Report of Plenary Sessions. 57th South Atlantic Region Delegate Conference Report. Ph Phi Omega Chapter April 22-25, 2010

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1 th South Atlantic Region Delegate Conference Report Ph Phi Omega Chapter April 22-25, 2010 Report of Plenary Sessions Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Submitted Date: 5/14/2010

2 2 REPORT OF THE DELEGATES Sandra D. Kenon, Basileus Ora Douglass, Anti Basileus Mavis Bradley Alline Clancy Mahala Culpepper Cheryl Montgomery Nikki Roberson Wanda Tanner Plenary Sessions Friday Saturday Sunday Sandra Kenon Ora Douglass Mavis Bradley sick sick Alline Clancy Mahala Culpepper Cheryl Montgomery Nikki Roberson Wanda Tanner Additional Basileus Activities at the Conference: Basilei Leadership Academy Ecumenical Service Education Advancement Foundation Luncheon Mary Shy Scott Leadership Breakfast Phi Phi Omega Sisterly Relations Activity SARC Banquet SARC Public Meeting Silver/Golden/Diamond Soror Event Voting - Teller Committee Member

3 The 57 th South Atlantic Regional Conference April 22-25, 2010 Atlanta Marriott Marquis and Hyatt Regency Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia 3 Opening Plenary Session: Friday, April 23, :30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Presiding: Soror Ella Springs Jones, South Atlantic Regional Director After the procession of the Dais, Soror Ella Springs Jones, South Atlantic Regional Director, officially opened the 57 th South Atlantic Regional Conference. The Conference Agenda was presented and adopted and the Delegates were seated. Eighteenth Supreme Basileus, Mattelia B. Grays led the rededication ceremony. The Report of Rules was presented by Soror Crystal Pruitt, Cluster II Coordinator, Zeta Upsilon Omega. Psi Iota Omega was designated as the Conference Password. Conference Rules: Rule 1 -The rules of the 57th South Atlantic Regional Conference will be governed by the most recently revised Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Constitution and Bylaws, and Manual of Standard Procedure, as well as, the newly revised edition of Robert s Rules of Order. Rule 2 - Soror Ella Springs Jones, Regional Director, is the presiding officer for this 57th South Atlantic Regional Conference. Rule 3 - The appointed conference officers are Soror Carol Johnson Davis, Parliamentarian, Soror Rio Bell-Tucker, Grammateus, Soror Velice R. Cummings, Hodegos, Soror Sophia D. Babridge and Soror Georgene Caldwell, Co-Philacters, and Soror Jasmine Ellis, Tellers Committee Chairman. Rule 4 - All meetings shall start and end on time. Sorors should be dressed in business attire for plenary sessions, and appropriately for all others. Rule 5 Each Soror must openly display the conference badge to be admitted to the assembly and to all other conference events, including the exhibit and vendor area. Rule 6 Only certified delegates are to sit in the designated area, and only certified delegates are to make motions, second motions, and vote on matters regarding approval of the body.

