Teal Diva: An Update on the Organization

Life for Shannon Routh is going super.  With the combination of her determined attitude and “sunshiny” spirit, nothing can stop the Teal Diva.  So how are things going with her organization?  Let’s find out!

According to Shannon, this year “Teal Diva is off to a great start.”  The organization has officially applied for non-profit status and is on track to fulfill their mission, once again, through actions such as: donating to research, highlighting smaller non-profit organizations, and raising awareness.  Shannon has already spoken three times this year on behalf of Teal Diva, and hopes to “add more to the calendar.” (Need an excellent speaker who is both fun and inspiring?  Ask Shannon!  Contact her through the Teal Diva website today).

A golf tournament called “Golfing Fore Good,” hosted by Enterprise Rent A Car will take place on Wednesday, May 18^th in Monroe, NC.  Do you, and/or someone you know in the area, love to golf?  Be sure to register; don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

In addition to Golfing Fore Good, there will be a bridal event hosted in Charlotte, NC by a local event planner.  All proceeds from this event will be donated to Teal Diva.  Shannon said that she and the Teal Diva team are “working diligently with other organizations, survivors, and caretakers to plan several events in August and September.”

As mentioned in the latest Teal Diva article, Teal Diva: An Update on the Diva, Shannon, her husband J.J., and two friends plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro later this year.  To start off in the right spirit they will depart on National Teal Day.  Their guide is from Charlotte, NC as well.  He, too, is passionate about ovarian cancer awareness as he lost his wife to the disease only five years ago.

A goal for the future, Shannon says, is to create a video for those beginning, or going through, treatment for ovarian cancer.  The video would serve as an inspiration to viewers.  She also said that she would love to someday create a book that tells about her personal journey.

Inspired by Teal Diva?  Great things are certainly in store for this amazing organization’s future.  Want to learn more?  Be sure to visit Teal Diva’s website where it will tell you all you need to know about the organization, as well as provide an opportunity through one of its tabs for viewers to make a donation.  Also, be sure to check out the Teal Diva series.  Show your support for teal today!

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia College & State University®, where she was also the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   She is blessed to call Shannon a friend and is excited to hear about all of her adventures to come!

Teal Diva: An Update on the Diva

Shannon Routh is an inspiration to all she encounters.  College Lifestyles readers were first introduced to THE Teal Diva in Fall 2010, when she was featured in several articles.  Six months later, where is she now?

For starters, February 18^th marked one year of Shannon being cancer free *pause for cheers!*.  To celebrate, there was a party thrown in her honor at a local restaurant where she celebrated with family and friends.

This year, Shannon desires to focus on her health.  “I am looking to achieve things that before cancer weren’t even a thought,” Shannon shares.  In January she started training for a 5K and since has completed two races.  Her main focus during these races is completion.  She and her sister Tina (a constant source of encouragement in Shannon’s life) recently ran the “Run Like A Girl” 8K in Charlotte, NC.  They participated in this race last year when Shannon was only weeks out of chemotherapy.  Shannon was eager to once again participate in this race.  And, earlier this year, Shannon and her husband J.J. participated in a “Stiletto Sprint” benefitting ovarian cancer awareness.

In addition to these races, Shannon and Tina desire to complete a half-marathon before 2011 comes to a close.  Also, Shannon, J.J., and two of their dear friends will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in August.  “Cancer was such an emotional process for me (and still is).  Having a hysterectomy at such a young age and so young in our marriage was pretty emotional too.  I was strong for everyone, but now I need to find a way to release all the emotions I have carried around.  I am looking for a cleansing so to speak.  I want to climb in an effort to take something back and show cancer couldn’t take everything… my strength, my spirit determination.” Shannon joked that the true challenge in completing this would be overcoming her lack of “outdoorsman” skills.

Interested in sponsoring them on their journey? Visit www.tealdiva.org to make a donation.

