorporated
sustainability. The Scott-Hawkins Leadership
Institute assists in that goal through the prepa-
ration of Links under the age of 45 in devel-
opment of their leadership skills. Presently in
its’ fourth class, the dynamic group of young
ladies selected from throughout the four areas
meet for two years in person, through webi-
nars and conference calls.
The institute was developed from the vision
of 13th National President Link Gladys Gary
Vaughn, who sought to identify, develop,
mentor and train women aged 21-45 to as-
sume leadership roles in various organiza-
tions. In addition to the valuable insight,
knowledge, wealth of information and guid-
ance, the members of the SHLI also focus on
the key concepts of leadership, and a deeper
understanding of the historical role of the
African-American woman. Cohorts also de-
vdelp lifelong friendships with Link sisters
from across the Links realm.
The institute is just one of
the many examples of the
chain of friendship created
by the Links organization.
The Southern Area's Scott
Hawkins Leadership Insti-
tute Cohort IV had the op-
portunity for another day of
full instruction at the 41st
Southern Area Conference
held in New Orleans, La.
May 25-29. Led by Deans
Jan Collins - Eaglin and Deborah
Brittain, the forum left the fel-
lows filled with information, in-
spiration and insight to continue their
contributions to their chapters through better
knowledge of self and their own defined lead-
ership styles.
While the SHLI program day was just one
day during the conference, many stayed for
fellowship, camaraderie, inspiration and serv-
ice. Following completion of their curriculum,
the current class will graduate at the upcoming
National Assembly in Orlando, FL.
The application process for Cohort V will
soon open which includes an essay application
and reccomendation by the chapter president.
Ten fellows are selected from each area, past
national presidents select one appointee and
the national president can select three.
SHLI Deans Jan Collins-Eaglin and Deborah Brit-tain confer with Southern Area Cohort Eboni Lewisduring the program day.
17
Friday, November 11, 201110:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Ribbon Cutting CeremonyNational Headquarters
1200 Massachusetts Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20005
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Open HouseTour of National Headquarters
Saturday, November 12, 201110:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
A Celebration of Friendship and Service
Shiloh Baptist Church 1500 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC 2000111:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Open House Tour of National Headquarters
Saturday, November 12, 201165th Anniversary Gala
Washington Marriott Wardman Park
Marriott Ballroom2660 Woodley Road, NW Washington, DC 20008
6:00 p.m. Reception
7:00 p.m. Dinner
Attire: Black Tie$500 per person
The gala will include
a inaugural presentation of The Links Medal to
Ebony Magazinewith entertainment featuring R&B
Recording Artist Will Downing.
Sunday, November 13, 201111:00 a.m.
Linkages to Life Donor Sabbath Worship Service
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church 1518 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
Links from around the country will join together to rededicate themselves to thefuture of The Links, Incorporated in celebrating 65 years of friendship and service.
ITINERARY
If you would like to sit with your sisters from the Southern Area, please email [email protected] or call 904-514-6611.
All proceeds to benefit The Links Foundation, Incorporated
Dedication Excellence Entertainment
6 5 t h C e l e b r a t i o nNovember 11-13, Washington, DC
18
by Ruth Waters McKayChair, Fund Development
Fund Development and FiscalResponsibility are two nationalpriorities of the current admin-istration, thus affecting allmembers of The Links, Incor-porated. This area involves en-suring that
the organization has adequate resources tosupport its strategic priorities at all levels. It fo-cuses on transparency, accountability andgood stewardship. The same rings true of its’importance on the chapter level. Fund Development is a broad term. It includes
the technique of seeking financial support forworthy causes in the form of requests for do-nations from philanthropists to grant writing.
Grant writing involves putting a total actionplan for a project on paper in an appealing,usually specified format. Grant applicationsand proposals are used to solicit funds fromfederal, state, local governments, foundationsand other funding resources. Follow-throughis as important as developing and submittingthe concept. Once funds are granted, certainassurances as well as compliances must be
adhered. That is when the term grantsmanshipbecomes more meaningful.Grantsmanship incorporates aspects of mon-
itoring performance and the expenditure offunds, periodic reporting to funders, and close-out activi-ties.
A new termThe LinksFoundation,Inc. has in-cluded as amajor intia-tive for thenext twoyears is The Links, Incorporated EndowmentFund. You will be seeing a lot more on thistopic and each chapter will be asked to partic-ipate in a major way. So, stay tuned!
