Monday, December 1, 2014

THE YEAR IN REVIEW: 26 Points of Light

It is appropriate this time of year to reflect on accomplishments and progress made to advance the sorority experience. 

Our shared commitment as a unified coalition of women has resulted in many successful outcomes. In honor of our 26 member organizations, here are 26 noteworthy accomplishments. Together, we …
  1. Enhanced relationships and greater understanding of NPC through campus visits.
  2. Affirmed tenets with revision of the NPC standards document and bylaws.
  3. Adopted position statements to reinforce our stance on issues ranging from right to assemble and right of association as women’s-only organizations to hazing and discrimination.
  4. Joined thousands of other women at the Take The Lead Challenge Launch Event held via live stream on Feb. 19, and invited Panhellenic women across the world to watch the event and engage in Twitter discussion.
  5. Announced research findings on well-being and retention related to sorority membership to substantiate our claims of adding value to the college experience.
  6. Participated in listening sessions on sexual assault awareness sponsored by the White House and Department of Education.
  7. Expanded NPC Foundation Board of Trustees, which has strategic initiatives underway to provide additional support to NPC.
  8. Hosted first Chapter Management Summit to educate member organization’s staff and volunteers on NPC policies and procedures and to address common challenges.
  9. Participated in Capitol Hill visits with students as ambassadors equipped with messages to advocate for freedom of association, charitable giving and the Collegiate Housing Infrastructure Act (CHIA).
  10. Created and adopted the 2015-20 strategic plan to set NPC on course for another five years.
  11. Attended Vision2020 National Congress and reaffirmed support as a national ally.
  12. Created pilots and task forces to address immediate needs and concerns:
    o “Something of Value” Review Task Force;
    o Bylaws Review Task Force;
    o Benefits of Single-Sex Status Task Force;
    o Campus Mergers Task Force;
    o Recruitment Counselor Nonaffiliation Pilot;

    o Student Safety and Sexual Assault Awareness Task Force.
  13. Distributed new Recruitment Counselor Guide.
  14. Produced Sorority Recruitment Information Guide and supporting tools for alumnae and Alumnae Panhellenics to use to promote the sorority experience.
  15. Conducted 43 training sessions at five regional conferences and AFA.
  16. Trained 64 RFM Specialists representing all 26 member organizations and provided additional training through RFM Lite sessions.
  17. Facilitated AFA Drive-In Sessions and participated in the Big 10 FSA Conference. 
  18. Exhibited at the National Association of Student Councils.
  19. Hosted quarterly conference calls with campus professionals who serve on our Fraternity/Sorority Advisory Committee.
  20. Assigned our volunteers and experts to 12 consulting team visits and 21 “Something of Value” sessions.
  21. Conducted 31 university document reviews and several housing committee assists.
  22. Promoted 70+ extension opportunities to member organizations.
  23. Presented awards to exemplary College Panhellenics and Alumnae Panhellenics.
  24. Collaborated with representatives from American Association of University Women (AAUW), Running Start, White House Council on Girls and Women and Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) as part of an advocacy day in Washington.
  25. Celebrated the centennial milestones and attended the anniversary events of the Cleveland and Indianapolis Alumnae Panhellenic Associations.
  26. Appeared in new media outlets and posted articles in 47 publications as part of our mission to share our message.
This has been a remarkable year. Strides have been made on campuses, in communities and on Capitol Hill. Special appreciation is extended to our dedicated volunteers who along with our talented staff make this progress possible. In addition, we are grateful to our interfraternal partners who support our efforts. 

Our work continues in 2015. Let’s get started.