Central Region Chapter Programs

St. Louis Metropolitan Chapters Host 2nd Annual Health Fair

The Platform V Committees of three chapters in St. Louis, MO (Gamma Omega, Omicron Eta Omega and Omicron Theta Omega chapters) collaborated to sponsor their 2nd Annual "Fall into Health" Community Health Fair. It was attended by over 100 adults and children.

During the health fair, participants were able to take advantage of free screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, lead, and HIV/Aids. The Visiting Nurses Association provided flu shots, Logan Chiropractic College interns gave spinal and posture assessments, fitness companies provided workouts and exercises, and there was line dancing and a character development program for young girls. Additionally, there was an anti-aging demonstration, information for senior citizens on changes to Medicare Part D, prostate cancer and fingerprinting and ID's for kids.

Representatives from the Lupus Foundation, American Heart Association and Head Start were also present to round out the group of exhibitors.

"Real Men Wear Pink" for Gary, IN Chapter

Combining the Sorority's ESP Platforms II & V, members of the Gary, IN chapter (Sigma Phi Omega) presented the first annual fashion showcase and dinner entitled "Real Men Wear Pink." Over 450 guests attended the premiere event, which was to raise awareness of breast cancer in both males and females.

The showcase featured a 23-member all-male modeling troupe that included fraternity members, firemen, policemen, educators, entrepreneurs, fitness trainers, steelworkers and public officials, including the mayor of Gary. Models sporting fashionable pink attire wowed and entertained the audience with their modeling skills.

Partnerships were formed with Bachrach and K & G clothing stores, which donated many of the outfits modeled.

Two local men were honored with plaques for the care they provided their loved ones who suffered from breast cancer. Twenty breast cancer survivors in attendance were pinned with ribbons and presented with a cancer survivor medallion, courtesy of the American Cancer Society. Charitable donations were presented to the Princess Nikky Foundation of Africa and the Gary Community Health Center. Additionally, guests were provided with the opportunity to shop and support local black-owned business vendors. Chapter members complimented their pink clad models by wearing green formals.

Proceeds of the event benefit the Chapter's innovative programs and unique second semester scholarships. The Chapter has hopeful models and guests eagerly anticipating the 2nd Annual "Real Men Wear Pink" Fashion Showcase & Dinner.

Markham, IL Chapter Hosts Its Second Annual "Real Men Are Financially Astute"

The AKA chapter in Markham, IL (Theta Rho Omega) implemented Platform II—Economic Keys to Success—by teaming with Darrell G. Smith of Merrill Lynch Financial and Quinn Riley, CEO of Teen Wealth Group and Manager of Financial Literacy for the Chicago Urban League to present its second annual financial literacy seminar for teenagers (primarily minority males). The "Real Men Are Financially Astute" seminar was held at the Bradford Anderson Oglesby Public Library in Markham, IL, which bears the name of Dorothy Bradford, one of the Chapter’s charter members.

Markham, IL chapter VP, Andrea Sanders, and participants of the Earn-Save-Prosper-Save Kids Club "Real Men Are Financially Astute" seminar

The seminar was free and open to the public. A diverse group of participants were first introduced to the basics of consumerism, money, banking and credit, including role playing. The young participants were given the opportunity to "earn" dollars as they applied their newly acquired knowledge. They had to understand and make correct decisions regarding credit card interest rates and fees, banking interest rate earnings and making good use of money vs. charge cards, while being wise consumers. They also learned the basics of entrepreneurship—developing an entrepreneurial mind-set and business plan; the concepts of supply and demand; marketing one's self and exploring the types of services customers will pay for.

This was a rare opportunity for young people to have exposure to minority financial professionals. All attendees received certificates of participation under the auspices of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.'s "Earn Save Prosper Kids Club."

St. Louis Chapter Participates in Annual Family Week

The Gamma Omega Chapter in St. Louis, MO recently became the first area sorority to collaborate with Better Family Life, a community support organization, in its annual Family Week. This novel program provides resources, opportunities and activities that uplift and enhance the growth of the Black family. The activity parallels ESP Platform III-The Economic Growth of the Black Family.

On the final day of the community event, members of Gamma Omega worked diligently to promote the ESP theme of the day, "Energizing Successful Parenting." By plugging into various community resources, members presented information that focused on the spiritual, educational, mental and physical well-being of the Black family, including strategies on effective parenting. Each participating family received a Parent Resource Guide and completed a survey that will assist the Sorority and Better Family Life in targeting resources to support parenting and family needs.

In addition, members of the Chapter's Connection Committee conducted voter registration, to ensure each eligible family member was registered to vote in the Nov. 4th election.

Gamma Omega Chapter was commended by administrators of Better Family Life for its work in helping to make Family Week a success.

Milwaukee Chapter Sponsors Money Camp

Inspired by the emphasis on Economics and Partnership as embraced by the ESP program, members of Upsilon Mu Omega joined with the Milwaukee Public Library to sponsor the first AKA Money Camp for Kids. Middle school students participated in such diverse activities as financial workshops and field trips, where the objectives centered on making them more money savvy.

In accordance with that, the objectives of the Camp were to: (1) teach basic banking skills, budgeting, credit management and entrepreneurship; (2) provide information on stocks and bonds and how the stock market works; (3) expose students to various careers and information from local entrepreneurs; and (4) develop presentation and communications skills.

Chapter members joined with community volunteers and local entrepreneurs to conduct the courses. Participants each received free back packs, t-shirts and lunch.

After graduating from the AKA Money Camp, students were offered $10 to open or add to their own savings account.