It definitely pays to wear a little something Kappa when traveling—pays in friendship, that is. Maybe it’s your KKG luggage tag or an iris tote—whatever your Kappa symbol, it’s almost guaranteed to elicit a conversation in a public place with “Are you a Kappa?”
Kappas are travelers—from traveling across the U.S. and Canada for Biennial Convention, to journeys with Kappa Travels—to traveling or moving abroad and meeting other Kappas through Keys Overseas. We’ve experienced other cultures, tried new foods, taken hundreds of thousands of photographs and met new friends.
Ashley, on an adventure overseas!
We rack up frequent flier miles. We’ve perfected the art of getting through airport security in a reasonable amount of time. Occasionally, we run into Kappas in airports and in foreign countries. Ashley, a Kappa alumna from Illinois Wesleyan, described her travel abroad experience:
“In May 2004, I had the opportunity to study abroad in various cities around China, including Hong Kong. The trip sparked a desire to teach overseas … In August 2010, I moved 8,000 miles away from the only place I’d ever called home to Hong Kong … This experience has been full of amazing opportunities, the chance to meet great friends (including several Kappas!) and discover so many things about myself!”
Even in Hong Kong Ashley was able to find Kappas! Are you studying abroad or moving abroad? You’re not alone! Join our Keys Overseas Facebook group to connect with Kappas in other parts of the world!
By Stephanie Mathias, West Virginia, Fraternity PR Chairman
Following, liking, friending, pinning, trending, hashtagging – the list goes on! These terms that seemed unfamiliar just a few years ago are now part of our everyday language. There’s no doubt that social media has brought a new dynamic to the way we communicate and exchange ideas, and the Fraternity is no exception. We love (not just “like”) all of the interaction we’re able to enjoy through photos shared, achievements tweeted, and inspirations pinned. It used to be that we had to wait until a biennial Province Meeting or Convention to connect with Kappas outside of our geographical area, but social media has changed the way and frequency with which we’re able to interact with each other.
Each social media outlet provides a unique opportunity to connect with Kappa. It is our goal to inspire readers through our stories posted on our blog. (We’re always searching for guest bloggers!) Twitter has been invaluable in sharing the news we’re hearing from coast to coast with short and sweet tweets. Through Twitter and Facebook, we’ve been able to share everything from scholastic shout-outs to philanthropic news to praise for other Panhellenic achievements. Our members can foster professional relationships through our LinkedIn group. And Pinterest … well, we’re continuing to evaluate the most effective way to utilize it, but in the meantime, we’re having fun, getting inspired, and we can’t seem to pin enough owls, keys and fleur-de-lis!
While we’re embracing social media, we’re also encouraging our members to practice safe social media usage. There are risks associated with living in a digital age and now, more than ever, it is critical to stay up to date on smart sharing. (Sounds like a great chapter programming idea, for any officers reading!) Our Social Media Guidelines are a great resource for our chapters and associations.
The explosion of different social networks in the last few years has allowed Kappas to unite all over the world! We’re connected, for sure, and anticipate continued growth with our social media networks. We’ve just surpassed 30,000 followers on Facebook, 11,000 followers on Twitter, 1,400 followers on Pinterest and almost 10,000 members in our LinkedIn group. If you haven’t joined us, please do! Our hope is that our social networks can connect not just Kappa with its members, but also the other Panhellenic groups, other Greek-letter organizations, and especially Kappas with other Kappas.
Have questions about social media? Email us at socialmedia@kkg.org!
At Convention in 2010, the Fraternity promoted a new program that had been piloted in California that spring—GIRLS Academy. As a teacher, I loved the idea of sharing our Tradition of Leadership with middle school girls, empowering them and helping them to discover the leaders within themselves. It was the perfect fit for me as an educator, as a Kappa and as a leader.
