We are so fortunate to have a VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion who shares a weekly “challenge to foster inclusion” suggestion with us. Thanks Natasha and your committee! You remind Alpha Chi sisters we should always be Seeking the Heights to be the best Real.Strong.Women. – looking forward to more inspiration this Fall.
MC20 preserved through their NM period in fall and spring without a retreat and with many safety restrictions (and thankfully, Alpha Chi had one of the lowest rates in OFSL 🙌🏽).
And then the 2022 VP NME, Marni who is also an MC20, stepped up and organized a special spring retreat! They enjoyed a full “NoFL day” starting with a make-your-own bag breakfast (and hot biscuits!) at The 518, a hike at the springs, a bag lunch, and games on the beach at Alligator Point to watch the sunset. “Sisterhood Bonding Success!”
As graduation begins, we give big hugs; sniff away some tears; and don bright smiles for our amazing seniors!
They received gifts, had a special Hall of Commitment, chose their favorite meals, and were celebrated and appreciated for all their contributions! Remember the good times sisters; remain active as an alumna wherever you move; and definitely return for visits to The 518 💚❤️
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As part of our philanthropic mission, Alpha Chi Omegas are dedicated to educating ourselves on and raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and supporting survivors, not just in April but year-round. Be sure to check out our previous post about raising awareness and supporting survivors here.
In this post, we will cover, ways to take action and ways to reflect and remember.
There are many ways to take action to eradicate sexual violence, and it all starts with prevention. The only person responsible for committing sexual assault is a perpetrator, but all of us can look out for each other’s safety. Learn about your role in preventing sexual assault using bystander intervention!
Research the laws in your state and advocate for the changes you want to see! Learn about public policy and political action related to sexual violence and prevention.
If you are interested in direct service, contact a local care provider or shelter to see what their needs are. Consider collecting requested items for donation or volunteering as an advocate.
REFLECTION AND REMEMBRANCE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27: DENIM DAY
Join Alpha Chi Omega in supporting the victims and survivors of sexual assault by wearing denim on Wednesday, April 27!
Nearly 25 years ago, the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the justices felt that since the survivor was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove them, thereby implying consent. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day around the world has become a symbol of protest against flawed and destructive attitudes about sexual assault and a way to raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Learn more about the history of Denim Day.
Through our work to end sexual assault, we continue our commitment to our national philanthropy of domestic violence awareness. Together, we can continue to fight against unhealthy relationships and build healthy relationships.
| F YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN IMPACTED BY SEXUAL ASSAULT OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE, YOU CAN REACH OUT TO RAINN VIA ITS 24/7 CONFIDENTIAL CHAT AND CALL HOTLINE. NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE – 800-656-HOPE (4673) | LIVE CHAT |
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As part of our philanthropic mission, Alpha Chi Omegas are dedicated to educating ourselves on and raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and supporting survivors, not just in April but year-round. Join our sisters in this commitment by supporting national awareness campaigns, participating in educational opportunities, and protesting sexual violence on Denim Day!
RAISING AWARENESS
Did you know that Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been recognized nationally since the early 2000s? In order for us to serve as the best advocates for a future free from violence, we have to understand our current realities and the past that led us to this point.
Learn about the history of SAAM from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center and find information on current statistics and the prevalence of sexual violence from our partners at RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network).
Use this information to raise awareness about this issue early in the month and don’t forget to join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with headquarters initiatives throughout the month of April. Also, be sure to tag @AlphaChiOmegaHQ in your posts about sexual assault awareness!
Often, people want to help survivors but might not know where to start. Whether someone in your life has disclosed a sexual assault to you or you just want to be prepared, take the time this month to learn about survivor response. Learn how to “TALK” about sexual violence.
There are other resources available to help you navigate as you support the survivors in your life and in your community, as well:
Alpha Chi Omega believes in survivors. Use these affirmative graphics to show your support for survivors and show your community that you are committed to speaking up about sexual violence.
| F YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN IMPACTED BY SEXUAL ASSAULT OR IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT SEXUAL VIOLENCE, YOU CAN REACH OUT TO RAINN VIA ITS 24/7 CONFIDENTIAL CHAT AND CALL HOTLINE. NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT HOTLINE – 800-656-HOPE (4673) | LIVE CHAT |
Our sisters work so hard, and they get rewarded! The best combination in life is qork with a side of fun! This is Sammi (freshman, also Alpha Chi legacy from UMD), Alexis (senior, writer for Osceola News-Gazette), Meredith (sophomore, VP FO), and also attending Kennedy (senior, president of Sport Management Student Association). They are working for the NCAA Men’s Final Four Tournament and enjoyed the opportunity to help at the Music Fest.
Thanks Kait for facilitating some helpful and engaging Chi Connection events this semester. Our last March session we talked about stress and enjoyed a special speaker Kait engaged from Garnet & Gold Society. Kana overcame PTSD and anxiety resulting from a sexual assault when she was a freshman. She urged sisters not to stay in “the dark place*. She found success from a mentor who recommended therapy where she learned about other survivors and the healing ensuing from journaling. She reminded us we must ask for help to find that light.
Kait led us through some exercises on “What is Mental Health and Stress?”
With mid-terms behind us and finals ahead – our VP Membership Programming, Leah and Sisterhood Chair, Maya planned a getaway for the day to Six Flags over Georgia. Nearly 200 sisters meet at 518 at 4:30 AM, grabbed a breakfast-to-go bag prepared by the Membership Programming Committee – complete with a drink, fruit, bagel, etc. and got on a bus headed to Georgia. Once there we enjoyed the day at the theme park, included in the ticket was a snack, bottle of water and lunch. After a day of fun, we grabbed dinner to go and headed to the buses to head back to Tallahassee! Great memories were made!
We had so much fun initiating Caroline, Jensen, Kacie, and Kailyn! They are all super friendly and have been quick to join all our activities and embrace all Alpha Chi has to offer. It is always special to share our ritual through Initiation, and especially nice when it is a small MC. CONGRATULATIONS to them and thank you Emma and the Ritual and Fraternity Relations committee and Marni and the New Member Education committee.
“In honor of our patron goddess Hera, Alpha Chi Omegas dedicate themselves on this day to aid the happiness and well-being of others…”
Thank you VP Ritual and Fraternity Appreciation Emma for hand-dipping cookies and partnering with VP New Member Education Marni to plan “Pastries & PJs” to decorate the cookies and share the #HeraDay love with FSU.
FSU Alpha Chi Omega