Volunteer Opportunities and Changes

Did you know that in order to be considered for a volunteer position, whether it is a traditional role or not, every potential volunteer should submit a volunteer interest indicator (in the How Can I Volunteer? box) on the Theta website. These indicators are attached to member records in the database and pulled for weeks, months, and even years after they are originally submitted! This process keeps us organized and ensures the appropriate follow-up takes place for potential volunteers.

If you meet an alumna who you think could contribute to Theta in some volunteer capacity, encourage her to complete this indicator and include what skills or services she can share (and if you’d like for us to follow up with you, as a reference or for more information, encourage her to include that, too).

We are also happy to report that the following changes have been made in the volunteer interest indicator in recent weeks. Members can now indicate if they are interested in a short-term opportunity, or if they would like to advise remotely. If you have any questions or recommendations for the volunteer recruitment process, please email volunteerengagement@kappaalphatheta.org.

Alcohol Skills Training Program Expansion

In spring 2016, Kappa Alpha Theta launched the Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP) thanks to a generous grant from Theta Foundation. This in-person program is facilitated by trained Theta volunteers and teaches alcohol education from a harm-reduction model. ASTP is unlike most alcohol programs because it acknowledges that college students may choose to drink. Rather than trying to impose abstinence, it recognizes that any steps taken towards risk reduction are steps in the right direction, and data shows it is effective in changing attitudes and behaviors among college students toward alcohol.

Assistant Director of Education & Leadership Ellen Barlow will host facilitator training at Theta headquarters on Saturday, July 29 to increase our facilitator roster from five to 15, allowing us to expand the number of participating chapters in academic year 2017-18. Any questions about ASTP can be directed to Ellen Barlow. Dr. Hollie Granato will facilitate the training. Dr. Granato is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where she specializes in the evidenced based treatment of adolescents and adults with borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, substance use disorders, and post traumatic stress disorder. The list of facilitators follows, with * denoting a returning facilitator.

• Elizabeth Becker (Zeta Nu/UC Davis)
• Brittany Booth (Pi/Albion)
• Amy Ferree (Beta Gamma/Colorado State)
• Kathleen Gill (Nu/Hanover)
• Kara Higgins (Gamma Mu/Maryland)*
• Aquene Kenerson (Epsilon Psi/Richmond)*
• Sophie Koff (Lambda/Vermont)
• Allison Lane (Zeta Tau/Delaware)
• Megan Pepper (Psi/Wisconsin)
• Karen Pryor (Delta Iota/Puget Sound)*
• Reese O’Keefe (Epsilon Nu/Virginia Tech)
• Ashleigh Rentería (Beta Gamma/Colorado State)*
• Brittany Scancarella (Lambda/Vermont)
• Manal Shehadi (Eta Sigma/Chapman)
• Lauren Utley (Alpha Chi/Purdue)*

Workforce Update

Welcome to the two newest members of the college chapter budget committee!

• Laura Easter, Gamma Sigma/San Diego State, has been appointed as budget district director (BDD) in College District XIII, replacing Kellie Power who recently resigned.  
• Amanda Carson, Zeta Theta/Cal Poly, has been appointed as BDD in College District XV, replacing Lindsay Ayers who recently resigned.

2017-18 Theta Foundation Chapter & Individual Grants

The applications and application guides for 2017-18 Chapter and Individual Grants are posted on Theta Foundation’s Apply Now page. The Quarter 1 deadline is July 18 for programs beginning on or after September 1. Direct any questions to Theta Foundation’s Programs Manager Mary Kate Kronzer.

Social Media Snapshot

Remembering Amy Kates: Hundreds of Thetas have shared condolences and incredible memories of former Fraternity President Amy Kates on social media, and we appreciate the groundswell of love and support. We hope your many kind words offer some comfort to the Kates and Hayner families during this unimaginably difficult time. Please stay tuned to Theta social media this week as we continue to remember Amy and her incredible impact and legacy.

Emerging Leaders Institute: ELI Session 1 took place this past weekend at DePauw University, and it was a huge success! College members from all over North America took to social media to share how much the experience meant to them, and their testaments speak to the impact of this program. Follow #ThetaELI17 on Instagram and Twitter ahead of Session 2 this weekend.

Summer Service Trip: The Service Trip to New Orleans for collegians takes place July 16-22! Follow along on social media using #ThetaService.

Recent Theta Blogs

• Heritage What’s New, July 2017
• What’s New: In Memoriam, Amy Hayner Kates

Helpful Links

• Upcoming Important Dates and Visits
• Previous Updates