Later this year I was thrilled when Janet, Kappa’s GIRLS Academy Chairman, asked to me join the GIRLS Academy team. I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about how the program works. I was assigned to shadow Janet at GIRLS Academy in Minneapolis, in March, to learn how it works, and then to facilitate GIRLS Academy in Chicago in April. I was excited and nervous to attend the GIRLS Academy in Minnesota. The GA materials were sent to my house and I read them over, but nothing can really prepare you for what to expect.
GIRLS Academy is structured like Kappa’s Leadership Academy. The middle school girls are assigned a color team at random, and work with that group for the majority of the weekend. It is a great way to break up cliques and encourage girls to make new friends. The weekend of crafts, activities, and journaling helps teens explore what it means to be a leader.
To be honest with you, middle school kids are not my favorite. Throughout college and even during student teaching, I avoided them. It can be an awkward age, where kids are smelly, confused, and hormonal. Despite my personal feelings, I’ve begun teaching middle school this year as a beginning band director, and also in private music lessons. I needed GIRLS Academy. During the weekend, I pictured my students, thinking how beneficial this program could be for them. We talked about tough issues—bullying, body image and mean girls. I learned so much from their open and honest conversations. Most kids are like sponges, absorbing everything you say. But middle school kids are like clay—moldable, impressionable and ever changing. I realized that middle school students need the most guidance, the most encouragement, and the most love. GIRLS Academy has totally changed how I view my students. If I can have a fraction of the effect the Minnesota women had on the girls at Northeast Middle School, I will be a better teacher.
GIRLS Academy in Minnesota was a success, and I can’t wait to do it all over again with the Loyola chapter!
Want to host GA in your community? Do something amazing—apply now! Applications are due May 1, and selected groups will be notified by June 15.
By Guest Blogger Julie Leshay, Colorado College, Fraternity President
Kappas unselfishly volunteer thousands of hours each year to Kappa. Alumnae association officers, Advisory and House Board members, and all of the volunteers listed in the Kappa Yellow Pages assist our 40+ staff at Fraternity Headquarters in operating a multi-million dollar organization that has been around for almost 142 years.
When asked, “Why do you volunteer for Kappa?” the answer invariably is that our volunteers wish to give back to Kappa because Kappa has given so much to them. Others say that volunteering makes them feel special and needed … that they love to help. Alumnae mention the friendship, saying that Kappa is a safe place … a place to be yourself. Another says, “Kappa was the highlight of my college career … I was glad to be called to help. It seemed like the natural progression.”
Time and again, Kappas have expressed an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this special Kappa experience and a need to give something back through volunteering. Whatever the reasons, Kappas are givers and leaders. They make a positive difference in the world by volunteering their talents and resources to society and to their chapters, alumnae associations and the Fraternity. And we thank them for it! To all of our dedicated volunteers, here is a BIG HUG! Giving your time, energy and skills to enable others to learn, grow and enjoy is the best gift that sisterhood can offer!
Why do we give? The primary reason is NOT for a tax write-off.
But, do you know how much you can save in Federal income taxes when you make a charitable contribution? The amount you can save in taxes is a percentage of your charitable contribution, as long as you meet certain rules. This year, if you contribute $1,000, you can save up to $350 in Federal income taxes. If you contribute $10,000, you can save up to $3,500. If you contribute $100,000, you can save up to $35,000. Do you see the trend?
What are the rules?
1. You must actually make the gift. You must contribute to a qualified, tax-exempt organization.
2. You must be able to itemize you deductions. (Get personalized tax advice from your CPA.)
What if you want the tax write-off now, but want to distribute funds to one or more charitable organizations over several years?
Here is an example of a donor-advised fund—
My client wanted to make a sizeable charitable contribution to several health care non-profit organizations, but not all in the same year. Her income was high in the last year of her career before retirement due to exercising stock options. Her tax bracket was 35 percent this one year, and the year before and after it was expected to be 25 percent. She made a sizeable contribution to a donor-advised fund we helped her establish, getting the write off in her high-income year, and distributing the funds over 8–10 years. She was tax savvy and generous!
