#HeraDay -

What act(s) of kindness will YOU do for others today?

Thank you Kappa Tau Kappa alumnae from Las Vegas

Thank you Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Utah

http://www.weekendpursuits.com/2014/03/hera-day.html

#Ritual #reblog from @AlphaChiOmegaHQ & @LizRagland (@OCUAChiO)

This fabulous blog post was too perfect not to share. Thank you Liz (OCU, Gamma Tau) and our Alpha Chi Omega Ritual Specialists. This is a perfect post to share as many collegiate chapters start formal recruitment and head back to school! Alumnae - you also can live your ritual daily and PACE!

8 Reasons Why I Love Lyres, Red Carnations and Lyrebirds (and why you should too)

By Liz Ragland, Gamma Tau
I can’t pretend that it’s not true. It’s not a dirty secret or anything to be embarrassed about so I’m just going to put it out there: I’m kind of obsessed with all of the things that remind me of Alpha Chi.
I’m taking a detour from the typical ritual-themed post and borrowing a trick from Buzzfeed - a list! There is no sensational title or pictures of boy bands, or cats (or boy bands with cats) just an honest list of why our symbols, rituals, traditions, and history remind me of our common bond as sisters. Next time you see a red carnation, lyre, or a lyrebird out in the wild I hope you’ll think of our sisterhood!

1. Red carnations are everywhere – If you have ever been tasked with buying red carnations for bid day or any Alpha Chi ceremony you may think that they are hard to find but really, they are almost always available! It’s kind of awkward to get sentimental standing in the floral section at Trader Joe’s, but every time I spot a red carnation it reminds me of the important events in my life as an Alpha Chi. It takes me back to many times I was handed a red carnation: Bid Day, after Initiation, after Hall of Commitment, and after my last formal meeting.
2. Lyre spotting makes me smile – Next time you are in museum, go lyre spotting. Our beloved symbol was used in many styles of art and architecture and it’s always fun to count how many times you can find our symbol in art, or even at Walt Disney World. Next time you do spot a lyre, snap a picture be sure to send it to Coffeewithcelia@gmail.com so we can feature it on Facebook!
3. Stars are always present (and so are your sisters) – Look up. You may not see the stars right now but they are there. Just like your sisters, stars are always present even when it’s daylight. In good times and in bad, remind yourself that your sisters are always there to help you along your journey even when they might not be totally visible, they are there. Perhaps it’s time you get away from the pollution of light and a busy life and seek them out.
4. Fall, full of olive greens and scarlet reds, reminds me of a fresh start – Our sisterhood was founded during the season of olive green and scarlet red. To me, Fall is a fresh start. This is most likely because it’s the beginning of the school year but there is something in the crisp air that reminds me to refocus and reorganize. Do you know what I mean? Perhaps this Fall you can use the season as an opportunity to reboot your attitude, your studies (or your work’s to do list), and your commitment to help your sisters seek the heights.
5. Hera Day makes you a better you – Part of being a Real. Stong. Woman. Is donating your time and skills to make someone else’s life better. Every March 1, in honor of our patron goddess Hera, we are called to do work that brings happiness and well-being to others by engaging in projects in our own communities. When was the last time you donated an hour or two of your time to make someone else’s life better? If it’s been too long, find an opportunity! Visit serve.org for some ideas.
6. Life would be dull without the arts – Music, dance, theatre, and visual art bring joy to our lives and help us explore new ideas or shine a light on an old idea. Our founders were bonded by their mutual love for music and I think any sister who has experienced a piece of music that gives you goose bumps or brings a tear to your eye understands why their passion for music was so strong and why it’s important to our heritage.
7. Who doesn’t want to “seek the heights”? – Our open motto was just as relevant in the late 1800s as it is now. Together, as sisters, we are called to support and inspire each other to seek the heights in every way possible. We seek the heights in our professional and personal lives. We seek the heights so we can continue to grow emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Next time you’re faced with a challenge or stuck in a rut, remember our open motto and reach out for help if you need some support so you can reach your own “height” whatever that may be.
8. Because doing a lyrebird impression is awesome – need I say more?

Refuge House Needs YOU: DVAM is everyday!

Looking for a meaningful to remember Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? How about helping another? As Alpha Chi Omegas we know Hera Day can be everyday; just like DVAM is not for October only.

