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

ADVANTAGEThe Southern AreaThe Southern Area

Volume 3 Isssue 1

Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service

Summer

Edition

The Heart of Linkdom: How to Keep Our“Super Links” Happy in Linkdom

Page 4

Summer is the Perfect Time to Get Your Chapter Archives in Order

Page 5

256 Shades of Gray: The FineLine Between Right and Wrong

Page 6

Does Your Leadership Measure Up?Page 8

Blooming Roses of the Southern AreaPage 10

Time for Chapters to Assess Their Membership and Expand Their Friendship Circle

Page 14

Communication is the Key to Effective Leadership

Page 15

How to Organize and Participatein the National Poster Art Contest

Page 17

Prepare Now to Write that Winning Program Report

Page 18

Remembering Our Lost RosesPage 20

Southern Area Chapter ActivitiesPage 24

Highlights of the 42nd Southern Area Conference

Page 48

Featured on the front are members of the Fort Pierce (FL) Chapter with the students of C. A. Moore ElementarySchool. Shown are Links LaBarbara Chenault, Stephanie Dunbar and Kathryn Wilson. The signs below indicate whatyou need to think about when making food choices and what will happen if you make bad choices.

The Southern Area ‘Directors Circle’ at the 42nd Southern Area Conference: Mary F. Currie (17th), Margaret Johnson (16th), 18th Southern Area Director Eneid Francis, Katie Bell (13th) and Joyce Dixon (14th).

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Dear Link Sisters,Happy Summer to all! On behalf of the Southern Area Executive Team, I

hope you are resting and reflecting in anticipation of our program year ahead. Throughout the past year, the Southern Area and its 78 chapters have accomplished so many important things.

At the top of the list is our successful Area Conference. Our gathering in Miami provided a great opportunity for

members to learn from each other, share their successes andenjoy each other’s company in the warm, welcoming spirit ofall that is South Florida and our gracious host chapters. Itwas also wonderful to see and hear from so many NationalPresidents and former Southern Area Directors. I want to thank all those who hosted and attended such a great event.

I also enthusiastically present this latest edition of The Advantage e-zine. You will find the information both useful and inspirational. Our goal, as always, is to provideyou with the tools to become more effective in your chapters as we strive to offer transformational change to the

communities we serve.

On a personal note, I am humbled as I begin my second term as your Area Director. Your work proves that the state of Linkdom in the Southern Area isstronger than ever. When our Founders started their first programs to help children and teens, little did they know how many future generations they wouldtouch. The dreams of our Founders live on through your efforts. Feel free to callupon me or any member of your Executive Committee. Together we will continue Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service.

In the spirit,

_|Ç~ XÇx|w

Eneid A. FrancisSouthern Area Director

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by Tamara Y. Lee

Vice Area Director

There is a song by HezekiahWalker entitled “I Need You toSurvive.” The lyrics to thesong are: “I need you. Youneed me. We’re all a part ofGod’s body. Stand with me;agree with me, we’re all a partof God’s body. It is His will thatevery need be supplied. Youare important to me. I needyou to survive. I pray for you,

you pray for me. I love you. I need you to survive. I won’tharm you with words from my mouth. I love you. I need youto survive.”

It is impossible to improve upon, or better explain the senti-ment that the lyrics to this song express. The message is crys-tal clear, and no more so than in Linkdom. Immediate PastSouthern Area Director Mary Currie utilized this song to cul-minate many of our executive committee meetings and itserved as an excellent bonding tool to all of us after many longhours together and also served as a reminder that we wereall linked together and needed the cooperation of the entireteam to survive.

This song is a very powerful song as it capitalizes on theconcept that no one Link is an island and no Link stands alone.In 2013, we must be cognizant of the fact that we cannot travelthrough Linkdom alone. However, it may seem as though weare alone in the wee hours of the morning trying to put the fin-ishing touches on the report that wasdue yesterday; and sometimes we mayfeel as though we are putting every facetof our being into making our chaptersshine and nobody else seems to care.Sometimes you may feel like you arepushing a boulder uphill all by yourselfand sometimes you may even feel thatif you want anything done right…Youknow the saying…I‘d just rather do it my-self! But in all reality, we can’t do it byourselves; I need you and you need mein order to survive.

As we enter into another year Linked in Friendship, Con-nected in Service, it is vital that all chapters and membersadopt this phrase, but more importantly put this into practice.Team building exercises can be a powerful way to unite agroup, develop strengths, and address weaknesses. You'veprobably been involved in a team-building exercise at somepoint either in your chapters or at work. Perhaps it was aweekend retreat, or an afternoon at an obstacle course learn-ing to rely on one another, or an evening out just getting toknow one another better.

Chances are, you and your chapter members enjoyed theexperience, but what happened when you returned to thechapter meetings? Did you go back to the usual behavior –perhaps disagreeing over small assignments, or refusing tocooperate with each other just because that is not “your proj-ect”? The 'day of fun' may have been a nice break from chap-ter business, but in order to “survive”, we must actually usemany of the lessons we gain from successful team buildingthroughout the year.

Top 10 Reasons for Chapter Team Building

10. To gain dynamic rapport among team members

9. To open the climate for streamlined communication

8. To stimulate creativity

7. To discover new ways of strategizing and solving

challenges

6. To surface hidden problems and agendas

5. To appreciate individual differences and strengths

4. To learn trust

3. To welcome and handle change

2. To strengthen teamwork and motivation

1. We can make transformational changes in our

communities and enjoy each other as friends at the

same time!

Extraordinary things happen when people are smiling andlaughing! Even though our chapters are not perfect, we allbelong to each other and we are responsible for supplying ourLinks’ family with love and support.

From him the whole body, joined and held together by everysupporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as eachpart does its work. (Ephesians 4:16)

Let’s look at it this way: you are the“hand” on the body. You cannot movewithout the arm. If you have no arm, youhave no hand and vice versa. They aredependent on each other to move, butthey also have their own functionalitythat is associated with the body. Withouteach other working together yet perform-ing their individual functions, the bodywill not work and neither will our chap-ters. Link Sisters, realize you are nec-essary, you are important and you areneeded! What better thing to do than

make it a priority to connect with one another like the physicaljoints in a body, performing our individual functions in order tohave totally effective chapters in the coming year!

Take a few minutes at your next chapter meeting to do thissimple team building exercise: Play whatever version of “ INeed You” that you like (there are many) and stand in a circle,each Link connecting to the other. Sing the lyrics, look at yourLink Sisters and tell each one: I need you; you need me. Youare important to me. I need you to survive. There is some-

thing so reaching about this message.

The Heart of Linkdom: How to Keep Our "Super Links" Happy in Linkdom,

Team Building to Grow Friendship at Chapter Meetings

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By Kimberly Sweetby Kimberly SweetSouthern Area Archivist

Tis the season!The summer is out and with nochapter meetings or program days to divert your at-tention...it is the perfect time to get your chapterarchives in order.

This is the most common time of year when werealize as chapters just how much information wedon’t have. As memories and garages, as well as,computer files and jumpdrives are searched, we al-ways promise to do better next year. It is now offi-cially that time. Here is what chapters should do toprepare, organize and house information.

First, each chapter must have an Archivist or His-torian and a committee to carry out this work. All cur-rent and former members of the chapter should helpgather and share information, but this committee andits chair must take the lead in establishing a collec-tion and maintaining it. Mission and policy state-ments define the purpose of the archives and setsout its parameters. Finding a repository to house theinformation is also critical if our efforts are to be fullyunderstood for future generations of Links and thecommunities we serve. Upon these basic practices,collection and organization of information is most ef-fective.

Knowing your chapter’s habits lays the bestgroundwork for setting up a system to collect impor-tant information including both internal documents,like minutes and public items, like newspaper articlesand photographs. It is important to create a systemthat will actually be used in a practical way by chap-ter members.

If your chapter comfortably uses technology, thearchives’ process is easier. Preparing documents forstorage and future access involves getting the finalcopy of that file, locking it as a PDF or similar file andpreserving it on an external storage device, like adisk or jumpdrive. Minutes, letters, reports and othertext can be “preserved” in this manner. Photos canbe transferred from phones, memory sticks or othercards and stored in their own files.

Create a labeling system so that you know who isin the picture and which event has been captured.

Letters that come in the mail, awards and your chap-ter charter can be scanned and saved to externalstorage. Choose a specific order for the files.Chronological, alphabetical or subject headings areamong the most common examples. For those whoare using a Box or Cloud system, uploading this in-formation is an easy way to make it accessible tomany people who might need or want access to it.

Remember to keep printed copies of chapter doc-uments like minutes, budgets and by-laws, as wellas, a local copy on a jumpdrive in addition to onlinestorage. These organized printed materials can betransferred to the chapter's repository along withelectronic copies.

If your chapter still has most files on paper, pre-serving documents has to be done the old-fashionedway and can be labor-intensive. All items have to bere-printed on acid-free paper to prevent yellowing.They have to be organized (chronologically, alpha-betically, etc.), stored in proper containers (also acid-free) and held in climate-controlled areas until theyare transferred to a proper repository. Chaptersshould increasingly use technology.

In terms of housing your archival collections, thekey is not to have them in the "house" at all. Theseitems should be stored at climate- controlled storagefacilities at the least and transferred to repositoriesat best. I am often asked why repositories are im-portant. Simply put, as long as we tightly hold ourinformation, we also tightly hold our successes, con-tributions and impact on the community and theworld. It is no longer enough for us to know what wehave done. Our efforts should be available for publicstudy and inspiration. This won't happen as long asour stories are locked away in our memories orgarages.

Begin today by getting your Archives Committeeinvolved in updating your chapter's history. Findcharter and recent chapter photos. Share this infor-mation within the organization and create a way toshare it with the community. You will find those ef-forts result in increased morale, a stronger applica-tion when requesting grants or partnerships and ahigher positive profile as the true philanthropic entitywe have become.

SOUTHERN AREA ARCHIVES

Summer is the Perfect Time to GetYour Chapter Archives in Order

5

by Selma Robinson-Ayers, Chair

Chair, Ethics and Standards

The linesb e t w e e n“right” and“wrong” havenever beenblack andwhite. In fact,there is a fineline betweenthe two, com-monly called

the “gray area” with (potentially) 256varying shades and differing pointsof view.

In today’s world of declining moralvalues and misguided views, thelines between what’s “right” and“wrong” are becoming increasinglymore clouded and polarizing.Ethics then, is a necessary com-pass (and morality – a guiding light)as we navigate this challenging en-vironment.

Ethics and morals both relate to“right” and “wrong” conduct. “Whilemorals constitute a basic humanstandard of what’s “right” and“wrong,” ethics are more like a setof agreed upon rules (guidelines)that define acceptable behavior andconduct.” The Links OrganizationCode of Ethics and Standards setsforth ethical norms that are protec-tive, prescriptive and proactive. Itprovides guidance and instruction to

chapters as we demonstrate highethical standards in promoting thebonds of friendship and providingservice to our communities.

Throughout Linkdom, chapters arefaced with situations that are en-shrouded in “gray areas.” The Ethicsand Standards Committee is the pri-mary conduit for promoting ethicalconduct and is a vital resource inanalyzing chapter situations to en-sure appropriate outcomes.

When an ethics infraction occursor a member(s) is suspected ofwrong-doing, a complaint should befiled at the chapter level. Note:Chapters should refrain from filingEthics Complaints for situations of anon-ethical nature. The following isa brief synopsis of the Process forHandling Complaints. Complete de-tails can be found in “The Proce-dures” Section of The Links Code ofEthics and Standards.

The “Complainant” completesForm COE 61-2 (Allegation of Ethi-cal Misconduct) and submits it to theChapter Ethics and Standards Com-mittee, with a copy to the ChapterPresident. The committee providesthe required notifications to the “Re-spondent” and initiates an investiga-tion, after which a hearing isconvened by the committee with thechapter membership in ExecutiveSession. If a violation is found andthe complaint is upheld, sanction(s)

may be imposed. If no violation isfound (and the complaint is not up-held), the matter is dismissed andno further action is required. Anymember sanctioned by her chaptermay appeal the finding of a violationand/or imposed sanction(s) to theArea Ethics and Standards Commit-tee, whereupon a similar processoccurs at the Area level.

There are countless situations insociety involving “gray areas,” withopposing viewpoints having validityon both sides. A common phraseused in such situations is… “It maybe legal, but is it ethical” and vice-versa – “it may be ethical, but is itlegal?”

¬Abortion is legal and there-fore medically ethical (“right”). How-ever, many people find it personallyimmoral and inconceivable(“wrong”).

¬ Murder is immoral(“wrong”), but on the battlefield,murder is permissible (“right”)!

“Gray areas” affecting chapter sit-uations may be more subtle, but cannonetheless pose uncertainty in ef-fective decision making. What ap-pears to be okay on “one side of thecoin,” may actually be an infractionon the other side.

¬ Promoting the Links“brand” is ideally a good thing to do;it’s encouraged, commendable and“right.” However, acting independ-

256Shades The Fine Line Between

6

ently of proper protocol and taking itupon one’s self to convey Links sup-port of a national political initiativeby publishing a full-page article in aprominent news journal is “wrong,”and violates The Links Code ofEthics and Standards.

o CAVEAT: “The NationalPresident or her designee is the of-ficial spokesperson for the Links or-ganization!”

¬ The Protocol Chair ap-peared to be doing the “right” thingwhen forwarding details of a chartermember’s life-threatening med-ical condition in an email tothe chapter, with a requestto “flood” said memberwith acts of kindness,immediately! Suchgood intentions werenot well-received,however, as themember was dev-astated by thethought of every-one knowing herplight; she viewedthe situation as rep-rehensible (“wrong”)and an invasion of herprivacy (insensitivity).Albeit intentions weregood in the ProtocolChair’s view, the situationwas viewed differently by themember and clearly violates The

Links Code of Ethics and Stan-dards.

o CAVEAT: “Members shallnot disclose confidential or privi-leged information obtained fromanyone or about anyone in TheLinks organization, its members, itspartners or its activities.”The Southern Area Ethicsand Standards

Committee is committed to provid-ing chapters the guidance and sup-port needed to effectively navigatethe “gray areas” and the fine linebetween “right,” and “wrong” in re-solving difficult chapter situations.As always, when in doubt – pause,and take an “Ethics Check!”

of Gray“Right” and “Wrong”

7

by Dr. Barbara TrautleinThe top five leaders most admired by

the world’s business executives areWinston Churchill, Steve Jobs, Ma-hatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela andJack Welch – in that order, accordingto the 2013 Global CEO Survey con-ducted by PwC.