4 4 Rule 7 - A Soror who wishes to speak shall go to the nearest microphone and wait to be recognized by the Presiding Officer. After being recognized by the Presiding Officer, the Soror shall then give her name, chapter, and location. The Soror then states the question and or concern. Discussion and debate shall be limited to two minutes. No Soror may speak more than once per issue, and the total debate time should not exceed ten minutes. Rule 8 - Each Soror is expected to demonstrate sisterliness when an issue is being addressed and throughout the entire proceedings of this conference. Rule 9 - The minutes of this conference shall be forwarded to each chapter at least six weeks prior to the 58th South Atlantic Regional Conference. Rule 10 - All announcements shall be written legibly on the conference announcement form, which may be secured from the AKA office. Announcement forms should be given to Philacters. The conference Hodegos will collect the forms from the Philacters and read them at the end of each session. Forms not bearing names and contact information will not be read. Rule 11 - Seating at all food events is open. Sorors are discouraged from holding seats. To deny any Soror the ability to sit at a table of her choice is considered un-sisterly. The same applies at plenary sessions. Respect reserved seating and Golden Soror seating. Rule 12 - Sorors shall allow the dais and special guests to exit the assembly first. Rule 13 - All cellular phones, pagers, and similar electronic devices shall be turned off prior to entering all conference assemblies, workshops, luncheons and programs. Rule 14 - Video and audio recording of plenary sessions shall be prohibited by Sorors. Rule 15 - The following protocol is appropriate when addressing the assembly: The first speaker at this conference of any event shall say, Madame Regional Director, Soror Ella Springs Jones, Madame Supreme Basileus Barbara A. McKinzie, to our former Supreme Basilei, Members of the Directorate and all others who love and serve Alpha Kappa Alpha, and then say, Good morning, or Good afternoon. This greeting or other appropriate wording is stated only by the first speaker of the event. All others who follow need only acknowledge the leader, the Regional Director, and the Supreme Basilei. For example, Madame Regional Director, Soror Ella Springs Jones, Madame Supreme Basileus, Soror Barbara A. McKinzie, and continue then with making the presentation. Rule 16 - When addressing the assembly, the statement, Protocol having been established, is inappropriate. When addressing the assembly, the phrase, Respectfully submitted, is not to be used.

5 5 Rule 17 - The Philacters shall be responsible for the orderly conduct of these sessions, admitting late arrivals only after conference registration badges have been shown, passwords has been provided, and a one dollar fine has been paid. The exceptions are Diamond and Golden Sorors, Directorate Members, former Supreme Basilei, Former Regional Directors, and physically challenged Sorors. The Conference Rules were adopted by Common Consent. Soror Stacy Grooms, South Atlantic Representative International Nominating Committee, Chairman, Rho Zeta Omega, presented the Nominating Report: The updated So Now You want to Run for Office document is available for the Election Season. Call for Nominations has been extended for all undergraduate positions. Nomination Certification Packages must be submitted to all members of the International Nominating Committee postmarked by April 15, The positions are 2nd Supreme Anti-Basileus, Undergraduate Member-at-Large and Representative to the International Nominating Committee for South Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic and North Atlantic Regions. Nomination Certification Packages for pre- approval for sorors planning to run from the floor at the Boule have been published for Sorors interested in submitting packages for pre-approval must submit completed Nomination Certification Packages to the Corporate Office and to ALL members of the International Nominating Committee. Packages must be POSTMARKED by JUNE 1, Meet the Candidates: Sorors should note that the Ivy Leaf and the Meet the Candidates Newsletter (available on the website), are the only official media for communication regarding our certified candidates for office. Please refer to these documents for all candidate information. Soror Stacy Grooms thanked all Regional Nominating Committee Members for their commitment and hard work. Soror Charletta Jakes, South Atlantic Representative International Program Committee, Lambda Epsilon Omega, presented the Programs Report: Every Soror Participates: Soror Volunteer hours in support of chapter ESP Platform programs and activities for 2009 reached an impressive 722,846 hours. Undergraduates volunteered 56,033 hours in support of their signature program non-soror volunteer hours totaled more than 42,000.

