January 2008 Online Newsletter
Gamma NewsDid you miss last month's newsletter? See what you missed!
Alpha Chapter welcomes new prospective members >>more
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Co-founders Welcome
Imani C. Canty and Dr. Althia F. Ali, co-founders
Salamu Alaikum-
For those of us sorors who were active during 2007, it was an exciting and rewarding year. And what a year it was, al-humdulillah!
We saw the addition of three new chapters. We heartily welcomed to our twofold sisterhood the sorors of Gamma Chapter in the Greensboro Triad area, the Delta Chapter members in the Chicago metro area, and Epsilon Chapter in the Philadelphia metro area. Along with our National Grand Chapter, Alpha Chapter, and Beta Chapter, Gammas are increasing in number and making the kind of impact that we envisioned when we launched this ambitious effort.
In April 2007, we launched our first GammaFest, a weekend of fun and sisterhood for the sorors of Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. Over the course of 2007, we welcomed new additions to our extended families that included the births of four new Legacies and one new Link.
In all that we did, we continued to work to achieve the vision that caused us to found Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. nearly three years ago. Al-humdulillah, 2007 has been a wonderful year. We are blessed to have Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc., and we look forward to moving our sorority into the future by the Grace and Mercy of Allah in 2008. Happy New Year to all of you!
Alpha Holds Gold Presentation in Atlanta for Spring Line
Three prospective members of Alpha Chapter with sorors
Wakilat Kasumu (far left) and Rasheeda Salaam (second from right)Alpha Chapter members Wakilat Kasumu and Rasheeda Salaam held a Gold Presentation on December 17 to meet and greet prospective members in the Atlanta metro area.
The Gold Presentation is a traditional, formal meeting designed to provide information about the sorority, to answer any questions that prospective members may have, and to give everyone an opportunity to socialize. Attendance at the Gold Presentation is a requirement for consideration for membership. It does not commit either the prospective member or the sorority for further consideration.
The Alpha Chapter serves the Atlanta metro area. Applications for those who attended the Gold Presentation are due by January 17.
Membership Invitations Extended to Six in Indianapolis
Imani Canty, GGChi Vice President and Assistant Director responsible for membership, announced that six prospective members have been invited to continue in the quest for membership into Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. When formed, this will become the Zeta Chapter, insha'Allah.After submitting their written acceptance of the membership invitations, the prospective members will officially become known as Gamma Lilies, indicating that they are progressing in the application process as they advance toward the probationary period. The water lily is the official flower of Gamma Gamma Chi, and was chosen because it flowers into a beautiful bloom despite the fact that it grows in murky, silty water.
The probationary process is expected to begin in early February.
Gamma's probationary process is an educational period during which prospective members learn more about the sorority, each other, and themselves. It is intended to strengthen the bonds of sisterhood among the prospective members, and is not a time for meaningless activities that demoralize or demean the Gamma Lilies.
Dr. Althia F. Ali, President and Executive Director, announced the appointment of Soror Rasheeda Salaam (Alpha Chapter) to the GGChi Board of Directors effective immediately.
In making the announcement, Dr. Ali said, "The Board unanimously elected Soror Rasheeda because of her outstanding record of involvement with our sorority. She has enthusiastically taken on every job she has ever been approached about, and she has provided us with an exceptional product each time. She has demonstrated how wonderfully she can multi-task and work with and through others to meet our goals and activities."
Soror Rasheeda holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Media from Hampton University and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University. She works as a Parent Facilitator for a parent resource center for Dekalb County Schools. Soror Rasheeda is Vice President of Alpha Chapter, and for
two years, she has co-chaired the GammaFest Planning Committee. As a charter member of Alpha Chapter, she has been instrumental in maintaining the chapter and helping to build it through recruitment and community activities.
In accepting the appointment, Soror Rasheeda said, "It's an honor to be asked to join the Board. I'm pleased to have the vote of confidence, and I'm willing to help Gamma in any way I can." She fills the position formerly held by Soror Christi Bristol Bey.
The Board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the sorority, and delegates responsibility for day-to-day operations to the Executive Director and committees.
All Board members serve two-year terms, and are eligible for re-election up to two additional terms after which they must rotate off the Board.
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Soror Kesha Abdul-Mateen Steps Up for Gamma in December
Soror Kesha Abdul-Mateen (Beta Chapter) served GGChi in three significant ways during the month of December.