What an update!  What an inspiration!  Shannon continues to amaze us all.  Who knows where she will be six months from now?!  Be sure to stay updated on her progress through Teal Diva’s Facebook page.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia College & State University®, where she was also the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   She is blessed to call Shannon a friend and is excited to hear about all of her adventures to come!

Teal Diva: Shannon’s Story

Imagine taking the vacation of a lifetime and upon your return being haunted with the three most feared words to come from a doctor’s mouth, “You..have..cancer.”  The combination of these three words can change your life in an instant.  Just this happened to Teal Diva founder Shannon Routh.  In the summer of 2009 Shannon took a trip to France with her sister and mother.  The trip was a dream come true, but the unexpected pain that arose during it was not.  While there, Shannon experienced sharp pain in her lower abdomen (that increased as she neared her monthly cycle) and was unable to use the restroom (symptoms she describes as similar to those experienced during your monthly cycle and during a urinary tract infection).  Upon her return to the United States she made a doctor’s appointment to find out what exactly was going on.  To her shock, in September 2009, at the young age of 32, Shannon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  She immediately became a survivor and over the last year has undergone six cycles of chemotherapy.  On February 16, 2010, Shannon was declared cancer free.  Just this month she had a CT Scan that’s results showed no sign of cancer.

Shannon’s hope is that after hearing her story, you too will want to spread awareness.  “Know the symptoms and don’t ignore the signs (it is so easy to do).  Tell a friend…a family member.”  Don’t limit spreading awareness solely to by word of mouth; there are plenty of ways to rock the color teal, through both clothing and accessories.  As Shannon advises, “don’t be afraid of getting your toe nails painted an odd color.”  Her desire is for everyone to know that “cancer does not discriminate;” it can happen to anyone.  “Ovarian cancer is a silent killer because the symptoms are so similar to things we as women face daily/ monthly in our lives.  There is no screening for ovarian cancer.  Many think going to your annual visit, you are ok but your pap smear tests only for cervical cancer.”

Throughout the entire experience, Shannon has had faith through it all.  She says that her faith has not only remained, but in fact has grown stronger.  “I did not ask why as a question, but (rather) why as an opportunity.  I know that God will not give me more than I can bare and I knew He had plans for me throughout this experience.  I leaned on that understanding a lot.”  I am convinced that if we all had this attitude, the world would have a much more positive outlook on life.

Shannon serves as a role model for many, and an inspiration for all.  Don’t miss out on the story of how her organization Teal Diva came to be:  ”Teal Diva: A Survivor’s Story of Finding Her Inner Diva.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Shannon Routh is a special friend that Abby has enjoyed getting to know over the last five months.  Abby admires Shannon’s story and hopes that all readers are now inspired to spread awareness about ovarian cancer.

Teal Diva: A Survivor’s Story of Finding Her Inner Diva

Have you ever wanted to discover your “inner diva”?  Shannon Routh did just that when she was diagnosed in September 2009 with ovarian cancer.  Instead of letting the disease get the best of her, she chose to create a support organization for women in their 20’s, 30’s, and early 40’s.  Only days after her diagnosis Teal Diva was born.  “Ovarian Cancer is more common in women over 60,” Shannon says.  “Not a lot of info for a young woman diagnosed or a young couple (is available).  An avenue for people to share is so therapeutic.  (I wanted to) give back to the local non-profits that you don’t hear about, the non-profits that exist solely off of prayer.”

Her inspiration came from the fact that few support groups targeted she and her husband J.J.’s age range.  As Shannon puts it, “I wanted to be a voice for ovarian cancer.  My husband and I could not find information that pertained to our age group and what was going on with us.  We wanted to relate to other people.”  The organization’s snazzy name “Teal Diva” was formed by both Shannon and her husband.  “So many cancer non-profits are named after someone else (who maybe passed on).  We wanted our name to celebrate those living, and celebrate the memory of those that moved on.  When I think of Teal Diva, I think of every woman that has been affected by this disease.”  Shannon has now spoken publicly three times on behalf of Teal Diva.

