Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention: Consultant Love

Welcome to the ninth post in the "Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention" series!

One of the best parts of my national service to Alpha Chi Omega over the last year has been getting to spend time with the amazing young women who serve Alpha Chi Omega as Chapter and Resident Consultants. In May 2011, Anne, Jennifer and Laura (at left) and I spent a weekend together assisting with Recruitment Training in Atlanta. Even though they had just been hired and had not had any training prior to arriving, each of them had valuable insights during the one-on-one meetings we had with chapter Recruitment teams and advisors. We spent so much time together that weekend that I teased them that we were attached at the hip!

In August, they went off on their travels: Jennifer to prepare for the new colony at High Point University; Anne to visit all of our Texas chapters and Laura to travel to the rest of Southeast. We were lucky to have Laura come see us three times at FSU, and I enjoyed every minute I spent at Texas Exec Board training in February with Anne. During our time together in Arlington, we held one-on-one meetings with all thirteen chapters and led a Recruitment Workshop. It was great to be attached at the hip again! I was really excited when I learned that all three of "my" region's Consultants would return for a second year.

There are always lots of things to look forward to at Convention but this year I had the excitement of being reunited with this year's Consultants and meeting the new ones. We had our reunion Friday morning bright and early when Jen D and I, representing the NPC Team, trained the whole Consultant team on all things Panhellenic. Throughout Convention, we had chances to spend time together and bond.

In addition to being super smart and beautiful inside and out, the Consultants are fun!

Here they are making lyres and letters under the Arch.

Here they are in dresses Past National Presidents wore to previous Conventions for the Walk of Memory.

Team Region 2 at the Final Banquet 

Each time I spend time with these women, whether it's on the phone, by email, or in person, I come away impressed by their intelligence, ability to assess situations, and the way they apply their excellent people skills to help chapters and individual sisters reach their goals. I'm inspired by these young women because they devote themselves to Alpha Chi Omega - changing lives one visit and one sister at a time. I look forward to working with them this year. Safe travels, friends, and thank you!

Read more from the "Inspired" series here.

Inspired by Convention: #YOLO – What Is Your Legacy?

Welcome to the eighth post in the "Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention" series! Thank you, Jill Moran, for sharing the moments at Convention that most inspired her!

2012 has marked my 4th Alpha Chi Omega Convention (I’m officially an Olympian, it takes attending 4 conventions to qualify), my 12th year as a member of Alpha Chi Omega, my 5th wedding anniversary (which was celebrated at Convention the night of 7/14/12) and I turned 31.

Jill and Brian Moran celebrate 5 years
of Marriage at the Arch 

With all these milestones I took time throughout the weekend to do some much needed internal reflection at the 2012 Alpha Chi Omega Convention. One word was the catalyst for said reflection, Legacy. I heard it over and over throughout the weekend. 

First let me give a little bit of my Alpha Chi Omega story. 

Debbie Meyer Chamberlain, mother &
Jill Chamberlain Moran, daughter 

Legacy means many things: birthright, gift, and inheritance just to name a few. In the Panhellenic world a legacy is a sister, daughter, granddaughter or great-granddaughter of a member. For me, legacy describes who I am in the Alpha Chi Omega world. I am indeed a legacy of Alpha Chi Omega; my mother was initiated into my same chapter of initiation (Alpha Delta at the University of Cincinnati) a mere 30 years before me (1970 for my mom and 2000 for myself). The legacy of Alpha Chi Omega was introduced to me at an early age – some of my first memories of the University of Cincinnati as a child are at the Alpha Chi Omega house. At an early age I learned the importance of supporting your sisters and in turn leaning on them for support. Now, I instill those same principles into the ladies I advise at the Beta Tau chapter at Miami University.

Jill Chamberlain Moran PAC-OH,
Madeline Power BT VP of Recruitment,
Kelly Fried ALA Co-President

Back to the 2012 Convention, on Saturday at the opening chapter meeting, or as my husband (he is almost an Olympian himself with this being his 3rd convention) says – all white day.

I shifted my focus from just absorbing information and taking notes a step further with self-reflection and meditation. All of this started with one little hashtag phrase our out-going National President, Marsha Grady, used as a theme in her opening speech – #YOLO.

I will admit for a tech and social media savvy 31 year old who works with college women I had yet to hear or pay attention to this particular hashtag. During Marsha’s speech I learned it was an acronym for You Only Live Once and is often used when you tweet about doing something really great or doing something just the opposite, making just as much of a mistake. In her speech she pointed out that most use the hashtag for the latter. It was the story of her son’s high school senior class that used the term to take a horrible situation that they experienced and turn it into a positive by making their senior Year the best it could be with only positive outcomes as their legacy to their high school and community.

Outgoing National President
Marsha Grady

Later at the Foundation lunch, The Alpha Chi Omega Foundation launched the “For Now For Ever”  capital campaign. I remember leaving the lunch, again, with the word legacy on my mind – but in this case how can I motivate the Alumnae Chapters and their members that I work with in Ohio to help leave some sort of financial legacy (as they are able). 

