June 3, 2020

 

Dear Sisters,

On May 29, Phi Mu Fraternity released a statement denouncing the recent acts of racial discrimination and violence faced by members of the Black community, a community that includes many of our sisters. We received an outpouring of responses from our members, many of whom demanded action about one particular aspect of our history.

In the late 1860s, the Philomatheans named Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson as honorary members. They did not go through any Ritual Service and these three men were never granted membership status of any type in Phi Mu Fraternity. Regardless, we must acknowledge that this has been incredibly hurtful for many of our members, especially Black women.

On behalf of National Council, I unequivocally denounce the association of these men with our organization. Having these men as honorary members is not reflective of Phi Mu. We cannot change the decision the Philomatheans made, but we can acknowledge the pain that it has caused and how that informs our path forward.

In 2016, National Council created five Ends Policies to set strategic priorities for our organization. I have directed our staff to make the policy focused on diversity, equity and inclusion an immediate priority. They are forming a Diversity and Inclusion Working Group that will focus on ways Phi Mu has perpetuated racism. They will seek feedback from members on experiences of marginalization or microaggression in their chapters and learn from experts on ways we can make Phi Mu a stronger, more inclusive organization.

This work will take time to do well. It will require honest, difficult conversations regarding parts of our history of which we are not proud. We will do these things and more because we have an obligation to our past, current and future members to eliminate all forms of racism and exclusion.

If you have feedback, suggestions or want to be a part of this work, please complete this form.

Thank you for joining me in learning from our history to keep true to the meaning, spirit and reality of Phi Mu.

 

Yours in Our Bond,

Andie Kash, Delta Eta

National President

While it may look a little different this year, we are excited to announce that the 2020 Sisterhood Auction will go on! This year’s auction will be hosted online with photos and bidding information available to all Phi Mu members right at your fingertips. More information on how you can register online and get your profile ready to bid will be coming later this month.

In the meantime, we need your help to secure more auction items to feature in this year’s Sisterhood Auction! Items that traditionally do very well in the auction are themed gift baskets, gift cards and vacation stays. We’ve even received a few ‘virtual experiences’ that will be up for bid that are sure to be a hit! All proceeds from the auction benefit the lifetime development of women through the support of Phi Mu’s leadership, scholarship, philanthropic and educational programs, and historic preservation.

If you have an item or two to donate to the Sisterhood Auction, please fill out the 2020 Sisterhood Auction Information Form and include a photo of your items. All donated items will receive lifetime giving credit. All items should be shipped by Friday, June 19 to Phi Mu Foundation, attn.: Amy Moore, 400 Westpark Dr., Peachtree City, GA 30269.

If you have any questions about the 2020 Sisterhood Auction, please contact Stewardship & Engagement Coordinator Amy Moore.

Each year, Phi Mu Foundation selects a group of exceptional collegiate donors to represent their chapters on the Collegiate Leadership Council. Together, the council shares their passion for philanthropy and the Foundation’s powerful mission by educating, motivating and inspiring others to give back to Phi Mu Foundation.

Members of the Council will provide perspective on collegiate engagement, cultivation, stewardship, as well as provide insight on fundraising and other philanthropic efforts. They’ll also serve as social media advocates for the Foundation. Click here for an overview of the CLC program.

If you’re a rising junior or senior member in good standing with at least a 3.0 GPA, apply today! All applications must be completed by August 10, 2020.

Please contact Communications & Marketing Director Jessi Horne at jhorne@phimu.org with any questions.

Dear Foundation Members,

We hope you are staying safe and healthy during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you as the Foundation Trustees and Staff work to support our members who are affected by COVID-19.

On April 17, Phi Mu Fraternity announced the cancellation of the 56^th National Convention originally scheduled for July 7-12, 2020. As a result, the Phi Mu Foundation Trustees have voted to cancel our Business Session scheduled July 9. We will proceed with essential Foundation business, including Trustee elections and changes to the Foundation’s Bylaws, via electronic voting this summer at a time to be determined.

This is your official notice of the Bylaws changes that have been approved by the Board of Trustees. Phi Mu Foundation’s Board of Trustees is committed to updating the Bylaws to reflect state law, and to provide clarity to members for Trustee responsibility, transparency and accountability throughout our guiding governing documents. Below is a summary of the proposed changes. You can request a ‘redline’ version of the complete Foundation Bylaws document from Executive Director Kristin Tofanelli.

ARTICLE III, Section 2; ARTICLE IV, Section 2.2 – ELECTIONS

• Allow electronic voting

ARTICLE IV, Section 2.1.b.iv – ELECTIONS

• No nominations from floor or write-in candidates

ARTICLE IV, Section 2.2 – ELECTIONS

• Allow ballot waiver if not needed

 

ARTICLE IV, Section 8 – TRUSTEE VOTING

• No proxies, voting at meetings is live only

 

ARTICLE VI, Section 2 – TRUSTEE VOTING

• Voting for officers is live (face to face, audio/video) only

 

ARTICLE IX, Section 2.5 – TITLES

• Chief Executive Officer to Executive Director

 

ARTICLE v, Section 3.2 – CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD DUTIES

• Include ‘Board’ to Chairman of the Board liaison duties

 

ARTICLE XII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

• Revise “Information and Procedures” to “Policy Manual”

 

ARTICLE IV, Section 8 – VOTING

• Include the word ‘present’

If you have questions about these revisions, you may contact Janeen Judah, Foundation Bylaws Chairman, at janeenj@gmail.com or Kristin Tofanelli, Phi Mu Foundation Executive Director, at ktofanelli@phimu.org.