My sorority was privileged enough to have her as our guest speaker at our annual Ovarian Cancer Walk.  Shannon’s story always touches me, whether I hear it from her through writing, during a speaking event, or my favorite, during a personal conversation.  You, too, can hear her story; she enjoys speaking and would be happy to have you contact her.  Shannon is one of the most inspirational women I know, and my hope for her is that her dream of one day “painting the world teal” becomes reality.  “I want someone to think of the color teal and think ‘ovarian cancer,’ in the same way we see the color pink.  I want as much emphasis to be put on ovarian cancer as cervical cancer and breast cancer.  I put Teal Diva solely in God’s hands.  I hope to go where God leads me.”

Curious to know more about ovarian cancer?  Know the facts!  Check out my recent post:

“Silencing the ‘Silent Killer’.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Her passion for ovarian cancer awareness only amplifes her support for Teal Diva.  It is an emerging organization that has grown near and dear to her heart, and she looks forward to seeing the impact it makes on lives for years to come.

Awareness Accessories – Let Your Voice Be Heard 24/7

Ovarian Cancer Awareness

During the month of September, College Lifestyles™ offered readers opportunities to increase ovarian cancer awareness in our articles “Silencing the Silent Killer” and “‘Teal’tally in Style – College Lifestyles’ Guide to Rocking the Color Teal This Fall.”  It is my hope that although awareness month is over, your knowledge of ovarian cancer only increases from here.  You may ask, what are good ways to spread awareness?  Take a look at the four awareness pieces I chose.  By wearing one (or two, or three, or all four!) of these accessories, you’ll be guaranteed to show off your support to all those you encounter daily.

Awareness Bracelets

Made popular in 2004 by the “LiveStrong” awareness bracelets that served as a fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, you can find an awareness bracelet for almost anything under the sun.  In fact, today you can custom create your own silicone bracelets.  Show off your “teal pride” by wearing one that supports ovarian cancer awareness.

Awareness Ribbons

Awareness ribbons have become quite popular across my university’s campus, as I’m sure is the case with many college campuses.  Pink is among the most commonly spotted, in support of breast cancer, but teal ribbons have begun to make their debut on purses and book bags that I pass daily.  In hopes of raising awareness, my sorority sets up an information table once a month on our campus where we pass out free awareness ribbons, symptom cards, and teal ribbon temporary tattoos.  I love when people ask me what my ribbon stands for; it opens the door for me to share about the philanthropy I am so passionate about.

Silly Bands

Ovarian cancer awareness has become a part of the latest craze.  Silly bands are creative, discreet, and worn by people of all ages.  Trading silly bands has also become a popular new fad.  Trading an awareness ribbon band provides wonderful opportunity to share the facts of the “silent killer”.  These can be purchased directly from the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s website.

Teal Nail Polish

Typically we choose red, pink, or a neutral tone of polish to cover our nails, but try going out-of-the-box with a shade of teal.  While this is not appropriate for a business environment, try wearing this sassy color on the weekends.  Better yet, paint your toes teal.  They will be hidden during the work day, but visible when you are relaxing or enjoying a night of socializing.  An organization has been created just for spreading awareness through painting your nails.  Teal Toes® states that their mission is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer “by painting your toenails teal, the ovarian cancer color.  By getting your friends to paint their toenails teal too, and then by talking with people when they ask about it, to make sure they know the signs of this whispering killer.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She likes to add awareness accessories into her everyday wardrobe in hopes of spreading ovarian cancer awareness to all those she encounters.

“Teal”tally in Style – College Lifestyles’ Guide to Rocking the Color Teal This Fall

As this year’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month nears its end, don’t let your “teal pride” die; rock the color all year long to show your support for ovarian cancer while looking super cute.

Floral Sequin Top – $39.80

Tipped Cardigan – $20.00

Stunning One Shoulder Dress – $22.80

Cowl Neck Jersey Dress – $29.50

Mossimo® Laura Gladiator Sandal – $12.99

Mossimo Supply Co. Ozella Flats – $9.98

Geneva Platinum Studded Fashion Watch – $26.99

Bueno Washed Soft Pebble East/West Handbag – $39.99

Go the extra mile, while staying in style.  The teal says it all.