My “A Ha” moment with the word legacy came at the final night dinner as the incoming National President, Diane Wilson Blackwelder, was giving her speech.

Incoming National President
Diane Blackwelder

Her speech was an anthology of real life Alpha Chi Omega stories including her own. My personal and metaphorical light bulb finally shone so bright it burst – the legacy I can leave my fellow sisters and potential sisters is my Alpha Chi Omega story that I am currently living. My story is more than the simple went school, joined a sorority, went to class, graduated and etc… my story will show others how an organization I love so much has endured and evolved over time with many highs and lows. Alpha Chi Omega has given me my second family, priceless leadership and networking skills (my mom and I will bump each other at community social events to work the room), as well as the opportunity for me to do what I to best – coach and motivate women who will be our future leaders.

I interact with a member of Alpha Chi Omega almost everyday – I work with 2 other Alpha Chi’s, my mother is an Alpha Chi, my maid of honor and closest friends are Alpha Chi’s, many of my twitter friends are sisters I have yet to meet, and the collegiate women I advise have constant communication with me. These lovely ladies who range in age and live across the country have become part of my current story as I share my past with them. I now know what my speech will be if I am ever asked to talk at an Alpha Chi Omega event. It will be my Alpha Chi Omega story as my experiences have shaped me into the woman I am today. I mentioned having highs and lows as any good story has – such as rising above and becoming closer to my Alpha Delta Alpha Chi Omega sisters when our chapter was closed during my 2nd year of school, to the high of being honored with the Grace Daniels Outstanding Sorority Chapter Advisor Award at Miami University.

Each time I return from convention I always feel energized and wish I could bottle that feeling to give to those Alpha Chi Omegas that may have gotten lost along the way. Instead all I can do is share my story and ask what will be your legacy to give? #YOLO, so you better make it be a lasting (& positive) legacy – I know my legacy in progress will last.

Photos courtesy of Jill Moran and Greek Year Book.

Jill Chamberlain Moran is an initiate of the Alpha Delta Chapter (University of Cincinnati). Currently she serves as the Province Alumnae Chair for Ohio, Collegiate Liaison Chair for Alpha Lambda Alpha (Cincinnati), Technology Specialist – Brand Use Materials, and Chapter Advisor for Beta Tau (Miami University) for Alpha Chi Omega. Check out her blog where she has many observations and (mostly humorous) insights in her everyday life of a graphic designer and follow her on twitter or find her on facebook.

Inspired by Convention: Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement Part 3

Welcome to the seventh post in the "Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention" series. Thank you, Jessica Mace, for her generosity in providing a three-part series, themed Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement, including part three today: Achievement.

If you spend any amount of time with me, you find out very quickly that I’m a fan of lists. I love lists, folders, goal setting… all of it! It makes me happy, gives me purpose, and stops me from watching Dance Moms marathons every day.

Well, about two years ago, I had this really neat idea. What if we gathered all of the Alpha Chi’s who have connections to the military and make a virtual alumnae group? Wouldn’t that be amazing?! I thought so, and started sharing with a few people. Minus a few naysayers (They thought we wouldn’t get enough people… HA! 40+members and counting!), everyone was on board. I was even featured as a Real. Strong. Woman of the Month on the Alpha Chi Omega website. National Headquarters provided me as much exposure as they could…but for whatever reason we just couldn’t reach the right people. So the idea was tabled for awhile, but it stayed on my list of goals.

Fast-forward two years, new sisters came in (HUGE shout out to Gina Fox and Liza Hallsten), and we’re finally off the ground! Each new chapter gets installed…some it’s just a matter of getting your certificate in the mail, others have a ceremony. The challenge of a military chapter is that we are literally everywhere. There was no way we could have a ceremony with people attending…UNLESS it was at Convention. We were approved by National Council at their final meeting for 2010-2012, allowing us to be installed in July at Convention!

Friday night, following the Alumnae Initiation, Carol Lutz and Gina Fox installed our military alumnae chapter. At some point during the ceremony, I teared up. I blame it on deploymones (n. the extra surge of hormones and emotions that become nearly impossible to deal with when your husband is deployed). But in actuality, it was just a big moment for both me and the sisters there. Having the chapter installed by the 2012 Convention was my Big Hairy Audacious Goal. And it was complete!

This achievement isn’t something any one of us did. It can attributed to the strength of Alpha Chi Omega, and the military supporters within it. I tried to do it on my own, and it wouldn’t come together. I added the help of my sisters, and it was achieved.

These three moments defined my convention experience. There are so many more that I would love to discuss, so many that impacted me. If you haven’t already, start saving for Convention 2014. I can’t imagine how the experience could get any better, but I’m not going to miss out on the opportunity to find out.

Jessica Mace is an initiate of Gamma Tau chapter at Oklahoma City University. A certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she currently serves as Volunteer Placement Coordinator for Alpha Chi Omega, and Vice President of Pi Sigma Pi, Stars and Stripes Alumnae Chapter. Follow her on twitter at @JessicaAMace, and ‘like’ her on facebook at www.facebook.com/JMaceFitness

Like Stars and Stripes Alumnae Chapter on facebook
http://axostarsandstripes.weebly.com/

Inspired by Convention: Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement Part 2

Welcome to the sixth post in the "Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention" series. Thank you, Jessica Mace, for her generosity in providing a three-part series, themed Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement, including part two today: Devotion. 

