Halloween Costume Reminder

Halloween can be a fun time and dressing up can be a way to be someone else for a few hours, but this Halloween we ask that you consider your costume choices carefully.

The posters below show students from Ohio University standing up to cultural stereotypes depicted in Halloween costumes. The students are part of the STARS program which, according to their website,  “aims to raise awareness about social justice, and promote racial harmony.” You can learn more about the group HERE.

Before you dress up, ask yourself some serious questions:

 ·        Is my costume supposed to be funny?  Is the humor based on making fun of real people, human traits or cultures?

·         Does my costume perpetuate stereotypes, misinformation, or historical and cultural inaccuracies?

·         Would I want my costume pictured in the next issue of ANCHORA?

Halloween is no excuse to damage property, your credibility as a Delta Gamma, or your relationships. Please be safe and responsible.

Remember that Delta Gamma was founded on promoting education and cultural interests and a sense of social responsibility.

We know that you will “Do Good” this Halloween.

Delta Gamma Fraternity International Council 

Executive Offices Staff

10 Winter Weather Driving Tips

While you can still find a nice day, prepare for the rest of the season by winterizing your vehicle. Then, follow these 10 steps from our friends at Geico to ensure a safe commute … or trip to the grocery store for the last gallon of milk.

1. First things first … you want the snow off your car but you probably want to save the paint. Opt for brushes designed for auto snow removal and leave the shovel in the shed. Whatever you do, don’t forget the roof! In fact, failing to clean off your car can be illegal. You don’t want a block of ice the size of a mattress flying off your car into traffic.
2. You can prepare for winter driving by practicing. Go to an open parking lot and practice braking on icy or snowy surfaces. (Yes, you are allowed to think this is fun.)
3. When you are ready to hit the road, shovel around your wheels and under the front and rear bumpers to clear away any snow. Spinning your wheels can dig the hole deeper, build up ice and wear out your tires.
4. Slow down. In normal conditions, you should maintain a following distance of three seconds between you and another car. On winter roads, increase that to a full 8 to 10 seconds.
5. If you do get stuck, keep in mind that the sharper your front wheels are turned, the more resistance to movement in either direction you create, so try to keep the front tires as straight as possible. You can also keep sand or kitty litter in your trunk to spread around the tires for traction.
6. If your car skids, follow these steps:
o Don’t panic.
o Don’t slam on the brakes.
o Take your foot off the gas.
o Steer your car in the direction you want to go.
o Wait for the car to slow down so you can regain control.
7. Remember: do not use your cruise control on any slippery surface — even if the roads are just wet.
8. When going up a hill, try to build some inertia by increasing your speed as you approach the hill and let it carry you up. Increasing your speed while on the hill will just make your wheels spin.
9. Know your brakes. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal and avoid sudden stops.
10. Once you’ve mastered it, teach your teen driver how to drive in winter weather.
And finally, our “bonus tip” would be to just stay home. Even if you know how to drive in the snow, that doesn’t mean everyone else on the road does. What are your favorite tips for winter driving?

By Nathan Erb, Posted in: Safety
http://blog.geico.com/2011/12/12/10-winter-weather-driving-tips/

"As I Write This, I am Sitting Through My Third Chemotherapy Treatment"

As I write this, I am sitting through my third chemotherapy treatment. I am 37 and was diagnosed in July with breast cancer. I found out about my cancer only a couple of weeks after being appointed as the ATC for Mu – Missouri. Among my many concerns when first diagnosed was whether or not I would be able to continue to serve this chapter and the Fraternity. I love these women with all my heart.

On the day of my surgery back in July, many of the Mu collegians changed their Facebook profile pictures to a logo they had designed in my honor. They posted an inspiring message on the chapter’s Facebook page and Twitter account. The logo was made into a T-shirt they all wore during Mock Recruitment. They continue to visit me at home often and attend events and lunch with my kids at their school. A group of sisters from my chapter of Initiation, Epsilon Nu-James Madison, sent me a large package of items I would need after surgery. One member of that group had also fought breast cancer and won. I also received many cards, messages, and Facebook posts from sisters all over the country.

The reason I want to share this with you is because of a response it generated. I received messages from those who changed their perception about the purpose of fraternities and sororities. The publicity in social media of what was being done to support me showed others what our values truly are. It showed friendship, sympathy, and assistance in the best light. Thank you, my dear sisters, for effecting change in the minds of those who didn’t understand what we stood for. They understand now.

Read more: http://www.connectmidmissouri.com/news/story.aspx?id=956748#.UlfrpFAp_au

Julie Ryan, Epsilon Nu-James Madison, is the Mu ATC.

"Doing Good" for a DG Mom

Sister, Melissa Rapenske, Epsilon Pi-Connecticut, has been working on something very special for the past few months. The American Cancer Society holds an annual walk on October 20 in Hartford, CT called Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Melissa has made a team in support of her mother, Nancy, who was diagnosed this February. 

“My mom has overcome so many obstacles in her past, and this isn’t her first cancer. She beat lymphoma with Hodgkin’s disease when she was younger and has dealt with skin cancer as well as the removal of her thyroid. This new battle with breast cancer is a crazy experience for our whole family, and having been there with my mom for all of it, I wanted to do something to make a difference.” 

The team Melissa has created, named UConn Greek Life for Nancy, now has over 250 members and has raised nearly $5,000! UConn's Greek Life has come together for the cause, and is working hard to surpass their fundraising goal and Melissa is working even harder to become a “Pacesetter” by raising over $2,500 on her personal fundraising page. Talk about "Doing Good!"

You can donate or see how the team is doing in meeting their goal here: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/MelissaRapenske

Mayra Reyes, Epsilon Pi-Connecticut, is the director: rituals of her chapter and a supportive sister of Melissa. 

DG Values Flourish in Teach For America Classroom

After completing the first month of my second year as a Teach For America Corps Member, I am starting to truly understand what leads to my success and failures in the role.  While there are many criticisms out there regarding how effective Teach For America is and how a program that sends non-traditional teachers into difficult schools can even be effective, my students achieved many gains last year in both their personal and academic lives.  

Joe*, a fifth grader I taught last year, came to me at a third grade math level and with much perseverance on both of our parts, finished fifth grade working on a sixth grade math level, wearing new eyeglasses, and sporting more confidence.  Joe’s story and the countless other relationships I built over the past year showed me a lot about my character and my “true sense of social responsibility.”  

Values that I continue to recognize in myself and build upon in my alumna life directly contribute to my success as a Corps Member.  Members of Delta Gamma were chosen for their values and desire to continually develop themselves, which are qualities necessary of a Teach For America Corps Member and qualities that indicate successful Corps Members.

*names have been omitted

The third deadline for Teach for America applications is October 25. Find more information here. 

Courtney is an initiate of Epsilon Psi-Rutgers University. She is a Teach For America Corps Member in Delaware, where she teaches 5th grade math. She also serves as a Delta Gamma collegiate chapter adviser. Feel free to contact her about her Teach For America experience at courtneylanza@gmail.com.