The 2006-2007 Phi Mu Year is coming to a close and some changes are on the horizon. The current Executive Board two-year terms are ending and it is time for new leadership to take their places.

The Greater North Fulton Alumnae President for 2007-2009 will be Karen Barnes, Alpha Omicron, who has been serving as Secretary and Panhellenic First Alternate. Scarlet Monroe Pettit, Lambda Beta, will continue as Treasurer. Donna Martin, Beta Phi, will move from VP Membership to VP Programming. GNF is in need of a VP Membership, Secretary, and a Chaplain. Yours Truly will continue on as Panhellenic Delegate and will work with the various chapter committees.

I'd like to appeal to all Phi Mu sisters in the area to consider committee involvement and even taking an office. I can already hear what a lot of you are thinking: "I don't know enough about the chapter to be an officer." "I don't have time." "But I barely know anyone." "I wouldn't know what to do." I've heard all of these responses before, because at one time they came from me!

When Ashlee nominated me for chapter president in 2005, I thought she was kidding. When I realized she was serious, and the rest of the chapter agreed with her, I thought everyone was crazy! As an AI, I was less than a year out of initiation. I was growing a business, plus my first child was going to be born in six months.

NO ONE in the Phi Mu world felt less prepared for office than I did!

What I learned over time was the best way to grow your sisterhood is to jump in with both feet. You want to learn about your sorority? Take the life experience and skills you have from other endeavors and apply them to Phi Mu. Ashlee was right - this was the best situation for me because I brought a perspective that was unique to me, just as each chapter president does, and everyone learned from it. Through work and meetings and planning, I bonded with my new sisters more than if I had just been a participating member.

That is the core of sisterhood: trust your sisters' word, then take a leap of faith. Share yourself with your sisters and you will reap a reward greater than you can count. Even weaknesses can become strengths when you are open to sharing them in work for a common goal. If I can do it with what little I thought I had to offer, then you can do it too!

Come by and visit at our year-end picnic in June. Meet some of your area sisters and see if maybe - just maybe - you'd like to share in the great bond we have forged. Sisters are always welcome. Let's show our support for Karen and the new Exec Board who will be officially installed in September. Everyone gains who shares in our sisterhood.

Yours in Our Bond,
Adrienne Duncan, Theta Zeta