Right after I graduated from college, I moved to a small town in North Carolina that didn't have an alumnae chapter. The closest one was a little over an hour way, so it wasn’t really in the cards to do much with it right away. As I slowly went batty from lack of things to do (did I mention that my husband deployed as soon as we got here?!), I went on the Alpha Chi website and looked for volunteer opportunities. I saw one that seemed intriguing—Volunteer Placement Coordinator. I immediately applied and was delighted to receive the position. I figured I’d do a little bit to help, and that’d be it. I had no idea the opportunities I'd be given to  grow, connect, and develop.

One such opportunity came up this spring: My very first convention, and I was asked to present a session called Volun-Tour with my counterpart, Laura Sanders, the Training and Recognition Coordinator. Our goal was to give people a look into what volunteering is like-both at the national and local level.

Jessica (right) with her counterpart, Laura
(left) and Kassie Kissinger, Director of Life-
time Engagement (center).

I won't lie, I didn't think we'd have many people come to the session. I thought that since it was an intro to volunteering, most people would either a) be in the chapter president sessions, b) already be a volunteer and not feel the need to attend, or c) attend one of the other great sessions that were planned. Imagine my surprise when our little room got more and more filled...resulting in my nerves getting the best of me at the beginning of the presentation. As I was discussing structures and placement processes, I felt the calm setting in. I helped create this process, I'm the only volunteer coordinator Alpha Chi has had thus far, it's not like someone was going to jump out and call me an imposter!

At the end of the presentation, we had a Q&A session with a panel of experienced volunteers. As they talked, the thought crossed my mind about how different we all are: alumnae from all over the country, all different initiation years, all different experiences! Yet all these women come together in support of what we all have in common—the thread of sisterhood, and the commitment to give back.

You see, as a volunteer you’re not just saying “I’m an alumna now and it’s sort of expected that I give back since I did _____________________ in college.” You may be saying any number of things, from “I just moved to a new town and I know I have at least one thing in common with these women” to “I’m still living in the same town I went to college in and this works for me." The common thread though, is all of us are saying “This experience means a lot to me.” Because, why else do you volunteer? You volunteer because the cause means a lot to you, because you experienced something great and want to provide that to the next group of people.

I took the chance and got involved, and in two years I've gone to a national training, a National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Alumnae Summit, and Alpha Chi Omega Convention. I’ve met countless sisters I would have never interacted with otherwise. I've met women from NPC groups who serve as constant inspirations. Yeah, I gave back and gave my time. But what I've received has been so astronomical I couldn’t list it all without breaking Amy’s blog. Take a minute, and commit to volunteer with Alpha Chi here.

Stay tuned for tomorrow and part 3: ACHIEVEMENT

Jessica Mace is an initiate of Gamma Tau chapter at Oklahoma City University. A certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she currently serves as Volunteer Placement Coordinator for Alpha Chi Omega, and Vice President of Pi Sigma Pi, Stars and Stripes Alumnae Chapter. Follow her on twitter at @JessicaAMace, and ‘like’ her on facebook at www.facebook.com/JMaceFitness

Inspired by Convention: Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement Part 1

Welcome to the fifth post in the "Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention" series. Thank you, Jessica Mace, for your generosity in providing a three-part series, themed Wisdom, Devotion, Achievement. 

This was my very first convention. When Amy asked me to reflect back on a moment from it, so much came to mind: I thought of the experience of rooming with sisters I have never met in real life; I thought of connecting with a sister I had never spent time in chapter with but who has known my husband longer than I have. I thought of sitting with one of my greatest role models and changing the conversation, of nerves before presenting for the first time, and of tears at seeing one of my BHAG’s (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) come true. Ultimately, it was these last three I couldn’t help but write about. These are moments that shaped me, that inspired me, and that developed me.

I’m splitting these up into three separate posts —Wisdom, Devotion, and Achievement —so that I can give each one the attention it deserves.

(WISDOM)

Starting with Wisdom: Changing the conversation. On Monday we had a presentation by Caroline Heldman and a screening of the film Miss Representation. If you haven’t seen it-go do so now! It’s available on iTunes  (here). Not only is the subject matter fascinating and necessary, but I had the privilege of sitting next to one of my Alpha Chi role models during it, Jari Askins. Jari has been very involved in Oklahoma politics, from State Senate to serving as Lieutenant Governor (2007-2011). She is my Alpha Chi role model, and a role model of mine in general.

One of the areas the documentary covered is woman on woman competition. We are so hard on each other. You see a woman at a stoplight, and before you can even think twice you are judging her. Her skirt is too tight, why is she putting it all out there like that? There’s lipstick in her teeth, does she even own a mirror? It goes on. Very rarely do you look at a female you don’t know and go “Wow, I bet she has some great insight on the BCS system.”