The qualities the surveyed CEOsmost admired? Strong vision, motiva-

tional, caring, innovative, persistentand ethical.

“These results tell us a lot aboutwhat it takes to be a strong leader intoday’s rapidly changing global mar-ketplace,” says Barbara Trautlein, au-thor of “Change Intelligence: Use thePower of CQ to Lead Change thatSticks” (www.changecatalysts.com).

“The respondents cited a broadrange of qualities to describe thesame individual leaders, which tells usthey recognize today’s leaders need acombination of strengths.”

Trautlein, who has a PhD in organi-zational psychology and more than25 years experience helping busi-nesses and organizations leadchange, says contemporary leadersmust have a high CQ – Change Intel-ligence.

“The world is in a state of constantchange, and successful entities arethose that can also respond andquickly adapt to the changes aroundthem. That requires leaders who areable to lead with the head – focusing

on the big-picture goal and collectiveobjectives; the heart – knowing howto engage, coach and motivate peo-ple; and with your hands – providingthe tactical tools and skills necessarylike a project manager,” she says.

“People tend to be stronger in oneor two of those areas and weaker inthe others. We need to identify ourweak areas and work on strengthen-

ing them.”To do that, you must ask your-

self: “Are you a head, heart or

hands leader?” Trautlein identifiesthree of the seven CQ leader styles,their strengths, weaknesses, and acoaching suggestion for each:

The Coach (heart-dominant): Strengths:• Encourages people to join in discus-sions, decisions• Steps in to resolve process problems,such as conflict

• Listens to all viewpoints• Recognizes and praises others fortheir efforts• Helps reduce stress by lighteningthe moodWeaknesses:• Sees team process and organiza-tional climate as ends in themselves• Fails to challenge or contradict oth-ers• Does not recognize the importanceof accomplishing tasks• Overuses humor and other conflict-

mitigation techniques• Does not emphasize long-rangeplanningCoaching: Make connections withpeople but also connect them withthe mission. Don’t allow engagementto take precedence over perform-ance.

The Visionary (head-dominant)Strengths:• Stays focused on goals

Identifying Three

Pitfalls of Leadership Styles

Does Your

L E A D E R S H I PMeasure Up?

GUEST ARTICLE - GUEST ARTICLE -

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• Engages in long-range thinking andplanning• Takes a big-picture view• Enjoys seeing new possibilities• Scans the horizon for the next bigopportunityWeaknesses:• Doesn’t fully consider the effects achange will have on organizationalculture• May be less apt to focus on teammembers’ individual needs• Complains about lack of progress to-ward goals• Does not give sufficient attention tothe process by which goals are met• Neglects to ensure that the tacticaldetails of the change process are han-dledCoaching: It’s vital that the vision be sharedby all those working to make ithappen. Remember to share yourvision with others (heart) and layout a path to that vision that incor-porates visible milestones alongthe way (hands). The Executor (hands-dominant)Strengths:• Excels at project planning and ex-ecution• Accomplishes tasks in a timelyand efficient manner• Can be depended upon to dowhat’s asked• Freely shares information andmaterials so other have the train-ing, tools and resources they need• Pushes the team to set high per-formance standardsWeaknesses:• Loses sight of the big picture – thegoal of the change process• Lacks patience with people andprocess issues

• Pushes for unrealistic performancestandards• Becomes impatient with other teammembers who don’t live up to stan-dards• Goes into data overload, providingtoo much detailed information.Coaching:

Expand your definition “execution.”Engage people by making a com-pelling case for the change so you’llhave their support, and take time-outs periodically to evaluate yourgoals and strategy.

“Most leaders are not all head, handsor heart – most are some combina-tion, which is why there are sevenChange Leader styles,” Trautlein says.

“And even leaders who have all threein seemingly equal measures havesome pitfalls to watch out for.”

The point is not to change who weare fundamentally, but rather to em-brace our strengths, shore up ourblindspots, and adapt our styles to be

more effective when leading across avariety of different people and situa-tions. By building their CQ, leaders si-multaneously become more powerfulto help their teams and organizations- as well as less stressed and frustratedthemselves. And, they more consis-tently role model the pivotal leader-ship qualities CEOs most admire. About Barbara Trautlein, PhD. Barbara Trautlein is author of ChangeIntelligence: Use the Power of CQ toLead Change that Sticks, and a changeleadership consultant, internationalspeaker and researcher. She helps alllevels of leaders in achieving their per-sonal and professional goals, from For-tune 50 companies to small- and

mid-sized businesses, in industriesranging from steel mills to sales teams,refineries to retain, and healthcare tohigh tech. Trautlein has a PhD in orga-nizational psychology from the Univer-sity of Michigan. Learn more atwww.ChangeCatalysts.com.

- GUEST ARTICLE - GUEST ARTICLE

What’s Your Change Intelligence?9

Blooming Roses of

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama PresidentJudy Bonner has named Link B. Joyce Stallworth, Ph.D. tothe new position of associate provost for special projects.Link Stallworth currently serves as Chairof the Services to Youth facet for theTuscaloosa (AL) Chapter of The Links, In-corporated.

Link Stallworth joined the UA faculty in1995 and has served as senior associatedean of the College of Education since2004. In her new role, she will be involvedin a variety of UA projects, includingwithout limitation, working with K-12schools in the Black Belt region of Ala-bama to identify the specific needs ofstudents in those schools, and, there-after, to craft strategies and initiativesthat will help those students becomemore successful, to develop new avenues to promotetheir success, and to coordinate University resources thatwill be useful in meeting the identified needs of those stu-dents.

A professor of English education, her resume includesserving as head of the department of secondary curricu-

lum, teaching, and learning in the College of Educationfrom 2000-2004, as assistant dean for teacher educationfrom 2003-2004, and as interim associate dean in 2004 be-

fore being named senior associate deanof the College.

She earned her bachelor’s degree insecondary education at UA in 1988, hermaster’s degree in education-English atAuburn University, Montgomery, and herdoctorate in education at The PeabodyCollege of Education at Vanderbilt Uni-versity. Her previous experience includesserving as an assistant professor of edu-cation at Alabama A&M University and asa trainer and evaluator for the AlabamaProfessional Education Personnel Evalu-ation Program for teachers. She also hasexperience as a high school teacher, hav-

ing taught English for two years at Hillcrest High Schoolin her hometown of Evergreen.

Dr. Stallworth is widely published in professional jour-nals, has made numerous presentations at national meet-ings and conferences, and works routinely with K-12teachers to impact positively student achievement.

Donna Winn Receives Apple AwardTuscaloosa, Ala.—Link

Donna Greene Winn, whoteaches at Paul W. BryantHigh School, was one of 43teachers honored as one ofTuscaloosa City Schools sys-tem’s best teachers at its firstApple Awards. The teacherswere nominated by theirpeers as the best teachers ateach of their schools this ac-ademic year. Link Donnaserves as Chair of the Na-tional Trends and Services

facet of the Tuscaloosa (AL)Chapter of The Links, Incorpo-

Joyce Stallworth Climbs High as UA Administrator

Link Donna Winn (seated far left) was one of 43 teachers to receive the Tuscaloosa City

School System’s Apple Award. (Photograph courtesy of the Tuscaloosa City School Sys-

tem)

10

the Southern Areaby Afrique I. KilimanjaroSpecial to The Advantage from Carolina PeacemakerGREENSBORO, N.C. – Bennett College officially intro-

duced its 17th president, Rosalind Fuse-Hall. Fuse-Hall,a member of the Tallahassee (FL) Chapter, has servedthe last two years as the Southern Areas Parliamentar-ian.

Mrs. Fuse-Hall is no newcomer to the halls of highereducation. It’s in her blood. The native North Caroliniangrew up on the campus of Fayetteville State Universityand comes from a family of educators. Her fatherserved on the faculty at Fayetteville State and hermother and five aunts were teachers.

She is a graduate of the University of North Carolinaat Chapel Hill, earning a Bachelor of Science in admin-istration of criminal justice and went on to earn a JurisDoctor from Rutgers School of Law in Newark, N.J.Fuse-Hall also studied at Harvard Graduate School ofEducation in the Institute of Educational Management.She has 25 years of higher education experience hav-ing begun her career as the assistant director of minor-ity affairs at St. Lawrence University (Canton, N.Y.).

Fuse-Hall has also served as the executive assistantto the chancellor at North Carolina Central Universityand corporate secretary to the Board of Governors ofthe 17 campus University of North Carolina system. Shehas also worked as associate dean in the College of Artsand Sciences at UNC Chapel Hill. Fuse-Hall comes toBennett after serving as chief of staff to the presidentat Florida A&M University and interim director of TitleIII Programs.

Fuse-Hall said she plans to use her skills to buildstrong partnerships especially among graduate andprofessional schools across the nation which will sup-port the endeavors of Bennett’s graduates and schol-ars. This year, 44 percent of Bennett College’sgraduating class was accepted into graduate or profes-sional schools. Approximately 40 percent of Bennett’sgraduates, with the help of partnerships and consor-tiums created among Greensboro’s five colleges anduniversities, earned degrees in the fields of science,technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

As Link Rosalind begins her tenure as a college pres-ident, she plans to do three things to help Bennett con-tinue to educate successful female leaders. First is toenhance the college’s recruitment of students and havea student body of 1,000 students over the next two tothree years. Currently, the college has a total enroll-ment of 750 students. The college is with a consultantfrom Atlanta, Ga. to help Bennett staff utilize technol-ogy which will help widen the college’s recruitmentscope.

Second is to increase the college’s endowment whichis currently at $11 million. Fuse-Hall said on averagealumni giving by all collegesand universities is 9 percentand this percentage drops to 6percent for HBCU (HistoricallyBlack Colleges and Universi-ties) institutions. Bennettalumnae giving stands at 18percent, which is well abovethe national and HBCU aver-age.

Her third initiative is to pre-pare young women to be com-petitive in today’s globalmarket place by building uponBennett’s study abroad programs. As a 2004 Eisen-hower Fellow, she traveled to the countries of Thailand,Malaysia and Singapore and in turn she hosted studyabroad fellows at her home institution, Florida A&MUniversity, who were from South Africa and China.

This is not the first time Fuse-Hall has sought the Ben-nett Presidency, a position she calls her dream job. Sheapplied and was a finalist in 2001 when Althea Collinswas selected. Fuse-Hall simply said, “This is my time.”

Appropriately, she will reside on the college campusin the president’s house with her husband of nearly 35years, North Carolina Central University associate pro-fessor of political science, Jarvis Hall. They have onedaughter, Ifetoya, a 2013 graduate of the University ofNorth Carolina at Chapel Hill, who is employed withTeach for America in Texas.

Area Parliamentarian, Rosalind Fuse-Hall,Named President of Bennett College

11

Dottie Reese of the

Crescent City (LA) Chapter

Among “Activists of the Year”

in St. Charles Avenue MagazineLink Dottie Reese was named one of the Activists of

the Year by St. Charles Avenue Magazine for her out-standing work in the New Orleans community. LinkReese balances her professional life with communityservice, while remaining focused on her family. She co-founded a consulting company, DMM Associates, thathelps organizations improve their performance. LinkReese currently serves as the chairman of the board forthe Urban League of Greater New Orleans and is com-mitted to making sure that people in New Orleans are apart of the workforce helping to rebuild the city and thatthey can make a living wage.

“I believe in collective responsibility. Everyone has aresponsibility to do something within their community tomake it better. We all have to do something more thango home after a day of work and say, ‘Somebody shouldtake care of that,’ and always look to somebody else todo it. We are the somebodies.”Said Reese.

St. Charles Avenue is the magazine of the city’s socialactivists and society scene covering non-profit fundrais-ers and society events.

Dr. Montgomery Rice Makes Historyas First African American Woman toLead an Independent Medical School

Dr. Linda Montgomery Rice

The Magnolia (GA) Chapter is pleased to an-nounce the appointment of Dr. Linda MontgomeryRice as the new President of the MorehouseSchool of Medicine (MSM).

Established as the first medical school at anHBCU in the 20th century, The Harvard-educatedobstetrician and gynecologist became the firstAfrican American woman to lead a free standingmedical school when she took the helm in July.She previously served as executive vice presidentand dean. Dr. Montgomery Rice replaced Presi-dent John E. Maupin Jr., D.D.S. who retired aftera 30-year accomplished career in academic med-icine, healthcare administration and public health.Dr. Montgomery Rice will retain the position ofdean when she becomes president next year andcontinue amongst the ranks of the 16 percent ofwomen serving as dean leading academic medicalinstitutions.

A native of Macon, Ga., Montgomery Rice,served in numerous leadership positions at someof the nation's most prestigious academic andhealth institutions. She received an undergraduatedegree in chemistry from Georgia Institute ofTechnology, a medical degree from Harvard Med-ical School, and completed her training in obstet-rics and gynecology at Emory University MedicalSchool and Hutzel Hospital in Detroit.

A renowned infertility expert and nationally-rec-ognized clinical scientist, Montgomery Rice alsoserved on numerous professional and scientificadvisory panels, national industry boards and au-thored more than 50 medical research articles.

12

Dr. Debra Saunders-White of theTriangle Park (NC) Chapter hasbeen named the 11th chancellor ofNorth Carolina Central Universityby the Board of Governors of themulti-campus University of NorthCarolina. She assumed her newduties June 1.

