Building the Membership

Kimberly M. Collins, 2nd Vice President and Membership Committee Chairman, had a core group of Sorors to start shaping the Interest Group. The committee sought to find others who lived in the Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend area and perhaps looking for a chapter relationship that was near their residences. The opportunity to reactivate members was prevalent, and Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend Pearls of Distinction was able to bring back 21 “lost pearls.” The committee sought political influencers to connect to public policy and religious leaders to help shape the organization’s heart for people. With a concerning poverty rate in the region, pursuing educators and healthcare professionals was most important to the crux of the organization, which is to Serve All Mankind. Continuing education through workshops and activities has been an ongoing agenda item to keep members current on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated business. “Membership is Pearlfection.” The membership events were consistent, including PJs, Pearls and Popcorn; Pretty Girls Cook to Combat Covid; Membership Kahoot games, Membership Bingo games, Scavenger Hunt, and Who Am I? Retention activities included Celebrating Founders’ Day 2019-2020, using excerpts from Founders’ Day Litany created by 25^th International President Norma Solomon White; “Membership Is” photograph activity, in which all members defined in one word what membership meant to them; monthly membership support activities and committee sign-up directory; and a Membership Toolkit for each member to ensure that international expectations were met. 

By September 21, 2019, membership had already reached 41 members, who then made up the charter organization. They were indeed dynamic women from all walks of life, educators and college administrators, veterans, nurses and health care providers, social workers, lawyers, chaplains, pastors, and entrepreneurs. They were mothers, caregivers, and social justice advocates. They were active, and they were members who had not been active since graduating from college. The members range from 3 years to 47 years of silver, with a total of 24 Silver Stars (25+ years of service).  When the organization was given a chartering date, Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend Pearls of Distinction was locked in at 40 members.

Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend Pearls of Distinction received guidance from the Regional Directorto continue organizing with internal meetings, as well as participating as General Members in the international and regional leadership conferences and meetings.

• A total of six (6) members serves on North Atlantic Region Committees, including, Constitution & Bylaws, Golden Diamond Soror, Logistics, Protocol, and Risk Management.

  
  

• Served on several NARC committees.  The Interest Group submitted a video singing, “When an AKA Walks Down the Street,” a portion of which was shown during the opening session.

• Served General Member Delegate for 2018 Boule.

   

• Served as General Member Delegate for 2020 Boule

Middletown, Odessa, and Townsend Pearls of Distinction served as a Cluster II Host Graduate Chapter for the historic Virtual 90th NARC.  President Dina White Griffin chaired the Ecumenical Service and Chaplain Doris Griffin delivered the message.  AATO History (part 6)