Lastly under this target, fiscal responsibility programs remain a key priority as Alpha Kappa Alpha members continue to offer financial management and home ownership programs to the communities that its chapters serve.Īlpha Kappa Alpha will display its commitment to providing healthy and safe environments under Target IV: Environmental Ownership. Through the Family Seasonal Wraps SM program, Alpha Kappa Alpha will spearhead a major effort to collect and donate hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coats, sweaters, and other items to families in need during the colder seasons. The sorority will focus on childhood hunger awareness initiatives and address the increasing number of households that do not have financial resources to adequately clothe their family. And finally, mental health and wellness efforts will be highlighted as sorority members work to bring attention to mental illness among diverse populations with historically low utilization of mental health services.įamily Strengthening is Target III. In addition, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will launch a major stroke prevention awareness campaign with special emphasis on hypertension management, diet and exercise. The Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiver Support SM program will expand Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's community outreach and assistance by generating awareness and support for Alzheimer's programming and research. Under Target II: Health Promotion, Alpha Kappa Alpha will continue its strong health awareness focus through programs in three areas that disproportionately affect African Americans: Alzheimer's Disease stroke and mental health and wellness. Support of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will be another priority, as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority launches a national Think HBCU SM campaign to highlight HBCUs and the contribution of their graduates to the sorority and society. Through this initiative, the next four years will see members donating and distributing 1,000,000 backpacks and related school supplies to students worldwide. In keeping with an intense focus on promoting lifelong learning, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will provide substantial support to students through AKA One Million Backpacks SM. The sorority will place additional emphasis on SMART careers ( Science, Math, And Related Technologies). The ultimate goal will be to motivate, engage and assist these students in reaching their maximum potential. Participants will include high school male and female students with emphasis on academic, life, career and character-building skills. ASCEND focuses on Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking, and Development Skills. The sorority's signature program, ASCEND SM, is part of Target I: Educational Enrichment. The 2014 - 2018 International Program consists of five target areas, one signature program, and specifically targeted community service days. Under Buckhanan Wilson's dynamic leadership, the 2014 - 2018 International Program will focus on the theme, ' Launching New Dimensions of Service ,' through which the sorority's 265,000 members and 986 local chapters will address community needs via programs in traditional and new target areas. The event was the culminating highlight of the organization's week-long 66th international convention, held from July 12 - July 18 at the Charlotte Convention Center.īuckhanan Wilson's primary duties will be to develop and implement an outstanding and far-reaching service program, to guide policy, and to set the overall tone and theme for Alpha Kappa Alpha's membership. An impressive display of pomp and elegance marked the traditional swearing-in ceremony before thousands of the sorority's membership from across the globe.

She is the 29th Alpha Kappa Alpha woman to hold this position. CHARLOTTE, NC -(Marketwired - July 24, 2014) - Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was installed as the 2014 - 2018 International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

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