International President Kate Halfon (Eta Delta-CSU East Bay)
Growing up, my parents emphasized the importance of volunteering and helping others. It was just expected of us kids, and they led by example. So, naturally, while I was in college, I embraced the idea that Alpha Phi is not just four years, but for life, and I set out to volunteer in a variety of ways. Whether I was volunteering for Alpha Phi or other organizations, these roles gave me opportunities to meet new people, learn new skills, mentor others and so much more. At the board table, we discuss volunteering and alumnae engagement on a regular basis. How do we engage with our members? How many members volunteer? What can we do to connect more women back to Alpha Phi? In doing some research, I came across data from Americorp that showed more than 28 percent of Americans (about 75.7 million people) formally volunteered for an organization between September 2022 and 2023, which is an increase from the year prior. In total, these volunteers served an estimated 4.99 billion hours — an average of 66 hours per person (or 8.25 business days). For all the volunteers I talk to, they do it because they have a belief in the organization they are serving. They want to make a difference, and, in most cases, they have fun doing so. In this issue, you will read about the impact of volunteering and how vital it is to our organization. As you reflect on the role volunteering plays in your own life, think about how Alpha Phi may fit into your plans. I am sure many of you look back on those college years as some of the best times in your life. You all heard the words, “sisterhood for a lifetime.” I challenge you to think about what that means and how you can continue to support
your sisterhood. In Alpha Phi, we have volunteer opportunities both large and small for every phase of life, and I encourage you to check out ways to get involved by visiting alphaphi.org/ volunteer. My volunteer experience with Alpha Phi helped me in all aspects of my life. It has increased my skills related to communication, conflict management and leadership more than any other job or organization I have been involved with. Leadership became a passion I did not know I needed or wanted when I joined Alpha Phi, but it has helped me accomplish so much. I am thrilled that Alpha Phi continues to offer amazing leadership opportunities for both our collegiate officers and volunteers. We just wrapped up our annual leadership conferences in February with back-to-back weekends in Denver and a virtual weekend, as well, training over 1,800 members. My favorite part was seeing all of our members come together to learn and grow as women, as leaders and as sisters of the same organization. We had chapter officer-specific small group sessions, an inspirational keynote with Dr. Lori Hart, award ceremonies, fun at the pep rally and time for our new officers to bond with their teams while planning out the next year. I always leave those weekends with a full heart knowing our chapters are in good hands and many of these women will go on to do big things in their communities.
Loyally,
Kate Halfon (Eta Delta-CSU East Bay) International President
Ex-officio: Rebecca Andrew Zanatta, Foundation Chair Foundation Directors Rebecca Andrew Zanatta, Chair Janelle Del Carlo, Vice Chair, Development Jackee Schools, Vice Chair, Funding Priorities Claire Costin, Treasurer Shana Goss Smith, Secretary Barbara Chappell Tingley, Assistant Treasurer Janis Coughlin-Piester, Assistant Secretary
Linda Schnetzer Executive Director Ex-officio: Kathleen (Kate) Boyle Halfon, International President Executive Office Executive Director: Renee Smith Zimmerman Zainer
International Executive Board Kate Boyle Halfon International President Billie Coskey Battiato Dawn Kreisel Bauer Karen Bloch Bavender Christen Bamford Shelton Flamm Jenny Concepción Hansen
Foundation Office Executive Director: Linda Schnetzer 1985 S. Josephine Street Denver, Colorado 80210 (847) 475-4532
info@alphaphifoundation.org www.alphaphifoundation.org National Panhellenic Conference
Elizabeth MeLampy Keri Miller Van Acker Ex-officio: Laura Malley-Schmitt, Council of Delegates Ex-officio: Renee Zimmerman Zainer, Executive Director
1985 S. Josephine Street Denver, Colorado 80210 (847) 475-0663 fraternity@alphaphi.org www.alphaphi.org
Council of Delegates: Laura Malley-Schmitt Chief Panhellenic Officer: Linda Long Boland Alternate Delegate: Laura Lynn Davidson Ellett
Susan McNeice Sheryl Barden Dara Goldsmith Jennifer Johnston
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