6 End of Year (EOY) Reporting: 100% of the Graduate Chapters in the South Atlantic Region submitted EOY reports, a significant increase over the 2008 when 80% submitted reports. Undergraduate Chapters have a reporting total of 85% (Platform IV) a significant increase from the 2008 when the reporting total was 28%. Phi Phi Omega received a Best Practice Certificate for Platform I, We Dare. Basileus Sandra Kenon accepted this high achievement on behalf of the Chapter. Soror Charletta Jakes reminded all sorors to participate in the AKA Solidarity Walk on Saturday, July 10 th. Soror Earline Striggles Horne, South Atlantic Representative, International Membership Committee, Zeta Rho Omega, presented the International Membership report: Soror Earline Striggles Horne recognized Soror Caroline L. Lattimore, International Membership Committee Chairman, Mu Omicron Omega, who was in attendance. The following comprise of 2009 International Membership accomplishments: o Implemented End of the Year Membership Report o Implemented Reclamation Program o Revised MIP Process: Resource documents include MIP revisions, the MIP Manual, Protocol Manual, and Constitution & Bylaws o Reclamation Results: South Atlantic Region led the way with 3,970 reclaimed Sorors. This is equivalent to 22% of all reclaimed Sorors in The National Reclamation total is 18,023 Sorors for o Phi Phi Omega was recognized with 4 Heartbeats for its reclamation efforts. Soror Gerri Gonzalez, South Atlantic Representative, International Finance Committee, Upsilon Alpha Omega, presented the financial report general fund budgets have been prepared. These budgets do not include fee increases. Total Budgeted Revenues: o 2011: $7, o 2012: $7,654,080 o 2013: $7,654,080

7 Total Budgeted Expenditures: o 2011: $7, o 2012: $7,654,080 o 2013: $7,654,080 7 Foundations: A Study has been performed to determine how to minimize risk to the Sorority. o o o o 187 Foundations have been formed in 9 Regions 15% of Foundations are for the use of Sorority houses 85% of Foundations are for programs A Moratorium has been imposed on the establishment of any new Foundations until all current foundations are in compliance with rules and regulations. The following are clear examples of Non-compliant Foundations: Non-Members sit on the Foundation Board Chapter Names and Foundation Names are the same Chapter and Foundation funds are Co-Mingled. Documentation is inadequate or incomplete, i.e., No Tax Documents, No Bylaws Funds are received in the name of the Foundation, but are listed with the Chapter Operations. Soror Markita J. Grant, South Atlantic Representative, International Strategic Committee, Nu Lambda Omega presented the Strategic Planning Report: o The Executive Summary Survey and Opinionnaire Report was presented. o The effectiveness of the Strategic Plan has been assessed by survey. Participants in the survey were identified as Members and Leaders. o The survey was designed to evaluate the Sorority s performance with respect to membership, finance, structure, operations, programs of service, and leadership and development. Members Priorities for the Next Strategic Plan o Improve Sisterly Relations, place more emphasis on character and respect for principles, promote high ethical standards and high morals, etc. o Maintain goals for leadership development; put checks and balances in place to ensure integrity of operations. o Focus on Retention, reclaiming and retaining efforts; provide vehicles for communication with inactive members.

8 Leaders Priorities for the Next Strategic Plan o Improve sisterly relations, create a character building plan, and emphasize moral and ethical behavior and character development; strengthen the Soror Code of Ethics o Take positive steps to restore the sorority s image (within the sorority and in the community). o Continue focus on economic development, service to local communities, education for African American youth, and health; support African American entrepreneurship, promote expansion of national presence and global involvement. 8 Soror Marsha Lewis Brown, South Atlantic Regional Heritage Chairman, Gama Theta Omega presented the Regional Heritage Report. The Regional Heritage team has successfully completed chapter evaluations for the South Atlantic region. One hundred twenty-four chapters were reviewed; Forty-one will have to be reevaluated. Soror Patricia Russell-McCloud, International Economic Leaders Through Service General Member, Introduced Supreme Basileus, Soror Barbara A. McKinzie. Supreme Basileus Barbara A. McKinzie made the following acknowledgements before presenting her state of the Sorority Address: She announced that the57 th South Atlantic Regional Conference has nearly 4,000 registered sorors, more than any other Region. She presented Soror Ella Springs Jones with a lovely necklace thanking her for her service to the South Atlantic Region. Soror Ella presented Supreme Basileus with an ESP necklace acknowledging her guidance and leadership. The Supreme Basileus described her tenure in office as a period of Bold Leadership. The Sorority now has it largest membership in history with 375 Chapters worldwide. We have had the largest Conference and Boule attendance in history and the Sorority has achieved unparalleled records in service. We have been change agents, instituting reforms that have produced models to make us more effective and more efficient. The Sorority donated $1000, 000,000 to Howard University in celebration of our Centennial and assisted Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female President of Liberia in re-building the country. Soror McKinzie believes that the one of the sorority s most significant achievements has been to be able to end her administration with no outstanding Hazing Lawsuits largely due to the tireless efforts of the Regional Heritage Committees.

