Module 1 - History and Structure Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is TORCH?
Teaching Obligations, Rights, Characteristics and History of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
Introduced March 2002 by the board of directors in Chicago, approved as a pilot at the national convention, changed a little
2004 national convention in Memphis Tennessee, the membership formally confirmed TORCH as the official membership intake process for all undergraduate and alumnae applicants
The first national Boulé was
in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 27-29, 1925
The second was also in Indianapolis with Edythe Malone Ward who became the second Grand Basileus (successor to Mary Lou)
Who wrote the sorority pledge?
The first Grand Basileus, Mary Lou Little
The grand basileus pin is a replica of the Sorority’s official badge with
a laurel wreath with a gavel for the guard
The motto was written by
Bertha Black Rhoda - a past Grand Basileus
Who wrote the words of the sorority hymn and who set it to music?
Members of the Delta chapter in Louisville, Kentucky
Zenobia Laws Bailey of Chicago
Who designed the sorority coat of arms?
Fannie O’Bannon
Central Region
13 states 8 territories
Established in 1925 and organized in 1940 by Homer Woods and Ruth Armstrong
Northeastern
14 states 9 territories
Established in 1939 at the Boulé in NYC hosted by Kappa Sigma.
Southeastern
6 states 7 territories
Established in 1939 begins with the same Boulé and the first regional syntaktes was Elizabeth Lemon
Southwestern
4 states 8 territories
Established in 1940 due to the vision of 6 educators interested in furthering greater womanhood. The Alpha Lambda and Gamma Sigma Chapters were founded in 1928 and the first Boulé held in the Southwestern Region took place in Houston, Texas on December 27-29, 1938 and was hosted by the Alpha Lambda and Gamma Sigma Chapters
Birth of the Philos in Galveston
Western
13 states 8 territories
Established in 1952 at the Boulé in Cleveland, Ohio with the first syntaktes being Leslie Crossland.
Grand Chapter
the official governing body of Sigma Gamma Rho as described in the constitution and bylaws. It is comprised of the Board of Directors, duly elected chapter delegates, members-at-large, life members and past Grand Basilei
International Officers
The Grand Basileus - administers the affairs of the sorority and renders a full report of her administration
The First Grand Anti-Basileus - supervises the work of the Regional Syntakti, coordinates the activities of the Undergraduate Chapter Coordinators and assists the Grand Basileus in the administration of the affairs of the sorority
The Second Grand Anti-Basileus - is responsible for planning and assisting with the undergraduate members at the Boulé, as well as performing duties assigned by the Grand Basileus This is the highest and only position an undergraduate can hold (on the international board)
The Grand Grammateus - keeps accurate financial records of the sorority and is required to make a complete financial report to the Board of Directors and the Grand Chapter
The Grand Tamiochus - received and keeps records of all monies received by the sorority
The Grand Anti-Grammateus - records the business sessions of the Boulé and Board of Directors meetings, as well as presents minutes for approval at succeeding sessions
The Grand Epistoleus - takes cares of publicity for the sorority and keeps the history of the sorority current
The Editor-in-Chief - of the Aurora edits and publishes The Aurora
Appointed International Officers are the Parliamentarian, Legal Advisor, Rhoer Coordinator, Philo Coordinator, and Sergeant-at-Arms
Types of Memberships
7
Undergraduate
Alumnae
Member-at-large (+30 mi 1 vote)
Life Member (10+ yrs 1 vote)
Honorary
General Member (-30 (LM 1 vote))
Military (no vote unless LM)
Types of Meetings
4
Local - chapter level
Area - specified reg. areas
Regional - region bus. meeting .. regional officers elected if a Boulé yr
Boulé - Biennial (once every two years) business meeting of the Grand Body. National officers elected and confirmed
Blanche Edwards Award
honors a member for outstanding achievement of national scope in contribution to the growth and progress of the sorority.
was established at the 1937 at the Boulé in Indianapolis, IN by then Grand Basileus Bertha M. Black in memory of Blache Stewart Edwards who was a fine example of the true Sigma Spirit - a pioneer officer and ardent worker
When was The Aurora published and what is its purpose?
first printed in 1930
its purpose is to keep chapters and the public informed about Sigma news and accomplishments, as well as keeping true to its original mission of reflecting sisterhood, human concern, youth dedication accomplished through minutely planned program and implementation
Affiliated Organizations
The Rhosebud Club - a local affiliate group of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc, consisting of a diverse gro
up of girls ages 8-11 years of age. The idea is to introduce young girls to serving the needs of their community and to provide enlightening experiences for their personal growth and development
The Rhoer Club - Rhoers are young ladies between the ages of 12-18 who are provided with educational, vocational, civic social and cultural experiences through their local graduate chapter. They have officers and meetings structured in the same format as official Sigma meetings
The Philo Affiliate - Philos are women who are friends of Sigma who functions as an auxiliary to the local graduate chapter. Also have meetings and elected officers
National Education Fund (NEF)
August 1984 501(c)(3)org
Its mission is to provide scholarship aid to needy students, both male and female, of all backgrounds and to conduct educational programs to enhance the quality of life. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors, undergraduates and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. Due April 30th each year
The objectives are to
- ensure perpetual support for the sorority’s commitment to education
- encourage among its members, affiliates, and the community, the continuation of education in institutions of higher learning
- promote and engage in studies and research dealing with education and related matters; and partner with other individuals, organizations, or foundations whose purpose and activities are similar to those of the Fund
SPEAR (Public Education and Research Foundation)
September 1995 as an affiliate organization of the sorority
Was established to provide an opportunity for Sigma Gamma Rho to be more proactive in obtaining financial support for citizen projects and research activities
SPEAR’s mission is to promote the social civic, cultural and economic and educational programs of vulnerable or at-risk families and communities, which is met through community service projects, public education, advocacy and social science research
Goals of SPEAR are to
- empower underrepresented groups and women with skills to become economically self sufficient
- Develop programmed activities that focus on family preservation
- Develop health initiatives that empower impoverished women to become effective advocates for themselves, their children and their communities
Seven Pearls Foundation
(May?) 2004 as a 501(c)(3) org
focused on building corporate alliances and soliciting sponsorships for the sorority’s community service initiatives at the national level
The Foundations objectives are to
- Be the conduit of receiving corporate and grant funding
- Develop strategies that promote a positive service image of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc
- Develop partnerships that support region initiatives
- Support the technology initiatives at the sorority headquarters
- Identify resources and strategies that will assist in eliminating the headquarters mortgage;
- Host the Life Member Luncheon during the Boulé
Compromised of the President and CEO, one representative from each of the five regions of the sorority, Sergeant-at-Arms, Legal Counsel, and Treasurer Emerita
Regional Officers
Regional Syntaktes
Undergraduate Chapter Coordinator
Youth Services Coordinator
Appointed Regional Officers
Legal Advisor, Philo Coordinator, Rhoer Coordinator, National Programs Chair, Sergeant-at-Arms, Chaplain, Parliamentarian and Area Coordinators/State Liasions
Regional Syntaktes
Miranda Moore
presides over the region, organizes and supervises chapters and gives the leadership necessary for an effective working unit of the sorority
