HQ News
Chi Omega Convention: Spanning Geography and Generations
Since 1900, Chi Omegas have gathered every two years for Convention. The first Convention, held in Memphis, Tennessee June 26-28, 1900 at the Peabody Hotel, boasted of 15 attendees. Reflecting Chi Omega's expansion across the country, by 1908, there were 146 Convention delegates. This summer, our Convention in Orlando, Florida, which coincidently begins on the same date as did our first Convention, will have well over 1000
participants.
"The Convention is the law-making
body of the Fraternity and its rulings are supreme in all matters," reads a sentence
from the 1909 Manual of Chi Omega. The article goes on to say, "Viewed in light
of the large present-day Conventions, the fifteen who assembled at the Peabody
Hotel may look a small and insignificant number, but it was a body composed of
some of the finest young women that have ever been initiated into Chi Omega."
Convention provides many
opportunities for Sisters to connect through memorable and special events, to
celebrate accomplishments, to be inspired by experts on important relevant
topics, to gain valuable leadership skills, to reconnect with friends, to
participate in the important business of governance for the Fraternity and to
have fun!
This year's 58th Biennial
Convention will offer delegates a special and unique opportunity to set the future
direction of the Fraternity through the election of the next Supreme Governing
Council and through the adoption of proposed revisions to the
Bylaws of Chi Omega Fraternity. Over the last two year, a Bylaws Task
Force, in conjunction with Chi Omega's legal team and national parliamentarian,
conducted a comprehensive review of the Bylaws, including extensive historical
research, which will be presented for adoption by the Convention body.
Our Convention theme,
Chi Omega: The Value of Sisterhood, articulates
Chi Omega's new Mission and Vision statements, which will be officially
launched at this Convention. Other highlights of Convention will surely be
outstanding speakers, recognition by the Chi Omega Foundation of the Malinda
Jolley Mortin Women of Achievement recipients and sharing of
common values as espoused in the Ritual during the model initiation ceremony.
From the early beginnings,
Chi Omega's Convention was developed to be an integral part of the governance
of the Fraternity while bringing sisters together
from around the country to
celebrate the value of sisterhood.
Today, the story continues…
Loyally,
Shelley Potter
National Vice President