Sisters Leading For Justice

Transcription

1 18th Annual California AKA Day at the Capitol Sisters Leading For Justice March 12-13, 2017 Sacramento, California Leslye M. Tinson, California State Connection Coordinator Patrice Marshall McKenzie, California Legislative Liaison Gail M. Atley, Representative to the International Connection Committee Carol R. Dixon, Regional Director 1

2 California AKA Day at the Capitol March 12-13, 2017 Santa Clara, CA & Sacramento, CA Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated This Registration Packet includes the following contents: Event Information Letter from the Regional Director page 3 Invitation Letter from Planning Committee Chairmen page 4-5 Schedule at a Glance page 6 Hotel Room Block at Sheraton Grand Sacramento page 7 Parking Information page 7 Transportation page 7-8 Attire Requirements page 9 VIP Tour of the State Capitol RSVP information page 9 Special Needs Accommodations Information page 9 Downtown Sacramento Walking Map page 9 Registration Details o Technology instructions page 10 o Chapter Group Registration Payment Information page 10 o Soror Registration Form (for internal use) page 11 o Guest Registration Form page 12 Connection-related Resources How to make an appointment with your State Legislators page 13 Helpful hints to have a successful advocacy/constituent meeting page 14 Regional Refund Policy page 15 2

3 Corporate Office 5656 South Stony Island Avenue Chicago, IL (773) OFFICE OF: Carol R. Dixon al Director P.O. Box San Jose, CA Phone: (408) Dear Sorors and Guests, January 13, 2017 It is indeed an honor to join you on this important journey to Sacramento for AKA Day at the Capitol. This year s theme, Sisters Leading For Justice engenders our continuing dedication to promoting social responsibility and community engagement. I am pleased that so many of you recognize the significance of lending your wisdom to the legislative process that guides our daily lives. Given today s political climate we are reminded that progress cannot be made without our collective energy spurring the evolution of our laws and policies. Our elected officials need our guidance and support as they make decisions that impact healthcare, education, social services and more. They need to hear from us in their quest to do the most good with the limited available resources. It is paramount that we ensure our voices are heard and that our resolve to uplift the social consciousness of our communities remain steadfast. When this illustrious sisterhood was founded 109 years ago, our founders persevered through the most unfavorable political environments imaginable. They united in sisterhood and were tenacious in their pursuit of racial and gender equality. Because of their sacrifice and that of so many, we now have a seat at the table on our political course. We must not take that for granted. We must be strategic and obstinate in ensuring that our laws are fair and equitable and will propel our state forward. I m proud that we are taking this opportunity to engage with our elected officials and offer them guidance as they make important decisions about our future. Again, I thank you for taking time to be a part of the change. I am certain that we will learn much and walk away with a greater sense of pride for having participated in this experience. I would like to also express my appreciation to the state legislators who welcome and support us in our efforts to make a difference. Together we can accomplish so much. Sisterly in service, Soror Carol R. Dixon al Director Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 3

4 January 13, 2017 Dear California Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated: We are pleased to join our al Director Carol R. Dixon in inviting you to attend the, Sisters Leading for Justice on March 12-13, This year we are excited to again offer an opportunity to visit Sacramento immediately following the 88 th al Conference in Santa Clara, CA. Our legislative sponsor, Assemblymember Chris Holden and members of the California Legislative Black Caucus are looking forward to our visit and we look forward to your registration for this important event. In light of recent civil rights struggles across the nation, our presence in Sacramento and continued engagement with lawmakers is more critical than ever before. Our International Connection Committee has identified our legislative focus area to be civil rights and social justice. We want to continue to mobilize our communities for A.C.T.I.O.N. and as Alpha Kappa Alpha women, it is our duty to lend our voice to the conversations that will ultimately shape the policies that impact all of California s residents. Registration opens on-line at Regular registration starts on Friday, January 20, 2017 and ends Wednesday, February 15, Late registration of $90.00 will be accepted through February 22, This registration packet includes all the pertinent details and registration instructions. We are encouraging all graduate and undergraduate chapters to participate, and we sincerely hope that every chapter in California can send as many sorors as possible, so that we have a diverse representation from across the state. Registration is $85.00 per person, which includes registration materials, a commemorative badge, a workshop on Sunday, and a lunch buffet at the Sacramento Convention Center on Monday. Please note that all registrations must be submitted online via the al registration website. Chapter Basilei and Technology Committee members are asked to assist those sorors without internet access or addresses with their registration. An important part of the day is meeting individually or in small groups with our state officials. There will be time to do this after the luncheon. In order for your advocacy/constituent meetings to be more successful, we strongly recommend booking your appointment with state officials ahead of time. The packet includes helpful information regarding this important part of the Capitol day. If necessary, coordinate your meeting with other members of your geographic area (in small groups). 4