The Refuge House pantry at the emergency shelter is quite busy around the holidays and the survivors there always appreciate your contributions and assistance. Below you will a few food bag ideas: Please consider those less fortunate who need our assistance. On your next trip to the grocery store pack a bag or two just for Refuge House. You can call Refuge House at (850) 922-6062 to arrange a drop off point.

THANK YOU *** THANK YOU *** THANK YOU

Every Day Paper Bag

1-(16oz) any dry pasta

1-jar of pasta sauce

1-(8oz) rice

1-box of cereal

1-box of shake-n-bake

1-container of applesauce

2-cans of soup

1-can of corn

1-can of mixed vegetables

1-can of tuna

Must Have Paper Bag

1-box of trash bags (33 or 66 gallons)

1-2lb bag of flour

1-2lb+ bag of sugar

1-box of mashed potatoes

2-boxes of variety snacks

1-bag of dried beans

Wish I Had Paper Bag

1-bottle of dish detergent

1-paper towel set

1-bottle of aspirin/ibuprofen

1-bottle of each adult & children cold medicine

Good for You Paper Bag

1-gallon of juice

1-bag of maseca masa (to make tortillas)

2-cans of fruit

2-cans of beans

1-can of green bean

1-snack pack of raisins

Can’t live Without Paper Bag

1-package of diapers (sizes 4, 5 & 6)

1-package of pads & tampons

2-cans of disinfectant (Lysol)

1-package of toilet paper

Let’s Clean Paper Bag

1-gallon of bleach

1-container of laundry detergent

1-bottle of hand soap

1-bottle of multipurpose cleaner

Pay It Forward on Hera Day (March 1st)

(thank you Heights & Highlights from Foundation for allowing us to borrow this ...)

On March 1st of each year, Alpha Chi Omegas around the country celebrate Hera Day by recognizing the organization’s commitment to helping others. Hera was the queen of the Olympian deities, her name meaning “chosen one.” According to the 1935 Alpha Chi Omega history, “On the first of March, Alpha Chi Omega lays her gifts upon the altar of her patron goddess...the members of the fraternity devote that day to the doing of small deeds of kindness, to alleviate suffering, to bring hope to the underprivileged...it is a dedication of personal talent, personal effort, to the well-being of others less fortunate.”


Hera Day is the embodiment of the “pay it forward” concept, the idea of doing good works for others to repay the good that you have experienced. In just a few weeks, Alpha Chi Omega members will volunteer at local domestic violence shelters, assist with Habitat for Humanity builds, visit hospitals and nursing homes, or simply lend a hand to a neighbor in need. There is no doubt that on this day of service our collegians and alumnae will be actively working at making a difference for those around them.


As members of this Fraternity, most would agree that we have been privileged to reap the benefits of a life-changing organization. So how can you pay it forward in terms of Alpha Chi Omega? Gifts to the Alpha Chi Omega Foundation are one way to make an impact. Without the contributions of alumnae, Alpha Chi Omega cannot meet the needs of today’s women and plan for the needs of tomorrow’s sisters. Your contributions to Alpha Chi Omega ensure that the next generation can have all that you experienced…and more.


So this Hera Day, in addition to personal service for others, consider making a gift to the Foundation in honor of three Alpha Chi Omega members who have touched your life. While the Foundation will notify the honoree of the gift, tell her yourself why she made your world a better place and encourage her to pay it forward by honoring those who have been a positive influence on her life. Start a circle of kindness and be amazed by the generosity that abounds!

National Ritual Celebration Week

Alpha Chi Omega is proud to join with Phi Mu and many other fraternities and sororities for National Ritual Celebration Week, March 1 - 7

Collegians and alumnae are encouraged to take time each day that week – either by participating in collegiate or alumnae chapter activities or personally – to reflect the meaning of Alpha Chi Omega Ritual and how intentionally personifying that Ritual positively impacts your life.

To honor Alpha Chi Omega’s seven founders, here are seven suggestions for how you and/or your chapter can participate in National Ritual Celebration Week:

☆Organize a Hera Day activity on March 1. Take time on March 1 to be of service to others.

☆Perform the Rededication of the Bond ceremony at your chapter meeting. Invite area alumnae to your chapter meeting that week and perform the ceremony for both collegians and alumnae. If you don’t live near a collegiate chapter, don’t have an alumnae chapter near you or don’t have a meeting scheduled that week, take a minute to reflect on your Initiation ceremony. Are you living the life you pledged to live that day? If so, how else could you show that every day? If not, there is no time like the present to start!