9 9 Soror Towanda Davila Davis, Conference Registration Chairman, Chi Upsilon Omega, presented the Registration Report: Graduates 3,595 Undergraduates 799 General 94 Total 4,403 Second Plenary Session: Friday, April 23, :00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Presiding: Soror Ella Springs Jones, South Atlantic Regional Director The State of the South Atlantic Region Report was given by Soror Ella Springs Jones. Honor and reverence were given to four Ivies Beyond the Wall--Soror Linda Marie White, 26th Supreme Basileus; Soror Bernice Reeves, Delta Kappa Omega; Soror Louise Blondell Holmes, Gamma Nu Omega; and Soror Kendra Kama DeCoteau Henderson. Soror Ella expressed satisfaction of mind, soul, body and spirit, knowing she had given her tenure as South Atlantic Region Director her all, as expressed in the following lyrics: It's a new dawn It's a new day It's a new life For me and I'm feeling good! She provided the following summary data relative to the status of the Region: Membership Total Chapters-AKA Undergraduates Graduates Total Undergraduate Chapters: Active Inactive - 22 Suspended - 15

10 Graduate Chapters: Active Inactive Active Membership: 58,008 Undergraduate Members - 6,081 Graduate Members - 43,099 General Members - 5,756 Honorary Members - 72 Life Members - 7,504 Chapters South Atlantic Region: Graduate Chapters Undergraduates Chapter - 53 Inactive Undergraduates - 3 Suspended Undergraduates - 2 Total Inactive Undergraduate : Gamma Gamma, Morris Brown College ( Chapter will be recommended for dissolution at the 2010 Boule') Kappa Tau, University of West Georgia (Has been reactivated with membership intake planned for the 2010 Fall Semester. Phi Pi Omega Chapter, will be the sponsor chapter.) Suspended Undergraduate Chapter: Beta Sigma, South Carolina State Zeta Eta, Paine College Zeta Upsilon, University South Florida, suspension has been lifted. Gamma Theta Omega will resume as the sponsoring chapter. Membership intake will commence 2010 Fall Semester. Soror Ella made the following acknowledgements: Soror Beauty Baldwin, Cluster V was named Cluster Coordinator of the Year. The South Atlantic Region led all Regions with its donation of $43,000 to the Haitian Crisis. Soror Ella Springs Jones leaves "the Region solid, in a good, sound state with the belief that South Atlantic Region shall remain a Significant contributor to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Sorors who have not read all of the Regional Director's newsletters, can find them on the Regional website where they have been archived. Please read or download before Boule' 2010 when the website is scheduled to go down. Newsletters from 2007 to present are housed there.

11 International Committee Reports 11 Archives: Soror Earnestine G. McNealey, International Archives Chairman, Eta Xi Omega, presented the Report. It is important that we leave a trail for our history, of who we are and what we do. Chapters who are worthy to be recognized for preserving and leaving a trail, the ones who are keeping our legacy alive include: -Upsilon Alpha Omega -Theta Omicron Omega -Chi Upsilon Omega -Psi Theta Omega -Delta Eta Omega Constitution: Soror Freddie Groomes-McLendon, Supreme Parliamentarian, Delta Kappa Omega presented the Report. One Committee recommendation will go before the 2010 Boule', to change the minimum GPA for eligibility for membership from a C to a B-. The reason for the change is to encourage high scholastic standards and demonstrate our commitment to excellence. Connection: Soror Alfredene Scott Benton, South Atlantic Representative to the International Connections Committee, Kappa Omega made the Report. The Connection Theme: Engaging Strategies for Power International Projects: AKA Day at the Capitol 2010 Census Voter Registration Drives Take Five to the Polls Exemplary Recognition for Connection was given to the following chapters: Chi Tau Omega Lambda Epsilon Omega