In May 2011, Saunders-Whitejoined the U.S. Department of Ed-ucation where she was responsiblefor administering federal programsthat increase access to postsec-ondary education for low-income,first-generation college studentsand students with disabilities. Asdeputy assistant secretary, sheserved as the assistant secre-tary’s chief advisor on highereducation programs with over-sight for more than 60 pro-grams that assistedminority-serving institutionsand helped recruit and preparedisadvantaged students for col-lege completion. This is thelargest grant-making functionwithin the Department of Educa-tion.

Before entering higher educationadministration, she spent 15 yearsin the corporate sector. She joinedIBM in 1979 as a systems engineerand soon transitioned to marketing,where she assumed increasing lev-els of managerial responsibility forIBM’s higher education, finance,and public-sector marketing. By thetime she left the company in 1994,she had earned numerous awardsfor customer engagement andother accomplishments.

In 1999, Saunders-White joinedHampton University as assistantprovost for technology, tasked withdesigning and building the univer-sity’s first information-technologyorganization. Under her leadership,

Hampton became the first HBCU inthe nation to join the Internet 2community and was named one ofAmerica’s “most wired universities”by Forbes Magazine and thePrinceton Review. In 2005, shewas promoted to the newly createdpost of vice president for technol-ogy and chief information officer.

Saunders-White left Hampton thefollowing year to join the Universityof North Carolina Wilmington(UNCW) as vice chancellor for in-formation technology systems. As amember of the chancellor’s execu-tive leadership team, she was re-sponsible for the strategic directionand operation of all IT resources onthe campus. From 2007 to 2008,she also served concurrently asUNCW’s interim associate provostin the Office of Institutional Diversityand Inclusion and as chief diversity

officer.At UNCW, Saunders-White was

credited with improving emergencycommunications for campus safetypreparedness; introducing newcost-effective classroom technolo-gies; garnering national recognitionfor UNCW’s innovative use of mo-bile services; and co-developingthe UNCW Learning Commons, atechnology-supported library spacefor student learning and collabora-tion. In addition, she implementeda mentoring program to support at-risk teenagers in the WilmingtonHousing Authority; collaboratedwith the UNCW Department ofSociology to provide reading andcomputer literacy training forHousing Authority residents;and engaged black male facultyin the creation of SEAM (Sea-hawks Empowering African-American Men) to providementoring and help improve re-tention and graduation rates. In

the spring of 2011, she wastapped by the White House to

serve as deputy assistant secre-tary.

Active in civic and professionalorganizations, Saunders-White hasheld adjunct faculty appointmentsin the Hampton University BusinessSchool and UNCW’s CameronSchool of Business. She has beennamed a “cyber star” by Black Is-sues in Higher Education and haspublished articles and whitepaperson the role of technology in learn-ing.

Saunders-White, is the mother oftwo children: Elizabeth Paige, asenior and member of the track andfield team at Temple University; andCecil III, a second-year student atthe University of Virginia.

Debra Saunders-White Selected as 11th Chancellor of North Carolina Central University

13

by Cristal ColeAs we embark on an exciting

new programming year, let’s re-view the information shared byour National Vice President, LinkGlenda Newell-Harris, at ourArea Conference. She askedrchapters to take look at our orga-nization’s membership. While

the 42ndS o u t h e r n

Area Con-f e r e n c ewas filledw i t h

events anda c t i v i t i e sthat pro-vided an

oppor tu -nity fors ister lyfun andf e l l o w -

ship, boththe nationaland south-ern area

l e a d e r -s h i pw e r ecommit-ted to

ensuringat tendees

left feeling em-powered, inspired and energizedabout membership in The Links,Incorporated.

During her remarks, LinkGlenda announced the findingsof the membership trend analy-sis. More than 400 members lis-tened intently as she discussedthe membership challengeschapters across the country arefacing, and the potential impact

on the future sustainability of theorganization. While overallmembership satisfaction is at 90percent, the Southern Area alsosaw nearly 60 individual mem-bership resignations, and a littleover 60 membership forfeitures.These numbers can be attributedto a number of factors includingthe economy, family obligations,1 in 5 or service hour require-ments or member burnout. Wealso know that member recruit-ment, engagement and intergen-erational differences also havethe propensity to challenge achapter’s ability to implementtransformational programming inour communities.

So how do we rise to the chal-lenge and increase chaptergrowth potential? Well forstarters, the Southern Area isripe with high achieving, accom-plished young women who areinvested in their communities,and would make wonderful addi-tions to our sisterhood. LinkGlenda made it clear that Inorder for us to reach our full po-tential as an organization, weneed to capitalize on the assetsthat will aid us in achieving chap-ter continuity and effective suc-cession planning.

Across the 78 chapters thatmake up the Southern Area, only139 members are between theages of 20-40, with many daugh-ters of Links ages 30-39 eligiblefor membership.Meanwhile, wecontinue to see a natural shift inthe demographic as membersmove into alumna status. From2009-2012, the Southern Areahad nearly 140 new Alumnamembers.There are currently a

total of 630 members betweenthe ages 60-69, 535 membersbetween ages of 50-59, and 340between the ages of 70-79,many of whom have tirelesslydedicated years of service totheir chapters. On the upside,Link Glenda also announced thatthis year more than half of allchapters have extended thehand of friendship.

Sustaining our chapters re-quires growth. Here are somekey questions chapters acrossthe Southern Area should con-sider:

•Have we widened our circle offriendship to include those wemay not know?

•Are we effectively mentoring,and fostering an environmentconducive to the retention of ouryounger members?

•How does our intake messagecompare to the overall member-ship experience?

•What messages are we send-ing about who we are, and whatour relevance is in the commu-nity?

We can’t be afraid of diversityin our chapters. Embracing andmentoring the next generation ofyoung women entering the or-ganization is imperative if we aregoing to continue to honor the vi-sion of our Founders. In reflect-ing on our legacy, it is importantto maintain the historical per-spective and integrity of our or-ganization, and pay homage tothose who paved the way. How-ever, if we hope to continue ef-fecting change throughfriendship and service for yearsto come, then it’s time to bringthe next generation into the fold.

Critical Need for Chapters to Assess Their Membership

14

by Sylvia PerryChair, CommunicationsYou hear it all the time. Aspiring leaders want to know what

is the single most important component of leadership . Inmost organizations and in the business world, you will hearcomponents such as inspiring leadership, technological in-novation, savvy marketing or goal oriented financial planning —all of which are important — however a clear path to success ismuch simpler than many perceive.

Generally, a great leader’s success is directly tied to his or herability to focus on our organization’s fundamentals – the mind bodyand soul of keeping our friendship chain strong and satisfied, fis-cally viable, while producing effective, relevant programming. Ourmost effective leaders stress fundamentals like discipline, ac-countability, strategic alignment, managing to his or her valuesand empowering their sisters. Additionally, these leaders havemastered the six basic functions of management: leading, plan-ning, organizing, staffing, controlling and communicating. Butwhat’s the one golden thread tying all those functions together— and the most important key to great leadership? Clear com-munication. The point itself is crystal clear: In real estate, the old clichéis “location, location, location.” In successful leadership, you preach“communication, communication, communication.”Good Leaders, Good Communicators

Regardless of whether you’re talking about business, politics, sportsor the military, the best leaders are first-rate communicators. Their valuesare clear and solid, and what they say promotes those values. Theirteams admire them and follow their lead. Likewise, if you want your chap-ter to reach new benchmarks of achievement, you must master the artof clear communication. So, how do you do it?

First, you must realize and accept that clear communication is alwaysa two-way process. It’s not enough to speak clearly; you have to makesure you’re being heard and understood. To facilitate this, use the fol-lowing two-way communication primer:

1. Prepare how you’ll communicate• Clarify the goal of the communication.• Plan carefully before sending it or meeting in person.• Anticipate the receiver’s viewpoint and feelings.

2. Deliver the message• Express your meaning with conviction.• Relate the message to your larger goals.• Identify the action to be taken.• Confirm the other person understands.

3. Receive the message• Keep an open mind.• Identify key points in the message.• Value constructive feedback and use it to grow.• Confirm your understanding.

4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the communication afterwards

5. Take corrective action as necessary Primers, of course, aren’t enough. You must go

deeper and determine why internal communicationsare poor or ineffective, considering any potential bar-riers. Once the barriers have been identified, you’ll

see where to improve. Additionally, you’ll inevitably re-alize the stakes are high when it comes to communicating

— if you fail to do this properly, you can poison the atmos-phere between you and your sister, as well as your chapter’smorale. So the next time you’re drafting a letter, e-mail orspeech, before you proceed, stop and consider these com-mon barriers to clear communication:

• Lack of respect by either party for the other.• Poorly defined purpose for the communication.• Failure to establish the best medium for the communica-

tion (e-mail and cell phones are NOT the best ways to communicate serious material).

• Assumption that the listener receives the message.• Ignored emotions or sensitivities.

• Failure to get on the listener’s level of understanding.• Intimidation by either party.

Once you’ve determined what’s preventing clear communication inyour chapter, dig even deeper, asking key questions that relate to yourchapter’s health such as: How do you produce strategic alignment insideyour chapter? How do you ensure that everyone understands and up-holds the organization’s mission and values? Again, for each of theseissues, the answer lies in clear communication.Write It Down!

In this high-tech world, it’s easy to overlook the value of writing downthoughts, intentions and even visions. Doing so, however, is a basic strat-egy that enables clarity and purpose. It also provides a personal pointof reflective accountability.

One way to see just how effective writing it down can be is to alwayshave three updated, documents: a mission statement, a values state-ment and a project plan. The document-drafting process produces com-mon understanding, consensus, alignment and buy-in. It also promotesclear communication within your leadership team while empowering yourmembership and grooming them for future leadership. Mission state-ments define who you are and where you’re going. Value statements areyour compass keeping you firmly on course. And your project plan is therudder steering your ship. Communication Is the Key

Bottom line, clear communication is the most important key to aleader’s success. So to grow as a leader, you must learn how to be aneffective, compelling communicator. And if you want your chapter to suc-ceed, you and your leadership team have to master the art of clear com-munication together, as well. By using these and other strategies, youand your chapter can reach new levels of leadership excellence.

Communication is Keyto Effective LeadershipEffective Leadership

15

by Brenda JamersonChair, Services to Youth

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) education opportunities have gained signifi-cant attention over the past few years—with increasedinvestments and expanded programs. Policy and ed-ucation leaders are increasingly identifying STEM asone of the most effective vehicles for preparing stu-dents for success in college in a number of ways. Forone, there are a number of well-regarded career andtechnical programs that are STEM-focused and pro-vide a technical or applied context for academic learn-ing. Beyond the courses themselves, the best STEMprograms typically leverage and utilize hands-on andexperimental learning.

Chapters can readily implement STEM and careerreadiness as part of their ongoing programs in allfacets and/or in Umbrella Programs. For instance, theyouth who participate in your chapter’s mentoring pro-gram can be paired with mentors having careers in sci-ence, technology, engineering or mathematics.Partnerships can also be formed with other profes-sional organizations or individuals, businesses, andcollege students majoring in these areas to serve asmentors and role models.

Chapters, in their after school or weekend programs,can introduce various aspects of STEM through artsintegration. Arts integration pairs an arts discipline(dance, drama, music and visual arts) with a traditionalsubject (math, language arts, science and social stud-ies) to enhance understanding and comprehension in

both areas. Using art to support core learning not onlymakes learning fun, but also helps children retain whatthey learn. While art can also be used in quilting proj-ects to teach geometry and fractions, music can beused to teach numbers to preschoolers and hip hop toteach math.

Chapters with childhood obesity programs can inte-grate math into their cooking classes with the childrenlearning about weights and measures when they pre-pare the recipes. They also learn about temperaturesand observe how materials change from one state ofmatter to another. When baking cookies, differentshaped cookie cutters could be used to teach the chil-dren about shapes. When a recipe calls for a certainsize pan, ask students to measure the pan. Anotheractivity could be a trip to the grocery store to purchasethe food needed for the cooking class. While groceryshopping to purchase food for various recipes, stu-dents can learn to read labels and use the scales toweigh fruits and vegetables.

Various forms of exercise can be used to teach mathand will provide fun activities for youth of all ages.Games such as Twister, “Simon Says”, hopscotch,bowling, dodge ball, jump rope, and distance racingincorporate learning with physical activity.

There are numerous publications and websites thatcan provide valuable resources with creative learning,“kid-friendly” experiences, i.e., ideas and activities thatcan be incorporated into your ongoing chapter pro-grams while encompassing basic and advanced levelsof STEM.

Services to YouthInnovative Ways Chapters Can

Implement STEM and Career Readiness

16

by Karyn CombsChair, The ArtsThank you for your leadership and hard work as

Arts’ facet chairs. The following information may“spark” some additional arts’ ideas for you to imple-ment in your chapter for the upcoming program year.

Many students have artis-tic abilities that can be iden-tified during local artcontests your chapter caninitiate with themes forhealthy living, bicycle safety,recycling at home, school orin the community. A hugefocus now is in the area ofstopping bullying, and manystudents can draw or paintto express their feelings orthoughts about how to stopthis type of behavior.

Also, there are many localartists who may be able tovolunteer their time to workwith students on art projectsand then assist them with an“Arts’ Night” or brunch tohave students display anddiscuss their art mediumswith invited guests.

An example of this oc-curred recently at a charterschool in Pensacola, Floridawhere local artists met withstudents over a period of several months to assistthem with the background and history of Africanmasks. Prior to Christmas vacation, the students pre-sented their art work to the parents and community atan evening event from 6-8pm. During this time, thestudents had an opportunity to share their talents andskills with everyone, and talk about the goals and ob-jectives of their school in coordination with the instruc-tors. With the permission of the students, parents and

school officials, some of the artwork was for sale andpurchased by the guests! Wow! What an awesomeidea for a fundraiser!

This would be a great opportunity to brand our chap-ters by duplicating what the students and the teachersat the charter school accomplished in December 2012!

Support and donations haveincreased for the charterschool because they are ac-tively marketing the great ac-complishments taking placethis school year.

