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A Message From Kim Crawley
Our National President
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Kim Crawley - 2012-2013 National President
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When my children, a senior and a seventh grader, returned to school August 1st, I remembered those first day jitters, the right clothes, the right backpack, the supplies (oh, how I loved new school supplies!), the fear of not being able to find my classroom, new teachers, new kids, new expectations and all the stress that goes into fitting in-YIKES! That is a lot of stress and worry isn't it?!
It's not all that different in our fresh new year with Psi Iota Xi, is it? New officers, new meeting locations, new members, challenging situations and memories from previous years; will you fit in; what should I wear; new expectations; more hard work...the list could go on and on!
My favorite childhood author was Dr Seuss. A story by him that I remember still to this day and have often quoted it to my children as they face challenges in their lives or at school is, "Oh the Places You'll Go." This short piece can be a helpful reminder for your own life situations as well as for the success of your particular chapter:
"You're off to great places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting
So...get on your way!
Think left, think right
And think low and think high
Oh, the things you can
Think up if only you try!"
Think of this year as a new beginning and start to look forward to things that challenge you and your chapter because when we are challenged we really see the person that we are--challenges can be a catalyst for strength and growth. I have worked with chapters since joining Psi Iota Xi that faced many challenges-failed fund raisers who thought they could never recover from but as they looked high and low, they found something that was even more successful for their chapter. I've seen chapters who have faced issues and worked hard together to successfully accomplish goals where they almost threw in the towel. I've witnessed a few chapters who, with a few suggestions, added new members who breathed new life into their chapters and allowed them to climb mountains they never imagined they could climb. But they did it because they simply tried! Look for that inner strength and collect and capitalize on the strengths within your chapter.
Sister Psi Otes, stop saying "I can't," "that won't work," "they'll never let us do [that]," and challenge yourself to do YOUR personal best this coming year. Isn't that what we tell our children? Just do your best!? Of course it is! Shouldn't we believe that for ourselves too?!
I ran a mini marathon two years ago and went in with a positive attitude that I could do it. I set a goal for myself, and as I began training for it, I continued to believe that I COULD do it. One day when I was frustrated about how the training was going and began to feel a little discouraged, I was reminded of that little Dr. Seuss poem once again. I began repeating the motivating lines in my head during my training. My family thought I was nuts, and a few times, I thought I must be. However, when my daughter suggested, "Mom, just quit," I thought.....NO!! I didn't want my children see me be a quitter to not even try after all the times I told them to just try and to do their best---I had to run this mini!
We do things sometimes because they are hard and get the feeling of accomplishment for even just trying! Now, did I set my goal too high-like saying I would win the mini? Finish it in record time? No, I simply said "I will finish the race." As I was running in the mini, I again began feeling like I must be nuts while discouraging thoughts started to filter into my brain. This time, I thought of a quote I had heard about looking forward by Walt Disney. "Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things...and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." I finished that race and it felt wonderful! I did not quit! I accomplished my goal!
My wish for the students returning to school this year, each of you and your chapters, is that you look forward, look high and low when it comes to progress within your own specific chapter. I wish that each of you challenge yourself and your chapter to new heights as you move forward during this year in Psi Iota Xi. Your National Council wants for you to be successful, and we are committed to helping you achieve the goals you set and want to challenge you to find the strength to do your best and simply TRY!
We have been preparing for the year and for the future of Psi Iota Xi! We are excited about the challenges that we have ahead of us, and we are focusing our eyes forward, putting plans in place to accomplish these goals and tackle our challenges. We need YOU to be ready to face the challenges your face while serving within your own communities as members of Psi Iota Xi. So, prepare as if you are training for a marathon, and keep telling yourself that you're off to great places!
Pax Vobiscum!