There would be moments in the documentary where I would look to Jari for validation, or in amazement that these statistics were true. She’d look back and nod, and sometimes add a tidbit on about how she had experienced it in one way or another in her life…and I would typically become just a little more disgusted with the world we live in.

The us is 90th in the world in having women in legislature. #missrepresentation #unacceptable #AXOatTheArch #AXOConv2012

— Jessica Mace (@JessicaAMace) July 16, 2012

The average number of news stories about women and girls is LESS THAN 20%. #disgusting #changingtheconversation #missrepresentation

— Jessica Mace (@JessicaAMace) July 16, 2012

It’s sharing in the wisdom of the sisters that came before me, in the resources and education they provide to help me grow into who I'm meant to be. It’s the little teaching moments of sisterhood that make for some of my most memorable (like the moment when Jari said, "yes, it really is that bad.").

It’s not alone seek the average, it’s together let us seek the heights. Aim high, and take your sisters with you.

Stay tuned for tomorrow and part 2: DEVOTION

Jessica Mace is an initiate of Gamma Tau chapter at Oklahoma City University. A certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, she currently serves as Volunteer Placement Coordinator for Alpha Chi Omega, and Vice President of Pi Sigma Pi, Stars and Stripes Alumnae Chapter. Follow her on twitter at @JessicaAMace, and ‘like’ her on facebook at www.facebook.com/JMaceFitness

Inspired by Convention: Melissa d'Arabian

Welcome to the fourth post in the "Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention" series! Thank you, Kelly Kilgour, for sharing what most inspired you in this guest post!

I love going to Convention. I love seeing my Twitter sisters in real life, meeting my team of specialists face to face, and reconnecting with my favorite Texans. Each Convention is different but still a wonderful experience. If I had only known what the weekend in St. Louis was to bring, I don't think I could have ever prepared for it. I laughed, cried, and reflected more in those 96 hours than I probably had my entire life. This Convention was the absolute best I have attended, in so many ways. Because it would turn into a novel if I tried to write about everything that inspired me, I'm just going to focus on the one person who inspired me the most: Melissa d'Arabian.

Melissa first spoke to us during her acceptance of the Award of Achievement, given to outstanding alumnae who have made significant contributions in their field or profession. It was a teaser speech of what was about to come later at the National Housing Corporation (NHC) lunch, but I didn't know it yet. She spoke fondly of Alpha Chi Omega at Vermont and the support she received when she lost her mother at only 20 years old.

I'll admit, I hadn't watched her season of Food Network Star. After she won, I heard that she is an Alpha Chi Omega. I watched her show a few times, but I didn't know much more about her than that she was a stay at home mom who won a reality TV show with a prize of a show on the Food Network.

During her speech at the NHC lunch, I learned about Melissa's life and why she does the things she does. She grew up with a sister and her single mother, and watched as her mother put herself through medical school to give her daughters a better life. Melissa then lost her mom to suicide. Before marrying her husband and having four children, Melissa earned her MBA and worked in consulting and finance. There was so much more to this woman than I had ever imagined.

Through what seemed like years of deep introspection, Melissa was able to articulate beautifully how to live each day to the fullest. Her goal was to give us one lesson and two challenges, but I instead gained a longer list of wisdom from her:

• Lesson: You take you with you wherever you go. Happiness is an inside job.
• Challenge: Take 3 minutes and develop your personal life mission. Then, don't do anything that doesn't further your personal life mission.
• Challenge: Know what's really important to you, then allocate your resources to that.
• Life is easier when you sit in the front row.
• I want to raise women who know that it's okay to say "no" to people and still love them.
• We don't need to be afraid of failure; we need to be afraid of success at the wrong thing.

I left that room of 900 people feeling like she and I had just had an intimate one-on-one conversation. I could relate to her and everything that she was saying. Thanks to the recent lengthy Atlantic article, there's been much debate lately on whether or not women can "have it all" and how to make it happen. As women, I feel that we constantly try to please and care for others long before we care for ourselves. We feel pressure to do it all and be everything to everyone, and we feel guilty if we try to sneak in some "me" time or do something that solely benefits ourselves. We find it hard to say "no" to people, and it all keeps piling higher on our plates. Millennial women are burning out before 30, before adding marriage and children into the mix. While it may seem that Melissa "has it all," she is actually just focusing on allocating her resources to what's most important to her and only saying "yes" to things that further her personal life mission.

Melissa inspired me to really think about my personal life mission and what's important to me, which is exactly what she hoped we would all do. So now I challenge all of you to do the same things. What is your personal life mission? What is important to you? How can you further your personal life mission by allocating by allocating your resources to what's most important to you?

Photo credit: Iota Psi chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, Elon University

Kelly Kilgour is an initiate of the Kappa Nu chapter (Carnegie Mellon University). She currently volunteers as the Lead Technology Specialist, helping alumnae chapters to utilize technology in new ways. She is also the president of the Chi Chi (Pittsburgh, PA) alumnae chapter and the finance advisor for both Kappa Nu and Delta (Allegheny College). Follow her on twitter at @QueenKellyLynn.

Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention: Alumnae Initiation

Leslie and Jennifer both chose the Alumnae Initiation ceremony Friday evening as their most inspirational event of the 2012 Alpha Chi Omega Convention.