Additionally, this would giveour Arts’ facet chairs new op-portunities for identifying re-sources in the areas ofmaterials, presenters, mediacoverage and positive expo-sure of youth in our commu-nities. Plus, we would havea group of students to en-courage and invite to enterour National Poster Art Con-test in 2014! Send me yourthoughts on these ideas andany that you have imple-mented to brand your chapterin 2013.

As shared in previous arti-cles, “Art is a fundamentalpart of the cultural heritage ofevery student and will serveto connect the imagination of

these students so they can have visions to dream ofengineering, become scientists, and mathematiciansto promote global awareness in the 21st century. Fur-ther, art allows students to acquire the tools andknowledge necessary to create individual responsesto a variety of subject matters. It bridges the gap be-tween the past and present, the impossible becomesthe possible and the unattainable becomes the realitythrough this imagery.”

The Arts“How to Organize and Participate

in the National Poster Arts Contest: Ways to Identify Participants and Market the Art to Brand Your Chapter”

17

by Daisy R. WalkerChair, Programs

As we prepare for a new pro-gram year, plan now for suc-cess.With a true, clear paththroughout the year, submit-ting your program report atthe end of the year will be abreeze.

The planning process re-volves around the basic defi-nitions of programming. Letus review two general defini-

tions. A program is a collection of related projects or eventsworking in alignment towards a common cause. An eventis something that happens: an occurrence a one-time ef-fort, a noteworthy happening, and or a social occasion oractivity.

During the program planning process your chaptershould understand the elements of the Service DeliveryModel. A Service Delivery Model is a graphic that showsthe relationship between inputs, outputs, and outcomesrelative to a problem we are trying to solve. The purposeof the Service Delivery Model is to connect activities withimpact; provide continuity and continued improvement.The key questions for developing your service deliverymodel are:

1. What is the community-level impact (change) thatour chapter would like to create as a result of our program?

2. What are the long-term outcomes or behaviors wewould like our clients to achieve?

3. What are the short-term outcomes we would likeour clients to achieve?

4. What programs, strategies or services do we needto achieve the short and long term outcomes?

5. What resources or inputs do we need to supportstrategy or service implementation?

6. 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?

Did your chapter implement these steps in the process?1. Conduct a needs assessment of the chapter’s serv-

ice area to determine the community’s needs. This may in-clude gathering data on the communities’ statistics fromthe newspapers, etc. Rank, prioritize and select from themthe top priorities the chapter wishes to focus on.2. Review programming requirements from National

and the Area. Identify partners who may also participatein the planning process and the needs assessment or selectthose with similar interests.3. Establish goals and objectives that are outcome-based or measurable so that you will know what you haveachieved and can quantify it if necessary. 4. Identify strategies or activities that the chapter willuse to achieve its goals and objectives.5. Assign persons to be responsible for each activityor strategy.6. Establish a timeline, a calendar or activities alongwith reporting dates.7. Establish a monitoring system.8. Determine what data is to be collected and in whatformat, etc. Develop forms to be used for data collectionor adapt existing ones.9. Develop an evaluation plan.10. Establish a budget.

How does the chapter accomplish the plan?1. Follow your stated plans.2. Document! Take photos, videos, make CDs, DVDs

and assign people to create documen-tation activities for each seg-ment of the program.

3. Monitor and re-vise as necessary.Forms or require-ments for data col-lection should bedeveloped oradapted for useby the chapter.Examples of thedata to be col-lected include:Number of partici-pants (chapter and oth-ers), description ofparticipants and attendees,e.g., age range, gender, busi-nesses, etc.; length of activity,persons responsible, descrip-tion of activity, budget andactual amount spent.

How does the chapterevaluate the plan?

PROGRAMMING 101:

18

Evaluation involves asking keyquestions.

1. Were inputs made asplanned?

2. Were activities con-ducted as planned?

3. Was the desired levelof participation achieved?

4. Did clients express or show that they were satisfiedwith the program?

Outcomes should be measurable and should answerquestions such as:

1. Did the participants show an increased level ofknowledge, awareness, or motivation?

2. Were behaviors of the clients modified or were poli-cies changed?

3. To what extent did the program affect social, eco-nomic, political, or environmental conditions?

Developing appropriate and measurable indicatorsduring the planning phase is a key to a sound evalua-tion. Link your activities and results in order to insuresuccess.

1. Summarize and analyze all of the data gathered.For example, if you have an attendance roster, total and av-

erage the attendance or participation for the program bychapter members, participants, attendees, etc. for theentire reporting period.

2. Share the evaluation results with the chap-ter and use their input as a means of revising andplanning the next year’s program.

Select a committee or team to write the report.1. Assign pertinent parts to the appropriate

members/committees or chairs.2. Review the reporting requirements and follow thedirections carefully.

3. Use the report form as a guide for gathering and or-ganizing the data for the report.

4. Respond to each part using the data and in-formation gathered from activities and the peri-

odic reports done. Use your monitoringinstruments data summaries to assist inrecording what has been done.

5. Write the one-page summary. Identify thetitle of the program, state its purpose and/or overall

goals, identify the key strategies used to achieve the goals

and list the outcomes of your efforts. Include any publicrelations done, awards or other recognition received andnote whether you partnered with another group and thelevel of impact made and the response received from thecommunity.

6. Use the criteria listing to double check your reportto ensure that each issue has been addressed:

a. Program description and problem is clearly ad-dressed.

b. Goals / objectives are measurable. c. Outputs (activities) are appropriate for the goals

and objectives.d. Listed the number of people served.e. Methods used determined the group served re-

flected a need in the community.f. Chapters support, participation, and collaboration

were evident.

7. Develop a draft of the report and circulate it alongwith the reporting requirements to the membership orcommittees for review to ensure that you have capturedeverything. Give them a specific date to return the reportwith their comments. In fact, develop a form for suggestingrevisions.

8. Reassemble the writing committee/team and re-view the comments/suggestions for revision and incorpo-rate those that are appropriate. Designate an editor(s) forfinal review and formatting.

9. Write the report following a good strategy for plan-ning, execution and evaluation. Record what you havedone and in narrative form describe the program and itsresults.

In 2014, if your chapter is to be considered for an award,the chapter must submit the following: 1) a ServiceDelivery Model form and 2) a Program Budget form. Achapter data sheet must also be completed and returnedbefore your program submission.

Will your chapter submit a winning program report? Onlyyou can make that determination. Remember, program-ming is” the heart of Linkdom”.

j|ÇÇ|ÇzProgram Report

Writing a

19

The Macon (GA) Chapter is saddened by the loss ofConnecting Link Charles Adams husband of Link DorisAdams.

The Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter mourns the loss ofalumna member Link Johnetta Baham.

The Gainesville (FL) Chapter and Link Lakay Banks aresaddened by the loss of Connecting Link Cullen W.Banks, M.D. May Connecting Link Banks rest in peace.

The Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter mourns the loss of Heir-O-Link Nancy Denise Bernard, daughter of Link BobbieBernard.

Link Claraetta R. Daniels of the Greater Mobile Chapterhas passed. Link Daniels will be missed.

Link Mozell Davis mourns the loss of Connecting LinkVyrle Davis of the St. Petersburg (FL) Chapter. MayConnecting Link Davis rest in peace.

The Pensacola (FL) Chapter is saddened by the pass-ing of Link Sybil Jones Dedmond. May Link Dedmondrest in peace.

The Fort Lauderdale (FL) Chapter expresses sadnessin the loss of Chapter Organizer, Past Chapter Presi-dent, and Alumna Link Eddie Pearl Black Degraffen-reidt. She will be missed.

Our condolences are extended to Southern Area Direc-tor, Link Eneid Francis as her mother Do-

lores Dunn Francis has transitioned.

Link Inge Edward of the Raleigh(NC) Chapter will be missed.

Link Josephine Farmer Ed-wards of the Wilson-RockyMount–Tarboro has transi-tioned. Link Edwards willbe missed.

The Charleston (SC) Chap-ter mourns the loss of LinkVanetta Bing Etheredge.She will greatly be missed.

Link LaVerne Goins, ofthe Raleigh (NC)Chapter has transi-

tioned. Link Goins is the mother ofLinks Wanda Goins Brockington of the Chesapeake-Virginia Beach Chapter and Carol Goins of theAsheville (NC) Chapter. The Savannah (GA) Chapter mourns the loss of Link

exÅxÅuxÜ|Çz b

20

Denise Hadley. Link Hadley will be missed and mayshe rest in peace.

Platimun Member Link Rose Hicks of the OaklandCounty (MI) Chapter has passed. Link Hicks was thefirst president of the Pensacola (FL) Chapter. May sherest in peace.

The Forth Valley (GA) Chapter and Link Cheryl McNeil-Jordan mourns the loss of Connecting Link Berry D.Jordan. Condolences to our Link sister Mc-Neil-Jordan.

The Pensacola (FL) Chapter mourns the loss of LinkYvonne Kyle. Link Kyle was a valuable member andwill be greatly missed.

Words of condolences to Link Sara Leek of the Macon(GA) as her husband, Connecting Link Robert J. LeekIII has passed.

Link Mary Aljean Lenard of the Mississippi Delta (MS)Chapter has passed. Link Lenard was a member ofseveral community organizations and received manyawards for civic and humanitarian acts.

The Birmingham (AL) Chapter is saddened by the lossof Heir-O-Link James Lewis, son of Alumnae MemberLink Helen Lewis. May Heir-O-Link Lewis rest in peace.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing ofLink Alice B. Lowe mother of Link Terri Anderson, Pres-ident of Wilson-Rocky Mt-Tarboro (NC) Chapter andGrandmother of Link Torri Anderson of Greater Miami(FL) Chapter.

Dr. Sipo Elijah Mzimela, Connecting Link of Link GailDeCosta of the Dogwood City (GA) Chapter haspassed. It is with great sadness that the Tuskegee (AL) Chaptershares the passing of Link Thelma Payton.

Charter Member Link Thelma Perkins mourns the lossof her spouse Connecting Link Huel Perkins. Condo-lences to Link Perkins.

It is with great sadness that the Birmingham (AL) Chap-ter reports the passing of Link Dorothy "Dottie" Porter.Link Porter will be missed.

Link Margaret Roseburr of the North Broward County(FL) Connecting Link, Milt Roseburr has transitioned.

Link Mary Shy Scott, an Alumnae member of the AzaleaCity (GA) has transitioned. Link Scott will greatly bemissed.

The Magnolia (GA) Chapter, Link E. Delores anddaughters Links Chandra and Charlita mourn the lossof Connecting Link Charles R. Stephens.

May Connecting Link Carl Stokes, spouse of ChapterPresident Link Dorothy Stokes of the LeFluer Bluff (MS)Chapter rest in eternal peace.

The Greater Miami (FL) Chapter announced Heir-O-Link Pamela Walton, daughter of Link Margaret Mc-Crary and sister of Link Jessica McCrary Campbell.May she rest in peace.

Link Eva Williams of the Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter haspassed. Link Williams was a charter member and willbe greatly missed.

Link A. Marie Wynn has transitioned. Link Wynn was aCharter Member of the Tuscaloosa (AL) Chapter. Mayshe rest in peace.

The White RoseThe red rose whispers of passion,

And the white rose breathes of love;O the red rose is a falcon,And the white rose is a dove

JOHn BOYLE O’REILLY

bâÜ _Éáà eÉáxá

21

Southern Area Director

Eneid A. Francisis pleased to present the inaugural

Southern Area Newsmaker Award to the

Greater Miami (FL) Chapter of the Links Incorporated

THE GREATER MIAMI (FL) CHAPTER

The Greater Miami (FL) Chapter has excelled in the strategic priority of brand-

ing through their internal and external efforts. Because of the chapter’s in-

tensive strategies, The Links, Incorporated has held a continuous presence

in the South Florida community through print publications, broadcast televi-

sion, radio and web media. The chapter also has in place a consistent internal

chapter newsletter to keep chapter members educated and informed. Be-

cause of these initiatives, the chapter was awarded a professional audio/vi-

sual camera to enhance and assist the chapter in keeping The Links,

Incorporated in the hearts and minds of the world around them.

Congratulations!22

C o n g r a t u l a t i o n s to all Chapter Program Award winners

Services to YouthLegacy

Magnolia (GA) ChapterThird Place

Azalea City (GA) ChapterSecond Place

Columbia (SC) ChapterFirst Place

Gainesville (FL) Chapter

The ArtsLegacy

Tuscaloosa (AL) ChapterThird Place

Greater Miami (FL) ChapterSecond Place

Tallahassee (FL) ChapterFirst Place

Birmingham (AL) Chapter

National Trends and ServicesLegacy

Winston-Salem (NC) ChapterThird Place

Greater Huntsville (AL) ChapterSecond Place

Birmingham (AL) ChapterFirst Place

North Broward (FL) Chapter

International Trends

and ServicesThird Place

Tuscaloosa (AL) ChapterSecond Place

Tallahassee (FL) ChapterFirst Place

Winston-Salem (NC) Chapter

Health and Human ServicesLegacy Award

Charlotte (NC) ChapterThird Place

Altamonte Springs (FL) ChapterSecond Place

Azalea City (GA) ChapterFirst Place

Bold City (FL) Chapter

UmbrellaLegacy Award

Atlanta (GA) ChapterThird Place

Charlotte (NC) ChapterSecond Place Award

Orangeburg (SC) Chapter First Place Award

Bold City (FL) Chapter

Save

the Date

President’s 1st Monday Exchange

Monday September 9, 2013

national Leadership Summit

October 18-20, 2013

Southern Area

Communications Webinar

October 24, 2013

Florida Links

Day at the Capital

March 20, 2014

39th national Assembly

July 2-6, 2014

Southern Area

Leadership Summit

October 2014

Greenville, SC

43rd Southern

Area Conference

May 13-17, 2015

Birmingham, Alabama

23

Alabama

The Birmingham (AL) Chapter pro-vided four sessions of “The TeensGuide to Dollars and Sense” to stu-dents at Jackson Olin High School.The first session, attended by sixteen(16) students, covered budgeting. Asan exercise, the students were as-signed an occupation with an associ-ated monthly income. The studentsthen determined their monthly ex-penses based on their home and au-tomobile choices. Various pricedhomes were provided along with as-sociated expenses such as insurance,taxes, and utilities. The students thenworked on their budget and discov-ered the differences between “needs”and “wants.” An overview on the im-portance of budgeting was given by

guest presenter Mr. Alex Bumpersfrom BB&T Bank. An interactive proj-ect with the students was facilitatedby the chapter president, VanessaFalls. The students were receptive,appreciative, and enjoyed the pres-entation. In order to see measurableresults, the students were given apretest before the presentation anda test after the presentation.

