7 Takeaways from the 62nd Alpha Chi Omega National Convention

After reading this blog, we hope you feel more connected to the Alpha Chi Omega sisterhood and our proud Omega history!

On July 12, 2024, the 62nd National Convention of Alpha Chi Omega was called to order in Indianapolis, Indiana. Over 800 sisters attended the convention, including one Omega collegiate, two Omega chapter advisers, and five Sigma Psi Sigma members. Read on for some key takeaways.

Connections and Sisterhood

Sisters seamlessly connected with sisters from nearby and all over the country. The Province Chairs, both Collegiate and Alumna, were gathering members for social events, photo ops, and meals each day of the convention. And, you know what? Sometimes, it's just nice to be in a room full of sisters. We connected with other sisters during the educational sessions and the Sisterhood Luncheon. There was plenty to chat about when sharing the (iced) tea with sisters.

We have Washington Leadership

Some of you may know our Omega extraordinaire and Sigma Psi Sigma member Nancy Waiss. We are delighted to claim Nancy as our own, as she serves as the director/secretary/treasurer on the National Housing Corporation Board of Directors. Go, Cougs!

"The National Housing Corporation enhances the Real. Strong. Women. Experience by providing safe and competitive facilities where members connect, lead, grow, and serve."

Washington is also represented by Kelli Rodriquez, an Alpha Chi Omega National Council Vice President and Sports Law professor at Seattle University. She is a University of California, Davis initiate and has been volunteering for Alpha Chi Omega in various positions since 2002. We look forward to meeting Kelli personally at a future event.

Ritual and Traditions

There were plenty of ways to celebrate the Alpha Chi Omega rituals and traditions during the convention. The Alpha Chi Omega history team did a great job with an exhibit of Alpha Chi Omega artifacts on-site. The convention choir sang all the old favorite songs and some songs new to the Omega crew. We all enjoyed the white fashion show throughout Part 1 of the National Meeting, and you undoubtedly saw some great pics on social media. Badges were proudly worn and adorned throughout the four-day convention.

There was an excursion to the Alpha Chi Omega National Headquarters where some Omegas enjoyed learning about the former National President Burnette Grimes Jones (Omega, Washington State University) 1957-60. Fun Fact: Did you know there is a Burnette Grimes Jones Scholarship exclusively for the Omega Chapter?

National Meeting

The National Meeting, which was held over two days, was the heart of the convention. High above all attendees were the flags of each collegiate chapter and the year each chapter was founded. Delegates from the Alumnae Chapters, Province Chapters, and Collegiate Chapters sat at the front of the room in chairs with covers showing each chapter's letters. Non-voting attendees were welcome to sit behind the voting delegates and encouraged to share comments or questions during the voting process. Robert's rules of order reigned supreme.

Voting

Several proposed resolutions were recommended by the Alpha Chi Omega Board of Directors and the Nominating Committee. The delegates voted on each recommendation resolution. Most recommended resolutions passed quickly, and some recommended resolutions sparked lively engagement from voting and non-voting members. Notes were delivered to voting members by dedicated pages, fingers were snapping after speaker statements, and occasionally applause politely erupted.

Our 2022-2024 president, Lynne Herndon, appreciated the level of engagement and discourse. She felt this was exactly how the convention should work - with voting and non-voting delegates raising their voices to be heard and respected.

New National Leadership

Did you know that there is a National Council Election every two years? The National Council is composed of dedicated volunteers who are elected to two-year teams at each convention. Some National Council members apply to serve more than one two-year term. The six women comprise a council of one National President and five National Vice-President. Stay tuned for an announcement from HQ about our new leadership.

Celebration

Perhaps the most moving event was the final convention event: The Carnation Celebration. At this event, the outgoing president shared her thoughts, and the incoming president shared her vision.

The Alumna National Council Trophy for outstanding alumnae chapters was announced, and it included Sigma Sigma in St. Louis, MO, and Alpha Gamma Alpha in Atlanta, GA. Sigma Sigma was recognized for supporting four collegiate chapters and multiple domestic violence centers. Alpha Gamma Alpha has members from six different chapters and includes three different committees that plan events targeted to different demographics.