Each chapter should consider including aFund Development Chair in its leadership arse-nal. As chair of Fund Development for theSouthern Area, I am available to assist chap-ters in pursuit of funds to help support andsustain excellent programming.
Please send your request for technical assis-tance to [email protected].
ff uu nn dd dd ee vv ee ll oo pp mm ee nn tt 11 00 11
19
When you look at the membership encompassingLinkdom, you visualize awoman of substance.Intertwined into our chap-ter meetings are mothers,grandmothers, sisters,CEOs, doctors, lawyers,housewives, chefs, CFOs,entrepreneurs, retirees,homemakers, caregivers,etc. The definition is neverending.Yet, we all come together for a common goal- the betterment of our communities. As we explore our volunteer duties, it is often wonderedhow “we do it all”.
Study too much and your relationships
suffer. Exercise too much and your body
doesn't have time to recover. Play too
much and your productivity suffers. Try
too hard and your spontaneity suffers. And
on and on and on.
Balance is the mother of all practices,
and it is never-ending. You continually
find your balance, you don't achieve bal-
ance. Even if you were able to find your
perfect balance and hold it, life itself will
throw you off balance continually. There
is no state of motionlessness for a
tightrope walker. It is constant adjustment.
When sailing, you set your sail and fix
your rudder, but in a little while you need
to adjust them because you're veering off
course. Why? Because the wind has
changed directions or the current has
changed, or your boat is listing to one side.
How do ships' captains deal with this?
Simple. They constantly check their loca-
tion and direction and readjust their
course. They don't try to set their course
once and for all. They keep checking and
keep correcting their course, so they arrive
where they want to go.
Do the same thing with your life. Keep
checking, and keep correcting your
course. Aim for balance and keep aiming,
and overall, you'll be pretty balanced.
Look closely at a ship's
course and it
looks like
a
zigzag.
Rise enough above it and the course
looks like a straight line. Trying to keep
your balance, it will seem that most of the
time you're OFF balance. But look at your
life from a sufficient distance, and, if you
are fairly vigilant about keeping your bal-
ance, it will also look good.
tempus rerum imperetor
Life is like baking a loaf of bread. If you
want to get it right, everything needs to be
roughly in proper proportion. For bread
you measure volume — cups, tablespoons.
For life, you measure time.
The secret to the previous dilemmas of
study versus relationships or play versus
productivity, the dilemmas are solved not
by choosing one or the other, but by allot-
ting each their time.
Since you sleep (or should) eight hours
a day, you get 16 waking hours every day.
You have simply the question: Given your
sixteen hours, how do you want to divide
it up? Given that you want to be success-
ful, given your desire for a close and sat-
isfying relationship, given your desire for
good health and a general feeling of con-
tentment with your life, how are you going
to divvy up that sixteen hours?
This is very much like trying to
create a recipe for a loaf of
bread. It is experimental.
Every day is a new op-
portunity to experi-
ment again. Add a
little more yeast,
or a little less
flour, or more oil
or less water.
The size of the
loaf pan sets the
limit. The length
of the day sets your
time limit.
The task is only to
fuss with the ingredients
to get closer and closer to a
satisfying experience. Some-
times you only need to change the
order in which you do things — do
one thing before another instead of
after. Sometimes you need to add or delete
an ingredient altogether, or add a new one
to test a possible permanent new addition.
The process never stops, but a greater
and greater mastery can develop and
higher and higher quality can be achieved
through experimentation. You can get
closer and closer to balance.
The element to manipulate is time - min-
utes and hours. These pieces of time need
to be managed well enough that they don't
manage you, but you are managing them,
so there is no feeling of time pressure.
Time pressure is low quality experience.
What you're ultimately after, with bread
or with your life, is the experience of qual-
ity.
* Myth of the Super Link *
BALANCEthe key to having it all
20
Vice DirectorTamara Y. Lee
Tuskegee (AL) Chapter
SecretaryAnne T. Herriott
Miami (FL) Chapter
TreasurerJanice R. Nelson
Bold City (FL) Chapter
ParliamentarianRosalind Fuse- Hall
Tallahassee (FL) Chapter
Chair, Nominating
CommitteeOphelia Nicholson
Shreveport (LA) Chapter
Southern Area Rep.
The Links Foundation, Inc.