The second session focused on es-tablishing and protecting your credit.Ms. Sonya Monroe from RegionsBank was the guest speaker and LinkCarol McElderry was the facilitator.The third session was presented byMr. Deno Posey from Regions Bankand Link Angelene Whatley was thefacilitator. This session focused on

reconciling your checkbook.All the activities presentedduring the sessions were veryinteractive. The students ac-

tually reconciled checkbooks andlooked at credit statements, applica-tions and household budgets.

The program was developed inpartnership with Ally Financial. AllyFinancial has teamed with commu-nity organizations across the countryto teach the in-person “Wallet Wise”sessions. Organizations are equippedwith workbooks and presentationmaterials that have been structuredto teach consumers in an atmos-phere that is fun, interactive and con-ducive to learning. Ally originallylaunched the financial literacy pro-gram SmartEdge by GMAC in 2002and the Birmingham (AL) Chapteralso participated in that program.

The Teens Guide to Dollars and

Sense - A Link to Financial Success

If you were lucky enough to have passed by the bandroom of Putnam Middle School last fall, you could hearthe rhythmic sounds of 25 drums beating as students par-ticipated in the kickoff workshop of JAMS – Joining Artistsand Music in Our Schools, the new signature project of theBirmingham (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated incollaboration with the Birming-ham City Schools.

The JAMS program focuses onexposing students to music andrelated arts. Realizing that musicpresents the opportunity for uni-versal communication and ex-pression, the program’s goal is toexpand student’s exposure tovarious music genres and instru-ments. One of the program’scomponents designed to meet thisgoal is non-traditional interactive workshops.

The first workshop introduced the students to drum-ming by joining them with artist, John Scalici, an awardwinning teaching artist, internationally recognized drumcircle facilitator, musician and speaker. As a solo and

teaching artist, he has released two highly acclaimed CDs.Each student had a opportunity to make his or her drumcome alive during the drum circle. The students learnedthat rhythm is a universal language - everyone speaks itand everyone understands it. The structure of the JAMSprogram also includes:

• Instructional Enhancement -providing external supportneeded to increase the numberof eligible students qualifying forcompletion.

• Expressive Musical Extrava-ganza – providing opportunitiesfor students to experience a col-laboration of various musicalgenres.

• A Finale Assembly- showcas-ing JAMS students’ talent and skill

development. Mrs. Brenda Dial, the principal at Putnam Middle School,stated that she heard tremendous talk and positive buzzamong the students about the workshop and the won-derful time they had drumming with Mr. Scalici.

Birmingham Chapter Introduces the

Universal Power of Drums to Students

24

Alabama

The stars shined brightly on Birmingham as the MagicCity (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated presented its2012 Emerald Gala on December 7th . The event’s themefeatured “Dancing With The Stars~ Birmingham Style.”

The evening began at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour andtransitioned to the Hoover Embassy Suite’s Ballroomwhich was styled with subtle touches of emerald lightingand elegantly appointed table settings. Connecting LinkSteve Crocker, Anchor for FOX6 News Media group, servedas Master of Ceremonies and was assisted by Link MerikaColeman, Alabama State House of Representatives.

Festivities kicked off with a graceful creative interpretiveballet dance by LeNá Powe, former Miss Black Alabama.Dance artist Terry Hayes amazed the audience with a mix-ture of pop and lock, hip-hop and modern dance moves.Music was provided by Private Property Band. CapreniaAnthony of Wave, Inc. served as dance coordinator andwas instrumental in assuring a seamless event.

The main event included couples showcasing their danc-

ing skills with a variety of dance moves critiqued by apanel of three judges who rendered light hearted andcomical reviews following each performance. The coupleswere former Jefferson County (AL) Commissioner SheilaSmoot and Connecting Link Leonard Smoot, Mary Allenand Will Howell, Drs. Jarralyn and Robert Agee who arealso a Link and Connecting Link, and Alabama State Sen-ator Linda Coleman and Robert Williams.

Guests dined on Chicken Picatta topped with lightlyseasoned red roasted potatoes and steamed asparagusfollowed by chocolate cake or New York Style cheesecake.

The City of Birmingham was the Chapter’s Diamond Cir-cle sponsor

Under the leadership of Chapter President Deborah ByrdWalker, Esq. Connie Sheppard Harris served as FundraisingChair. Adrienne Royster Bell was Chair of Corporate Spon-sorship. The proceeds from the Gala will fund the numer-ous community endeavors of the Magic City (AL) Chapter.

Magic City (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Magic City (AL) ShinesBright at Emerald Elegance

25

Alabama

The Greater Mobile (AL) Chapterhosted a brunch recently to an-nounce their 2012 scholarship recipi-ents. The Bienville Club was the siteof the twelfth awards program award-ing six one thousand dollar scholar-

ships to local students to assist withcollege expenses.

The scholarship is open to allAfrican-American students in MobileCounty who have maintained highacademic achievement and who plan

to attend college. Applicants mustsubmit an essay and letter of recom-mendation. This year’s recipientswere: Miya K. Barnes - LeFlore Mag-net High School, Jonathan AlexanderDennis - Citronelle High School,Amber Gould – Baker High School,Samiayah N. Hampton – LeFlore Mag-net High School, Kaylyn Mallory -Murphy High School, Breanna J.Walker – LeFlore Magnet High School.

Since 2000, over $50,000 in scholar-ships have been awarded to deserv-ing college-bound high schoolgraduates. Lindell B. Dillard is Presi-dent of The Greater Mobile Chapterand the Scholarship Committee ischaired by Lynda P. Carroll

Shown L-R: Linda Carroll - Scholarship Chair, Samaiyah Hampton, Breanna Walker, Amber Gould, Miya Barnes,Kaylyn Mallory, Jonathan Dennis and Lindell Dillard, Chapter President.

Greater Mobile (AL) Awards Thousandsin Scholarships to Local Students

26

- - STAY TUNED - -The Southern Area Best Practices for Chapter Officers is coming!

Think now and plan to submit your ideas for what works best in your chapter. An area wide query will soon go out for all past and present chapter

officers to share your best ideas for keeping your chapter on the A list!

Florida

Shown above are GEMS (Girls Empowered and Motivated to Succeed) who are in 6th Grade at Eugene Butler

Middle School and Jacksonville Chapter Links Kenyonn Daniels Demps, Gail Riley Kenney, Gloria Belton, Mari-

etta LeBlanc, Ingrid Burch, Chapter President Betty A. Cody, Pat Bivins and Geri Smith.

Jacksonville (FL) Chapter Provides 17 Laptops to GEMSby Gail KenneyThe Jacksonville (FL) Chapter of

The Links, Incorporated awardedlaptops to seventeen sixth gradegirls who attend Eugene ButlerMiddle School. The young womenwho received the laptops are par-ticipants in the Jacksonville Links’GEMS (Girls Empowered and Mo-tivated to Succeed) Program, aweekly mentoring and enrichmentprogram held at the school fromSeptember through June.

To qualify for a laptop eachGEMS participant was required toattend weekly sessions and to read

and submit a written Book Reporton a Biography of her choice.GEMS submitted reports on suchnotables as Wilma Rudolph, MaryScioscia, and Helen Keller.

Now in its fourth year, the GEMSprogram uses an integrated ap-proach in specific areas of learningand doing. To this end The Jack-sonville Links have conducted In-teractive Modules on topics suchas Food & Nutrition, Building BetterBodies, Exercise including Zumbalessons, Bullying & Safety, Ca-reers, Technology and Life Skills.“The use of technology will enable

the GEMS to improve their criticalthinking skills with the use of com-puters at home and at school”,stated Jacksonville Chapter newmember Ingrid Burch who alongwith new member RepresentativeCorrine Brown secured, trained re-cipients on usage and distributedthe laptops as a part of their LinksNew Member Service Project.

The Jacksonville Chapter waschartered in November of 1966 andconsists of leaders, newsmakers,activists and volunteers working to-ward the realization of a better lifefor citizens of Jacksonville.

Florida

Members of the Bradenton/Sarasota(FL) Links’ HHS Facet surround Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Davis

along with Beth Tepfer, Coordinator of the Boston Scientific’s Close the Gap Initiative.

The Bradenton/Sarasota (FL) Chapter’s Health &Human Services facet spearheaded the observanceof the American Heart Association’s Go Red forWomen’s 10th Anniversary at its February member-ship meeting.

Dr. Christopher Davis, MD, FACC, an InterventionalCardiologist with the Bradenton Heart Center, deliv-ered a poignant presentation, “Empowering AfricanAmerican Women to Love Their Heart.” Other meeting

highlights include Mayoral proclamations from Braden-ton Mayor Wayne Poston and Sarasota MayorSuzanne Atwell and heart healthy literature andbrochures disseminated to the 30 attendees. All mem-bers received the insignia Red Dress Pin, which theywore throughout the month to demonstrate visiblesupport of their efforts to take a stance against heartdisease.

Bradenton/Sarasota (FL) “Go Red for Women”

28

Florida

The members of the chapter formerlyknown as the Fort Pierce (FL) Chapterof The Links, Incorporated was pleasedto announce the chapter’s new name, asapproved by their national organization,the Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter of TheLinks, Incorporated. The public an-nouncement was made at the chapter’sscholarship fundraiser. The new namereflects where the members live andwhere the chapter serves. TheFundraiser was a collaboration withMacy's of the Treasure Coast. Throughthe generosity of Macy's, the chapterwas able to raise funds to give scholar-ships to one student in each of the threecounties the chapter serves, Martin, St.Lucie and Indian River.

Links Beverly Hinton, Elizabeth Jackson and Arlena Lee

present new name at Links/Macy's fashion show.

Treasure Coast (FL) Unveils Its NewName with Macy’s Fundraiser

Links Venda Burgess and Kathryn Wilson enjoy the fundraiser.

29

Florida

The Bold City (FL) Chapter cele-brated twenty years of friendshipand service with a summer WhiteRose Gala in June. Over 500 cele-brants donned black tie attire in-cluding chapter members, sisterLinks and community citizens forthe festive affair. Southern Area Di-rector Eneid Francis keynoted theevent with words of praise and

friendship for the chapter. The evening’s activities included

a special video presentation andthe formal presentation of the chap-ter by Jacksonville (FL) ChapterPresident Betty S. Cody. Followingdinner, guests enjoyed live musicand a silent auction benefitting thechapter’s programs. Chapter mem-bers not only celebrated two

decades of service, they were alsostill jubilant over bringing home twoFirst Place Awards from the 42ndSouthern Area Conference in Um-brella Programming and NationalTrends & Services.

To share in the chapter’s video

click the link below:

http://youtu.be/oJOfHkC3IvE

The Bold City Chapter of The Links Incorporated

UÉÄw V|àç VxÄxuÜtàxá EC lxtÜá Éy YÜ|xÇwá{|Ñ tÇw fxÜä|vx ã|à{ fâÅÅxÜ j{|àx eÉáx ZtÄt

Bold City Chapter President Barbara Darby accepts a gift from Jack-

sonville (FL) Chapter President Betty Cody at the event.Chapter members chose to wear either green or white. Shown

are Deloris Mitchell, LeVon Burnett and Jacquie Gibbs

30

Florida

Treasure Coast Welcomes Six Into Sisterhood

Newly inducted Links of the Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter are from left to right Ionis Jefferson, Kherri

Anderson, Clarece Nash, Phyllis Gillespie, Synthia Snow and Cheryl Reed Glenn.

The Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter inducted six new members on May 18, 2013. Six women representingvarious professional arenas have joined the Treasure Coast Chapter to ensure that our service programs con-tinue to serve the three counties the chapter represents.

Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

31

Florida

Over sixty Links throughout the stateof Florida converged on their state’scapital to participate in the annualLinks Day at the Capital. Held in con-junction with the Florida Black Caucus,the sisters, united in advocacy, had theopportunity to fellowship and rally theirlegislators for the causes of the South-ern Area. The theme for the day was“Agents of Change Lobbying Our Col-lective Influence for Florida’s Future”.

The day began early with a 7:30 a.m.breakfast on the 22nd floor of the Cap-ital. For those who arrived the nightbefore, they had the opportunity to

pre-register and attend a reception.The formal registration took place at 7a.m. the following morning whereLinks received their welcome gift of alaser pin, custom rhinestone Floridapin and logo bag. The catered sunrisebreakfast was a smorgasbord ofsouthern tradition with everything fromoatmeal and fresh fruit to the tradi-tional grits, eggs, sausage and baconwith fresh juices. Setting the tone forthe occasion was 16th Area DirectorMargaret Johnson, the originator ofLDAC which is now a national initia-tive. Elegantly dressed in Links white,

Link Margaret shared her inspirationfor the day and the importance of whywe must press on in all of our roles inthe organization.

The guest speaker was none otherthan Florida’s Education Commis-sioner Dr. Tony Bennett. The newlyappointed commissioner shared hissuccessful history within the educa-tion realm, and eagerly answeredquestions ranging from charterschools to standardized testing. Thequestions came so strong, he evenstayed 40 minutes later than sched-uled to make sure everyone was sat-

LDAC 2013 : Florida Links T

Luncheon speaker Dr. Michael Eric Dyson(kneeling) strikes a pose with Links attendees.

32

Florida LDAC 2013 was sponsored by the following chapters:

Bold City, Brevard County, Daytona Beach, Greater Miami,

Jacksonville, Orlando, Pensacola and Treasure Coast.

Florida

isfied. Links also received greetingsfrom visiting politicians including Rep.Reggie Fullwood, Tallahassee MayorJohn Marks and Links sisters Sen.Arthenia Joyner and Sen. GeraldineThompson.

