Experiencing the Meaning of Sisterhood

Smiles, laughter, traditions, tears…What an incredible experience we who have the privilege to be members of Greek-letter organizations share when we attend our inter/national conventions. I feel incredibly blessed because I had the opportunity to be a part of THREE conventions this summer! I shared the incredible work of the National Panhellenic Conference with my Sigma Sigma Sigma Panhellenic sisters as they gathered in Orlando and shared in their fun at the ‘Mad Hatter’ Panhellenic luncheon!  I just returned from New York City where our Phi Sigma Sigma Panhellenic sisters were celebrating their Centennial!  Dinner at the Boathouse in Central Park; ‘Walk, Run, Dance’ in Roosevelt Park in memory of our dear Josette Kaufman; sharing NPC’s successes at the Panhellenic luncheon held at Hunter College where they were founded 100 years ago; and a final night celebration that included pictures from each decade since they were founded in 1913 with members in period costumes reliving their history.  AMAZING!

 

Sigma Sigma Sigma's convention in Orlando, Florida.

Of special meaning to me was attending my own Alpha Xi Delta convention in San Francisco.  Reconnecting with sisters, meeting new sisters and listening with pride to all the accomplishments we have achieved in the last two years reminded me how fortunate I am to be a member of Alpha Xi Delta. I was humbled by the love, support and belief in me to apply those values and ideals I learned as a member of Alpha Xi Delta to my term as chairman of the National Panhellenic Conference.

Alpha Xi Delta's National Convention in San Francisco, California.

Three amazing and memorable experiences!

My Visit to the White House

I knew when I accepted the opportunity to serve the National Panhellenic Conference as the chairman from 2011-2013 I would meet a lot of great people and have the chance to influence change. I never imagined this would lead me to the White House for a conversation about mental health. While this was an exciting opportunity for me personally, it also reaffirmed what I already knew about the National Panhellenic Conference – our organization is powerful and in a great position to make an impact.

Through our work within the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition, the National Panhellenic Conference was approached by Vice President Biden’s office to collaborate with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to facilitate conversation on campus and within the sorority network on mental health. The dialogue is critical as colleges are coping with the needs of students who are coping with a variety of issues – depression, substance abuse, ADHD and more.

Educational materials were posted during Mental Health Awareness Month and will be shared with as many women as we can reach or time allows.

NPC was approached because of its wide-reaching network and because with our member groups are civic-minded organizations who tout our role in educating and training civic-minded members. Conversations like the one on mental health are important for members personally but also our community holistically.

As I sat in the audience at the White House listening to the President talk about the call to action for individuals and organizations, I couldn’t help but feel proud that the Vice President’s Office called on NPC to serve.

Reach Out To Students In Crisis Before It's Too Late

When we move our children to college, we often worry about their eating habits, sleep deprivation and studying time. But mental health is just as important as physical health. We live in a world where 73 percent of students have experienced a mental health crisis while in college.

The key word here is “crisis.”

As a result, the National Panhellenic Conference is now working with the Office of the President and attended the White House conference Monday on mental health issues. Because of our reach and our commitment as an advocate for college women, we’ve committed to working with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) to facilitate conversations on campus and within the sorority network.

The dialogue is critical as colleges are coping with the needs of students who are dealing with a variety of mental health issues – depression, substance abuse, ADHD and more.

NAMI’s educational materials are posted here and will be shared this fall with as many women as we can reach or as time allows. We’re also spreading the news during sorority conventions this summer.

Why are we so concerned about our collegiate members? NAMI’s survey of 765 students, representing a diverse geographical area and a racially diverse population, tells us why this is pressing.

·         An overwhelming majority of survey respondents who said they are no longer in college are not attending because of mental health-related reasons (64 percent).

·         At least 50 percent of those who dropped out did not access mental health service or support.

·         Students were also equally divided on whether they chose to disclose their mental health condition to their colleges, with half responding that stigmas are still attached to people who are open about their mental health issues.

·         A majority of students, or 79 percent, stressed the importance of offering mental health training for faculty and staff. Forty-two percent of respondents said peer support is critical to success in college.

·         Another 64 percent said “no” or “don’t know” when asked whether their college websites included information about mental health; another 40 percent said their college websites were “somewhat helpful.”

Clearly, more can be done. Just one college student who feels lost is one college student too many.

In a breakout session of about 15 people during the White House conference, it was clear how passionate many of us feel about our most vulnerable population. From clergy to sportscasters, from senators to authors, there was agreement that the time is now to make this more than just a discussion.

If the stigma of mental health illness is a barrier to discussion, then discussions should occur in large audiences with multiple and diverse voices – just as it happened at the White House this week. Often hearing what peers and mentors have to say can encourage a student to make a connection.

Learning more about mental health can also encourage a friend to reach out and ask: “What’s wrong? I am worried about you.”

NPC is rising to the challenge with NAMI, one of the largest grassroots mental health organizations in the country. If you believe in student access to services, treatment, support and research, then join the conversation about mental health.

We hope you make room for the topic this fall to listen, engage and refer.

Making Memories

I am passionate about advocating for the sorority experience and helping NPC reach its desired future and when I stop to think about it, I realize I have this opportunity because I have a loving and supportive family. So it was a special blessing when I was in California between AFLV-West and the Hill visits, that Bob, my husband of 33 years, and I were able to spend a week with our precious daughter Mary Leah, who is a writer for TV, to celebrate her birthday along with some special friends.

Here we are on vacation in Los Angeles.

We had so much fun hiking Runyon Canyon which offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and an amazing photo op of the “Hollywood” sign! Then it was off to Santa Ynez for some relaxing days on a mountain top horse farm, visits to world class wineries and the Santa Barbara Vintner’s Festival. Even though our days were filled with fun events, my favorite time was in the evenings when we would relax on the farm and take in the beautiful vistas. We had a great time working together to make fabulous family meals and sat around that table for hours laughing and sharing stories. It’s all about making memories!

With Mother’s Day this Sunday, as I reflect back on this memorable week, one of my most cherished moments is the couple of days I had to spend with my daughter before her Dad and our friends arrived. Maybe we cherish the bonds of sisterhood because we have learned the impact of personal bonds with people through our family, friends and children. I am so proud of the woman my daughter has become and on this Mother’s Day, I am blessed to be her mother.

So, I remind all Panhellenic women to take time to make your own memories.

The Thrill of the Hill

Okay confession time – I am not a political person. Yes I’m civic-minded and I care what happens to our country and our world, but I’m not the person campaigning and signing up for political rallies. However, when April rolls around and I head to Washington, D.C. to meet with 400 fraternity and sorority alumnae and collegiate women and men to storm Capitol Hill I can’t help but feel the excitement. Some call it the thrill of the Hill, and I agree. It’s exciting to feel like your voice and your concern is being heard by someone who could (and should) do something about it. This year I got to meet Congressman Daniel Weber from my district, and it was an honor to speak with him about the issues facing sorority women and it rejuvenated my desire to see the Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act (CHIA) get passed.

Congressman Daniel Weber and I on The Hill.

You can do your part by contacting your representative using the tools the Fraternal Government Relations Coalition has prepared, namely the tool to assist you in creating a letter for your state representative. This tool can be found at www.fgrcgreek.org. Use it, share it with your friends, tweet your representatives and then tweet them again. Let them know that we need the CHIA bill to pass.

We also need everyone to complete this short survey You can begin the survey by clicking here. If the link does not work you can copy the full URL below and paste into your browser: http://re.spon.se/QHtIPQ

Join me in my excitement and help us Pass CHIA!