☆Reconnect with a sister you haven’t spoken to for awhile. Go to lunch. Have a phone date. Send a card. Write a text. Make time one day that week to reach out to someone and tell her why you’re glad she’s your sister. If you have regular conversations with sisters, take time this week to talk about the common bond you share with your closest Alpha Chi Omega friends.

☆Reflect on the meaning of The Symphony of Alpha Chi Omega. Re-read "The Symphony" at least one time during the week. How does it relate to where you are in life right now? What is your favorite part of the passage? Why?

☆Change your Facebook profile picture to the National Ritual Celebration Week logo. Consider posting your reflections and other Alpha Chi Omega stories and thoughts as your status updates and on the Alpha Chi Omega Facebook page during that week. You also could tweet your ideas during the week – tag your tweets with #AXORitualWeek and follow that tag throughout the week to see what others are saying on Twitter.

☆Reflect on how you personify Alpha Chi Omega’s values of Wisdom, Devotion and Achievement. You might consider a conversation about one of these ideals with a non-member and tell him/her why you value your Alpha Chi Omega experience so much.

☆Participate in National Panhellenic Conference’s International Badge Day on March 7. Proudly wear your lyre badge to work, on campus and to your community gatherings. Doing so not only honors Alpha Chi Omega, but gives you a chance to connect with other sorority women in your area and celebrate the history of women’s fraternities.

These are just a few of the ways you can celebrate. If you have other ideas we hope you’ll share them on the Alpha Chi Omega Facebook page.

Contact Alpha Chi Omega Headquarters if you have questions or need additional information.

☆☆☆

Happy Hera Day & Operation Prom Dress!

Monday March 1^st is a double holiday for Alpha Chi Omega – both International Badge Day (celebrated by all 26 National Panhellenic Conference member groups – wear your lyre pin with pride today) and Hera Day, Alpha Chi Omega’s national day of service to others. Read a little more about Hera Day here: http://axoete.blogspot.com/2010/02/hera-day-march-1st-what-is-your-good.html

If you are looking for a service project today, please consider helping out Lauren Aukeman (Beta Eta, FSU) – she chairs Operation Prom Dress for Junior League Tallahassee this year!

 

Hi Friends and Colleagues!   Do you remember how great your prom was?  Remember, how fun it was to dress up and take lots of fun pictures? It may be one of my favorite memories from high school.    Unfortunately, many young girls in our community won't get that chance because funds will prevent them for going. But the Junior League of Tallahassee is doing something about it, and I am privileged to chair this fantastic event. .   The Junior League of Tallahassee (JLT) is collecting formal dresses, shoes and accessories for its annual event, Operation Prom Dress. This one-day shopping event is for students of Gretchen Everhart School for Exceptional Students and all public high school students in the Big Bend region that may not be able to afford a prom dress. Operation Prom Dress is scheduled for Sunday, March 21 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown Tallahassee . Girls will have the opportunity to visit this make-shift boutique -- complete with dressing rooms -- and select a formal outfit, as well as try on shoes and accessories to complete their prom look.

I know each of you probably has a bridesmaid dress or prom dress you'll never wear again.  Please consider donating it and/or formal shoes or accessories to the JLT’s Operation Prom Dress. Contact me, and I'll coordinate the pick up of these items.  If you don't have dresses, please consider forwarding this email to a friend or colleague, or posting on a bulletin board at work with my contact information.

I really appreciate your support!  

Lauren A. Aukeman

lauren_aukeman at yahoo.com

Hera Day - March 1st - What is your good deed?

As in ancient times when festivals celebrated the Heraea with processions bearing gifts to Hera's temple, so now wings across the continent on March 1, an unending procession of Alpha Chis intent upon distributing happiness to many for at least one day in the year. One day is scarcely correct for the "March first" spirit is contagious and likely to become a habit.

…

The altruism of one fraternity enlists the interest of all other fraternities; in few orders, we believe, is there such an enthusiastic, wide-spread enjoyment of an altruistic custom as our Heraea.

Enthusiasm, indeed, of a dignified, womanly sort is one of the best of the fraternity's traditions. And enthusiasm all must have who see the relation of the attainments of the past to present; who experience the beauties and glories of art; who appreciate the capacity of the human heart for friendship and its joys; who have heard the vibrant call for service, and have felt the satisfaction in responding; and who have learned the place of the spiritual in living.

In a word, the traditions of Alpha Chi Omega guide its members into harmony with the fundamental greatness in life.

(History of Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity 1885 to 1928 by Esther Barney Wilson)