Following breakfast, sisters werefree to visit their legislators wherelarge signs were everywhere welcom-ing their visit. The sisters were armedand dangerous having received a leg-islative toolkit weeks prior includingtheir legislative agenda created byNona Jones (Gainesville (FL)) thatformally brought together STEM Ed-

ucation, Mentoring and ChildhoodObesity as our area’s primary focus.

The lunch was hosted by the FloridaBlack Caucus and sponsored by LinkYolanda Jackson. Held at the Talla-hassee Civic Center, the keynotespeaker was Michael Eric Dyson. Fol-lowing his address on the state ofBlack America, Dr. Dyson graciouslyposed for a photograph with the visit-ing Links. The afternoon session con-sisted of seminars to prepareparticipants for the job ahead. Miniseminar topics included: How toLobby, Using Technology to Expand

our Advocacy and Where Do We GoFrom Here. The day concluded with a‘brag’ session where sisters couldshare what is going on in their respec-tive chapters and door prizes.

The Florida Links Day at the Capitalwas chaired by Sylvia Perry and as-sisted by sisters from around Floridaincluding Nona Jones, Kelley Bailey,Melissa Adams, Yolanda Cash Jack-son, Rometa Porter, Aleizha Batson,Ava Parker, Arthenia Joyner and Mar-garet Benton. The next Florida LinksDay at the Capital is scheduled forMarch 20, 2013.

Take Over the State Capital

Welcome bag gifts Link Margaret Johnson stated the purpose.

Oree Johnson accepts a door prize

from LDAC hostess Rometa Porter

Florida LDAC Legislative Chair Nona Jones

shares a moment with Education Commisioner

Dr. Tony Bennett and Tallahassee Mayor John Marks.

33

Florida

by: Kenyonn DempsMembers of the Orlando Chapter

sponsored a two day retreat/work-shop for its members and studentsof Memorial Middle School (aninner city public Title I school with avery high poverty and second lan-guage population) located in Or-lando, Florida.

The purpose of the workshop wasto 1) provide a path for students toexplore and identify their leadershiptraits and career trajectories and 2)focus on re-energizing and revital-izing chapter members leadershipskills, along with examining currentattitudes and exterior influences im-pacting their lives. The chapter cre-atively utilized the phrase “inpurse-suit of happiness” to demon-strate and encourage the studentsand the chapter’s members to clearout any psychological

limitations/baggage that might pre-vent them from being the best thatthey can be.

The Orlando Chapter Link sisterswere met on day one in the schoolcafeteria by 62 energetic eightgrade students. The studentslearned about leadership traits,how to be a leader, what is leader-ship, and considering most of thestudents had not thought aboutbeing a leader, they were encour-aged to reach for the stars and tothink of themselves as future lead-ers. With the continued help andsupport of their teachers and theServices to Youth committee mem-bers, these students were encour-aged to stay positive about theirself-image and to consider careersthey once thought were impossible.

On day two of the workshop, theOrlando and Altamonte chapters

were fully engaged in a variety ofactivities that allowed them to relax,cleanse, stimulate, and revitalizetheir inner and outer spirits. South-ern Area Organizational Effective-ness Chair Faye Hargrove stated,“We overcame obstacles that werepreventing us from true happinessand personal success.” Chaptermember’s in attendance confirmedDr. Hargrove’s techniques providedthem a guide to releasing any neg-ative influences and helped themcapture positive energy that willtransition back into fulfilling ourSouthern Area mission of EffectingChange Through the Power ofFriendship and Service.

“I highly reccomend chapter’stake advantage of the expertiseavailable to us,” said OrlandoChapter President Oree Johnson.

Shown above is the Orlando Chapter with facilitator Faye Hargrove at the retreat.

Southern Area Organizational Effectiveness Chair Faye HargroveFacilitates Orlando (FL) Chapter’s Two Day Leadership Retreat

34

Florida

Dade County Presents Author

Michael Baisden for Open Dialogue

35

by Tammy ReedPopular national radio personality and author

Michael Baisden joined forces with the Dade County(FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated this pastspring to present H.O.T. Talk with Michael Baisden atlocal HBCU Florida Memorial University (FMU).

The partnership provided a forum for honest, openand transparent dialogue with the author of severalbooks on relationships. More than300 students and faculty packedthe auditorium of FMU to hear theformer syndicated radio host sharehis take on professionalism, rela-tionships, setting career goals, andcharting a course for success. Theevent was an extension of the DadeCounty (FL) Chapter’s partnershipwith FMU to provide mentoring andopportunities for students to explorecareers and life after college.Spearheaded by the chapter’s Na-

tional Trends and Services Facet, the forum was well-received by students and faculty alike. A producer ofthree films and host of two national television shows,Baisden is the former host of the Michael BaisdenShow, a popular drive time talk and music format radioprogram. At its peak, the show was broadcast in morethan 78 markets nationwide and heard by more than8 million listeners.

A crystal plaque was presented to Michael Baisden on behalf of the chapter. Shown above is President

Cynthia Clarke (left) and national Trends and Services facet Chair S. nicole Archie (right).

Michael Baisden during inter-

view conducted by the Student

Government Vice-President.

“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but whatyou want is someone who will take the bus with you whenthe limo breaks down.”

Oprah Winfrey

“Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But ifyou haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you reallyhaven't learned anything.”

Muhammad Ali

QUOTABLE NOTABLES

Georgia

The LaGrange (GA) Chapter’sSecond Annual Smorgasbord ofPrayer was held again at the ele-gant home of the generous andgracious Link Pearl Presley in New-nan on Sunday, January 27, 2013.And what a spirited program it waswith approximately 60 persons inattendance from the surroundingLaGrange area! Chapter mem-bers, dressed in black with greenand white Links scarves drapedaround their shoulders, was abeautiful and dignified sight to see.Ministers, sister Links, Deaconsand various community worship-pers prayed for many aspects of lifeincluding peace, love, grace,mercy, safety from gun violence,

friendship, forgiveness and more. Intertwined with prayers, were

heartfelt songs sung by individualsand groups including chapter mem-ber Brenda Martin and her group.The gospel spiritual, “Oh, Lord, WeWant You To Help Me” resonatedwith everyone - taking them back tothe old fashioned hymns that manysang during their youth. As a partof the program, Link sisters in-formed guests of the LaGrangeChapter’s local activities and thevarious components of The Links,Incorporated to ensure them thatthe international organization, hasdeep roots and commitment in theGreater LaGrange area. The infor-mation was well received followed

by renewed interest of assistance.In addition, the 5th District

Coweta County Board of Commis-sioner, Alphonso Smith, presenteda Proclamation to Link Carroll andthe LaGrange Chapter signifyingJanuary 27, 2013 as “The La-Grange Chapter of The Links, In-corporated Day”. Cheers andwhistles of joy and thankfulnessrang out by everyone at this unan-ticipated and thoughtful gesture. Atthe conclusion of the program, theLinks served their guests with a de-licious repast. It is our hope tohave at least twice as many partic-ipants next year. The chapter en-courages other chapters to presenta Smorgasbord of Prayers as well.

LaGrange (GA) Chapter Holds 2nd

Annual Smorgasbord of Prayer

The Chapter President’s

First Monday Exchange

hosted by Area Director Eneid A. Francis

will begin Monday, September 9, 2013.

9 PM ESTCheck your email for further details

Is your chapter getting coverage in your community?

How consistent is your chapter’sinternal communications?

Social networking?Are you taking

photos properly?These questions

and more willbe covered!

Please make plans to join our Southern Area

Communications Webinar(open to all members).

Thursday, October 24, 20139 PM

36

Georgia

(L to R) Links Allie Terry, Della Bryant, Jacque Johnson, Nancy Hall White,

Rita Wauls- Collier, Runette Flowers, Cynthia Session, and Cathy Session.

Services to Youth Display (L to R) Links Allie Terry, Cynthia Session,

Della Bryant, Nancy Hall White, Kelli Bacote-Boone, and Cathy Ses-

sion.

Buckhead-Cascade City Making a Difference

The Buckhead Cascade City (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has donated hundreds of toiletries,clothes, and other supplies to re-stock the Emergency Closet at the Coretta Scott King Young Women's Lead-ership Academy. They have also instituted an umbrella program, Keeping our Youth Engaged (KOYE) at theW. W. Woolfolk Boys and Girls Club, located in S. W. Atlanta. They recently sponsored a Parent Night to show-case the different activities being offered by the chapter. Some programs include Story Cove: Today a Reader,Tomorrow a Leader, Image Makers photography club, Art of Cooking Club, College Bound Club, and Zumbalessons. Healthy snacks were given out and everyone was excited to start a new season of programs.

37

Savannah (GA) Chapter

Presents 12th Annual New

Beginnings Art ExhibitThe Savannah (GA) Chapter hosted its 12th Annual New

Beginnings Youth Art Exhibit in February at the GalleryS.P.A.C.E., 9 West Henry Street. In recognition of the juriedartwork of talented middle-school and high-school students,an opening reception was held where winners were an-nounced for artwork that best captured the 2013 BlackHeritage Festival theme, “Living the Legacy.”

For this annual event, the Savannah (GA) Chapter ofThe Links, Incorporated partnered with the SavannahBlack Heritage Festival, the Savannah-ChathamCounty Public School System and the City of Savan-

nah Department of Cultural Affairs. This program is sup-ported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA) through the

appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives supportfrom its partner agency, the National Endowment for the Arts.

Georgia

38

Georgia

The Albany (GA) Chap-ter of The Links, Incorpo-rated sponsored anoutstanding production bythe Atlanta Opera/StudioTour Performance entitled“Stone Soup,” on Mon-day, February 4, 2013, atAlbany High School Audi-torium. Two showingswere presented for ele-mentary students ingrades K – 5 in theDougherty County SchoolSystem. An afternoonperformance was alsopresented for K – 5 stu-dents in the Lee CountySchool System on thesame day.

Students cheered theperformers with excite-ment as the story for theopera unfolded. “StoneSoup,” is based on theclassic children’s fableabout a community that

comes together to feed alost and lonely soldier.

The magical storyteaches how to be betterfriends and neighbors.This year’s productionmarks the 22nd year thechapter has worked to

keep alive a love for theperforming arts.

Each performance wasone hour in length andfeatured four singers andan accompanist. Educa-tional materials wereavailable for the music

teachers to prepare stu-dents for the opera thatcorresponds directly toGeorgia Core Perform-ance Standards in Lan-guage Arts and Reading,Social Studies, Scienceand Mathematics.

The Arts Facet, chairedby Karla Heath-Sands,partnered with theDougherty County SchoolSystem’s Music Depart-ment for the event.

Other members of theArts Facet are as follows:Joyce Barlow (President),JoAnne Taylor, ConnieAdams, Flo Hill, JoyceGriffin, Brenda Hodges-Tiller, Obzeine Shorter,Lula Stokes and ValerieThomas. Sandra Parkerserved as contact personfor the performance inLee County.

Albany (GA) Sponsors

the Atlanta Opera

39

Louisiana

Students from Capitol High School and SouthernLaboratory School participated in the Baton Rouge(LA) Chapter’s International Foreign Affairs & Busi-ness Empowerment for youth (LIFE) Institute as a partof their program year. The LIFE Institute, designed toattract and recruit 10th and 11th grade minority stu-dents interested in pursuing college studies, is a na-tional initiative of The Links, Incorporated and will beimplemented nationwide through the 272 chapters.The goal of the program is to create a future pool ofyoung minority students focused on careers in inter-national business and foreign services.

Dr. Joyce M. Jackson, a professor at LSU and chairof the LIFE Institute, says that the Institute exposesstudents to the importance of being global citizens andthe need to embrace world languages and cultures.Dr. Jackson adds that the LIFE Institute helps preparestudents for the qualifications needed to pursue ca-

reers in business, Foreign Service and internationalrelations. The program is designed to fill a void in mi-nority representation in the international businessarena and Foreign Service appointments.

LIFE student participants are provided with a strongmentor base through interaction with faculty membersand students from Louisiana State University (LSU)and Southern University (SU), corporate officials, andvolunteers from The Links, Incorporated. Participationin the program provides students with basic literacy ininternational affairs and an awareness of the vast in-ternational opportunities available. The LSU School ofthe Coast and Environment is a major sponsor of theInstitute. Other sponsors include LSU African Ameri-can Studies, Lawrence Square, Capitol High SchoolClass of 1967, and Capitol High School Alumni. Dr.Brenda Birkett is the president of the Baton Rouge(LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Baton Rouge High School Students Participate in LIFE

(L-R) Front row: Chandra Martin, Counselor - Southern University Laboratory School, Link Pat Robinson, LinkJoyce Jackson - Director African and African American Studies, LSU, Nequoia Elsey, Librarian/Capitol HighSchool. Back row: Casey Smith, Vice Principal/Capitol High School, Willie White - Sponsor, Capitol High Classof 1967 President, Dr. Warner Anderson, retired Southern University Professor-Speaker. Lawrence Square photo

40

Louisiana

The Wrong Complex-ion for Protection: How the Govern-ment Response to DisasterEndangers African American Com-munities

Link Beverly Wright has done itagain! Not only is she a positiveand inspirational force in the NewOrleans community through herteachings, commitment to civil

rights and dedi-cation to theDillard Univer-sity DeepSouth Centerfor Environ-mental Justice,she has re-cently pub-lished a bookentitled, TheWrong Com-plexion for Pro-tection: Howthe Govern-

ment Response to Disaster Endan-gers African AmericanCommunities. The book asks andanswers the question, "Is disasterresponse color blind?"

When the images of desperate,hungry, thirsty, sick, mostly blackpeople circulated in the aftermathof Hurricane Katrina, it became ap-

parent to the whole country thatrace did indeed matter when itcame to government assistance. InThe Wrong Complexion for Protec-tion, Robert D. Bullard and LinkBeverly Wright place the govern-ment response to natural andhuman-induced disasters in histor-ical context over the past eightdecades. They compare and con-trast how the government re-sponded to emergencies, includingenvironmental and public healthemergencies, toxic contamination,industrial accidents, bioterrorismthreats and show that AfricanAmericans are disproportionatelyaffected. Bullard and Link BeverlyWright argue that uncovering andeliminating disparate disaster re-sponse can mean the differencebetween life and death for thosemost vulnerable in disastroustimes.