12 Standards: Soror Angela Friall, South Atlantic Representative to the International Standards Committee, Tau Pi Omega, made the Report. The purpose of the Standards is to establish the criteria and implement the evaluation of chapter operations E.S.P. Legacy. There was 100 percent reporting compliance in submitting standards year end reports. The Committee revised the Resource Guide and also revised the So Now You're Elected document. EAF Soror Marjorie Young, South Atlantic EAF Coordinator, Kappa Omega, and Soror Barbara F. Sutton, Executive Director, EAF Foundation, made the Report EAF is celebrating its 30 th Year Anniversary. EAF, Excellent Scholarly Performance, has promoted lifelong learning for three decades. The foundation currently has 189 endowments, 8 of which are capitalized. Sorors are encouraged to remember that although we have made significant strides in touching the lives of so many, our work is not yet complete. The Candidates Speak Candidates for open positions in the South Atlantic Region were given the opportunity to address the conference. South Atlantic Regional Director Candidates: Soror Marsha Lewis Brown Soror Earline Horne Undergraduate Member-at-Large Candidates: Soror Crystal Baldwin Soror Sherrell Ponder 12 Report of the Tellers Soror Jasmine D. Ellis, South Atlantic Regional Tellers Committee Chairperson explained the voting procedures for the election that would take place on Saturday morning, April 24.

13 Third Plenary Session: Saturday, April 24, :00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Presiding: Soror Ella Springs Jones, South Atlantic Regional Director 13 The State of the Undergraduates Report was presented by Soror Melanie C. Jones, Second Supreme Anti-Basileus and Soror Shayla Johnson, Undergraduate Memberat-Large. There are three open positions for the Directorate: the 2 nd Supreme Anti-Basileus and two Undergraduate Members-at-Large. The Aka Scholars Initiative has been developed to promote academic excellence among undergraduates. Three levels have been established: AKA Scholar for GPA s between 3.0 and 3.49; Ivy Scholar for GPAs between ; and Super Scholar for 4.0 GPAs. A Sisterly Submitted Blog has been established by the Undergraduate Archives Committee to help keep undergraduates updated on undergraduate activities. Sorors must be financially active to access the blog. The Undergraduate Chapters are in great condition. They have accomplished the following in 2010: - Increased Platform IV Participation - Increased Undergraduate Participation on a National Level - Extraordinary Undergraduate Roundups have been executed. International Committee Reports: The Graduate Advisor Certification Report was presented by Soror Jo Ann Clark, Graduate Advisor Certification Chairman sorors were certified or re-certified as Graduate advisors and are now Endorsed, Certified and Prepared. Regional Committee Reports The Regional Treasury Report was presented by Soror Daisy J. Gordon, Regional Tamiouchos, Alpha Upsilon Omega. - Beginning Balance: $612,481.37

14 - Income: o SARC 2009: $218, o UG Roundup: $53, o 2009 Clusters: $156, o Boule Assessment: $20, o 2010 SARC: $858, o Regional Store: $ o - Subtotal: $1,307, Expenses: o 2009 SARC: $591, o 2009 UG Roundup: $43, o 2009 Clusters: $139, o 2010 SARC: $139, o - Subtotal: $926, Ending Balance: $992, The Boule Luncheon and Hospitality Report was presented by Soror Lisa George, Upsilon Xi Omega. - The South Atlantic Region Boule Luncheon is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, July 15, A tribute to Soror Ella Springs Jones will be held celebrating her tenure as South Atlantic Regional Director. Talent will include representatives from every Cluster in the Region. - The South Atlantic Region Hospitality Suite is a drop in for Soror Ella. - Soror Daisy Gordon, Regional Tamiouchos, is available to collect outstanding Boule Assessments. The Proposed Constitution and By-laws Recommendations were presented by Soror Trudie Carmichael, South Atlantic Representative, International Constitution Committee, Lambda Epsilon Omega. These recommendations were submitted by the February 22, 2010 deadline: - Article 1, Section IV, pages 8-9 A proposed change to the criteria for becoming Regional Director states the following: Candidates must have served at least one term as Basileus of a Graduate Chapter, must have attended one of the last two Leadership Conferences, and must have attended at least 1 of the last 3 Regional Conferences, immediately preceding her nomination or appointment.

