Dear Theta Phi Alphas,
Convention is the most expensive event the Fraternity holds. Theta Phi Alpha Conventions are held biennially to conduct necessary activities in accordance with the Ritual, receive reports of the delegates and officers, elect officers, and transact necessary business. Feedback from our members who have attended and would like to attend our Convention resulted in examining all aspects of the Convention. This includes how to save costs for our members and the Fraternity that allows us to fulfill the purpose of Convention, and to create an experience of sisterhood and celebration that our members will want to be a part of.
This biennium, we went through a Convention improvement process where we gathered information to help define and visualize the paint points and bright spots from a variety of stakeholders that included representation of staff, the Grand Council, Past National Presidents, Board of Trustees, Theta Phi Alpha Foundation, Ritual, DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, access) Committee, alumnae, and collegians. The information gathering was followed by a Convention workshop with an extended workshop team who analyzed our current state of Convention, identified pain points and bright spots, developed an ideal future state of Convention, and prioritized and developed countermeasures that can be addressed for Convention 2024 - to implement positive, incremental change.
As a result of this process, the Grand Council established the Convention Standing Committee. This committee will ensure that the work toward the ideal convention state continues year after year. Members of the committee are based on elected, volunteer, or staff roles in Theta Phi Alpha and how the position is connected to Convention. The committee is now meeting monthly and more frequently as we get closer to Convention to implement the countermeasures for the 2024 Convention.
I am pleased to share the Summary of Convention Changes for 2024 with you. I hope you will be as excited about these positive changes to enhance the convention experience as I am.
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If you want to learn more about our 54th National Convention in Baltimore, Maryland, from July 10th to 14th, 2024, please visit this page on the Theta Phi Alpha website. From this page, you can register to attend Convention, view the schedule, read business motions, meet the 2024 election candidates by reading their bios, and find other information about Convention.
With the 54th National Convention, just around the corner, I am filled with anticipation and excitement. I hope to see you there, ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Theta Phi Alpha and the enriching experiences that await us in July! Enjoy some of my favorite Convention memories in pictures! Do you have a picture to share? Please submit it here.
Yitbos,
Kristin Henkenius
National President