The new initiates.

{Kelly, Pilar, Jamila}

"Seeing the joy on the faces of these three women made me realize what an incredible experience it has been for them already - and just how much more joy they will get out of Alpha Chi Omega. I actually was so moved that I cried." - Leslie

Through the Alumna Initiate program, women who have not had a sorority experience during their college years can apply or be recommended for membership in Alpha Chi Omega. Once accepted for membership, each candidate receives an Alumna Educator who works with her to prepare her for the Initiation Ceremony, sharing our history and heritage as well as our values and expectations. [Read more about the experience of being an Alumna Educator in this post.] Alumnae chapters and collegiate chapters both initiate alumnae members; at Convention, Sigma Sigma alumnae chapter hosted the ceremony.

Leslie reflects on her experience:

As Alumna Educator Coordinator, I've worked with the Alumna Educators to provide the Prospective Alumna Members with a consistent and quality education program. It's been a great experience. I've had the opportunity to witness one of my closest friends initiated by the Beta Rho (American) chapter as an Alumna Initiate. 

Every time I participate in or observe initiation, I have the opportunity to focus on a different part of the ritual. But there was something about experiencing the Alumna Initiation ceremony that really spoke to me. 

Given my work with the Alumna Initate program, this was one of the most inspiring parts of the weekend for me - seeing the education of these women culminate in their initiation, and getting to be a part of it by attending the ceremony. 

I was particularly moved to see Kelly Kirchoff receive her pin from her daughter. One of the successes of the program has been the reverse legacy - daughters sponsoring their mothers or even grandmothers.

Jennifer noted that being a part of the Initiation ceremony the first night set the perfect tone for the rest of Convention:

What an amazing event that encompasses all we are as Alpha Chi Omega women. It renews our bonds, extends the bonds to other Real. Strong. Women., allows us to sing (love that!) and gives you a happy glow.

It was especially exciting for me at the Reunion Night Dinner when I sat next to my chapter's assistant vice president for recruitment Arielle. She expressed that her interest and excitement in attending Clemson and joining a sorority stemmed from her aunt. I inquired about her aunt and Arielle told me she had graduated from Clemson (the same year as me!) and was the COO of a company and a practicing industrial engineer. I put down my fork right then and RAN to the table in the lobby with all the Alumnae Initiate material to share. Arielle texted her aunt after I returned and her aunt was both honored, thrilled and excited to start down the path of becoming an Alpha Chi Omega!

Those of you who know Jennifer well will be able to picture her running to the lobby full of excitement! She completed her thoughts by sharing:

I love the amazing, 'I'm bursting inside with WDA feeling!' that comes from Convention!

[Alpha Chi Omega is centered around wisdom, devotion, and achievement (WDA): three ideals our founders highly valued and that we strive toward in our daily lives.]

Learn more about the Alumna Initiate program here.

Thank you, Leslie, for the photo, which is courtesy of and was taken by Pat Logan, Chair of the National Alumna Initiate Panel. And thank you, sisters, for sharing your thoughts with us!

Leslie Abramsky Block is an initiate of Theta Tau chapter (Rutgers University) who serves as the Alumna Educator Coordinator for Alpha Chi Omega. A long-time member of the Alpha Epsilon Alpha alumnae chapter, she is currently working with other Rutgers sisters to form a virtual alumnae chapter for Theta Tau alumnae. Follow her on twitter @snaphappy.

Jennifer Sue Butler Harris is an initiate of Theta Lambda chapter (Clemson University). She gives generously of her time, serving on Epsilon Tau Epsilon alumnae chapter's Executive Board and advising Beta Eta (Florida State University) and Gamma Iota (University of Florida) chapters. Follow her on twitter @jennsueb.

Inspired by Convention: Changing the Conversation Requires Real Strong Voices

Welcome to the second post in the "Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention" series. Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing stories of how Convention inspired us.

Ever since I learned we would be screening Miss Representation at Convention, I had been looking forward to seeing the film and hearing one of the professors featured in the film speak. I was not prepared for how moving sharing this experience with sisters would be.

Monday morning, Dr. Caroline Heldman, Associate Professor and Chair of the Politics Department at Occidental College, delivered a keynote titled "Time to Represent the Real Me." In a thoroughly academic and completely engaging way, she taught us about sexual objectification in the media and how it reduces our power as women.

"If objectification is the process of representing or treating a person like an object, then sexual objectification is the process of representing or treating a person like a sex object, one that serves another’s sexual pleasure." (source)

The first step is identifying the problem. Dr. Heldman shared her Sex Object Test: if you answer yes to any of 7 questions (see the full list with examples here), there is sexual objectification present.

The second step is knowing how damaging exposure to these images can be to women and girls.

