SIGMA KAPPA OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESS Dear Sigma What We've Accomplished Kappas, New Affinity Groups Jewish members of Sigma Kappa As we write our April update on Sigma Kappas in Healthcare Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Sigma Kappas with Disabilities Access (DEIA), we must Mamas of Tiny Violets acknowledge that since our Sigma Kappa Bylaws review completed and DEIA February update, our country recommendations provided to national council for continues to experience violence consideration at the 2022 convention business meeting. and acts of hate specifically targeted First Sigma Kappa Foundation DEIA chapter grant was at Black and Asian communities and funded. The program focused on definitions of DEIA individuals. along with developing an understanding of unintentional bias. Educational grants are available from the Sigma We want to reiterate our love and Kappa Foundation for collegiate chapters to build support for our BIPOC members and knowledge and understanding for diversity, equity, express Sigma Kappa's deep inclusion and access within their chapters. More concern for your physical and information available here. emotional well-being as we all bear Staff hosted two roundtable sessions for collegiate witness to these traumatic incidents. officers. One to identify areas for growth in DEIA Talkspace is a free resource for activation and education and a second on risk collegians and discounted for management with a DEIA-related risk scenario. alumnae. We hope you will take Personal pronouns resource shared with all vice advantage when you need it. Our presidents of programming, DEIA chairwomen and commitment to DEIA is critical to advisory board supervisors. Resource includes ensure that Sigma Kappa can live recommendations for utilizing the MyPronouns.org out the vision of our Founders to website, for educational programming and member provide a space where our members development. can feel a deep sense of support, Six new Live with Heart Facilitators added to the team belonging, and confidence. for fall 2021 who will focus on DEIA-related topics. Membership selection voting scale recommendations In Sigma Kappa, being presented to national council in May to be piloted Ann O'Connell Adams, Theta in fall 2021 with full roll-out spring 2022. The updated National President membership selection voting scale uses more inclusive language and aims to ensure there is equity when Jordan Duffie Bentlage, Theta reviewing all potential new members. Upsilon Sorority Executive Director Sorority staff updated hiring practices including advertising positions to a broader audience, training on implicit and similarity bias and blind spots, adding DEIA reflective questions throughout process and incorporating a neutral party for initial review. Next Steps DEIA to be focus at Virtual Volunteer Summit and DEIA focused content released throughout July for national officers and advisors. Sigma Kappa is conducting a DEIA membership survey with details shared in early June. Sigma Kappa Foundation exploring ways to collaborate with Alzheimer's Association's newest partner, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, especially related to Walk to End Alzheimer's. Chief diversity officer of the Alzheimer's Association, Dr. Carl Hill, will be guest speaker at the Sigma Kappa Foundation May board meeting. NHC in development stage for programming and supporting resources in collaboration with our DEIA consultants and committee. National Policy Handbook is being reviewed with DEIA lens. Researching partners for restorative justice training for standards council members. Creating implicit bias training for collegians with a focus on recruitment. Implementing broad accessibility and inclusion recommendations for 2022 in-person events. QUICK LINKS New Affinity Groups New in The Learning Center: Jewish members of Sigma Kappa Considerations for Collegiate Officers Sigma Kappas in Healthcare Relating to DEIA Sigma Kappas with Disabilities Working with Members who Cannot Attend Mamas of Tiny Violets Events Click here for the full list of Affinity Groups DEIA survey for collegiate chapters to use with their members Communications & Resources Calendar Planning Guide for VPPs Public Relations (PR) Planning Guide for DEIA February Update Public Relations Chairwomen Pronouns Matter DEIA Related Podcast List Foundation DEIA Related Free Video Series List DEIA Related TV Shows List Grant Request Proposal Form - Diversity, Equity, DEIA Related Movies List Inclusion, and Access Sigma Kappa Sorority National Headquarters, 695 Pro-Med Lane, Suite 300 Carmel, IN 46032-5323 If you would no longer like to receive emails from us, click here to unsubscribe Stay Connected with Sigma Kappa! f OTP higher logic