For the second year, Soror Kesha coordinated the chapter's Annual Coat Drive that was held on December 21 at Masjid Muhammad in Washington, DC. The Coat Drive helps needy men, women, and children in the Washington, DC metro area by giving them coats to stay warm during the winter.
In addition, she accepted the position of Public Relations Chair for Beta Chapter. In announcing the position, Sumaiyah Yates, Beta Chapter President, said: "Soror Kesha has done an exceptional job of always getting the word out about our events, posting on the (various social network sites), getting flyers distributed, and generally telling everyone she runs across about the Beta Chapter and the events we are doing. She will also continue in her role as Secretary/Treasurer. (I appreciate her) continued hard work and dedication to our chapter."
Finally, during December, Soror Kesha was interviewed on a live radio show broadcast on December 21 by Washington's WOL AM 450 (talk radio).
We appreciate all that Soror Kesha does for Gamma!
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Beta Chapter's Gold Weekend a Success
Beta Chapter members (L-R) Front Row: Sayeeda Samie, Kesha Abdul-Mateen; Center Row: Mischelle Moody, Juina Carter, Amina Copeland-Khokhar; Back Row: Sumaiyah Yates, Yasmin MarquisSorors of Beta Chapter observed their first Gold Weekend as they combined fundraising activities for the chapter and an activity to help the needy in the Washington, DC metro area.
Chapter members hosted a FUN'raiser at Color Me Mine art studio on December 22. During the FUN'raiser, sorors and guests designed and painted pottery products while enjoying each other's company. A portion of the sales went to the chapter.
On December 21, the chapter hosted their Second Annual Coat Drive at Masjid Muhammad. As a result of their efforts, several needy people in the DC metro area will have much-needed protection from the winter cold. "We collected four boxes of coats for the needy. The drive was a success once again," said Sumaiyah Yates, Beta Chapter President.
The Gold Presentation, scheduled for December 22, has been postponed, and will be announced at a later time.
Additional information about the Beta Chapter is available >>here.
Epsilon Chapter Serves Philadelphia Community in Fun, Delicious Way
Epsilon Chapter members (L-R): Hajah Komara-Donzo, Marsha Komara,
Ameenah Muhammad, Coniqua Abdul-Malik, Rashida KhalifaThe Epsilon Chapter hosted a Greet & Eat event at the Muslim-owned Fatou & Fama Restaurant in University City, Philadelphia, on October 30. The chapter welcomed approximately 30 sisters and brothers from throughout the Philadelphia community as they enjoyed the delicious buffet prepared by the restaurant.
In addition to enjoying great food and company, this event raised money for the Baitus-Salaam Shelter for Muslim Women and Children located in Philadelphia. The sisters from the Shelter had a chance to speak and remind all attending of their Islamic duty to help Muslims in need. As October was also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, guests were also introduced to Sista-2-Sista a crisis hotline for Muslimahs.
President Coniqua Abdul-Malik says, "The chapter looks forward to continued involvement with these and other community organizations throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area." Additional information about the Epsilon Chapter is available >>here.
2007 Sorority Yearbook Now Available
President and Executive Director Dr. Althia F. Ali recently released the new 2007 Yearbook. In releasing the book, Dr. Ali said, "The purpose of the Yearbook is to document our progress and celebrate our successes. Masha'Allah, we had a wonderful year of growth for the sorority in every respect. Our inducted membership increased by more than 100%, and the number of our financial members stands at 80%. Our community service activities more than doubled. Many sorors have expressed appreciation for the growth that they have witnessed and they have expressed thanks for the effort expended in creating the book."
In responding to questions about the cover design, Dr. Ali said, "The 'rising G' is used to show that Gamma Gamma Chi Sorority, Inc. is growing and is outside of the box of what people think of for sororities and for Muslim women. We see GGChi as a way of breaking barriers and defying limitations placed on us."
All financially current sorors receive a copy of the Yearbook as part of their membership packages. Other sorors may purchase the Yearbook for $9.95 plus $3.50 S&H.
It is now easy to donate to GGChi through Guidestar. >>Click here
Click here>> to complete a membership inquiry form.
Monthly Muslim Wisdom
Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world's life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to).
(Aal-e-Imran, Chapter 3, Verse 14)
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