Did you know that 1 in 71 women will be diagnosed with invasive ovarian cancer in their lifetime?

Know the Facts: Silencing the “Silent Killer”.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  This fall she hopes to spread awareness about ovarian cancer by stylishly incorporating the color teal into her everyday wardrobe.

Silencing the “Silent Killer”

September marks Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.  My sorority’s philanthropy is Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, so this month marks a special place in all of our hearts.  Our goal is to spread awareness to all women we come in contact with, in hopes of leaving no one uninformed about this vicious disease.

9 facts about the 9^th most common cancer among women, according to OCNA:

• “Ovarian cancer is a growth of abnormal malignant cells that begins in the ovaries”
• Each year in America over 21,000 are diagnosed with ovarian cancer
• Each year in America over 15,000 die from ovarian cancer
• Approximately 3% of cancer found in women is ovarian cancer
• “Ovarian Cancer is the 5^th leading cause of cancer-related death among women”
• 1 in 71 women will develop invasive ovarian cancer
• 1 in 95 women will die from invasive ovarian cancer
• Ovarian cancer typically develops in women over the age of 45
• Ovarian cancer is known as the “silent killer”

Symptoms:

• Bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

Want an opportunity to spread awareness while directly supporting OCNA?  An invitation is extended to you to participate in Sigma Alpha Omega®’s 3^rd Annual Ovarian Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 2^nd.  The walk will take place in Milledgeville, GA and the cost is $15 per participant.  Each registrant will receive a free t-shirt and several other awareness gifts.  If you can’t physically be present that day, but still want to participate, we welcome “ghost walkers.”  Don’t miss this opportunity – registration ends Thursday, September 23^rd.  Sign up today (2010 Ovarian Cancer Walk – Registration) and let your voice be heard amongst the silent killer.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She is passionate about spreading awareness for ovarian cancer and enjoys supporting OCNA through ΣΑΩ’s philanthropy fundraising efforts.

How to Add Pizazz To Your Philanthropy Bake Sale, The CL Way of Course!

It is no secret that all sorority girls LOVE their philanthropies, and bake sales make EXCELLENT fundraisers for these great causes!  But, some sisters (and customers) don’t get as excited as they once did for these bake sales as the semester continues.  Last week, you made your back to school resolution to cheer up your upset sisters (http://collegelifestyles.org/2010/07/cheer-up-the-cl-way-of-course/), but add ending the boring bake sales and raising more money for your awesome philanthropies to your list of things to accomplish!!!  Here are some ideas and recipes to make them more fun and successful!

*Buy Sorority Mascot Cookie Cutters!

You would be amazed by the array of different cookie cutters that you can find online!  I was able to find a lot of cutters that are also sorority mascots!

Imagine how much fun your sisters would have making cookies that look like some of your favorite symbols!  This will also be great for public relations on campus, as it can help make customers remember your organization!  These customers may just be girls who are thinking of going through recruitment!  (Oh! I remember you girls! You are the ones with those cute dolphin cookies!)

Find your organization’s mascot or symbol here!  Click on it to find out where to purchase it!  All are very inexpensive!

After you have your cutters, decorate them with sprinkles, frosting, or colored sugar!

*Put a Twist on an Old Recipe!  S’mores Brownies!

Having something different will really turn heads and keep people coming back for more!  S’mores brownies are fun and delicious!  Follow the pictures to see how to make them for your own bake sale!

Gather your regular brownie ingredients:  brownie mix, oil, water, and eggs.

Mix them up, but just don’t over beat!

Grease your pan!

Pour in the batter and bake according to package directions, but subtract 10 minutes from the normal baking time.  For example, my package of brownies stated to bake them for 28 minutes, so I put mine in for 18 minutes.

While the brownies are baking, coarsely chop up 6 graham crackers.