Kim Crawley
National President, 2012 - 13
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A Message from Your National Editor
Ladies, it is hard to believe kids are returning to school, Summer is almost at a close, and before you know it, we will be seeing "snow!" Oh, my! Here are a few things to consider:
- Send Memorial information, and if possible, a picture to your editor for submission for the next newsletter. A timelier remembrance would be appreciated by all and especially the family of the deceased sister. This information will be accumulated and placed in the next Helicon and a copy of the newsletter could then be given to the family displaying your remembrance of your sister.
- Pictures, Pictures, Pictures! Need I say more? We all love to see pictures, and what a fantastic way to share your chapter ideas, fundraisers and community events that shout out, "We love Psi Iota Xi!" Again, forward them to your National Editor! And don't forget to post them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PsiIotaXi)
- Check the website's online calendar for events/activities in your area and be sure to list your chapter events so other sisters can join your fun! Don't miss new things by staying away too long -- things are always being added!!!
- PNP? Thanks to Suzy Kiel for asking, "What is a PNP?" Well, Suzy a PNP is a Past National President. Our 2011 Convention President, Deanna Howard, became a PNP at the end of her term. After that she served for one year as National Council advisor. The PNPs have their own gatherings annually, and typically, all who are able, join us each year at National Convention and attend a PNP dinner the Friday night prior to the general welcome party. Thanks for the question Suzy and sisters, place your questions on the website under "Interact" Discussion -- we all look forward to hearing from you. I am sure there are a lot of questions -- PLEASE ASK! Perhaps there could be "question of the month" portion added to the newsletter!
- Please keep in mind members of National Council do travel and at times may not be immediately available for your call or e-mail. Please follow the same guideline that those on National Council follow when someone is temporarily unavailable. Using the National Council Listing found under the "Members Only" section of the website, try contacting the person above or below the person you are attempting to reach. In the case of the National President, call the next person in line -- the Vice President -- and so on down the list until you reach someone who can assist you (even if it only means leaving a message). We are all here to serve you, so do not allow an immediate failed response keep you from seeking the information you need.
Loyally,
Margaret Larson, National Editor |
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A Message From Dr. Gabel
Intensive Stuttering Clinic Project Rep
Dear Ms. Crawley, and members of Psi iota Xi,
This letter is belated, but I wanted to write today to thank you and all members of Psi Iota Xi for your support of my work at the University of Toledo. This support is substantial, and very much appreciated. I was also very thankful that you invited me to attend the convention once again. I was overwhelmed by your group's support but also the amount of work you all do to help all the national projects. I am truly humbled and excited to be working with your group as its new Long Term Project.
[We are already well into] the intensive clinic this summer. Because of the support from your group, I was able to admit eight people who stutter into my clinic. It has been amazing to see the changes that these individuals have made during this program. It is truly exciting. Your group has made such a difference in the lives of these eight people, but also in the lives of their families and everyone that they have in their lives. Also, the experience ... makes me think of the 40 people that have been helped by the clinic during my time at BGSU and here at the University of Toledo. Each of those 40 people would not have had this experience without your organization's support.
With the ongoing support of Psi Iota Xi, I am going to continue my efforts to help children, adolescents and adults who stutter and their families. Because of Psi Iota Xi, this important clinic and training opportunity for graduate students will continue. This award would be so important to continuing the Intensive Stuttering Clinic for Adolescents and Adults, and hopefully expanding services, research and training opportunities.
Thank you again for your support. I hope you will be able to pass my sincere appreciation on to the other members of your organization. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Sincerely,
Dr. RodneyGabel, Ph.D. CC-SLP, BRS-FD
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President's Directory: 2012 - 2013
We know changes are always happening. People move, get new phones, change email, etc. Please forward any changes to the Presidents Directory to the National Editor so the directory is always current. Visit the "Member's Only" section on the website for the most current version of our Presidents Directory.
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A Message From Marcia Mohre
National VP
Important Convention Changes
Sisters:
Be sure to mark your calendars for the 111th National Convention of Psi Iota Xi scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, 2014. The 112th National Convention is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, 2015. That's right - both are only TWO DAYS - and our goal is only ONE NIGHT!
