January 3, 2008
 
What do you want to know? As we begin this new year, think of what you want to see in the ESA News. What would you like read more about in the months to come? Send your ideas and suggestions to Theresa Morris, International Council news bulletin chair at: Theresaseaymorris@gmail.com.
 
Are your friends missing out? Epsilon Sigma Alpha Headquarters
e-mails updates, news, stories, and ideas to all ESA members each month. If friends in your chapter are not receiving these e-mails, encourage them to update their member record at www.esaintl.com > Member Center > Member Record or by contacting ESA Headquarters at esainfo@esaintl.com or 970.223.2824.
 
What's new at www.esaintl.com? Epsilon Sigma Alpha Headquarters has rearranged some items on the web site. Check it out today and find things easier to locate at www.esaintl.com!
  • Brand-new collegiate section
  • Consolidated menu options
  • Concise descriptions
 
 
IC President, Rhea Weaver, rweaver@consolidated.net - Enthusiasm is at an all-time high and ideas are flying in all directions. Congratulations to each of you trying new things at your meetings making them more fun and interesting. Epsilon Sigma Alpha truly is good friends, good works, and good times.

State conventions are just a few months away. What goals did you set for the year? There is still time to do all that you imagined. Contact your International Council representative for assistance with your plans and remember to use the valuable and helpful information at www.esaintl.com.

Get ready to board the Chattanooga Choo-Choo as we finalize plans for the 2008 IC Convention in Chattanooga, TN. Check out the plans and surprises at www.esaintl.com > Intl Council > 2008 Convention. We're expecting a big crowd, so send in your registration early.

IC Second Vice President, Jamie Atchison, jamiea2@mindspring.com - Countdown to International Council Convention 2008. Make your travel plans today to attend the 61st Epsilon Sigma Alpha IC Convention at the Marriott at the Convention Center in Chattanooga, TN. The IC Convention registration form and hotel information are now available at www.esaintl.com > Intl Council > 2008 Convention.

If you plan to fly, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (airport code CHA) offers all the services and amenities you expect without the stress of expansive terminals, long delays, and huge crowds. If you plan to drive, gather a group of friends or pack up the family for a road trip to IC Convention.

The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its beautiful downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront. Voted one of America's top family weekend getaways by Southern Living 2003 Reader's Choice Awards, and one of America's top family destinations by Family Fun Magazine, Chattanooga offers a variety of exciting attractions, scenic beauty, rich history, outdoor adventure and romantic escapes. Make your travel plans today and join in the fun at the 2008 IC Convention!

DIANA Chair, Rhonda Coy, rscoy@yahoo.com - Do you know what the DIANA Award stands for?
D - Distinguished
I - International
A - Academy
N - Noble
A - Achievement

Each year, every member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha has the opportunity to honor someone special outside of our own organization. Why would we do that with so many worthy people in our own organization? ESA may not be the right fit for every person, but there are countless people going above and beyond and giving unselfishly. Often, people aren't even aware of what this person does and we have to opportunity to bring them recognition and to celebrate their accomplishments. I encourage you to find that special person to recognize. Visit www.esaintl.com > Intl Council > Forms to find the DIANA Award Form, and submit her name to receive recognition from your International Council in Chattanooga, TN. Imagine... has the lady helping the homeless find warm clothes and shoes or the woman spending endless hours at the clinic ever been recognized? Now is your chance to let them know what they mean to the community.

 
Executive Director, B.J. Clark , bjclark@esaintl.com - Happy New Year's! You've heard that greeting more than once in the last few days, but this greeting truly does hold true promising good things for the future. Take action today and read this newsletter carefully to select the opportunities offered to help you grow personally and use your talents to help others. Whether you work to promote programs for the kids of St Jude Children's Research Hospital, volunteer for a state or local philanthropy, assist other members through the care connection or run for an office that will give you a leadership role in Epsilon Sigma Alpha, you will be choosing to build both your personal future and the future of ESA. It truly is through giving that we receive, so begin this year by choosing the ways that you give back to others as you experience the good friends, good works, and good times that form the heart of ESA.