5 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Lastly sorors, the California AKA Day at the Capitol is a public event. Please consider inviting your local NPHC chapters and community members to join us. The cost for guests is the same as soror registration. As the event draws closer, we will send updates via to the registered sorors and Chapter Basilei. If you have any questions, please contact us via . We look forward to seeing you in Sacramento! Sincerely, Soror Leslye M. Tinson California State Connection Coordinator Rho Delta Omega, Palo Alto Leslye1908@gmail.com Soror Patrice Marshall McKenzie California Legislative Liaison Eta Lambda Omega, Pasadena-Altadena patricesmarshall@yahoo.com 5

6 Sunday, March 12, 2017 Santa Clara Marriott 2700 Mission College Blvd. Santa Clara, CA Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated EVENT SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE Registration 12:00pm 1:00pm Educational Session and Workshop 1:00pm - 4:00pm Travel to Sacramento (after close of workshop cost not included in conference registration) Overnight stay at Sheraton Grand Sacramento (cost not included in conference registration) Monday, March 13, 2017 State Capitol Building 1015 L Street Sacramento, CA Registration (for those not present Sunday) 7:30am 8:00am Group Photo 8:00am 8:15am California AKA Day at the Capitol Legislative meeting 8:00am 12:00pm California State Assembly meeting 12:00pm* Luncheon at the Sacramento Convention Center 12:30pm 1:45pm California State Senate meeting 2:00pm* Tour of the Capitol (optional) 2:00pm 3:00pm Meeting with State legislators and staff 2:00pm 4:00pm Please contact and scheduled your meetings Depart from the State Capitol & Travel Home safely! 4:00pm TRANSPORTATION If you need travel arrangements from Santa Clara to Sacramento, please indicate this on your registration form, so we can plan accordingly. There will be an additional cost associated with this arrangement (see flyer on Page 8 of this packet). Reminder for FWRC attendees - Please make your flight reservations to arrival flight to SJC (San Jose International), and book your return flight out of SMF (Sacramento International). EVENT QUESTIONS: Please contact Soror Leslye Tinson at Leslye1908@gmail.com or Soror Patrice Marshall McKenzie at PatriceSMarshall@yahoo.com 6

7 REGISTRATION RATES Full rate registration includes event materials, commemorative badge, Sunday workshop, Monday session, Luncheon and group photo! SORORS $85.00 Includes Sunday and all Monday sessions + luncheon GUESTS $85.00 Includes Sunday and all Monday sessions + luncheon Sunday Only Rate $25.00 For sorors who are not attending Monday. Does not include commemorative badge, Monday session, luncheon or group photo Monday Luncheon Only Rate $65.00 Does not include commemorative badge, Monday session or group photo HOTEL ROOM BLOCK A room block has been secured at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento for the night of Sunday, March 12, The hotel is conveniently located three (3) short blocks from the State Capitol. High-speed internet is included in all guest rooms. Sheraton Grand Sacramento 1230 J Street (13th and J Streets), Sacramento, CA Refer to the Alpha Kappa Alpha room block Make reservations by calling (800) Guest Room Rates: $135/night, plus tax and hotel fees Booking Deadline: February 10, 2017, subject to availability. Below is the StarGroups Link for the online reservations: TRANSPORTATION Availability of arranged transportation from Santa Clara to Sacramento will require an additional fee. Please check the box on your registration form to indicate your travel needs. (See flyer on Page 8). PARKING The parking rate at the Santa Clara Marriott (for Sunday workshop) is $12 per day. Parking at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento is $23 self-parking or $32 valet per day. The area around the State Capitol in Sacramento is permit or metered parking only. For your convenience, there is a daily parking lot located near 10th and K Streets. The daily max rate is approximately $ $