Both conventions will be held at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne. For several years convention surveys have indicated that our members want a shorter and less expensive convention. It has taken this long to make it happen because, in the past, reservations for convention halls and hotels required a contracted commitment 4 or 5 years in advance of the date. Once contracts are signed it is practically impossible to change without a financial penalty.
When my chapter decided to support me as a member of National Council, I was determined to make changes necessary to make convention more appealing to more of our members by shortening the amount of time involved and thus reducing the cost overall. Cathy Etzler and I have been working together to meet the needs of our members.
However, we haven't worked out every single detail just yet. Please understand that shortening convention means that there will have to be changes. We must still fulfill certain elements required by law such as voting on bylaws and election of officers. However, we also understand that one of the greatest advantages of attending convention is having fun and sharing ideas that can help chapters raise more money and recruit and retain more members - allowing you to better serve your communities.
We hope you'll embrace the changes ahead and help us make the most of our precious time together. It will be challenging but FUN! Watch for details. There's much more to come!
Your thoughts and ideas are needed to help Psi Iota Xi grow and succeed!
National Committees
Representatives from each district are needed to serve on the following National Committees* - most require approximately a half-day commitment of your time:
- Future Planning Committee
- Project Screening Committee
- Nominating Committee
District Officers
District Officers are needed for the:
- Southeast District
- Northwest District
- West Central District
These positions require two-year commitments and are limited to four years overall.
*A Letter of Intent along with a letter of chapter support should be sent by November 1. If interested in serving on a committee or as a district officer please contact me at marciamohre@gmail.com with your interest or questions. You may also call me at 419-212-3004(cell), or 419-272-2618(home). Are you ready to step up to the next level? Give me a call!
Convention Memorial Thoughts
Diana Lamb, PNP, delivered a meaningful display of our love and commitment to each sister that passed over the last year during Convention.
Now that we have such great technology, we can continue to honor those who have passed during each year's Convention and also with more timely condolences here in the newsletter and online at the National Website. Just send a brief history of her travels/accomplishments with Psi Iota Xi, anything else you'd like to highlight and, most importantly, a low resolution (350 x 450 pixels) photo image. Send them directly to Margaret Larson, National Editor, at m22larson@comcast.net. Once published online or via newsletter, you could then print off the tribute to share with the family.
Loyally,
Marcia Mohre, National Vice President
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Chapter Snapshots!
Ladies, send us your chapter happenings along with some photos. We love to share what's going on with our sister Psi Otes! Here are some from Zeta Theta and Theta Kappa:
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Zeta Theta - Niles Women's Expo"A Day on Main Street" sponsored primarily by downtown businesses. Main Street blocked off from 10 am to 4 pm. For $25 groups and home products/demo reps and businesses invited to set up booths of interest to women in the community. There was a style show, cooking demonstration, jazzercize and zumba demonstrations, and music performances on a stage at one end of the street. We set up a display of our activities and passed out copies of our new brochure to educate people about our group's projects and to interest prospective members. Think we have at least one coming as a guest in September.
Theta Kappa - Edon's Day Parade. In celebration of Theta Kappa's 40th Anniversary, founding members Jan Chrisman and Paula Kramer were named Grand Marshals for the annual Edon Day's Parade August 4th. Theta Kappa proudly walked and rode golf carts alongside them as the Parade MC shared that $75,000 has been given back to the Edon Ohio community along with 5,000 volunteer hours.
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PNP Lesley Bookout, Zeta Theta, at the Niles Ladies Expo!
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Ladies of Zeta Theta present Psi Iota Xi at the Niles Ladies Expo!
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Jan Chrisman and Paula Kramer serve as Grand Marshals for the Edon Day's Parade!
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National Council Meeting August 10 and 11
National Council had their Summer Council meeting in Indianapolis at the National Office in Indianapolis. Check out that nice HQ office space!