Gather 1 cup of mini marshmallows.  Marshmallows + Graham Crackers = BFF

Pull the brownies out of the oven!

Pour on the marshmallows!

Add on the graham crackers, and put them back into the oven for the remaining 10 minutes!

Take it out of the oven!  Look how yummy they look!  Let them cool completely before you decide to cut into them!

The chewy brownie, sticky marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker make the best combination!

Yummy!

*Make Dorm Friendly Recipes!

Our kitchens at home during the summer are great!  The fridge is always stocked and there is every piece of equipment that is needed.  But when we are away at school, this isn’t at all the case!  The kitchen in my residence hall at school doesn’t really have that much equipment, and sometimes during the school year, I really don’t have much time to bake!

Here are some ideas for when all you have is a little bit of time, and a microwave!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries!!!

-In a microwave safe bowl, melt a cup of chocolate chips (any kind:  white, dark, milk, semisweet, etc.).  Be sure to do it in small intervals (10 to 15 seconds at a time) to make sure that the chocolate doesn’t burn, and stir up the chips between each interval.

-Once your chocolate is melted, dip and roll your strawberries in the chocolate!  Once they are fully covered, place them on a plate, and put them in your fridge to set!  So easy!!!

-To make it more fun, after you roll the berries in the chocolate, roll them in toasted coconut, crushed nuts, colored sugar, or anything else you can think of!

Rice Krispie Treats!

Not everyone knows this, but you can make rice krispie treats without the use of an oven!

In a microwave safe bowl, microwave ¼ a cup of butter with 3 cups of miniature marshmallows for 2 minutes.  Stir, and then return to the microwave for another minute.  Then, stir in 6 cups of rice krispie cereal until it is all combined.  (It may be easier to use clean hands rather than a spoon!)

Then, grease 13 x 9 inch pan, or if you do not have one, you can buy a cheap, disposable aluminum one.  Press your cereal mixture into the pan and allow it to cool.  Cut into squares and enjoy!

*Pack Your Items Prettily!

It is all about presentation!  No one wants to buy an ugly brownie, no matter how delicious it may be!

Ribbon and cute labels can really dress things up!  For this picture, I simply tied a ribbon around a plastic bag, the type without a zipper.  They sell cellophane bags in craft stores, but they can get expensive, and the other bags can be purchased in the dollar store, yet they get the same look!  Make a label out of construction paper and tie it on!

Cupcake liners are not just for cupcakes!  They make great holders for almost anything:  chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, and small brownies.  They are inexpensive and make it easy for customers eating on the go!

Need a place to hold all of your already packaged products?  Line the inside and the outside of an old shoebox with wrapping paper.  Everything will be instantly cute!

*Make Committees and Competitions!

Baking is more fun when you are doing it with someone else!  For your chapter’s next bake sale, randomly split up sisters into different committees, for example, the cupcake making committee, the brownie making committee, etc.  Working together will make it easier for those “baking-challenged” sisters, and for those sisters who do not have any baking supplies.  This is a great way to build sisterhood too!

Make some competitions that will make people want to go above and beyond and to bake even more!  (Which then means more profit!)  Which committee can make the most?  Choose a fun and inexpensive prize to reward these hard working sisters!

*Advertise!!!

No matter how awesome everything is, no one will come if they don’t know your event is happening!

Make a facebook event, describing where and when your bake sale will be, and describing some of the delicious food that will be there!  Have your sisters invite EVERYONE they know!  The day of the event, ask each sister to make their status about the sale.

Make a banner where a lot of people will see it, for example the cafeteria!

How do you make your philanthropy fundraisers more exciting?

Christine Palaski is a College Lifestyle Intern.  In the fall, she will be a junior at Adelphi University where she is a nursing major and a proud sister of Delta Delta Delta.  She can be found baking something fun and delicious.