Crescent City’s Beverly Wright Releases New Book

Monroe – Grambling Paints the City PinkThe Monroe – Grambling Chapter (LA) was busy dur-ing the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month ofOctober 2012 focusing their attention on symptoms,early detection, and treatment of breast cancer. Themembers of the Health and Human Services Facet,along with other Chapter members, collected a basketof pink socks and slippers. These items were pre-sented to “The More Than Conquerors (MTC) SupportGroup,” a local organization of breast cancer survivorswho encourage community involvement and aware-ness through education.

Pictured in the photo are (l to r) Link Freddie Wash-ington; Link Lolita Copeland; Rixie Thompson (MTCPresident); Edward Jones, Mayor of Grambling, LA;and Viola Wiley (MTC member).

41

Louisiana

by Hattie BroussardThe Pontchartrain (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incor-

porated has an exciting new mentoring program for7th and 8th grade girls at McDonogh 35 High Schoolthat completed its first year. The program, “LINKSReaching New Heights,” assists the girls in developinginto confident, competent and capable young women,who will be well prepared for college and a bright fu-ture in the world.

The program’s mission, “Guiding our Youth to Be-come Tomorrow’s Leaders,” provides a clear state-ment regarding what the members of The Links,Incorporated intend to accomplish in working with thegirls. The word LINKS in the program’s title representsthe following attributes: L – Leader; I – IndependentThinker; N – Naturally Beautiful; K – Kind; and S –Successful. There is no question that young womenwho possess these qualities will have the ability to ac-complish their goals and achieve great things for them-selves and their community. This is exactly what thePontchartrain Chapter members hope to accomplishwith the McDonogh 35 mentoring program.

The mentoring program began in September 2012with an introductory session for the girls and their par-ents. The program is designed to serve 25 girls, pro-viding them with monthly group mentoring sessions,

as well as individual mentoring by Pontchartrain Chap-ter members. In Session One, the girls learned aboutthe history of voting rights in the United States andwhy it is so important for African Americans to vote. InSession Two in October, in recognition of Breast Can-cer Awareness Month and Anti-Bullying Month, thegirls learned about breast health in a presentation ti-tled, “You and Your Body” and participated in an inter-active presentation on bullying titled, “Who is the RealBully?”. The girls also served as cheerleaders at theSusan G. Komen Race for the Cure. They had a greattime and learned a lot.

In November, the girls received beauty tips and guid-ance about skin care and make-up. The Decembersession was dedicated to introducing the mentees toKwanzaa and the principles that are celebrated duringthe holiday. Another successful session was held inJanuary with the Health and Human Services Facet’s“Choose My Plate” presentation. The Arts Facet con-ducted the February session, The Art of Quilting withS.T.E.M. integration.

The girls also attended cultural and educationalevents in the community and conduct a food drive forJust the Right Attitude Food Bank in New Orleans toassist those who do not have access to an adequatefood supply.

With involvement of chaptermembers and through partner-ships, the Pontchartrain (LA)Chapter of The Links, Incorpo-rated is on track this year to sur-pass the more than 3,000 poundsof food it donated to the Just theRight Attitude Food Bank in NewOrleans during the past two years.Partners included hair salons,drycleaners, a university, civic andsocial organizations, individuals,and other businesses. ThePontchartrain Chapter’s initiativeto support the Just the Right Atti-tude Food Bank is a key compo-nent of the chapter’s signatureprogram, Project LIFE---Links In-creasing Food and Energy.

Pontchartrain (LA) Effecting Change AdressingNeeds of Mentees and Disadvantaged

Link Cathy Boveland (right) delivers a donation of nonperishablefood to Just the Right Attitude Food Bank.

42

Louisiana

The Monroe-Grambling (LA)Chapter put a different spin on a re-cent children's trip to the LouisianaPurchase Gardens and Zoo. Theouting was a kind of "Trick or Treat"event that can really beheld at anyt i m e

or anyseason, particu-

larly when the focus is onbanishing bad habits.

In an effort to educate young kids,three members of the Monroe-Grambling chapter conceptualizedan idea that led to an innovative ap-proach to promote a healthier

lifestyle. The "Boo at the Zoo" washeld on a Saturday, during normalbusiness hours, and attracted chil-

dren of all ages tothe twin boothswhere members of

The Links, Incorporatedwere on duty to receive over 2,000attendees from the NortheastLouisiana area. While young peo-ple prefer sugary hard candy, gum-mies and chocolate treats to betheir mainstay “meals” of choice,they were redirected to snacks thatimprove their gums and teeth,hence the trick.

Link Katina Beverly of Twinkling

Smiles Pediatric Dentistry distrib-uted toothbrushes, floss and oralhygiene pamphlets. To complimentthe dental packets, nutritious treatswere distributed that consisted ofpretzels, snack crackers, fruit andpopcorn, while the children hula-hooped, exercised and played ringtoss. As winners of the games weredetermined, extra special give-aways were awarded. Link SisterTonya Hawkins Shepherd and theMonroe-Grambling (LA) Chapterare excited about helping to over-come childhood obesity and dentaldecay. Three cheers for “Boo at theZoo!”

Monroe Grambling on the Move

Boo at the Zoo

Celebrating Black

History Through the ArtsThe Monroe-Grambling (LA) Chapter celebrated

Black History Month by sponsoring a dynamic tribute tothe African-American Spirit as Negro Spirituals weresung by the Reverend Kenneth Sapp, Pastor of thePleasant Grove Baptist Church, “The Oasis In TheWoods”, located in Clay, Louisiana. His outstanding andmoving renditions included “Deep River,” “Walk InJerusalem Just Like John,” “Great Gettin’ Up Mornin,”and “Tis the Old Ship of Zion.”

Not only was the audience thrilled by the Pastor’sartistry, but during his intermission period, the Children’sChoir of the New Rocky Valley Baptist Church in Gram-bling, La., demonstrated that one is never too young topay homage to a by-gone era. Other youth participantswere 4th grader Erin Elizabeth Currie who interpreted“Ballad of Birmingham;” and 6th grade middle schoolstudent Amyia Moore who recited “Invictus.” All selec-tions were appropriately presented in reverence anddeference to the honor and memory of our ancestralforefathers who sacrificed so much that we might ex-perience the beauty of freedom. The Monroe-Gram-bling members were lauded for this magnificent activity,a contribution of the Arts Facet.

2012-2013 Beaux NamedThe Monroe-Grambling (LA) Chapter has named

its 2012-2013 Beaux; they are Bra’Shunzi L. Har-ris, Jaylon E. Wright, Adarian D. Williams, HakeemWilson, D’Antonio Hart, Jeremy D. Mason, An-thony Roberson and Allen A. Williams. The younggentlemen and their sponsors look forward to aSpring Beautillion, which has been themed “YoungMen of Distinction: A Showcase of Excellence.”

Excitement fills the air as the Beaux and theirladies enjoy the learning sessions (clinics) that arespecifically designed around need-to-know as-pects of life: Dress, Manners, Relationships, Col-lege and Career Choices, Financial Awareness,the Arts and many other interactive conversations.And, "Service With Grace" continues as the Beauxwere showcased at an Open House/Family Dayat the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. As the cele-bration commences, featured guests will be MissLouisiana, the Grambling State University ShowBand and area school kings and queens.

The Monroe-Grambling Chapter is indeed “Link-ing Our Actions Today with Our Dreams for Tomor-row.” This Southern Area Theme is clearly evidentin the experiences we are providing for our Beaux,as aligned with their visions for the future.

43

Louisiana

The Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter rec-ognized nine Louisiana residents asRole Models at the Seventh Annual“New Orleans Style Jazz Brunch.” Theevent, held at the Crowne Plaza Exec-utive Center Hotel, Baton Rouge, LA.,celebrates the successes of Louisianarole models. The purpose of the JazzBrunch is to highlight the accomplish-ments of Louisiana natives who havehad a positive and insightful impact oncommunities at the local, state and na-tional level. The 2012 honorees were:Tonya G. Robertson, Alma CharlesStewart, Dr. Wanda Raby Spurlock,Edward Pratt, Dr. Warner J. Anderson,Audrey Nabors Jackson, Everrett Gor-don Parker, Dr. Diola Bagayko, andWillie S. King, Jr.. They all exemplifythe thrust of The Links’ service to thecommunity through the work of itscommittees: Services to Youth, Na-tional Trends and Services, Interna-tional Trends and Services, Health andHuman Services, and the Arts.

The festive atmosphere of food,music and friendship provided the per-fect setting for the 500 plus guests toenjoy an authentic New Orleans’ styleevent. From the menu, centerpieces,art exhibit, fashion show, and themusic; to the second line finale led by

presenting sponsor and Grand Mar-shall, Peoples Health–Stancola Clinic,the event was a good time for all in at-tendance. Michelle McCalope, awardwinning journalist and producer fromlocal television station WAFB TVChannel 5, served as Mistress of Cer-emony. The Jazz Men of Baton Rouge- Clarence Jones, Keyboard; TerralJackson, Trumpet; Donald Evans,Saxophone; Gregory Jones, Key-board; Jason Jones, Percussion; Car-rie Lorin, Vocalist, gave a stellarperformance of New Orleans stylemusic coupled with traditional Christ-mas songs with a New Orleans’ twist.Link Irene Tucker provided the originalartwork and design for the center-pieces that graced each table. Mrs.Tucker, along with Link member Dr.Helen Hedgemon, shared their artworkthrough an exhibit available prior toand during the event. “Each year theJazz Brunch gets better and better andthe attendance increases,” said LinkMaxine R. Cormier, Event Chair; “Icould not be more proud of the hardwork of the committee and the supportfrom the community,” she added.

The Jazz Brunch is a key initiativein the organization’s efforts to raisefunds for the continuation of substan-

tive, multi-faceted programming in theBaton Rouge community. The fundsgenerated by the Jazz Brunch over thepast six years support programs suchas: the Rose Bud Club, GrandparentsRaising Grandchildren, Linkages toLife, the Links’ Boot Camp for youth,the Debose National Piano Competi-tion, and the International Foreign Af-fairs & Business Empowerment foryouth – LIFE Institute. The JazzBrunch also helped fund the renova-tion of a space in the ExxonMobilYMCA for children; which is now calledthe Baton Rouge Chapter of TheLinks, Incorporated “Kids Zone.” Forclose to fifty years Links’ programshave touched the lives of all BatonRouge community members regard-less of age, gender, ethnicity or socio-economic level. Fundraisers like theJazz Brunch ensure that the Chapterwill continue to do so in the future.

“We are very proud of our 2012 rolemodels. They are wonderful examplesof the giving spirit that radiates throughour state. We celebrate their achieve-ments and congratulate them on theiraccomplishments,” stated Dr. BrendaBirkett, Chapter President.

Baton Rouge (LA) Honors Nine Louisiana Role Models at New Orleans Style Jazz Brunch

Brenda Birkett, Chapter PresidentMistress of Ceremonies

Michele McCalope, WAFB NewsLink Lisa Woodruff White

44

Louisiana

Honorees: (standing): Dr. Diola Bagayoko, Edward Pratt, Everrett Gordon Parker, Dr. Warner J. Anderson, Willie S.

King, Jr. , (sitting): Audrey Nabors Jackson, Alma Charles Stewart, Dr. Wanda Raby Spurlock and Tonya G. Robertson.

Link Julia Brogdon Purnell, PhD, (Charter—7th National President) and Link

Thelma Smith Perkins, (Alumna—Charter) with guests.Link Barbara Woods (Alumna)

45

The Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge presentedthe prestigious Illumination Award to The Baton RougeChapter of The Links, Incorporated for having demon-strated excellence in programming for youth in theBaton Rouge community. The award was presentedat the 4th Annual Solaris Award Ceremony. The So-laris Awards celebrate the holistic efforts that makeprograms successful with an emphasis on “TEAMWORK.” The Baton Rouge Chapter of The Links, In-corporated was honored for the development and im-plementation of diverse programs for youth thataddress childhood obesity.

The Links’ Prevention of Childhood Obesity Projectincludes: a mentoring program for girls called “Rose-buds;” the Links’ Boot Camp for Children; and theBaton Rouge Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Kid-Zone at the ExxonMobil YMCA. Many who have ben-efitted, and continue to benefit from their programssupported the Links’ nomination for the Solaris Award.The Baton Rouge Chapter of The Links, Incorporatedhas touched the lives of many in the community, es-pecially young people and their families, through pro-grams that focus on healthy life style choices. Dr.Yolanda Hill and Dr. Carolyn C. Collins, chapter mem-

bers, provide leadership for the Prevention of Child-hood Obesity initiatives developed and implementedby the Baton Rouge Chapter through the NationalTrends and Health and Human Services Facets. Allchapter members are committed to addressing theproblem of childhood obesity. Dr. Brenda Birkett, chap-ter president, says she is very proud of the work of thechapter members on behalf of the Prevention of Child-hood Obesity project. “I am especially proud of theBaton Rouge Chapter of The Links, Incorporated “Kid-Zone” at the YMCA. We have provided a nice placefor children and their families to exercise and have avariety of programs” she stated.

The Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of servicesfor families. Family Road was created to bring togetherthe best human services offered in the Greater BatonRouge area. The mission of Family Road is tostrengthen families through leadership, collaborationand coordination of community services in a welcom-ing place. This is done through the collaboration ofover 120 non-profit, private and government organiza-tions working together to improve the Greater BatonRouge community

Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter Receives IlluminationAward from Family Road of Greater Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Chapter Members shown with award: Sylvia Winder, Cheryl Hall DeRouen, Joni Roberts Rolle, Dr. Brenda

Birkett (President), Patricia Robinson and Mauretta Hurst.