8 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated How to get to AKA Day at the Capitol TRANSPORTATION ALERT If you are attending the 88th FWRC and AKA Day at the Capitol 1) 2) Book your airline flight from home to SJC (San Jose) Book your return home flight from SMF (Sacramento) If you need transportation arranged from Santa Clara to Sacramento, please indicate this on your registration form. We are hoping to arrange a one-way shuttle bus from Santa Clara, CA to Sacramento, CA or arrange access to the Amtrak train from Diridon Station (San Jose) to Sacramento, CA. These arrangements will be based on the number of sorors who indicate this need. PLEASE NOTIFY US ASAP if you will need transportation. Sorors who use this transportation are responsible for the costs associated and will be notified of the costs once the transportation mode has been finalized. Downtown Sacramento is an approximate 2-hour drive (116 miles) from Santa Clara, CA. Train or bus service will take approximately 3 hours. 8

9 ATTIRE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Sunday workshop Santa Clara, CA Monday at the Capitol Sacramento, CA Additional attire notes: Business casual, AKA paraphernalia OK Business attire - pink and green recommended! Wear comfortable shoes, bring a jacket, scarf and umbrella, dress in layers VIP Tour of the State Capitol Want to learn more about the Capitol s history? A docent will provide a special walking tour of the capitol for our group. Learn more about the building s history, Governor portraits, assembly and senate galleries and more. Space for the tour is limited to 35 people. RSVP is required with your registration. For questions, please Soror Diane Peete at dpeete521@gmail.com Special Needs Accommodations AKA Day at the Capitol includes lots of walking, both inside the Capitol building and to nearby locations. For special needs accommodations, please contact Soror Monique Powell-Jones at mpowelljones@gmail.com 9

10 REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS All registrations will be processed online at SOROR REGISTRATION 1. Login using your address on file with Corporate Office. 2. Your password is your financial card number. 3. If you have trouble logging in, it is possible that your information is incorrect in the Corporate Office database. Please ensure that you can log in to the members only side of the Corporate Office database at and check your profile information to verify the address that you have on file and your membership status. 4. Send an to: if you have problems logging into the registration website. To Register: 1. Click Upcoming Events on the left menu. Then Select California Day at the Capitol. 2. Click Register for this Event 3. Confirm or make changes to the First Name, Last Name and Badge name. Also, select all the categories/ designations that apply. Then click on the Next Button. 4. Scroll down, complete the registration form, and select if you will need transportation and luncheon choices. Click on the Next Button and then Register Now Button. 5. This screen will summarize all of your event selections. Review the activities selected (If you need to make changes or forgot a session, use the PREVIOUS button). Click on Check Out. 6. Verify the current billing address or enter a new billing address, then click on Next Button. Enter the credit card information and the Next Button. Review your order and then click the SUBMIT Button. Your registration is now complete and you will get an confirmation. NOTE: All chapter Basilei and Graduate Advisors are able to complete GROUP REGISTRATION for sorors in their chapter who do not use computers. There will be no mail-in registration and no on-site registration. GROUP REGISTRATION 1. Click Upcoming Events on the left menu. Then Select California Day at the Capitol. 2. Click Register for this Event. Then Select Group for your registration choice. 3. Select the Soror(s) you want to register and click Next. Note: use page numbers at the top of the list to find all Sorors that are being registered before you click the Next. 4. Enter the Appropriate data for each Soror selected and click Next. 5. There will be a line item for each Soror registered. Confirm the list of Sorors is correct, then click Register Now 6. Verify the total for the Item Price is correct, and then click Proceed to Checkout. 7. Please ensure that BILL Organization information is correct and click Next. 8. Payment Info Screen: Select Purchase Order and enter the chapter check # in the Purchase Order text box. 9. Verify Order Summary and complete transaction by clicking Next. 10. Complete transaction by clicking the Submit Order button. GROUP PAYMENT 1. A chapter check must be postmarked to the Regional Pecunious Grammateus within 3 business days from the date of submitting a group registration. Include a copy of the confirmation with the chapter check. 2. Make chapter checks payable to AKA. Mail to: AKA PO Box San Jose, CA

