We’re kicking off the Foundation’s Essential Business Week on July 13!

While we will not have the opportunity to gather together for the Foundation Business Session as we typically would during Convention, the Foundation is moving forward with conducting essential business online, including voting on proposed Bylaws changes and electing Trustees.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect this week:

Monday, July 13

• Electronic voting opens up for Foundation Members at 8 a.m. ET
• Sisterhood Auction is open

Tuesday, July 14

• State of the Foundation and Financial Review is delivered to Foundation Members

Wednesday, July 15

• Donor recognition begins on social media
• Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. ET

Thursday, July 16

• Donor recognition continues on social media

Friday, July 17

• Donor recognition and awards presentations on social media
• Sisterhood Auction and Caring Carnations sales close at 5 p.m. ET

Saturday, July 18

• Essential Business Wrap-up Video from President Pamela Gaines on social media

Voting results will be sent to Foundation Members following the Essential Business Week.

Last week, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to designate $25,000 toward establishing a fund to support Phi Mu’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

“After discussions with the Fraternity, we knew there was an immediate need to help fund diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for Phi Mu members in the upcoming academic year,” said Foundation President Pamela Gaines, Epsilon Alpha.  “In addition to the short-term funding that we’ll be able to provide to the Fraternity through our Caring Carnations program this summer, establishing this fund will allow for an ongoing opportunity for donors to support this important effort.”

You can help support the Fraternity’s diversity, equity and inclusion work through one of two Phi Mu Foundation contribution opportunities below:

Caring Carnations – by purchasing ‘virtual’ Caring Carnations – the Golden Quatrefoil ($10) and/or the Radiant Rose ($5) – to send to members and friends now through July 17.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund – beginning today, you can make a gift directly to this new fund by visiting the phimufoundation.org/give and select ‘Established Funds’.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we’d like to encourage Phi Mu members and friends to rally behind this cause and spread joy through sending Caring Carnations or make a gift directly to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund,” said Gaines. “We are much more powerful together and helping to fund this work will ensure that Phi Mu is a stronger, more inclusive organization.”

If you would like more information about Phi Mu Fraternity’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, please visit their website at https://www.phimu.org/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/.

For more information about Phi Mu Fraternity’s best-in-class leadership and education programs that support both collegian and alumnae Phi Mu members, visit https://www.phimu.org/about-us/programming-events/.

My experience with the Collegiate Leadership Council has been nothing short of life-changing. Unlike my fellow members of the CLC, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Belfast Northern Ireland during the first half of my time on the council. During this time, I was completely by myself, having no support system of my family, my university friends, or my sisters, and being a part of the CLC helped me stay connected in the sisterhood. On some of the loneliest days while abroad, I would take those days to make graphics or help educate my chapter, Beta Upsilon, about the Foundation.

One of the most beneficial days of being a part of the CLC was on October 22nd, or 18 Hours and 52 Minutes of Giving, where the Foundation tries to raise the most money possible within that timeframe. This day was particularly important to me because it was the day after my 21st birthday. Since I was away from my friends and family at home, I asked everyone, for one thing for my birthday, to donate to the thing that gave me so much love and hope. In total, I had about $150 in donations in my name for my birthday. To me, Phi Mu has given me confidence, friendships, and leadership opportunities that I could never imagine, and the least I could do is ask my friends and family at home to give what they can to help others.

After coming back to the States, my number one goal was to help the Foundation both nationally and within my chapter. With the current spread of COVID-19, I helped my sisters apply for scholarships to help them continue their studies at Westminster College, and help those how may need to apply for emergency funding.

I would like to thank the sisters of Beta Upsilon for the continuous support in my endeavors with the Phi Mu Foundation and the Collegiate Leadership Council, my Panhellenic Council advisor, Francesca Manilla, for helping me with the responsibilities of being a national representative of the Westminster Greek Community, and the Phi Mu Foundation staff correspondent for the CLC, Jessi Horne. You are an inspiration to all young Phi Mus everywhere on where they can go with hard work and kindness in their hearts.

Through my CLC experience, one line on the creed rang true during the entire experience. “Being steadfast in every duty small or large”. Whether it was an Instagram Story post or campaigning for M3, everything was for the betterment of sisters everywhere.

Past Collegiate Leadership Council member Yiannoula Katsadas, Beta Upsilon, is a senior at Westminster College in Pennsylvania. 

Apply for the 2020-21 Collegiate Leadership Council!