MESSAGE FROM THE SUPREME BASILEUS

I continue to be gratified by the manner in which chapters have adhered to the COVID-19 Pandemic protocols for the sorority. I am also grateful for the patience you have exhibited as we slowly phased in aspects of our operations following certain parameters. The Directorate, in consultation with the Pandemic Task Force, has been monitoring the pandemic closely and following the science to ensure that we were taking all necessary precautions to protect the health and safety of our members, program partners and the communities we serve. I realize that this has been an unprecedented time for the world, our nation, our sisterhood and for each of us personally. As we examine the trends around confirmed cases and vaccination rates, we believe that we are now at a point where we can safely resume full in-person operations in key areas of the sorority subject to continued adherence to health and safety protocols. This next phase-in will allow chapters to resume in-person chapter and committee meetings, community service, fundraisers, and sisterly relations activities subject to the health and safety protocols that have been developed by the sorority, effective December 1, 2021. These developments also apply to chapter foundations. Additional information regarding MIP and Chapter Chartering will be announced in the new year. 

The success of our resumption of in-person activities, programs and events will depend on the diligence exercised by chapters and sorors to adhere to the health and safety protocols. Should we observe a disregard for our health and safety protocols, a dangerous spike in COVID-19 cases around the country or an uptick in COVID-19 cases or deaths among our membership, the Directorate will re-evaluate our operations and make adjustments as necessary to protect the health and safety of our membership. 

Finally, it is important for members to read this Special COVID-19 Pandemic Update in its entirety to ensure that you are fully apprised of these pandemic-related operational developments and the protocols that surround them. We recognize that we must learn to live with COVID-19, much like the seasonal flu, as it will likely be part of our lives for the foreseeable future. So, let's commit to continue working together in the spirit of sisterhood, compliance, and purpose to create a new normal for Alpha Kappa Alpha that allows us to be together in sisterhood and service safely and responsibly. We are our sister's keeper. It is up to us!

CHAPTER OPERATIONS

Full vaccination required: No exceptions. Please note that sorors must be fully vaccinated to participate in sorority meetings, activities and events that are held in person. There are no exceptions or exemptions. Proof of vaccination is required. Chapters must develop and implement protocols to verify vaccination status for all in-person events. Please be mindful that all in-person activities and events also must follow the Risk Mitigation Plan and follow CDC guidelines, including social distancing, in addition to state and local regulations.

MEMBERSHIP INTAKE PROCESS

The Modified Membership Intake Process will remain in effect. A Roadmap Supplemental Toolkit for the 2021 Modified Membership Intake Process will be included in the Fall 2021 Mailing and has been made available to Chapter Basilei, Graduate Advisors and Membership Chairmen. Additional information regarding MIP will be announced in the new year.

Full vaccination required: No exceptions. Please note that sorors and candidates must be fully vaccinated to participate in the Membership Intake Process. There are no exceptions. 

Home tests not acceptable. Please also note that home tests are currently not acceptable to prove your negative COVID status.  

RISK MANAGEMENT

Safety Protocol and Procedures required. Chapters also are required to have COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures for ALL in-person meetings, activities and events, not just MIP.

Risk Mitigation Plan and Checklist must be followed. Chapters should develop a Risk Mitigation Plan for each in-person meeting, event or activity. Click here to access the Risk Mitigation Plan and Checklist Guidance to assist your chapter with in-person events. 

COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire & Waiver must be completed. A COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire & Waiver must be completed for each participant and each activity or event. The document also must be retained on file for a period of five (5) years. You may access the COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire & Waiver here.  

1.      Is my Chapter required to open fully on December 1?
No.  It is not a requirement.  Chapters may open fully as early as December 1, but chapters also may continue to meet virtually or hybrid at this time. In-person meetings must be conducted subject to sorority health and safety protocols.

2.      When will Chapters be required to fully resume in-person chapter meetings?
Chapters will be required to fully resume in-person chapter meetings by April 1, 2022, unless otherwise approved by the Regional Director, subject to sorority health and safety protocols.

3.      Are chapters authorized to have hybrid programming?
As of December 1, chapters are authorized to conduct hybrid or fully in-person programming subject to sorority health and safety protocols.

