Show Up as a Helper this Founders' Day
Sisters,
I want to wish each of you a Happy Founders' Day. In these times of uncertainty, I hope that you are creating space to check in on yourself and your own wellness. One way that we can check on ourselves as Alpha Xi Deltas is to reflect upon our Ritual. I want you to take a moment as you read this, Sisters, to pause and recite the Ritual to yourself whether out loud or in your head if you are surrounded by non-Alpha Xi Deltas.
I want you to really think through each of those lines. What do they mean for you today? What do they mean for us as we navigate the impacts and unknown of COVID-19? I find both comfort in the values I share with you all and an ability to re-center myself and my perspective. I also find in it, a call to action.
127 years ago, our Founders worked together to uplift their community and to build a foundation of Sisterhood and service that has lasted and grown all these years. The power of our Sisterhood is also its ability to mobilize and rally around each other and those in need. This is one of those times, Sisters.
In the face of this global pandemic, it may be difficult to feel celebratory this Founders’ Day. I want to honor that. It is okay if you are feeling that way. At the same time, I know that so many of you are feeling hopeful, grateful, and eager to help others. I’m reminded of one of my favorite quotes from Mr. Rogers: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” There is no doubt in my mind that our Founders would show up as the helpers during this time, just as they showed up as helpers in their communities in the time in which they lived. Below you will find ideas inspired by the spirit of each of our 10 Founders. These are intended to help us live out our Ritual and show up as helpers for fellow Sisters, friends, family, and our community.
Take care of yourselves and each other, Sisters.
With love,
Grace Bova, DePaul '12
National Ritual Director
CALL A SISTER YOU HAVE NOT CONNECTED WITH IN A WHILE
Harriet deeply valued the connection that came with Sisterhood. When traveling the country, if she was in an area that had an Alpha Xi Delta chapter, she would invite the members to be her guests at her lectures. Take some time to reconnect with a Sister via phone or video chat!
Harriet Luella McCollum
BE SOMEONE’S ‘TECH SUPPORT’
As a teacher, Julia understood the importance of uplifting her community through education. Do you know of someone who could benefit from virtual connection, but isn’t experienced with the technology? Reach out and offer to coach them through setting up whatever they need. Everyone needs a patient helping hand some time!
Julia Maude Foster
ORGANIZE A STORE OR PHARMACY RUN FOR AT-RISK NEIGHBORS, FAMILY, OR FRIENDS
This can best be summed up by a quote by Lewie from 1945: “One thing Alpha Xi Delta has done for us is to take our minds away from self, and turn them to others.”
Lewie Strong Taylor
DONATE BLOOD
As a traveling nurse, Lucy was passionate about combining her love for exploring the country while helping others. If you are able, research your local blood bank options, or check out the American Red Cross for information on how to donate to those most in-need.
Lucy Gilmer
SUPPORT A LOCAL BUSINESS
Alice was extremely involved in her own community – she was active in her church, a member of the Federated Women’s Club, PEO and DAR. In honor of her dedication and engagement within her community, consider ordering take-out from a local restaurant or buying a gift certificate to use in the future from your local nail salon, favorite restaurant, or coffee shop.
Alice Bartlett Bruner
FOSTER AN ANIMAL
Did you know that Cora was a big animal lover? She was a proud member of the Audubon Society (an organization focused on the conservation of water birds)!
In order to help animal shelters minimize the number of volunteers they need on-site, fosters are needed more than ever to give both volunteers and pets space from the shelter.
Cora Bollinger Block
DONATE TO YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANK
Eliza devoted much of her life to service to others through her work as a missionary. One way to serve others during this time could be to donate to your local food bank. Tip: call ahead and ask for their preference of food/supplies or monetary donations. Each individual food bank knows how to make your donation stretch the farthest!
Eliza Curtis Everton
DO A SELF CHECK-IN
Frances was very connected to her spirituality and was a talented writer. Some of her poems were set to music and became the songs we sing today. Try taking a moment to reconnect with your emotional or spiritual wellness. Maybe read a text from your spiritual tradition, a chapter of your favorite book, revisit a poem or a passage, or listen to a song that grounds you and makes you feel uplifted.
Frances Elisabeth Cheney
CONNECT WITH NATURE
Bertha was known by many for loving outdoor life. If you are able to, find some time to get some fresh air. Go for a walk, sit on the porch, open the windows, or get some sunshine on you.
Bertha Cook Evans
HELP YOURSELF AND OTHERS PRACTICE COURAGE, GRACIOUSNESS, AND PEACE
As a co-writer of our Symphony, Almira brought to life an outward creed for members to turn to during time of crisis and to ground our Fraternity in our purpose. Let us know how you, or how you’ve seen others, exemplify courage, graciousness, and peace on Instagram or Twitter @alphaxidelta.
Almira Lowry Cheney