"women who grow up in a culture with widespread sexual objectification tend to view themselves as objects of desire for others. This internalized sexual objectification has been linked to problems with mental health (e.g., clinical depression, “habitual body monitoring”), eating disorders, body shame, self-worth and life satisfaction, cognitive functioning, motor functioning, sexual dysfunction, access to leadership, and political efficacy. Women of all ethnicities internalize objectification, as do men to a far lesser extent." (source)

Dr. Heldman went through each item on the list, defined it for us, and for a few, shared examples from research. [Note each one on the list is a link you can follow to learn more.] The item that really hit home for me was political efficacy and realizing how fixated the media is on the appearance of women in general and political candidates especially. Seeing the way respected news organizations talked about Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin during the 2008 election was eye-opening.

Being able now to identify the issue and the harm it is causing, Dr. Heldman gave us ways to improve our mental health: four daily rituals of our objectification culture we can stop engaging in. See all four (stop seeking male attention; stop consuming damaging media; stop playing negative internal tapes; stop competing with other women) in detail here.

"When you see a woman who triggers competitiveness, practice active love instead. Smile at her. Go out of your way to talk to her. Do whatever you can to dispel the notion that female competition is the natural order. If you see a woman who appears to embrace the male attention game, instead of judging her, recognize the pressure that produces this and go out of your way to accept and love her." (source) (See also 4 Daily Rituals to Start)

We had two opportunities to see Miss Representation with Dr. Heldman introducing the film and answering questions after. The screening I attended was packed and the energy in the room was palpable.

Miss Representation 8 min. Trailer 8/23/11 from Miss Representation on Vimeo.

I left the room feeling so full of love for Alpha Chi Omega. I found myself

• Inspired by our national organization's leadership and staff who incorporate our mission and values into so much of what we do - offering lifelong learning opportunities; helping us be more real, even stronger women; giving us the tools to find our voices, become better advocates, and create lasting cultural change (and maybe even change the conversation along the way); 
• Fired up by the collegiate and alumnae sisters in the room who shared their experiences as students, mothers and volunteers, who asked wonderful thoughtful questions about the film, and who expressed their desire to bring change to their campuses and their communities; 
• Inspired all over again by Alpha Chi Omega's Executive Director, Cheri O'Neill, when she set the bar with her marching orders to each of us in the room. As CEO of an almost multi-million dollar enterprise, she reminded us that just as she is a leader, we are ALL leaders: we all have a responsibility to make the world a better place and Alpha Chi Omega expects us to get out there and do it. 

I hope you'll take the opportunity to see Miss Representation (it's available on itunes here), like Miss Representation on facebook here and learn more/take action to help hold media accountable here.

Inspired by Convention: Changing Perspectives, Changing the Conversation

Welcome to the "Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention" series! Thank you, Lee Anne White, for your thoughtful insights and for providing our first guest post!

This was my third convention, which means I finally got to wear one of those “silver thingies” on my head at the Olympian lunch. When I think back on my first two conventions, the big moments are what first come to mind—the introduction of the Real. Strong. Women. branding program in 2008 and hearing the voices of our founders for the first time at our 125^th anniversary in 2010. And, of course, I’ll never forget the first time I walked into the convention hall—realizing just how big this was and seeing all of those banners flying overhead.

Yet, I agree with Amy—somehow, this convention felt different. And I believe it is best characterized by a quiet moment shared with the younger women representing our chapter who traveled to convention with me. A little concerned about the serious looks on their faces, I inquired about how they were doing and whether or not they were enjoying convention. “Oh, yes!” they said, lighting up. “This is amazing. We just never realized how inwardly focused we were as a chapter—that Alpha Chi Omega is so much more than we had ever imagined. We plan to attend all conventions from now on!” Indeed, they are already laying plans to meet in Palm Desert and mapping out a post-convention road trip to see Shania Twain perform in Las Vegas. They are also looking ahead to their future involvement with Alpha Chi Omega and have already begun connecting with sisters of all ages from all over the country.

Back on campus—even when we’re heavily focused on philanthropy and campus involvement—it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own chapter and its activities. When you attend convention, you realize that this isn’t just about your chapter or your collegian years. It gives new meaning to the concept of sisterhood for a lifetime. And at this convention, Alpha Chi Omega was not focused on itself, but on the bigger picture—really honing in on the role of both the fraternity and women in the world today, with outstanding speakers delivering powerful messages about domestic violence, the sexual objectification of women, leadership, and living a meaningful life. It was not only inspiring, but thought provoking and empowering as well.

My collegian days are well behind me. Admittedly, friends look at me funny when I tell them I am a sorority advisor. “Haven’t you outgrown sororities yet?” they clearly want to ask. I tend to respond by explaining that it’s not about “sorority.” It’s about helping young women discover their talents, abilities and potential, and helping them grow into leaders who will help shape our communities and the world. But maybe it’s about sorority, too—because it is our ritual that bonds us as sisters and that guides our daily thoughts and actions. Together, as collegians and alumnae, we will seek the heights!

Lee Anne White is the advisor for Tau Chapter, which recently celebrated its Centennial year at The Women’s College at Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. She blogs daily about women, creativity and living authentically at www.HerOwnWay.com. Follow her on twitter @leeannewhite and “like” her facebook page: Her Own Way.

Inspired by Alpha Chi Omega Convention

I am inspired by my Twitter sisters!