4.      What is the maximum number of sorors who can participate in-person for chapter meetings, activities and events?
As of December 1, chapters may resume normal in person meetings, activities and events for fully vaccinated sorors subject to sorority health and safety protocols with a number of attendees that does not exceed the facility's capacity and allows for social distancing.

5.      Is a soror required to be fully vaccinated in order to participate in meetings, activities and events in person?
Yes.  Sorors must be fully vaccinated to participate in sorority meetings, activities and events that are held in person.  Proof of vaccination is required.

6.      What constitutes fully vaccinated?
Fully vaccinated is defined as 14 days after the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines or 14 days after the one-dose J&J vaccine.  It does not require administration of a booster shot.

7.      Will medical and religious exemptions to vaccination be considered?
No.  There are no medical or religious exemptions or other exceptions granted for the vaccination requirement at this time.

8.      Are masks required at in-person meetings, events and activities?
No.  Masks are optional for in-person meetings, activities and events, whether indoors or outdoors, for fully vaccinated sorors only.

9.      Is my chapter authorized to host in-person fundraisers and Founders’ Day observances?
As of December 1, chapters may host in-person fundraisers and Founders’ Day observances for fully vaccinated sorors subject to sorority health and safety protocols with a number of attendees that does not exceed the facility’s capacity and allows for social distancing.

10.  Can MIP now be in person?
No.  The Modified Membership Intake Process remains in effect; however, it is currently under review.

11.  Are other sorors in addition to the Pinner now authorized to attend the Final Commitment Ceremony?
No.  The Modified Membership Intake Process remains in effect; however, it is currently under review.

12.  Can chapters now host MIP Celebratory Luncheons at the conclusion of MIP?
No.  Celebratory Luncheons at the conclusion of MIP are not authorized at this time; however, celebratory luncheons are currently under review.

13.  Can Interest Groups now have in-person Chartering Luncheons?
No.  Chartering Luncheons are not authorized at this time; however, chartering luncheons are currently under review.

14.   Does this guidance apply to Chapter Foundations?
Yes.  As of December 1, Chapter Foundations are authorized to conduct hybrid or fully in-person meetings, events and activities subject to sorority health and safety protocols.  Directives issued by the Supreme Basileus/International President & CEO apply equally to Chapter Foundations.

15.  Where can I find the most up-to-date sorority health and safety protocols?
The current sorority health and safety protocols require the following:  (1) full vaccination and proof for in-person participation; (2) adherence to the Risk Mitigation Plan & Checklist Guidance for each in-person event; (3) execution of the COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire & Waiver for each in-person event; and (4) maintenance of the COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire & Waiver forms for a period of at least five (5) years.  The Risk Mitigation Plan & Checklist Guidance may be accessed here.  The COVID-19 Screening Questionnaire & Waiver can be accessed here.  You also may consult your Regional Director for further guidance.

16.  When will the Sorority fully resume normal operations?
The Directorate will continue to re-assess the situation taking into account the progression of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the science and recommendations of medical experts and the Centers for Disease and Prevention, and internal empirical data.  Updates will be provided as decisions are made.

17.   Where do I direct questions not addressed in this FAQ?
Questions not addressed in this FAQ should be directed to your Regional Director.

Soror Glenda Glover
Supreme Basileus

Soror Joy Elaine Daley, International Regional Director (Chairman)
Soror Kimberly Esmond Adams, Special Assistant & Risk Management Task Force Chairman (Co-Chairman)
Soror Danette Anthony Reed, First Supreme Anti-Basileus
Soror Jasmyne E. McCoy, Second Supreme Anti-Basileus
Soror Cynthia D. Howell, Executive Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Soror Martha Perine Beard, Chief of Staff to the Supreme Basileus
Soror Ora B. Douglass, Program Committee Chairman
Soror Cynthia J. Finch, MIP Committee Chairman & Healthcare Professional
Soror Jasmine Adkins Moore, Disaster Relief Committee Chairman
Soror Kasey D. Coleman, Leadership Development Committee
Soror Carol R. Dixon, Corporate Strategic Partners Committee
Soror Kaylen D. Long, Membership Committee
Soror Hollye J.V. Weekes, Program Committee
Soror Robyn R. Jones, Physician & Medical Director for Women's Health