• Platform III - Economic Growth of the Black Family

    Chairman: Renita Wynn
    Co-Chairmen: Beverly Barber & Doris Evans Gates


    The strength of the Black community hinges on the viability of the family. If the family foundation is weak, so too will be the broader societal structure that gives life and nourishes the family unit. Alpha Kappa Alpha is sensitive to the fact that within the core structure, the Black male, in particular, faces potentially daunting challenges. Recognizing this, a powerful remedy lies in devising strategies for assisting young males in overcoming the formidable challenges to their educational development and well-being. Through activities that enable, support and provide access, Alpha Kappa Alpha will work to achieve the economic growth of the Black family.


 

  • M.L.K. Day of Service- In honor and recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. and the years of service commitment and advocacy for the rights of all mankind and communities, Phi Phi Omega has held an annual ‘Day of Service’ on M.L.K. day to continue the dream and humility to our communities that M.L.K. instilled.  This year sorors donated, collected and sorted clothes accessories, and toiletries to be given to Every Woman Works, Inc. and Ison Springs Elementary School.


    Ison Springs Elementary School- As one of Phi Phi Omega’s Platform III initiatives, we have partnered with Ison Springs Elementary School.  Ison Springs is a Title I grade school located in Sandy Springs, GA.  There are four programs in which sorors may participate in hopes of making a difference in a child’s life.


    Munch Bunch

    Objective:  Sorors are paired with a student and join them, once a week, during their lunch time.  The two meet for 30 minutes for tutoring in the areas of reading and/or math.

     

    Primetime:

    Arriving in the early afternoon, members of Phi Phi Omega assist teachers and students with computer lab work and tutor students in the areas of reading and math.  This occurs once a week and last from 30 minutes to an hour.

     

    Mentoring:

    Members of Phi Phi Omega are paired with 5th grade female mentees.  Mentors visit their mentee on a weekly basis between the hours of 3:00 pm & 6pm. 


    Foster Care Support- Continuing Alpha Kappa Alpha’s commitment of ‘service to all mankind’, Phi Phi Omega holds multiple service projects throughout the year in support of the Foster Care Support Foundation in Roswell, GA. Service has included assisting with the organization and structure of the facilities donated clothing and toy items. Phi Phi Omega has also assisted the foundation’s annual Prom-pa-looza assisting foster care teen girls in their preparations for prom.

     

    Operation Back to School- Our annual ‘Operation Back To School’ is developed to help identified struggling families with supplying them and their children with necessary school supplies.  Donated by sorors in the chapter, these items assure that children can reach their full academic potential. For the 2009-2010 school year, Phi Phi Omega sorors donated over 100 backpacks filled with school supplies.

     

    Habitat For Humanity- Phi Phi Omega has also been able to assist Habitat For Humanity in their goal and mission of providing families with affordable housing and home ownership. Phi Phi Omega has been on hand to assist in the interior and exterior structure of the new houses to make them into the dream homes of awaiting and needing families.

     

    Adopt-A-Family/Giving Tree- During hardships and economic challenges, Phi Phi Omega understands that many families are not in position to provide their children with a Christmas holiday full of needed gifts and toys. For many years, Phi  Phi Omega has been able to identify families in need of assistance to make their Christmas holidays they will never forget. Partnering with Healthy Grandparents, led by GA State University Phi Phi Omega was able to provide a Merry Christmast to more than five families.  Such donated items include, toys, clothes, shoes, and other items the family maybe in need of.

  • GREENING YOUR LAWN

     

    Today’s gas-powered lawn mowers and tractors generate more than 70% less exhaust emissions than they did in 1995. But the average walk-behind mower still produces 11 times more emissions per hour than cars or trucks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Here are tips on finding less polluting equipment.

    Consider a corded or even a cordless electric mower. Both offer push-button starting and quieter running, creating no exhaust emissions, and require no tune-ups. The best corded models perform as well as some gas mowers, though they’re best for small flat lawns. Compare corded and cordless mower performance in our Green Ratings.

    Get a mower that can mulch as it mows. Not only does this decrease the amount of clippings that end up in landfills, but it’s more convenient than emptying a bag and also provides natural fertilizer for your lawn.

    Consider plug-ins for trimmers and power blowers. The top corded electrics in these categories outscored most tested gas models and also cost and weigh less. They also free you from fueling, pull-starting and periodic tune-ups. Corded string trimmers have become more competent recently. Keep in mind that cordless hedge trimmers lack the power for all but the lightest-duty trimming. Get the latest hedge trimmer, string trimmer, and power blower reports.

     

    All information taken from www.greenerchoices.org