Louisiana

46

The Natchez (MS) Chapter recentlyheld its first Can You Imagine Me? Ban-quet. Held in December at ZionChapel A.M.E. Church in Natchez, MS,approximately 70 participants, par-ents, Links, Connecting Links, andguests, attended. The event was theculminated the Can You Imagine Me?sessions provided to participants dur-ing the spring. The Vice President ofthe chapter and the Mistress of Cere-mony, Dr. Jo Smith, highlighted thegoals of the program and the need toincorporate healthier daily lifestyles.

Dr. Fredericka Cain Todd, writer ofthe Can You Imagine Me? grant, pro-vided the occasion. During her re-

marks, Dr. Todd outlined a brief sum-mary of the sessions:

• - Building Better Bodies• - Making Wise Choices• - Selecting Healthy Foods• - Physical Activity• - Healthy Meals• - Celebrating Your Healthier

FamilyTwo program participants, Gabrielle

Timmons and Danyel Weir, recitedpoems on healthy eating habits. At-tendees were also entertained by TheZion Chapel A.M.E. Praise Dancersand The Zion Chapel A.M.E. AngelChoir.The group received additional infor-

mation on healthy eating habits byviewing a “My Plate” Power Point pres-entation by Links Betty Johnson andDemetria Reed. Dinner was servedand participants of the grant wereasked to make healthy choices withtheir meal selections planned by LinkJacqueline Wright. After Dinner, LinkBarbara Crenshaw presented eachparticipant with a commemorative t-shirt.

Natchez Chapter Celebrates Healthier Daily Lifestyles

Spartanburg (SC) Welcomes

Three New Members! The Spartanburg

(SC) Chapter of TheLinks, Incorporatedinducted three newmembers on Satur-day, May 24, 2013.

The Induction washeld in the Bain Roomon the campus ofC o n v e r s eCollege,Spartanburg,South Carolina. Thenew members are,Dr.Nettie Vaughn, Dr.Betty Garrison, andMs. CharmayneBrown. Later in theevening members ofthe SpartanburgChapter, visiting family, and friends, attended a GalaDinner Dance in honor of the newly inducted membersat the Spartanburg MarriotRenaissance Park. Prior to

the induction cer-emony the newlyinducted mem-bers presentedtheir service proj-ect which in-cludes amarketing cam-paign designedto make the pub-lic aware of thedangers of obe-sity. Thesebrochures werecreated to ac-company thechapter’s obesityvideo developedin 2011 for par-

ents and students at B.D. Lee Elementary in Gaffney,Cleveland Elementary in Spartanburg, and MonarchElementary in Union, South Carolina.

South Carolina

Mississippi

47

HOST CHAPTERS

GREATER MIAMI (FL) DADE COUNTY (FL)

MIAMI-BISCAYNE BAY (FL)

Effecting Change Through the Power of Friendship and Service

48

May 8-12, 2013Hyatt Regency Miami

Miami, Florida

GEÇw fÉâà{xÜÇ TÜxtVÉÇyxÜxÇvx

Margot James CopelandNational President

Eneid A. FrancisSouthern Area Director

49

A Celebration of Leadership

National Trends and Service Award winners Umbrella Award Winners

Host chapters commisioned their own Civic Award A city proclamation is received!

A Celebration of AchievementCivic Award winners

50

A Celebration of Leadership 51

A Celebration of Elegance52

Southern Area TCB - Taking Care of Business!A Celebration of Elegance 53

A Celebration of Friendship54

A Celebration of Friendship 55

A Celebration of FriendshipA Celebration of Friendship56

A Celebration of FriendshipA Celebration of Friendship 57

A Celebration of FriendshipA Celebration of Friendship58

A Celebration of Friendship 59

by Maxine Smith and Kenyonn DempsOver 500 Links came by planes, trains and automo-

biles to the Hyatt Regency in Miami, Florida for the42nd Southern Area Conference May 8th to 12thhosted by the Greater Miami, Dade County and Miami-Biscayne Bay chapters.

May 8th highlights included: registration, a leadershiptraining workshop (Developing the Leader Within), theopening of the areas for vendors, chapter exhibits, andthe health pavilion. The leadership training was con-ducted by Drs. Karen Dyer and Faye Hargrove. Com-mittee meetings were also held in preparation for theconference. In addition to the chapter presidents’ andfirst timers’ workshop. The health pavilion (open daily)included information from Linkages to Life, HeartLinksand Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The much antici-pated Vendor area opened revealing a shopping ex-travaganza from trinkets to designer gowns.

A memorial service was held to honor deceasedLinks, Connecting Links and Heir-o-Links who passedfrom 2010-2012. Members were dressed in uninter-rupted white for this special solemn service that paidtribute to our lost roses.

The official conference opening was held Wednes-day evening at the James L. Knight Center, adjacentto the hotel, featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist NicoleHenry. Ms. Henry brought the house down with hitsfrom the 1970s and treated the group to a rendition ofgospel favorite, His Eye is on the Sparrow.

On Thursday, May 9th, the day began with two ple-nary sessions. What is always special and an inspira-tion, is to see is the positive impact The Links makeacross the world. The Southern Area was honored withthe presence of National President, Link MargotJames Copeland and National Vice President, LinkGlenda Newell-Harris in addition to the rest of our na-tional leadership and area directors.

Link Margot shared during Plenary Session II thatThe Links have transitioned from, Who are the Links?to What do The Links think? “What do the Links think”is a true testament that collectively, we are making alifelong positive impact. We are investing our time andeffort in communities that have the greatest need andserving diligently to continue the legacy of Links Mar-garet Hawkins and Sarah Scott.

The Plenary Sessions are always informative. Dolly

Adams, 8th National President, reminded Links in Ple-nary Session I that “fundamental to the purpose of thisorganization is our right relationship.” In order to pro-mote the right relationship, a chapter or the organiza-tion must have 1) a clear definition, 2) an environmentwhere sisters are responsive and caring, 3) a sacredpromise to the members and 4) an attitude of devel-oping the right relationship. Link Dolly shared that be-cause of our two founders, the power of The Linksexists today. It is our duty to successfully lead our chil-dren and their children towards a legacy of service andfriendship.

The Southern Area also formally welcomed its 78thchapter. The Mississippi Delta Chapter; chartered Au-gust 25, 2012, made their sisters proud as their wel-come presentation included a Powerpoint presentationof their work and matching chapter blazers.

At the second plenary session, the slate of SouthernArea officers presented by the Nominating Committeewas adopted for the next two years (2013-2015): EneidA. Francis, Area Director; Tamara Young Lee, AreaVice Director; Anne Turner Herriott, Area Secretary,Janice R. Nelson, Area Treasurer and Bessie Isom,Representative to The Links Foundation, Incorporated.

Southern Area Director Eneid A. Francis, inspired hersisters with a plethora of Southern Area accomplish-ments that keep the Area successful:

1.The National Childhood Obesity Initiative is a suc-cess.

2. 100% of chapters submitted their programming re-ports.

3. On September 30, 2011, the Advantage; an e-magazine was launched.

4. In September 2011, SOLACE was developed andoffered to Links and their families who are in a crisisor dealing with a life threatening illness.

5. September 2012, The Green Pages; a resourceguide was launched.

6. The First Monday Exchange was started in Sep-tember 2011 to increase communication and trans-parency between chapter presidents and our AreaDirector, Link Eneid Francis

7. October 2012, Dreaming, Daring and Doing Lead-ership Summit was conducted and included over 250customized workshops to promote and enhance lead-ership skills of our members.

42nd Southern Area C

60

8. Newsmaker award launchedLink Eneid concluded her address with “The South-

ern Area is not just good, it is great!” One of the biggest surprises from Plenary Session II

was that we lose an average of 175 Links every yeardue to deaths. It appears that the impact of death, theOne in Five, and the assessment fee have contributedto the loss of chapter members. Delegates were re-minded that although 90% of members were noted asbeing satisfied with The Links, Incorporated, we mustbe aware that our younger Links are our future. LinkMargo stated, “We need to look for younger members.We can not assume that our young Links will learn onthere own. They have to be taught versus talkedabout”. It is vital that every member look for promisingladies that have a capacity for friendship and a passionfor service.”

At the Civic Luncheon, the keynote address wasmade by National President Margot James Copeland,followed by awards presented to leaders in the com-munity whose service reflects the mission of the fivenational program facets of the Links.

The Services to Youth award was presented to TheHonorable Frederica S. Wilson (FL-District 24), our sis-ter Link is the founder of the 5,000 Role Models of Ex-cellence Project. The mentoring program pairs at-riskyoung males, ages 9-19, with successful professionaladult volunteers who provide guidance and academichelp since 1993. The program has awarded more than$5 million in college scholarships to participants.

The Arts award was presented to Peter London,founder of the Peter London Global Dance Theatre.London, a Julliard graduate and former principaldancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, is aprofessor of dance at the New World School of the Artsin Miami, faculty member for the Alvin Ailey SummerIntensive Program and Associate Artistic Senior Con-sultant for the Martha Graham Dance Company. Hisproteges entertained the audience during the lunch-eon.

The National Trends and Services award was pre-sented to The Miami Times founder, Garth C. Reeves,publisher emeritus. The Miami Times is the oldest andlargest black newspaper in Miami. Founded in 1923,this weekly publication provides weekly comprehen-sive coverage of national and local news.

The International Trends and Services award waspresented to Lorna Owens, founder of the FootprintsFoundation. Owens used her training as a criminal de-fense attorney, registered nurse and midwife into a col-lective effort that impacts women all over the world.

The Health and Human Services award was pre-sented to Andrea Ivory, founder and Executive Directorof the Women’s Breast Initiative (WBI). Founded in2005, the WBI helps countless women target and fightbreast cancer. WBI-trained volunteers that include col-lege students, senior citizens and suburban moms, fanout across low-income communities in South Florida,knocking on doors to educate women about breasthealth

A Night in Miami (featuring optional tours) was alsooffered to conference attendees that included a choiceof shopping at the Sawgrass Mills, South Beach andthe Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino at the con-clusion of Thursday’s events. Some opted to stay atthe hotel to enjoy the fun filled hospitality suite compltewith food, a well stocked bar and games.

May 10th and 11th highlights included: program andoperational workshops from 8:30 am to noon followedby the Program Awards luncheon and a public forumon “Childhood Obesity: The Crossroads”.On Fridaynight, the host chapter gala, “A Taste of Miami”, was aculinary fusion of South Florida taste and sounds frommusic to art in a tropical setting.

Program awards were given in the five facet areasand included first, second and third place recognition(with monetary awards) and the Legacy award forchapters having an ongoing program for more than fiveyears.

As the 42nd Southern Conference was filled withworkshops from Rituals, Technology, Branding, Mem-bership Boot Camp, and Quilting to name a few, thisarticle would be incomplete without complimentinghow beautifully arranged the luncheons were. Eachtable lined with fresh bold colored Bird of Paradise, en-chanting and stimulating entertainment and inspira-tions that would make any Link excited to recite TheLinks pledge. The organizers of the conference onceagain made each and every one of us proud to returnto our respective cities excitied about Effecting ChangeThrough the Power of Friendship and Service.

Conference Highlights

61

A Celebration of Those We Have Lost62

A Celebration of the Arts 63

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 range

from donating hotel points, airline miles, arranging appointments for medical treat-

ment, donating blood, providing financial assistance to sending words of support or

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

Bahamas -North Carolina

Louisiana - Mississippi-

South Carolina - Alabama

Support

of

Encouraged

Concern

All

Links

64

65

How Communication

Works in the Southern Area

TAMMY REEDDade County (FL)

Georgia and

North Carolina

reedtte@yahoo.com

KIM LaMOTTELa Capitale (LA)linkkimberlylamotte

@yahoo.com

REGION 3REGION 2

CALL FOR SUBMISSIOnSWe encourage you to submit your information when the CALL TO

SUBMIT is received from your regional chair for inclusion in future

issues. Information can be sent from chapter members as well as

Chapter Communications Chairs to their regional chair shown above

at any time preceding the CALL, but not after . Members of the Area

Communications Team are in contact with their region’s chapter

Communications Chairs with the chapter president ALWAYS ccd to

ensure a channel of communication and accountability is maintained.

Be in the Advantage1. Stories/articles on your various programs - Please submit

QUALITY high resolution photographs in .jpeg or .bmp format and

details surrounding your program. If there are less than five people

in the picture, please include names (L-R) for EVERYOnE (includ-

ing children) on the photo. “Cell phone” quality photos will not be

published/accepted.

2. Upcoming dates. Is your chapter celebrating an anniversary,

hosting a fundraiser or having a special event? Share the news with

your sisters! You never know just who may come. Please be sure to

include a contact number and email address for more information.

3. Post-event information. After your special events, please feel free

to share your photos and details. no information will be accepted for

an event occurring before the last Call for Submission

4. Going Places. Have you recently received a promotion? Cele-

brated a significant milestone? Getting married? Graduating? Ex-

pecting? Elected to public office? Retiring? We want to know! Share

with your Area sisters as we join in celebrating your accomplishment.

REGION 1

We are divided into three “regions” with each region having its own chair. The Area Director is ourExecutive Editor. Your area team is also available toproof documents for public dissemination and assistwith your communications needs both internally andexternally. All you have to do is ask! The SouthernArea is the largest area in the Links Diaspora with78 chapters and nearly 4,000 Links. Our threechairs ensure all of our chapters receive the personal attention they deserve with an appropriatechannel of communication.

NATILLE DUNCANJackson (MS)

Mississippi, LouisianaAlabama andThe Bahamas

krossdun@yahoo.com

Special Projects

JOY WALLACESt. Pete (FL)

Florida and South Carolina

wallacejoy27@yahoo.com

SYLVIA PERRYBold City (FL)

Chair

Special Projects

Co-Chair

Member at Large

Cristal ColeGreater Miami (FL)CristalCole@yahoo.com

EDITORSMaxine SmithCharleston (SC)

Kimberly SweetJackson (MS)

KENYONN DEMPSJacksonville (FL)

Features andSpecial Projects

dempsk@gmail.com

Chair

66