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March 12, 2024
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The Update | March 12, 2024
Message from Grand Council
Kappa Alpha Theta engaged The Parallel Agency for an equity audit beginning in January 2023, which included an audit of selected documents, a culture assessment, and five virtual workshops with different audiences. The work was guided by the previous Plan of Aspirations and included interactions with workforce volunteer leaders; 64 collegians representing 36 chapters; Grand Council members; the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committee chair and members; and staff. In July 2023, Parallel presented a summary of their findings to us, Grand Council, and a final summary was received in October 2023.
While Parallel had many items to be considered in the near term, they also offered future areas to be considered. Themes and recommendations presented to us included the following:
- Improve the language in Theta documents to be more explicit and capture the variety of experiences of our members.
- Recognize the different perceptions internal and external audiences have of some of our language choices and usage.
- Analyze the intersection of governance and management to implement a clearer delineation of responsibility and authority between Grand Council, volunteers, college members, and staff.
- Refine discipline and scholarship expectations with emphasis on restorative practices.
- Create our own organizational definitions of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging that could ultimately lead to desired outcomes and member accountability for DEI.
Last fall, we prioritized recommendations from Parallel, and discussions have begun among staff and workforce regarding how the higher priority items might be addressed. That said, we didn’t pause our DEI efforts during the audit, and some of the topics raised by Parallel have since been considered, with changes implemented in the areas of discipline and scholarship in 2023. It’s important to note that, while there are several areas that warrant thoughtful consideration, Parallel expressed that Theta’s progress in this area was among the more advanced of organizations with which they had worked.
Meaningful change takes time, and we recognize progress is too fast for some and too slow for others. We continue to be committed to creating a community for all members and potential new members (PNMs) based on Theta’s values that fulfill our mission and honor our 154-year heritage.
Workforce Update
Please join Alumnae Committee Chair Jennah Jones in welcoming Monique Abreo, Delta Kappa/LSU, as alumnae district director (ADD) for Alumnae District VII.
Grand Convention 2024: Registration Is Open Now for Non-Delegates!
Join us July 12-13 in National Harbor, MD, for Grand Convention 2024 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center! General registration is now open through March 31, and early bird rates end this Thursday, March 14 (so, register now!). As a thank-you for being a member of Theta’s workforce, you will receive a $100 discount off your total registration cost. Non-delegates can take advantage of educational tracks in these topics: advisor, ritual, collaborative marketing, and inclusion/belonging. Visit grandconvention.kappaalphatheta.org for more information and to register today!
Kappa Alpha Theta Board Service
Interest indicators are now being accepted for the 2024-2026 biennium (term officially begins in July). There are three opportunities to serve on a Kappa Alpha Theta board. Grand Council is the Fraternity's governing body, the Fraternity Housing Corporation (FHC) Board of Directors oversees Theta’s college chapter housing strategy, and the Theta Foundation Board of Trustees support Theta Foundation’s mission and needs.
Anyone who wishes to make themselves available for service on any of the three boards must complete an interest indicator. The submission deadline is April 15. If you have additional questions, contact boardservice@kappaalphatheta.org. More information can be found on the Board Service web page.
ThetaConnect
ThetaConnect, our members-only app, now supports 346 groups. That includes alumnae groups, college groups, career groups, interest groups, and more!
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