15 15 The Proposed amendment will be sent to the International Constitution Committee for Consideration. It will not come before the Boule until Any chapters that presented proposals not brought forth will be sent a letter within the next 30 days explaining why the proposed changes were not accepted. The Report of Recommendations and Resolutions was presented by Soror Valerie Brant-Wilson, Eta Eta Omega. Three recommendations were received but not brought forth because they did not relate to our Keystone Documents. All of the following resolutions were adopted by Common Consent: Resolution I Go Green Initiative\ Resolution II Support of Census 2010 Resolution III Support of 2010 Mid-Term Elections Resolution IV Support of Designated Health Care Initiatives Resolution V Support of Education Resolution VI A Moment of Silence Acknowledging the Late Soror Linda Marie White, 26 th Supreme Basileus Resolution VII Accolades to the Host Chapters Resolution VIII Accolades to the Regional Director The details of all of the Resolutions are posted on the Regional Website and will be in included in the Regional Director s next Newsletter. Chapter and Individual Awards were presented by Soror Marty Tanner, Regional Awards Chairman, Nu Lambda Omega and Soror Nathlyn I Jenkins, Regional Awards Co-Chairman, Nu Alpha Omega. There were no eligible materials submitted in the Undergraduate category. Soror Ella was inducted into the South Carolina Regional Directors Hall of Fame. The list of Awards follows:

16 16 Award AKA National Connection Award Attendance Award Emory Jackson Journalism Award ESP Regional Program Platform I Award Winner Pi Alpha Omega Chapter, Atlanta, GA Rho Zeta Omega Chapter, Marietta, GA; Upsilon Alpha Omega, Lawrenceville, GA; and Lambda Epsilon Omega, DeKalb County, GA Soror Bettina Dewitt Psi Theta Omega, Orlando, FL ESP Regional Program Platform II Award Lambda Epsilon Omega, Dekalb Co., GA ESP Regional Program Platform III Award Lambda Epsilon Omega, DeKalb Co., GA ESP Regional Program Platform V Award Lambda Epsilon Omega, Dekalb Co., GA Frederica S. Wilson Sisterly Relations Soror Sonja R. Noland Award Freddie Grooms McClendon Award Arther May Stary Homie Regulus Basileus Award Soror Jean D. Hickman Georgia Shank Innovation Award Zeta Xi Omega, Augusta, GA and Chi Xi Omega, Coral Springs, FL Margaret D. Bowen Outstanding Soror Beauty P. Baldwin Alumni Award Irene WestBrook Golden Soror Award Anne Taylor Green Overall Program Award, 150+ Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter, Members DeKalb Co., GA International Program Award 150- Tau Epsilon Omega, Chapter Exhibit Award Delta Kappa Omega Chapter, Tallahassee, FL Sonja Garcia Award Lambda Epsilon Omega, Atlanta, GA Arts and Crafts Exhibit Award Gamma Zeta Omega, Miami, Fl Excellence in Strategic Planning Xi Beta Omega, Orlando, FL