Do you know your tax bracket? Every woman should know her “taxable income” from IRS Form 1040. Can you find it? Your taxable income determines your “tax bracket,” and this is useful information to know.
“Conservative estimates of sexual assault prevalence suggest that 25 percent of American women have experienced sexual assault, including rape. Approximately one-half of those cases involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, victim, or both.” –From the articleAlcohol and Sexual Assault
April is Alcohol Awareness Month as well as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Take some time to review the facts about date rape, and have a discussion with your chapter or association. Knowing how to protect yourself and others could make all the difference in preventing sexual violence!
By Guest Blogger Jane, Miami (Ohio), Director of Membership Services
“How I can get in touch with my Big Sis from thirty years ago?” “Why haven’t I been receiving The Key?” If you have asked yourself questions like these, we can help! By updating your information with Kappa you can find old friends, continue to receive The Key and keep up with all that’s going on in Kappaland! Moving? No problem—you can easily update your profile on the Kappa website, contact Fraternity Headquarters at kkghq@kkg.org or call toll free (866) 554-1870. Don’t know your login info? We can help with that, too!
Last week, a 97-year-old member called to update her new address! She didn’t want to miss one issue of The Key! Keeping your information up-to-date will ensure that you continue to receive the magazine and will also allow other Kappa members to find you in the member directory on the Kappa website.
At Fraternity Headquarters, we receive many requests to find long lost Kappa sisters and help members reconnect. Occasionally, we even get calls from former boyfriends who contact Headquarters to connect with a Kappa they knew “back in the day.” While Fraternity policy doesn’t allow us to give member information to non-Kappas, we will forward the request to the member, and she can choose whether or not to reconnect. Who knows who or what you might be missing? Please don’t be one of our 29,000 “lost” members. Make sure Kappa can find you!
By Guest Blogger Andrea Rogers, West Virginia, Miss West Virginia USA
A year ago a family friend challenged me to do something that I had never done before, and that something happened to be entering a pageant. I did the best I could with the small window of preparation time. I wore a prom dress from high school, purchased a swimsuit from a local department store, entered, and won my first pageant. I haven’t looked back since. Actually, I haven’t had time to look back since that day! This past October I was crowned Miss West Virginia USA and now have the opportunity to compete at the Miss USA Pageant in June.
March is Women’s History Month, and I think it’s only appropriate to highlight the women in my life that have encouraged me, inspired me, and taught me very valuable lessons! The education I received at West Virginia University, and the wonderful women I became friends with as an active member of Kappa, have directly translated to my pageant experience.
Throughout it all, I don’t think I would be able to keep up without my mother. Since I was a little girl, my mother, with the help of both of my grandmothers, instilled great values in me and has encouraged me to reach my goals through hard work and dedication. Without a doubt, they are my true inspirations. All three of these women have worked full-time jobs while being exceptional mothers, sisters, and friends. They seem to have the perfect equation worked out to balance everything at once and make it look effortless while doing it! They are the most amazing women in my life and have always set very high expectations for me. As Miss West Virginia USA, I strive to be the kind of role model that they have been for me.
In less than three months I will be meeting 50 other beautiful, fascinating, intelligent women in Las Vegas to compete for the title of Miss USA, and no – these women aren’t just “beauty queens.” These ladies are accomplished, smart, and dedicated. Amongst the Miss USA class of 2012 there are medical students, women who hold masters degrees, entrepreneurs, dancers, singers, and women who will stop at nothing to reach their goals and dreams. These women act as amazing role models with or without a crown and sash. The Miss USA pageant promotes confidence and leadership in women across our country, and provides great opportunities for young women to reach their goals. I am so blessed to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience and to enter into yet another incredible sisterhood of driven, beautiful, and dynamic women. These women will surely make history.
If you had told me a year ago that I would be competing in the Miss USA Pageant I would have replied with, “You’re kidding me?!” Although I haven’t been competing in pageants since a young age, I have been preparing to be the best woman, and best Andrea Rogers possible. I think it’s important for everyone to remember that you never know where life will take you. In my personal experience I’ve found that how you accept life’s challenges and blessings is what counts and creates the truly crowning moments.
