SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CONFERENCE

ROBBIN M. HARMON RN EdD BSN

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL DIRECTOR

The 50th Anniversary of the Right to Vote Act was the back drop for the 62nd Southeast Regional Conference held March 17th -22, 2015 in Montgomery, Alabama. Renaissance Montgomery was the conference site. Members, just like their predecessors from 1965, came with strong convictions to shape the Southeast Region into a region that will be benefitted by all members in years to come.

We all can remember the cliché, “you can’t know where you are going until you know where you have been.” The members came prepared to voice what works and what does not. If you want to see the future of the organization we must look into our present actions. The Southeast Region continues to use the Theme: Back to Basics Through Love. The southeast regional director stressed the point that Love for one another is what is going to get the organization through the good and bad times.

The support chapters, Epsilon and Theta Phi transported members back in time by taking us on a Black Heritage Tour. We were able to visit Tuskegee University, the only HBCU in the nation to be designated a National Historic Site, Auburn University and Tuskegee Airmen Museum. Members also had the opportunity to go Selma and walk the Edmund Pettus Bridge, site of Bloody Sunday and visit Brown’s AME Chapel and First Baptist Church. This part of the tour was very tearful.

Our opening speaker, Mayor James Perkins, was the first Black mayor in Selma Al, who took the ups and downs in his life and translated them into the conference theme. He told all in attendance that Love is needed but it will be slow in coming. Mayor Perkins’ draws his messages from his experiences as an elected official, entrepreneur and CEO, minister, educator, community leader/activist, husband, son and father. When Mayor Perkins speaks, you feel something and you are informed.

All chapters in The Southeast Region are challenged to fulfill our motto “Service to Humanity”. As the SERD I am glad that we were able to step up to the plate. By evidence of the region’s history report, chapters have engaged their communities in disease prevention and health promotion. The Southeast Region donated to different organizations over $67,332 plus over $17,000 was given for scholarship. It is evident that the SER does give back to the community. Documentation shows that the SER reclaimed 22 members and initiated 40. The region has worked hard to reclaim and recruit new members. We now have to work that hard to keep them.

The conference provided interactive sessions, CNE credit offerings and great networking opportunities. Betas had their round up which was enjoyed by all in attendance. The support chapters treated the membership and guests on Saturday evening to go with them to the Motor City and enjoy the Motown Sound. Great fellowship and good food. The SER was the pilot

region for the Medical Response Team. There were no incidents and all members in attendance were able to recognize the Chi Rapid Response Team. No negative feedback from members. SERD recognized chapters that had or will celebrate their 25th, 50th or 75th anniversary at the Anita K. Bass Luncheon. Two 25th anniversary clocks were given to Rho Eta and Sigma Eta. The 50th anniversary clock went to Kappa Chi and the 75th Anniversary clock went to Epsilon.

Before leaving for our respective home, Soror Nan Curtis, preached how powerful LOVE is at the Prayer Breakfast. Members and guest heard the word and all felt God’s present in the room.

The Southeast Region which comprises of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the Virgin Islands will continue to shine in their respective communities.