You may know the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation’s involvement in Grand Convention through Violets for My Sisters, a fundraiser benefitting the Clasped Hands Fund for alumnae in financial distress. Or perhaps you are or know someone who attended Grand Convention in the past thanks to one of the Foundation’s leadership grants. The Alpha Delta Pi Foundation also provides grants for educational sessions during Grand Convention. This year, the Foundation will fund the following programs in Orlando:
As part of our partnership with the Max Gruver Foundation, Rae Ann Feldner Gruver, Zeta Nu-Clemson, and Evelyn Weinert Piazza, Omega Alpha-Alumnae Initiate, both lost their sons to fraternity hazing incidents in 2017. They will share the story of what happened to their sons, as well as talk about ongoing grief and the impact of the loss on their families and others. Rae Ann and Evelyn will discuss common behaviors that constitute hazing and their consequences, as well as the hazing laws across the country and how we can amplify our voices to end hazing.
Danielle Bayard Jackson will showcase research-based strategies on social connection, creating an open dialogue around developing skills in communication and conflict management. Audience members will leave understanding the importance of maintaining friendships when in a position of authority, able to model the key elements of friendship for the women they lead, with the confidence and skills to mediate hard conversations between the women they lead, and confident in their ability to balance friendships with the women they lead. Danielle is a certified friendship coach, author, and founder of Friend Forward.
Will Frankenberger, Chief Safety Officer for Delta Zeta Sorority, will lead a session for house corporation volunteers that will help them be better equipped to respond to mental health needs facing our collegiate members and provide tools to help them recognize when, sometimes it is just a really bad day or when it could be a more serious situation. Audience members will leave equipped with things to say and how to demonstrate compassionate concern, understanding how to shift to stronger and person-centered language, confident in their ability to recover from a “foot in mouth” moment and make themselves authentic leaders who place an importance on mental health and compassion, and prepared to provide support and tools to house directors about listening, coping with trauma, and supporting residents.
Burnout can make completing tasks and responsibilities challenging, as well as have a negative impact on our physical and mental health. In addition to its impact on general wellbeing, burnout can also be a barrier to connection. Mary Simeoli, Theta Theta-Quinnipiac, will present an educational session called Beyond Burnout: Taking Care of Ourselves to Build Connection with Each Other. Audience members will leave able to define and recognize the symptoms of burnout, develop strategies for self-care and healing, identify opportunities for connection, and establish action plans and commitments for developing connection.
Liz Helmer Loreti, Zeta Omega-Central Florida, will explore authentic leadership in an educational session called Together We Are Stronger: The Power of Authentic Leadership. Audience members will leave with an understanding of what authentic leadership is and how to apply it in daily life and leadership roles, as well as how to build an environment of grace and inclusivity, even during difficult moments.
During Accessible ADPi, presented by Jessica Beaty, Epsilon Omicron-Murray State, and Whitney Robertson Choate, Epsilon Omicron-Murray State, audience members will learn about both visible and invisible disabilities/conditions and how to implement strategies to create a more inclusive environment for members and guests. Audience members will also leave with confidence in utilizing university and community resources to support and encourage sisters through all facets of membership.
Gifts to the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation’s Annual Fund ensure virtual and in-person programs like these are available for our members. For more information or to make a gift to the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation, please visit alphadeltapi.org/foundation/give.