11 REGISTRATION FORM - For chapter use Do not mail in this form- submit online at Name Financial Card # Status Graduate Member Undergraduate Member General Member Chapter Basileus Chapter Connection Chairman Golden Soror Chapter Address AKA Day at the Capitol Registration Fee $85.00 (includes event materials, commemorative badge, Sunday workshop, Monday session and luncheon) Sunday, March 12, 2017 Workshop 12pm-4pm (included in $85.00 rate) I will need transportation from Santa Clara to Sacramento (COST TBD) Monday, March 13, 2017 Luncheon (included in $85.00 rate) I will not attend the Luncheon Total Registration Costs A LA CARTE ITEMS Sunday WORKSHOP ONLY - $25.00 Monday LUNCHEON ONLY - $65.00 VIP tour of the Capitol optional (RSVP required) DO NOT MAIL this registration form. The form is provided for your convenience in facilitating online and group registrations. Keep the forms for your chapter records. Register online at 11

12 GUEST REGISTRATION FORM Guest Name Address NPHC Affiliation (if any) AKA Day at the Capitol is open to the Community! Invite local NPHC organizations. Invite public community members Sunday, March 13, pm-4pm Santa Clara Marriott 2700 Mission College Blvd. Santa Clara, CA Monday, March 13, :00am 4pm California State Capitol 1015 L Street Sacramento, CA Monday, March 13, :30pm Luncheon Sacramento Convention Center 1400 J Street Sacramento, CA Registration Cost: Regular registration of $85 by February 15, Late registration of $90 by February 22. AKA Day at the Capitol Registration Fee $85.00 (includes event materials, commemorative badge, Sunday workshop, Monday session and luncheon) Sunday, March 12, 2017 Workshop 12pm-4pm (included in $85.00 rate) I will need transportation from Santa Clara to Sacramento (COST TBD) Monday, March 13, 2017 Luncheon (included in $85.00 rate) I will not attend the Luncheon Total Registration Costs A LA CARTE ITEMS Sunday WORKSHOP ONLY - $25.00 Monday LUNCHEON ONLY - $65.00 VIP tour of the Capitol optional (RSVP required) DO NOT MAIL this registration form. Guest registrations must accompany an AKA member registration and will be processed online at Submit this form to the AKA member who will submit registration on your behalf. 12

13 How to make an appointment with your State Legislators It is advised that you schedule office appointments ahead of time. Please visit the website: more information on locating your legislators. Sample request for appointment - Words in BOLD you should edit for your needs. Dear Senator/Assemblymember NAME: The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated are celebrating our 18th Annual California "AKA Day at the Capitol" on Monday, March 13, I am requesting to meet with you or one of your staffers regarding pending legislation related to ---fill in the topic area here--- (example topics: public education, access to health care services, social justice, or a local/city community issue). Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is the first Greek-lettered organization established by African American college women, was founded on January 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Along with the California undergraduate and graduate chapters, Alpha Kappa Alpha has a membership of over 265,000 members and has more than 975 chapters located throughout the United States, West Africa, the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Korea and Germany. The purpose of the sorority is to address major concerns of the community by being of service to all mankind and to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards among college women. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. fulfills its purpose through its programs. Our international program theme for is "Launching New Dimensions of Service. "AKA Day at the Capitol" has been adopted as an activity of the International AKA Connection program. Held annually during the months of January - April, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha will assemble at their state capitols to address issues that impact our society, such as civil rights, voter education, economics, health, education, and social justice issues. If you need additional information, please contact me at phone number (Day). Alpha Kappa Alpha women from across the state are looking forward to this event. Sincerely, Ms. Ivy Green City, CA 13

