Setting an agenda through defined goals
In August of last year, the new Board of Directors for Omicron Epsilon (Clarkson College) chapter met and prepared a Vision and Mission statement to coincide with the five strategic directions laid out by Sigma Theta Tau International President Carol Picard. For 2007-2008, the goal for the chapter will be to develop “Knowledge and Service” strategies and in 2008-2009 the focus will be to build diverse “Communities and Sustainability” by cultivating philanthropy. Through strong leadership and the formation of task groups within the chapter, these goals have been realized ahead of schedule.
Getting member involved in philanthropy at meetings
Omicron Epsilon, led by President Connie Wilson and Past President Cheryl Hellstrom, has been very diligent in its effort to support community efforts to provide resources for those in need. At regular monthly meetings, members are requested to bring items for donation for particular community projects or persons in need. Recent donations include:
- Teddy bears for the Teddy Bear Hollow program for grieving children
- Christmas gifts for a single mother who is supporting her children while trying to attend nursing school
- Reference books for use by an elementary school rebuilding after a fire
- Food and clothing for the homeless
Partnering with neighboring chapters
One way the chapter has reached out to the community is by organizing topical health care education dinner programs twice a month. These programs are sponsored by various pharmaceutical companies and coordinated by past president Cheryl Hellstrom. Participants can earn nursing continuing education credits by attending. Through the dinner programs, the chapter developed a partnership with members from Tau Tau, STTI chapter at Methodist College. A committee was formed with members from both chapters, and a new dinner program was created:
Intimate Partner Violence: What You Can Do to Make a Difference
This event was held on November 13th, 2006 to educate chapter members and the public on the issue of domestic abuse and what role health care professionals can play in assisting victims. Survivor-speaker Polly Mitchell addressed the attendees, telling her remarkable story of escape from an abusive husband who held her captive for many years. She has also shared her story in interviews on Larry King Live, Oprah Winfrey and Good Morning America. She is now a nursing student at the College of St. Mary’s.