Giving Back–In a New Way

On college campuses across the country, there are always numerous ways to get involved.  There are service clubs to join, and blood drives seeking ready participants.  However, if you’re looking for a way to give back to others even one step beyond that, a great way to do this is by joining the bone marrow registry of Be The Match.  Be The Match is the name of the National Marrow Donor Program, and it incorporates both the bone marrow registry, and its fundraising foundation as well.  Although donating bone marrow is more intensive than giving blood, if you are chosen, the gift of your bone marrow can save the life of a patient suffering from leukemia, or another life-threatening disease.   Recently, a sorority sister of mine, Caitlin Piecuch, decided to put her name on the registry.  Caitlin never expected it, but it turns out that somewhere out there, someone is her perfect match.  I spoke with Caitlin about her feelings on the process, and why she made the decision to donate her bone marrow.

LS: What made you decide to get involved with this?

CP: Well, I had always believed that giving blood was a great decision.  In my heart, I knew that donating bone marrow was just the next step and that it would be a great opportunity.  I was in Trabant one day and the UD football team was trying to recruit people. I figured that I would sign up for it and that if it was meant to be, and I was selected, I would go through with it.

LS: Did you ever think that you would get the opportunity to donate?

CP: No.  I had  wanted to, and I thought it would be cool if I were able to help someone out.  But, as much I hoped I would get the opportunity, I never thought I would.

LS: Did you have any reservations about doing this?  How do your parents feel about it?

CP: I don’t have any reservations because I know at the end of the day all the pain I might go through will help someone else and potentially save their life.  Of course I’m nervous about the procedure but I know that much more good will hopefully come out of it.  My parents couldn’t be more supportive.  I was nervous to tell them at first, thinking they would think I was crazy and that they wouldn’t understand.  They knew I willingly signed up though, and despite the big possibility I wouldn’t be chosen, they couldn’t be more supportive when I was.

LS: What are your thoughts on it, now that you have been selected?

CP: Well, I think that it is a great opportunity, and a great way to give back to someone.  It’s completely anonymous.  I’m really anxious to see what comes of it, and see if it helps the patient.  I’m anxious to see if I will actually donate, and if I ever will make contact with the patient.  Going through this process has made me wonder what it would be like if the shoe was on the other foot.  I think about how I would feel being a family member of the sick patient and hearing the news that a match has been found.  It encourages me more every day to continue the process.  The patient is 62 years old, and although that is a little old depending on who you ask, the person could still have a lot of life left in them.  I know that my grandfather was around that age when he died and I can’t help but think of how this is going to benefit the patient and his family, instead of how it might physically affect me.

LS: If you could say anything to the person you’re donating bone marrow to, what would you say to them?

CP: Just that I hope the bone marrow helps, and I would thank him for the opportunity to have a better outlook on life.  It’s made me appreciate my own life, and the lives of my loved ones.

LS: What kind of preparation do you have to do for the bone marrow donation?

CP: Initially, I got a phone call telling me I was a potential match, so I filled out some paperwork.  Then I was told that the patient’s doctor wanted to continue with me, so I had to give some blood samples, which were sent to patient’s doctor’s hospital.  My blood matched with the patient’s, so I received a letter saying I was a match.  Now, since the patient isn’t medically ready, I’m waiting until he’s able to receive the bone marrow.  I believe that I will have to do some additional testing, like a physical and a Q and A session, but I’m still waiting to hear back about the physical.

LS: What would you say to someone who was thinking about getting involved in this?  What kind of advice would you give them?

CP: I would tell them to continue going through the process.  The people working for the registry are the nicest people and are willing to help you with everything.  So far it’s only been an amazing experience, and I haven’t even donated yet.  I think you have to have “guts,” and be responsible.  It’s nothing to be taken lightly, because it is a very selfless situation.  I would tell them to think positively.  Many people don’t know how to give back to others, and although bone marrow can seem extreme, it is a very rewarding experience considering the gift is inside of your body.

For more information, visit http://www.marrow.org.

Lana Schwartz is an intern for College Lifestyles™ and is an English major at the University of Delaware.  She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and is loving this summer already.