I always come home from Alpha Chi Omega Convention feeling inspired but this time feels different to me - somehow more deeply inspiring on many levels. Instead of giving a day-by-day report on Convention and the events we enjoyed, I plan to share some of the moments, people and events that inspired me the most.

In making this plan, it occurred to me that sisters have different perspectives than I have and that it would be fun to hear what inspired them. If you were at Alpha Chi Omega Convention in St. Louis and have an inspirational moment to share, you are invited to write a guest blog post for this series!

If a post of your own sounds intimidating, we could chat about your inspiring moment and then use our interview as the basis for an article.

Because there is so much to reflect on post-Convention and because it is fun to keep that Convention glow going for awhile, my tentative plan is to post one or two "Inspired by Convention" post a week for the next several weeks (give or take depending on how many guest posts are written).

Ideally, the posts will focus on a single event, moment or person and go into specifics about how that event, moment or person inspired the author. For some, there will be take home messages/lessons - the key points that stick with us and perhaps change our thinking or behavior.

Comment below with your thoughts, or tweet or email me!

Update 8/16/2012:
Eight Inspired by Alpha Chi Convention posts are now available (click title to view):
Changing Perspectives, Changing the Conversation
Inspired by "Time to Represent the Real Me"
Inspired by Alumnae Initiation
Inspired by Melissa d'Arabian
Inspired by Wisdom, Devotion & Achievement Part 1
Inspired by Wisdom, Devotion & Achievement Part 2
Inspired by Wisdom, Devotion & Achievement Part 3
Inspired by #YOLO: What Is Your Legacy?
Inspired by Chapter Consultants

Who Are Your Stars in 2012?

One of my favorite Alpha Chi Omega Convention traditions is Star Booth. For a small donation, you can honor the sisters who have touched your life or inspired you.

All the funds raised support the mission of Alpha Chi Omega Foundation - helping sisters learn and grow, assisting survivors of domestic violence and the agencies that serve them, and commemorating our musical heritage through support of the MacDowell Colony.
When you purchase a star (which you can do online here), Foundation sends an email to the recipient on your behalf. This is new this year and it's been fun receiving stars in my inbox. Convention attendees also get stars to wear on their name tags, and I've traditionally mostly bought stars for women I know are attending but I thought this year it would be fun to recognize four young sisters who are devoting time to making a difference in the world.

The first three are 2012 graduates of my home chapter, Zeta Upsilon, at Case Western Reserve University, all of whom were selected for Teach for America. They are training now and will teach children in underprivileged schools for 2 years, starting this fall: Abi in Oklahoma; Candace second grade in New Mexico; and Erin high school English in Memphis.

Abi, Erin and Candace at Alpha Chi Recruitment this winter. 

If you're not familiar with Teach for America, learn more here. Also, follow along as Erin is blogs her training and teaching experience here. 

My fourth inspirational sister is Victoria. Another Zeta Upsilon alumna, she graduated CWRU in 2011 and after completing her masters in Engineering and Management this spring, is spending the summer cycling across the US with Bike & Build.

Bike & Build organizes cross-country bicycle trips which benefit affordable housing groups.
Specifically, we fund projects planned and executed by young adults. Over the past 9 seasons we have donated more than $3.3MM; built for more than 100,000 hours; pedaled over 5MM miles; and engaged more than 1500 young adults in spreading the word about the affordable housing crisis in America.

Victoria's journey will take her from Providence, Rhode Island to Seattle, Washington. Along the way, the team will take breaks from riding and participate in building projects made possible by their fundraising.

Victoria in Pennsylvania en route to Seattle

Follow along with Victoria here and see the route (and where she is today (until August 21) here.


Who inspires you? Recognize her with a star here: http://www.axostarbooth.com/

See also
Who Are Your Stars? Don't miss the great comments
Alpha Chi Omega Star Booth

Women Who Make America

I was introduced to this great series of 10 short (3-5 minute) videos of Makers: Women Who Make America by the blog Her Own Way which is the brainchild of my friend Lee Anne. She shared the story of Kathrine Switzer who was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, in 1967.

I have watched and would recommend all ten in the series and as an example will share this one from Sheryl Sandberg, COO of facebook:

Watch Sheryl Sandberg on PBS. See more from Makers: Women Who Make America.

Thinking about Chairs for the Kitchen

I've been thinking about having a little seating area on the left hand side of the kitchen, between the table and the hallway. The space is just sitting there empty (or will be once the hood is installed and the boxes are out of the way!)

Here's a chair I saw that I think might look nice in the space:

Actually I was thinking a pair of chairs with a small table (or lamp?) between them...

Thinking Aloud about Rugs for the Kitchen

Not entirely sure exactly where we'll need/want rugs in the kitchen but here are some I like.

I like the colors in this one from Overstock.com and at 8x10 it's probably big enough to go under the table but it has a 1/2 inch pile so it might be harder to clean. It also comes in a 5x8 size so it might be good for a side area

This rug is in a similar color palette (also from Overstock):

For inside the back doors and in front of the refrigerator, we need heavy duty rugs that can stand getting wet (and dirty, especially coming in from outside). Here are some indoor/outdoor options:

This one comes in a set of three 2'4x4'4 rugs (and also in a little bit larger size 3'6x5'6)

This set is the little sister of the set above:

This 3'11x5'7 rug is a little more subdued but I like the pattern:

This one has lots of pattern and is (although it doesn't look it) also indoor/outdoor. It's 3'x5'

What do you think?