14 Helpful Hints for Advocacy/Constituent Meetings Ensuring a Successful Meeting Make the presentation simple and straightforward. Get to the point quickly. Keep small talk to a minimum. Show understanding, courtesy and respect, even when you consistently disagree with the public official. Be a good listener -- answer questions with facts. If you do not know an answer, say so. Promise to get the information and follow through with providing it once you have gotten the information. Do not be disappointed if the Legislative Assistant or another senior staff member conducts the meeting. Senior staff members have a great deal of influence with the official; therefore, it is very important that they understand the issues. Try to get the official to commit and support your position or to keep an open mind the official may not share your legislative values and may oppose your position. If so, remain polite, respectful and non-threatening. You may request a group photo while in the office, or ask for mementos of the occasion, i.e., flags, pins, and or present an appropriate gift from the chapter/sorority etc. Thank the official and leave immediately after the meeting do not linger. Send a thank you note. Office Visits/Courtesy Calls Call or write for an appointment well in advance of the time you would like to meet with the official. One-on-one and/or small group meetings with public officials are the most effective ways to communicate the chapter s position on a specific piece of legislation, proposed legislation or issues of concern. Following such meetings, future correspondence and communications from members of the chapter may receive closer attention from both the public official and his or her office staff. Contact the Official s office to ensure that you follow the proper protocol for such activities. Arranging the Appointment Arrange appointments through the Appointment Secretary or other staff charged with that responsibility. Explain the purpose of the meeting and who will attend. Unless there is an unusual problem, do not ask for more than 10 or 15 minutes. If the public official is unavailable within the time frame needed, request an appointment with the Legislative Assistant. If there is a cancellation or public official does not have an assistant, ask them for the first available date. 14

15 REGIONAL REFUND POLICY Once you register for a Regional Event, the Planning Committee includes your presence at the event in the planning activities for the event. The size of the meeting room and the meal counts consider your registration as part of the number of Sorors attending the event. We understand that unexpected events occur that may require you to cancel your attendance at the Regional Event. If you must cancel, please note the following criteria will determine whether you are eligible for a refund of your entire registration fee: 1. The refund request must be in writing and submitted to the Special Assistant to the Regional Director with a copy to the Regional Treasurer and the Regional Technology Chairman at the addresses listed below. 2. The refund request must be dated no later than one week before the convening of the conference in order to receive a full refund less a processing fee of $ The reason for the refund must be included in the request; i.e. work related, family emergency, etc. 4. Requests dated later than one week before the convening of the conference may be considered at the discretion of the Regional Director. Additional justification regarding the refund request may be required. In general, refunds will be made after consideration of the following factors: 1. Funds are available after all expenses associated with the event have been paid. (The refund may not be paid until up to 45 days after the event) 2. A processing fee of $25.00 will be applied to the total registration fee. 3. If the request for refund is received within 10 days prior to the Regional Event, the portion of the registration fee applied to meal events will be reduced to cover the cost of the meal. 4. A $75.00 fee will be assessed for a returned Chapter Check. Request for refunds should be sent to the following: Soror Toya P. Davis, Special Assistant to the Regional Director ToyaDavis1908@gmail.com Soror Audrey Kay, Regional Treasurer AMKay@mac.com Soror Nichole S. Jordan, Regional Technology Chairman FWRTech@aka1908.com 15