You can share in Andrea’s excitement by watching her compete in Miss USA LIVE on NBC at 9 pm EST. We’re cheering for you, Andrea! Follow the rest of her journey as Miss West Virginia USA on Facebook and Twitter.
By Guest Blogger Hannah, Utah, Regional Director of Chapters
As a trivia junkie and all-around nerd, I’ve dreamed of being on Jeopardy! for as long as I can remember. When I moved to Los Angeles in 2001, I started actively trying to get on the show—something I might not have done if I’d known how tough the odds were. Out of the 100,000+ people who take the online test each year, Jeopardy! invites only a few thousand people for in-person auditions – and of those, only about 400-500 appear on the actual show. I heard those numbers on the day I went in to tape. As the contestant coordinator put it, finally we could all say we were part of the “1 percent.”
Since I was a local resident, I was called in as one of the backup contestants. Most of the contestants fly in from around the country, and they have a few Southern Californians in the group as well who may or may not get to tape the show that day. I knew if I didn’t tape that day I’d be put back into the “pool” and have a chance to appear later, but because I wasn’t sure if I would get to appear I didn’t invite any family or friends to join me in the audience. They tape a week’s worth of shows in one day, so I got to sit and watch a whole group of shows. I think my favorite part was that Alex Trebek would take questions from the audience during breaks, about everything from his favorite foods to his wardrobe.
By the time they taped the last show of the day, and I knew I was going to be on the show, I wasn’t too nervous. They give you plenty of chances to practice throughout the day, and the staff and crew spend their time making you feel at ease. Of course, that all changed when I got up on the set for real. There were several moments where I was convinced my clicker just wasn’t working! I won’t spoil the question, but a friend of mine had a long-running joke that if you were ever stumped on Jeopardy! you should just answer, “What is (a certain European country)?” She joked about it so much that the phrase became our standard shorthand for “I don’t know” in almost any situation. I could hardly believe it when Alex read a clue that I thought could, in fact, be that country. I wasn’t positive but I knew I had to say it anyway.
You’ll have to tune in on Friday, March 16, to see if her theory was right! Not sure when to watch? Jeopardy! Has it all mapped out!
Since Monday was International Badge Day, I decided to look through our Kappa archives and visit our displays of historical badges. I have to admit—it’s one of my favorite things to do! We have several wonderful displays of beautiful badges at Fraternity Headquarters—from President’s badges in the President’s suite, to the badge of one of our Founders that’s displayed in The Heritage Museum.
My badge is small and gold, with enameled letters and pearls. It has my initials and initiation date engraved on the back. I’m sure many of you have a badge very similar, with different jewels or small details here and there. I remember placing my order as a freshman in college, not knowing which one to choose, and not really understanding how much I would grow to appreciate its placement over my heart. In the last two years, as an alumna, I’ve worn badges with sapphires, rubies, pearls, and, at Convention in 2010, I wore a badge with turquoise stones … perks of being friends with the archivist!
In The Heritage Museum we have Kappa Founder Anna Willits’ badge that is large and flat (and was worn in her hair). There’s also the badge of May Westermann, one of Kappa’s former Grand Presidents, and the badge of former Grand President Kate Sharp which includes a tiny gold Sigma within a Delta – the inspiration for our new member pin. There are badges of rose gold and 14 karat gold, badges with diamonds and badges with opals.
Staff celebrating International Badge Day 2012
While looking at each badge on display, I realized just how unique each badge can be. They are all as magnificent to me as my own, and all conjure different Kappa memories and experiences for me. Our badge is a great metaphor for the uniqueness of our membership. Just like the words of the song “On the heart of each sister, lies one key that binds us,” we are bound together by our shared experiences as Kappas and by the tiny gold key we wear as members. This week and always, I urge you to “Wear Your Letters on Your Heart ” (even if it’s not technically Badge Day), and remember some of those Kappa memories.