We're thrilled to announce - Tracy Swanson has joined the team at Epsilon Sigma Alpha Headquarters as our membership director. Tracy worked at ESA Headquarters awhile back and is excited to get reacquainted with our members. She lives in Windsor, CO with her husband Mark and her daughters, Stephanie and Lindsay.
 
 
Celebrate Collegiate ESA! 2007 marks the 20th anniversary of chartering of the first collegiate chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. Phi Alpha Chapter of Muncie, IN, and Ball State University was the first collegiate chapter and currently has 92 active members. Over the last 20 years, ESA has reached many campuses throughout the nation and changed the lives of so many young adults. From St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Easter Seals events to various community projects, ESA collegiate members are making a positive difference on their campuses and in their communities. Recently, Psi Theta Chapter of Rock Island, IL, and Augustana College was named Volunteer Organization of the Year for their contributions at The Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities.

Celebrate ESA by starting a chapter on a campus near you. There are many resources and people to assist you in sharing ESA in your community. The ESA experience goes beyond the classroom, offering collegiate members the training, education, and support needed to promote successful service projects while developing overall leadership. ESA colligate chapters have been around 20 years and are still growing strong!

Random Acts of Friendship - Watch each month as we randomly draw and share the story of an Epsilon Sigma Alpha member who has sponsored a new member. Cindy Rodman of Delta Epsilon Chapter of Wichita, KS, recently sponsored Sandy Price. Cindy and Sandy have known each other for years. Their husbands served together in the Army Reserves. Sandy has also been a long supporter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Her nephew is a past patient of St. Jude, has recovered wonderfully, and was recently married. Because of Sandy's personality and ability to jump right in, Cindy knew she would be a great addition to Delta Epsilon. Cindy will receive a gift card to Target. Congratulations, Cindy!
 
IC Circle Of Life-Junior Coordinator, Jodi Lang, jodi@soundinternet.com -  New Year's greetings to all Epsilon Sigma Alpha members! I hope you are geared up to make great things happen in 2008. Lose 20 pounds, exercise more, and quit smoking, perhaps? How about raising more for the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or inviting at least one guest to an ESA meeting or event? How about raising $200 and participating in the 2008 International Council Challenge? For those who missed this event the past, you won't want to miss it again. Start making plans now to generate new dollars and join in the fun! Work with members of your community, your church, your card club, your kid's classmates, your neighborhood, your extended family and their friends... the list of people to help you fund raise is endless. Show people how much fun you have in ESA and they will want to be part of it.

State Circle of Life Coordinators, your year is more than half over. Have you met the goals you set for your state? Plan dynamic spring events to meet or beat those goals. Let's make 2008 the year that our voices are heard as we share the great things that ESA and our affiliates have to offer. Now get out there and make the magic happen.

ESA's Walk the Line - Start raising your entrance fee now! Skip your morning cappuccino one day a week and save the money you would have spent. You'd also be surprised how quickly you can raise money by collecting change in a jar. And, if you raised $200 or more in the 2007 St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend as Team ESA, you are already qualified! Friday, July 11, 2008, we'll be kicking up our heels to benefit the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You won't want to miss this event! For more information, visit www.esaintl.com > Circle of Life > IC Challenge.
 
An unforgettable weekend - Many of the incoming state presidents will be soon traveling to the 2008 Annual Leadership Training Seminar. February 7-10, in Denver, CO, attendees will be taking advantage of the opportunity to enrich their personal leadership skills benefiting the future of Epsilon Sigma Alpha. We have the reputation of being a premier leadership and service organization, now these ESA members will continue to pursue ESA's tradition of excellence. We wish them safe travels, and appreciate the commitment they have to their fellow members. Be sure to ask them what they experienced and learned... and be ready to implement new ideas in your state!