Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
North Atlantic Region 2017 AKA Day at the Capitol
In partnership with the Great Lakes Region – Western New York Chapter
Held during the 46th Annual Legislative Conference of the NYS Association of Black & Puerto Rican Legislators
Albany, New York
Saturday, February 18, 2017
January 09, 2017
Dear Sorors:
Happy New Year! Please accept my sincerest thanks and appreciation for the faithful and untiring service you
gave during the 2016 chapter year and for your commitment to the work at hand. While there are challenges before us,
we must be reminded that working conjointly, we can do so much as members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Incorporated to meet those challenges head on.
Sorors, our chapter Connection chairmen have been working very diligently to ensure the success of our 2017
AKA Day at the Capitol, which will be held Saturday, February 18, 2017. Madam Regional Director established our
presence in Albany many years ago, during this significant time in history, and our presence is expected and needed
more than ever. While we are grateful for the presence of 110 Sorors in 2016, it is critical that we surpass last year’s
attendance. Please encourage your chapter members to attend. We are looking forward to a wonderful Day at the
Capitol.
The theme of the 2017 Caucus is “And Still We Rise.” Similarly, our AKA theme is “Be the Voice: Moving
Forward – Take Action.” Our sub-themes are civil rights, social justice and statewide legislative issues, which will be a
part of our letter-writing campaign. Information will be sent out in January regarding these initiatives. We are grateful
that again this year the distinguished Assemblywoman and our Soror Michele Titus, Caucus Chairman, has agreed to
sponsor us. As many of you are aware, for the first time, we sponsored our own workshop in 2016 entitled “Youth,
Mental Health and the Media.” The workshop committee has submitted a proposal again for 2017 entitled “Combating
Racism: Building our Toolkit,” and we are certain you will not want to miss this workshop. Additionally, we will continue
our commitment to make a difference in the Albany community. This year we will give a donation to “Safe House,” a
facility that provides a safe place for youth and young adults who are runaways, and who are at risk of sexual
exploitation.
Please review page two for more details of the day’s events.
Because of rising costs and members’ requests to have a hot luncheon meal, there is a slight increase in the
registration to $30. We wish also to thank the chapter Basilei whose chapters have agreed to donate funds. We must
remind you to bring your ASCEND students, as they will again be able to attend, free of charge, the Youth Summit.
Special thanks to our Cluster III Co-coordinators, Soror Nettie Crossman and Soror Deborah Padmore, for their hard work
and for the support they have and continue to give.
Finally, the online registration will be available on the North Atlantic Regional until February 10, 2017.
Remember the 2017 registration cost is now $30. NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO PAPER REGISTRATION AND THERE IS NO
ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
Sisterly,
Soror Brenda L. G. Smith
New York State Connection Representative, NAR Connection Team
2017 AKA Day at the Capitol
Albany, New York
February 18, 2017
Ms. Meredith L. Henderson, North Atlantic Regional Director
AKA Day at the Capitol is our day for advocacy, awareness, & action! - Our unique opportunity to continue the
work of our great sorority and to foster and nurture relationships with our New York State legislators.
2017 Caucus Theme: “And Still We Rise”
2017 AKA Theme: “Be the Voice: Moving Forward – Taking Action”
Check-in 8am
Report to the Cornerstone at the Plaza, located at the base of the Egg on the Empire State Plaza for opening program.
Coffee and tea provided. No breakfast.
Youth Summit 10am-4pm
Free to all youth who are registered by the deadline. 10-4. Lunch provided
Register with Dr. Brenda Smith, NY Connection Representative at [email protected]
AKA Workshop
.
Following morning program, coffee and tea, please join us for our AKA-sponsored workshop
where our focus will be
“Be the Voice: Moving Forward – Taking Action”
“Combating Racism – Building our Toolkit”
How we can be the voice, move forward and take action?
With a featured panelists of experts that may include
Psychologists, Legal Experts, Entrepreneurs, Educators, etc.
Community Service and Outreach
Support our 2017 Recipient: Safe Inc. of Schenectady
Donate undergarments for both men and women (all sizes) or gift cards (Visa, Walmart or Target)
Letter Writing Campaign
More details will be provided on the 2017 initiatives and bills.
Registration
The $30 registration will be available on the North Atlantic Regional website until Friday, February 10, 2017 at 11:59PM.
NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO PAPER OR ON-SITE REGISTRATION.
http://www.akanorthatlantic.org/2016ConferenceReg. Sorors are asked to bring their own bags.
Contacts for more information:
General questions: Dr. Brenda Smith, NY Connection Representative at [email protected]
or Cluster III Co-Coordinators at [email protected]