Memo Boards, Magnetic Boards, Cork Boards...

Because our new refrigerator is stainless steel, it's not magnetic and therefore will not be home to the many and varied items that arrive on our doorstep. From party invites to school calendars, postcards to baby announcements, there are just some things you want to be able to see and share. So my plan is to make/build/create a bulletin board in the back hallway that is our pantry/utility room/laundry room (also soon to have a fourth purpose as the mud room/shoe storage area). I want it to be big and it would be great if it was part cork and part magnetic. To this end I've been looking for inspiration. Here are some of the favorites I've found:

House and Home magazine has a fun DIY video on upgrading an office supply store cork board with paint, trim and ribbon. Watch it here. (Wish it was embeddable!) Here's a sample:

Centsational Girl had a great post Friday on building a custom bulletin board - and she built both a fabric one and a magnetic one: 

Both of these sources are great ones as they have really specific instructions about the tools and supplies you need and step-by-step instructions so you could truly "do it yourself." I love the row of hooks Centsational Girl added below her fabric board and how she customized it to the space available. And I love the use of ribbon in both examples. 

Here are my favorite bulletin board inspiration pics from houzz.com:

amy_z's bulletin board inspiration

Houzz- Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design and More»

Browse by Space and Style- For Example:

Traditional Kitchen · Contemporary Bathroom · Contemporary Living Room · Modern Bedroom · Modern Dining Room · Traditional Homes · Eclectic Patio · Contemporary Landscaping ·

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New York Architect · Seattle Interior Designer · New York Contractor · New York Landscaping ·

Houzz Comes Thru Again

Saw this photo this morning and couldn't believe how much it looks like what we are planning for our kitchen! Ignore the red accent wall... and the wall of windows... and our hood looks different but the floors, counters and cabinets are "on point" (as T's fav tv chef, Guy Fieri, loves to say).

modern kitchen design by los angeles general contractor Zieba Builders, Inc.

Thinking about the Entryway

We have a little alcove in our entryway that is almost five feet across. A little bookshelf used to live there but we're thinking (or rather, Simply Southern suggested) we put something more interesting there. What do you think about a bench like this one from Crate & Barrel?

We have a mirror that hangs on the wall, above the chair rail. Here's a picture that shows the area (before we started this project):

And here's how the space looks now. It's definitely a "during" picture - the floor is done, and the baseboards are painted, but the chair rail, crowning molding and walls still await the paint. To the left is the coat closet and to the right is a little (linen?) closet in the hallway. The space is just about 5 feet wide and about 30 inches deep.

Thoughts? Ideas? 

Thanks in advance!!

bulletin boards, mud room/area and houzz.com

I'm enjoying houzz.com today - it's a fun site that lets you save design inspiration photos in idea books. Here's an example - in our pantry/utility room/laundry room there will be space between the built-in pantry shelving and the hot water heater for a "mud room area" where we can store our shoes and bags and backpacks. This photo is full of good ideas - I like the bench on top of the shoe storage - so you have a place to sit down to put your shoes back on - that's genius! :)

traditional entry design

See my ideabooks at http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/amy_z

Faucets and Fixtures

My posts this week have been so boring (at least to me - maybe the paint fumes are starting to get to me?? lol) so I thought I would share some of the "little" things we're looking at for the kitchen.

For the faucet, no one will be surprised that I like this Delta faucet with Touch2O technology. It has the pull-down sprayer too with a little magnet in it for easy retraction. Learn more about it here. I think we can get it for a lot less than the list price - I saw it in a design magazine at $360.

For the bathroom, these are my favorites so far (towel ring on top/left, tp holder on bottom/right, Pegasus Dorset series in chrome):

I'm also on the hunt for 28 inch high bar stools (the seat at that height, I mean). There are a lot at 24 and 30 but for our 36 inch countertop, I think 28 inch is what we need.) I saw some metal cute ones at Crate & Barrel but they only come in 24" and 30"! This might fill the bill:

"The durable metal frame of each stool is coated with an old steel finish for a timeless, antique look. Every counter stool swivels 360 degrees for complete mobility and has a distressed brown faux leather seat." 26" high

The Kitchen Project Begins!

Monday the demo begins - lots of flooring to remove - and lots of "stuff" to move before then. We have a basic layout decided, and are just about ready to sign off on the new flooring (medium red oak). Next decision is what the cabinets should look like. We have some different zones set up on the floor plan, and of course my favorite is the baking center!

Inspiration pics:

Baking center from Better Homes and Gardens has drawers on the bottom for spices and a cabinet above with space for all the other baking ingredients, bowls and measuring cups. Not sure I want to give up the counter space though!

I like the open look of this baking center from KitchenBathIdeas:

I'd like some marble for rolling out dough... but probably not acres of it! Not sure we need all our baking materials on display either.