Bessie Isom
Greater Mobile (AL) Chapter
Financial SecretaryCharlotte Henderson
Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter
Chair, ProgramsDaisy Walker
Charlotte (NC) Chapter
Assistant Chair, ProgramsMignon Breaux Early
Greenville (SC) Chapter
Chair, National Trends
& ServicesDenise M. Cooper
Savannah (GA) Chapter
Chair, Legislative Issues,
Public Affairs and Disas-
ter ReliefMarguerite Archie- Hudson
Charleston (SC) Chapter
Chair, Services to YouthBrenda T. Jamerson
Orangeburg (SC) Chapter
Education LinkageLucinda R. Sullivan
Augusta (GA) Chapter
Chair, International
Trends & ServicesSharlyn Wilson Smith
Nassau (Bahamas) Chapter
Chair, The ArtsKaryn M. Combs
Pensacola (FL) Chapter
Chair, Health
& Human ServicesCori M. Brock
Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter
Chair, Ethics and
StandardsSelma Robinson-Ayers
St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter
Chair, Organizational
EffectivenessFaye Hargrove
Augusta (GA) Chapter
Chair, ArchivesKimberly Sweet
LeFleur’s Bluff (MS) Chapter
Chair, Awards and
RecognitionMaxine Smith
Charleston (SC) Chapter
Chair, CommunicationsSylvia Perry
Bold City (FL) Chapter
Chair, Conference
& Event PlanningRuth H. Terrell
Fayetteville (NC) Chapter
Chair, Fund Development
Ruth Waters McKayBold City (FL) Chapter
Chair, ProtocolJune W. Michaux
Durham (NC) Chapter
Chair, RitualsJuanda F. Maxwell
Selma (AL) Chapter
Chair, TechnologyDebra G. Lazare
Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter
Chair, VendorsNatille E. Duncan
Jackson (MS) Chapter
21
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 myself or any of member of the leadership team, 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) 866.284.3660 [email protected]
Link Sisters, On behalf of Area Director Eneid Francis, the Southern Area Executive Committee and the
Communications team, we hope you have enjoyed your first edition of the Southern Area’s new e-zine,the Southern Area Advantage. It is our Area Director’s wishes that we all join together on the foun-dation of The Links, Incorpoated tradition and take the Southern Area to new heights in the next bi-ennium.
This title was selected to emphasize just how special you are as a member of the Southern Area.And just as you belong to us - we belong to you. After reading the Advantage’s topical collage of in-formation,we hope that this new additional form of communication will help bind us closer togetheras Links in the friendship chain as we increase our awareness in our respective chapters as well aseducate and enlighten each other as Links and women .
The Southern Area Advantage is a content driven publication that can only be as good as you allowit to be. As agents of change, each contribution on your behalf brings us one step closer to success.
I encourage you to submit your information to share within our Links community in addition to anyquestions, comments or suggestions you may have. At your pleasure we serve, Sylvia Perry - Southern Area Communications Chair
ADVANTAGEIInnss iiddee the
Southern Area Communications Team
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONSAs our program year kicks off, the Advantage will expand to include
a variety of chapter content from around the Area. We encourage youto submit your information by the 20th of the month for inclusion in fu-ture issues. Information can be sent from chapter members as well asChapter Communications Chairs to their regional chair shown left.Members of the Area Communications Team, will be in contact with theirvarious region’s chapter Communications Chairs to be sure a channelof communication is in place.
What are we looking for?1. Stories/articles on your various programs. Please submit QUALITY
high resolution photographs in .jpeg or .bmp format and details sur-rounding your program. If there are less than five people in the picture,please include names (L-R) for EVERYONE (including children) on thephoto. “Cell phone” quality photos will not be published/accepted.
2. Upcoming dates. Is your chapter celebrating an anniversary, hostinga fundraiser or having a special event? Share the news with your sis-ters! You never know just who may come. Please be sure to include acontact number and email address for more information.
3. Post event information. After your special events, please feel freeto share your photos and details.
4. Going Places. Have you recently received a promotion? Celebrateda significant milestone? Getting married? Graduating? Expecting?Elected to public office? Retiring? We want to know! Please share withyour Area sisters as we join in celebrating your accomplishment.
EMAIL to: [email protected]: Links Advantage, P.O. Box 2182
Jacksonville, FL 32203
EDITORS NOTE
REGION 1
REGION 2
REGION 3
REGION 4
KIMBERLY LaMOTTELa Capitale (LA)
Louisiana & [email protected]
EBONI LEWISCrown Jewels (NC)
N. & S. [email protected]
JOY WALLACESt. Pete (FL)
Florida & [email protected]
NATILLE DUNCANJackson (MS)
Mississippi & [email protected]
22