January News & Notes

Welcome 2016! As we start a New Year it is time to look to the future. 2016 is a convention year and with convention comes the election of our Fraternity leadership. Theta Phi Alpha is made up of countless women who are full of ambition and untapped potential to lead and make a difference within our growing organization. We need you to help us identify these leaders and encourage them to run for election this summer. Even better, maybe you are the leader we’re looking for to make a difference within our sisterhood.

Elected officers include the Grand Council and Board of Trustees (BOT). If you, or someone you know, is interested in running for a position read below to see if you qualify to run.

Board of Trustees Qualifications 
The role and qualifications of the BOT is found in our National Constitution and Bylaws Article VI: The Board of Trustees shall receive the recommendations of the Grand Council and shall meet with that body as necessary. Its duties shall be to advise the Grand Council on fraternal, scholastic, and financial policies; to determine and present the National Awards; and to nominate the elected national officers.

The BOT has the power to establish as well as determine awards. This includes the Senior Service, Guard of Honor, and Siena Medal along with a host of Chapter and Association awards. They are also responsible for ensuring there are candidates nominated to run for election by the convention body for both the Grand Council and the Board of Trustees positions.

Members shall have been alumnae for at least five years and be in good financial standing. At least three of the Trustees shall be past national officers or past or present national chairmen.

The members of the BOT are elected by the Convention body, just as the members of Grand Council are. The BOT bears no legal responsibility for the day to day operations of the Fraternity, as the members of Grand Council do.

Grand Council Qualifications 
The duties of the Grand Council can be found in Bylaw II, the Grand Council shall perform all duties ordinarily the responsibility of the directors of a corporation, shall communicate with one another at least once a month, and shall meet at least annually. Qualifications for Grand Council members can be found in Article V, each member of the Grand Council shall be an alumna member in good financial standing who previously has held a national office or chairmanship. Each member of the Grand Council shall have earned a bachelor’s degree at least five years before election. The National Treasurer shall have a degree with a concentration in accounting or two years experience in accounting-related work.

It is a large responsibility to serve the Fraternity, but it is also a rewarding experience. I hope you will consider volunteering your time, talent and leadership! In the words of Emma Watson, “if not me who, if not now when?”