17 17 The Time and Place Report was presented by Soror Elizabeth Young, Cluster III Coordinator, Pi Eta Omega. Upcoming South Atlantic Regional Conference Schedule: Year Host Cluster Place 2011 Cluster I Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, FL 2012 Cluster VIII South Carolina 2013 Cluster V Georgia 2014 Cluster III Jacksonville, FL 2015 Cluster VI South Carolina 2016 Cluster IV Georgia 2017 Cluster II Tampa, FL 2018 Cluster VII South Carolina The Final Registration Report was presented by Soror Dionne Williams-Cox, Conference Registration Co-Chairman, Chi Upsilon Omega. - Total Registered: 4,855 o Graduate: 3,824 o Undergraduate: 799 o General: 94 o Adult Guests: 105 o Children: 33 - Total Processed: o Florida Graduates: 1,212 o Florida Undergraduates: 111 o Georgia Graduates: 1,529 o Georgia Undergraduates: 198 o South Carolina Graduates: 505 o South Carolina Undergraduates: South Atlantic Region Delegate Strength: 776 (672 registered) o Florida Delegates: 235 o Georgia Delegates: 251 o South Carolina Delegates: 186 o General Delegates: 8 - Philacter Collected: $389.30

18 The Tellers report was presented by Soror, Jasmine D. Ellis, South Atlantic Regional Tellers Committee, Chairman, International Building and Properties, Chairman Gamma Pi Omega Delegate Strength: 776 as of 2/12/10; 654 Sorors voted. - Regional Director Results: o Marcia Lewis Brown: 384 votes o Earline Striggles Horne: Undergraduate Liaison to International Nominating Committee o Crystal Baldwin: 233 o Sherrell Ponder: 410 A Special Presentation was made to Soror Ella Springs Jones on Behalf of the sorors of the South Atlantic Region. She received a 46 inch Flat Screen Television. Soror Kathryn A Wilson, Cluster Coordinator officially extended the invitation to the 58 th South Atlantic Regional Conference in Miami/ Fort Lauderdale, FL. Closing Plenary Session: Sunday, April 24, :30 a.m. Presiding: Soror Ella Springs Jones, South Atlantic Regional Director The Final Philacter Report was presented by Soror Georgene J. Caldwell, Conference Philacter Co-Chairman. A total of $ was collected; $ on Friday April 23 during the 2 nd Plenary session and $ on Saturday April 24 during the 3 rd Plenary Session. The funds collected will be provided to EAF. Unfinished Business: There was no unfinished business. Acknowledgements: Soror Ella took the opportunity to acknowledge a number of sorors who had been instrumental in making the 57 th South Atlantic Regional Conference a success including: Soror Carolyn Randolph, General Conference Chairman Soror Bronwyn Hughes, Conference Co-Chairman

19 19 All of the sorors of Host Cluster IV who planned the conference outside of their Cluster location (South Georgia and Florida) Soror Towanda Davila-Davis, Registration Chairman The Technology Committee and all of the Sorors who coordinated the various workshops Protocol Chairs who attended to the needs of Soror Barbara McKenzie and the other Supreme Baslei Personal Assistant, Marquita J. Grant Joi P. Jones, Daughter of the Regional Director. Those in attendance responding by giving all of those acknowledged a standing ovation. Soror Ella also thanked all of the former Baslei, former South Atlantic Regional Directors, International Committee Representatives, Regional Committee Chairmen, those who have served on Regional Committees, and Regional Officers. Soror Ella acknowledged the economic sacrifice that sorors had made in order to attend the conference. She then thanked the staff of the Marriott Marquis for their superb service and for exhibiting the highest degree of professionalism in hosting the conference. She urged chapters in the Region to continue to utilize the Marriott for future meetings and conferences. The Former Regional Directors then lauded Soror Ella for the fine job she had done as Regional Director in setting the standard for other Regions. This tribute led to a standing ovation for Soror Ella by all in attendance. All Sorors attending the Conference who did not complete a paper evaluation are quested to promptly respond to the on-line evaluation request that will be sent post conference. The 57 th South Atlantic Conference was adjourned at 12:10 p.m. Delegate Plenary Session Reporting: Plenary Session I: Sorors Sandra Kenon, Alline Clancy and Mavis Bradley Plenary Session II: Sorors Ora Douglass and Mahala Culpepper Plenary Session III: Sorors Nikkie Roberson and Cheryl Montgomery Plenary Session IV: Soror Wanda Tanner