Vitality, Vision, Visibility: A Prescription for Change

The South Central District provides programs that address the areas of Health, Education, Employment and Economic Development as mandated by the National Association. However, in addition to those programs, the district is launching new initiatives that encompass three critical areas - Leadership Development, Entrepreneurism and Technology Enhancement (L.E.T.).

The first of these initiatives, the SCD Leadership Academy, launched in conjunction with the 48^th District Conference in March 2010. The academy provides training for members of the association who are already in leadership positions, or for those who desire to become leaders on varying levels within the Association – local, district, national - or to take advantage of opportunities for leadership in their careers, professions and other organizations.

One of the 48th Annual Conference workshops focused on the enhancement of computer skills for members. of the district. Future projects that will be made available to the public in entrepreneurism and technology enhancement are in their developmental phases and will be announced when plans are finalized.

The District shares the vision of First Lady Michelle Obama in support of the families of those brave men and women in the military who are fighting to protect our freedom. Project: Peace of Mind, named for our efforts to help put our troops at ease regarding the basic needs of their families, will be a continuing effort throughout the year. It is our belief, that our troops should be able to avoid worrying (have peace of mind) about the basic needs of their families as a result of a large outpouring of support and compassion from those of us who remain at home here in America. Throughout this administration, the project will focus on various areas of concern. The first major focus was a food drive during the district conference in March in Louisiana. Members donated many boxes filled with canned goods and other non-perishable food items for families in the Shreveport-Bossier-Barksdale area.

The South Central District has established an awards recognition program that encompasses several honors. The following awards are presented to citizens in the city where the conferences are held.

· The South Central District Hope Award, which recognizes those citizens who have demonstrated support beyond the call of duty for a person or entity and, subsequently, gave them hope that they could succeed or move in a more positive direction. The 2010 Hope Award recipient is Cedric Glover, Mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana.

· The South Central District Achievement Award honors an outstanding woman (member or non-member) for achievement which demonstrates unusual success in endeavors or chosen vocation. Individuals recommended for this award who are non-members must reside within the boundaries of the host district in or near the area of the Convention site. The 2010 recipient is Sonja Collins Landry of the Shreveport Sun, Louisiana's oldest African American-owned newspaper.

· The South Central District Community Service Award is presented to a woman (non-member) of the community where the conference is held, who has performed outstanding deeds, unselfish service, or act(s) of heroism. Shreveport City Councilwoman Joyce Bowman received the 2010 Award.

Through the Youth Division, we provide programs for youth ages 12 through 18 (Youth Clubs) and for college students (Beta Psi Clubs). This is one of our most important initiatives. It is to through our Youth that the baton will be passed for continued commitment to the well-being of our communities and their precepts. So it is with definitive purpose that we mentor, train and coach our Youth to enhance their social and life skills, and support them with scholarships, workshops, travel and involvement in our conferences and conventions where they can broaden their horizons.

Our International Program continues to grow. After the visit to our adopted Village in the Region of Potroase, Ghana, West Africa, we sent additional funds and assistance to our new friends there. The well that we helped to fund with community support was commissioned on that trip and our Ambassadors shared their professional expertise as they ministered to the residents in all the villages that they visited.