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Summer 2012 Council Meeting
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Remember -- when in Indianapolis, take advantage of this comfortable lounge that's available for you to relax and enjoy reading through Psi Ote history! All past Helicons are stored at the National Office. Just contact our administrative assistant, Liz Dale, to reserve the facilities at no additional cost. Liz can fill you in on the details, and if you are interested, there is a large conference room that can be rented. Our history is such an important part of Psi Iota Xi!
National President Kim Crawley kept all on council busy! There were many discussions about our 2013 Convention, schedules for visiting chapters, review of recent convention surveys, supporting chapters in gaining and retaining members and addressing new ideas and keeping pace with the "modern woman!"
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National President Kim Crawley kept all on target!
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National Project Chair Brenda Bonner got down to business!
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A Message from Our National Conductress
At our 2012 National Convention, it was mentioned that many of our younger members would like to know and understand more about our ritual. In the next few months, I will be sharing some of my favorite parts of that ritual - the parts that make Psi Iota Xi a beautiful and unique women's organization. Our first installment - The Pin.
 | | The Psi Iota Xi Pin |
Do you remember your Psi Iota Xi initiation? If you're like me, you were probably so excited and nervous that when it was over, you could hardly remember what you had just done! But you knew that you had taken a big step, that you had a new group of sister friends and that a little gold pin now occupied a place of honor over your heart.
Our pin is elegant in its simplicity: a gold diamond with a turquoise-enameled face, emblazoned with the Greek letters ΨΙΞ. During the pinning portion of our initiation ritual, the words spoken to us are, "This pin honors you, may you honor it. This pin signifies our faith in you and your obligation to us. It unites us in Psi Iota Xi." Let's look a little closer at some of these words.
As is stated in the last phrase, our pin unites us in our sisterhood, as each member of Psi Iota Xi is to be provided with a pin by her Chapter (Part II, Article V, B. of our National Bylaws). By accepting and wearing the pin, each sister makes an outward acknowledgement of her membership in and responsibilities to Psi Otes and likewise, the organization acknowledges her as a valued member.
Therefore, wearing the pin is an honor that should be undertaken with joy. Wear your pin to every Chapter meeting, and encourage your sisters to do the same. Many Chapters offer a prize drawing at each Chapter meeting for those wearing their pin; other Chapters collect a quarter or 50 cents from each sister who has forgotten! Wear your pin to any and all state and national meetings, as well as to any community events where you are representing Psi Iota Xi (or maybe just wear it because). Others may ask you about this beautiful piece, and you then have an opportunity to talk about our organization and invite them to join us.
The pin should be worn on your left side; you can find the proper spot for your pin by placing your right hand on your chest with your thumb in the center of your neck (where your Adam's apple would be if you were a man), opening your fingers fully and pointing your middle finger toward your left shoulder. Where your pinkie finger ends up will be the right spot, more or less. Whether you wear your pin by itself, or on an attractive pin holder, this is where the pin should be. Remember that if you keep and wear your pin on a holder, the Psi Iota Xi pin should be at the top in the most prominent position; on my pin holder, I also have my Indiana State President's pin, a yellow rose and a Riley Hospital pin - each of these is positioned below my Psi Ote pin. The pin may be worn on the outside of a blazer or sweater, but if you might be removing the jacket during an event, it is suggested that your wear your pin on your blouse or shirt.
If a sister chooses to withdraw her membership with Psi Otes, her pin (along with her membership certificate and National, State and Chapter bylaws) should be returned to the Chapter (National Bylaws, Part 2, Article 6 B.). Likewise, if a sister dies and is not buried with her pin, it should be returned to the Chapter or passed on to other Psi Otes in her family.
If you lose your pin, notify your Chapter conductress to buy a replacement. Our pins are crafted by our National Jeweler, J. Lewis Small and Company of Elwood, Indiana. Guards for your pin, as well as guards recognizing years of service, officer dangles and other Psi Ote jewelry are available; information and order forms are found here on the National website.
Wear your pin with pride, keep it close to your heart and remember the sisterhood and unity we share in Psi Iota Xi.
Pax Vobiscum,
Georgiann Coons, National Conductress
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