Convention 2009 - Kappa Delta

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CoVER Story The Katydid — Kappa Delta’s convention newspaper was on hand again for paper distribution to attendees. However, this time it was also available online, so KDs who brought computers and cell phones were able to access it through the Internet. Always a source of upcoming information and convention recap, the Katydid is now available on the KD Web site, www.kappadelta.org. The editor was Priscilla Childress Tillner, KD’s electronic communications specialist, who also kept members updated with convention happenings via Twitter and Facebook. Order of the Emerald/Order of the Pearl — Two of the sorority’s most coveted awards for alumnae were presented to 34 members at the opening sorority session. (Meet the winners on pages 20-22.) State Pride Day Grant — Alumnae chapters may apply for a $3,000 grant to put on a state day that includes AC members, collegians and noninvolved alumnae. Applications are available at www.kappadelta.org. The 2009 convention came to an end too soon. Members were just getting used to being together and learning more about the great things KD is doing and how they Kappa Delta Brings Groups Together in Confidence Coalition The sorority is once more making good on its promise to promote confidence and self-esteem by establishing the Confidence Coalition to bring together organizations, companies and individuals who are committed to promoting confidence among girls and women. “When women and girls have confidence, they can stand up against media stereotypes, spousal and dating abuse, risky behaviors, and relational aggression,” said Melanie McMillan Schild, KD executive director. “They can live the lives they imagine when they can stand up to bullying, hazing and gossiping.” Announced at the 2009 convention, the Confidence Coalition will be a recurring theme as the sorority seeks out like-minded organizations that, when working together, can have a greater impact on the women and girls of our communities. Among the organizations that are signing on to the Confidence Coalition at press time are Girl Scouts of the USA, Girl Talk, National Charity League, National Domestic Violence Hotline, Love is Respect National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline, Pink magazine, America’s Junior Miss, and Hardy Girls-Healthy Women. Quoted in a story about the Confidence Coalition in the July 28 online issue of Little Pink Book, littlePINKbook@ pink4.com, an online service of Pink magazine for young professionals, Melanie said, “A professional is a true leader only when she believes in herself and relies upon this belief to make confident decisions. Confidence is the internal catalyst to action, and it must not be compromised by external factors, such as the opinions of others or the current economic climate. It is more important now than ever for women to draw upon their self-confidence to stay strong, creative and optimistic.” [To receive Little Pink Book via e-mail, go to www.pinkmagazine.com./little_pink_book.] And taking a cue from Henry David Thoreau who wrote “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams,” Kappa Delta has initiated a “Go Confidently! Collection” purse drive nationwide. At convention nearly 300 gently used purses were donated by attendees of all ages and were donated to the Beta Center, an Orlando facility that helps pregnant and parenting teens. “A purse is a small thing, but what woman doesn’t feel better about herself when she has a new one” Melanie asks. “We’re hoping our collegians and alumnae will incorporate a purse drive into their regular activities, then donate the purses to a local women’s shelter to brighten the day of a woman in need.” The official Confidence Coalition Web site and viral video were completed early this fall, and the site provides information about the coalition partners and the work they do. Visit www.confidencecoalition.org. THE ANGELOS OF KAPPA DELTA fall 2009 33
CoVER Story can look to the sorority for sisterhood and support throughout their lives. In her remarks at the White Rose Banquet, which signaled the end of convention, toastmistress Cheryl Sizer, national vice president-finance, said, “Tonight’s theme is ‘The Magic in You.’ From the youngest sister here to the oldest, we all come to convention because Kappa Delta has ignited something in our hearts and imaginations. “Each of us has realized that whatever spark of magic was in us in the first place — our inborn gifts, our unique personalities and perspectives — this organization can take our potential and conjure it into something beyond what we could ever have dreamed . . . something stronger, braver, finer, more capable. How many of us have discovered, thanks to Kappa Delta, something magical within ourselves we didn’t even know we possessed” Suzanne Nelson, second from left, learns that her alumnae chapter in Nashville, Tenn., was named winner of the Marjorie Rowles Stakes Award as the best in the country. Disney Exec Linda Warren is 2009 Woman of Achievement When Linda Warren pledged KD’s Kappa Alpha chapter at Florida State in 1973, she knew she liked the girls and the house but she had no idea what a blessing being part of KD would be during college. “More importantly,” she said, “I never dreamed what a blessing my KD sisters would be to me throughout my life.” The veteran Walt Disney World marketing executive keynoted the “Friends for Life, KD for Life” luncheon during convention. Following Linda’s inspiring talk on friendship, National President Bonnie Warren presented her Kappa Delta’s coveted Woman of Achievement Award. Linda spoke warmly of the six KD pledge sisters with whom she’s remained close for 36 years, reflecting that as young women building careers and families, we don’t always stop to recognize the power of the bonds of sisterhood. “As we age, friendships can be crucial to our health and even our sanity,” she said, “In fact, a host of scientific studies shows that having a close group of friends helps people sleep better, improve their immune systems, stave off dementia and live longer.” Annual outings give these seven sisters the chance to renew the bonds they hold dear. “Whenever we get together it is as if we have stepped into a time machine, melting away Bonnie congratulates Linda Warren on receiving KD’s Woman of Achievement Award. the years and the physical distances between us,” Linda said. Acknowledging that many groups of KD alumnae get together regularly, she turned her attention to the young collegians and explained that they had not yet experienced time-tested friendship and its value. But she noted that college is the perfect time to make lifelong friends because “rarely is there another period in one’s life when you have that much time to nurture a friendship.” Linda talked of the similarities and differences in the lives of the seven Kappa Alphas, and the rough times each one has had. “Through all of the setbacks and losses in our lives we have been there for each other,” she said. “Frankly, as we get older, the bonds get stronger, and we help each other more. “Our sisterhood is something really special for all of us. During the college years, it is easiest to stay connected, but as we grow older we have to make sure we keep those relationships strong. It will make our lives richer, more meaningful and much more fun.” Linda Warren began working for Walt Disney World as a collegian and for more than 30 years has focused on marketing and brand management. A former executive vice president, she now is on special assignment for Disney. 34 fall 2009 THE ANGELOS OF KAPPA DELTA
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