CL Interviews Ginny Carroll, Founder of Circle of Sisterhood

I have been in contact with Ginny Carroll, founder of the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation, who talked about everything from her inspiration to how we can help to some heart-wrenching statistics.  Ginny is a great role model for all sorority women (and non-sorority women… and men… okay, everyone) out there.

CL: Please briefly describe the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation to our readers?

Ginny: The Circle of Sisterhood Foundation is a humanitarian effort by sorority women – regardless of affiliation – to uplift the spirit of women worldwide.  As educated women, we understand the importance of achieving an education and we believe that every girl in the world deserves the opportunity to go to school.  And we know that when all women have access to education, the world will be a better place.

Our mission is “to uplift girls and women from poverty and oppression through education.”

CL: What gave you the inspiration to start the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation?

G: I have been involved in the national sorority community for 25 years.  As a sorority women affiliated with an NPC group, I have often wondered why sorority women haven’t done something altruistic on a larger scale.  We are an identifiable group of college-educated women.  That, in itself, is very unique.  And just recently I realized that this effort should not be about NPC or even one sorority.  It’s about women caring for women.  It’s about ALL sorority women, regardless of affiliation, coming together to contribute to the greater good on a global scale.  We have the wherewithal and the numbers to have a significant impact for generations to come.

And also, the book Half the Sky by Nicolas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn truly lit the fire.  No woman in the United States could read that book and not want to do something for our sisters across the world fighting gendercide, sex slavery, oppression, sex selective abortion, and brutality on so many levels – simply because they are girls.  And many experts believe that education is the answer to many of these global issues around women.

It’s just makes sense that sorority women would be motivated to participate in the humanitarian effort to educate girls and women across the globe.

CL: Why do you think 70% of the world’s out-of-school youth are female?  That seems like such a high percentage.

G: In many countries, girl children are not seen as a commodity.  Rather, they are a burden.  Often the attention, whether it’s health care or education, goes to the male child or children of the household.  And in most parts of the world, there is limited access to or not enough money to afford schooling.

CL: Is the only way to get involved to donate money or is there a way sorority women could donate their time/energy/etc. to the cause (for those who do not currently have the funds)?

G: My hope is that in the near future, as we mature as a Foundation, there will be many opportunities for sorority women to be involved in hands-on initiatives, whether that be immersion trips to other countries or some other means.

And honestly, we are not asking for a lot.  To most of us in this country, $100 is a day of shopping that includes a mani/pedi.  In the developing world, $100 can provide school supplies for one child for 5 years.

There are 4+ million sorority women throughout the world and if each one raised or gave just $100, our efforts will be transforming – for a very long time.

CL: Is there anything else you would like to share with the College Lifestyles readers?

G: I want those who “don’t have the funds” to consider raising a donation. I truly believe that if each of us asked just ten of our friends or family members to contribute $10 for this cause, they would do it without hesitation.  Ten dollars equates to lunch out, 1/3 of a pedicure, or a movie ticket.  To a little girl in the developing world, $10 equates to a school uniform so she can attend school.

There is tremendous potential for this humanitarian effort to have a positive impact in so many ways.  I know that when sorority women put their heads and their hearts together for a cause, amazing things happen.  I hope we can show the world the impact that we can have as intelligent, thoughtful, caring sisters of the world.

One World. One Sisterhood.

Thanks so much for your time, Ginny!  You are fabulous.

Be sure to check out the Circle of Sisterhood website and Facebook page!    Ginny and the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation are both amazing and I really encourage all of you to do whatever you can to help out!  If you have any questions for myself or Ginny, please don’t hesitate to e-mail us at intern@collegelifestyles.org or leave a comment down below!

Kaitlyn Kline is an intern with College Lifestyles.  She is an Edinboro University of PA and Alpha Sigma Tau alum, as well as a current graduate student at Point Park University.  She thinks the Circle of Sisterhood Foundation is one of the best things she has heard about in awhile!

Check out my favorite article from this week: Spring Clean Your College Lifestyle Diet by Hillary!

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