National Objectives Committee Members: Christine Bruns, Chair Melissa Desjarlais Rena Goss Virginia Johnson Holly Sansom

2 The Process The committee received input from: 2008 Leadership Seminar surveys Individuals members and chapters via: the SAI Listserves SAI Circle Province Day workshops

3 The Process We asked, “What is important for the growth and development of our fraternity?” We assessed all of the input and found several topics repeated amongst the suggestions. Based on this, we developed the new National Objectives.

4 What are the National Objectives and how can we successfully fulfill them?

5 SAI National Objective 1. Strengthen our lifelong commitment to SAI through increased mentorship of and collaboration with other members and chapters.  Help SAIs remain active by working together and planning for success.

6 How do we do it? Be an actively involved member of your chapter - join a committee! Have study and practice sessions to help sisters succeed academically and musically Hold joint activities with collegiate and alumnae chapters in your area Train with or shadow officers in other chapters or provinces Educate MITs on chapter activities and their future roles Join the Alumnae Association

7 SAI National Objective 2. Honor and respect our Ritual through memorization and thorough study of its meaning and significance.  The newly revised ritual needs to be studied and chapters need to respectfully perform each ceremony.

8 How do we do it? Have fraternity education sessions to study the revised ritual and understand historical references Work with your chapter’s VPR to have multiple practices and memorize material Rehearse and perform ritual music well Host or attend ritual clinics for your province to see a well performed ceremony Watch The History of Our Sigma Alpha Iota Ritual power point as a chapter

9 SAI National Objective 3. Celebrate the diversity of our membership through appreciation of our varied educational, musical, occupational, and cultural experiences.  Learn about and experience each other’s music, interests, and culture.

10 How do we do it? Hold themed musicales based on members’ interests and music from across the globe Present workshops at Province Days to share varying experiences or fields Share information during Fraternity Ed at meetings Invite guest speakers to your events Attend new cultural events as a group Support women in all areas related to music, beyond teaching and performing

11 SAI National Objective 4. Contribute to SAI Philanthropies, Inc. through chapter and individual giving and by participation in national projects.  SAI needs chapter support to remain a vital organization.

12 How do we do it? Hold a fundraiser specifically for SAI Philanthropies, Inc. Support SAI Strings by aiding a group near you Collect and repair instruments for People-to- People’s “Adopt an Instrument” project Create Bold Notes scores as part of the Service for Musicians with Special Needs project Apply for chapter grants to fund a Music Therapy project in your area Become a member of the Symphony Society

13 SAI National Objective 5. Improve communications at all levels of SAI through professional, timely, and courteous words and actions.  To succeed, we need to work well as a group and meet our individual obligations.

14 How do we do it? Return calls and s promptly, with respect Create a calendar of deadlines (both local and national); refer to it often Utilize the SAI Circle and Listserves Attend or host a workshop on effective communication styles and techniques Send newsletters and activity updates to advisors, POs, ROs, and NEB members Maintain up-to-date bulletin boards and/or web pages Share PO, RO and NH communications with others

15 SAI National Objective 6. Advocate for music education through volunteerism and financial support.  We need to help ensure that music will continue to be taught and shared in our schools.

16 How do we do it? Volunteer as music tutors in local schools Organize a fundraiser for a music program Organize a weekly after-school music club for music theory, ear training, multi-cultural music, etc. Host a booth at regional and state music conferences (MENC, ACDA, ASTA, etc.) Develop presentations and/or print materials supporting music that can be available for teachers to present to school boards, community groups, and parents Volunteer as guest speakers or performers for student groups, such as Girl Scout troops or Tri-M chapters

17 SAI National Objective 7. Advance the music of American composers through chapter performances, new commissions, and concert attendance.  Foster the growth and awareness of American music.

18 How do we do it? Have a chapter American music recital Host a song writing or composition contest Commission a new vocal or instrumental work by a local composer Attend a community band, orchestra, or chorus concert Sponsor “open mic” or “new music” nights Organize lectures on American music

19 And finally, we need to: Support the fraternity’s Purpose Adhere to the fraternity’s Mission Statement Invest in the fraternity’s Vision of SAI

20 Support the fraternity’s Purpose TO FORM chapters of women college students and alumnae who have a sincere interest in music. TO UPHOLD the highest standards of music. TO FURTHER the development of music in America and throughout the world. TO GIVE inspiration and encouragement to members. TO ORGANIZE the cultural life of Sigma Alpha Iota members as a contributing factor to their educational growth. TO SUPPORT the ideals and goals of the member's Alma Mater. TO ADHERE to the highest standards of citizenship in school, community and fraternity life.

21 Adhere to the fraternity’s Mission Statement The mission of Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity, is to encourage, nurture, and support the art of music.

22 Invest in the fraternity’s Vision of SAI The vision of Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity, is to be recognized throughout the world as the foremost fraternity that: Supports and encourages women musicians of all ages, races, and nationalities Supports and promotes successful and innovative educational programs in music for all stages of life Cultivates excellence in musical performance

23 Invest in the fraternity’s Vision of SAI Promotes programs and activities that stress the love and importance of music in our lives Recognizes technological advances in the field of music Dedicates financial resources that ensure the continuation of programs necessary to support the objectives of the fraternity in perpetuity Has as its members people who exemplify professional and ethical behavior in the spirit of the Sigma Alpha Iota founders.

24 What should we do next? Go back to your chapter and share the new National Objectives! Use the National Objectives when planning your chapter’s goals and activities for the year. Plan Fraternity Education activities that focus on the Purposes, Mission Statement, and Vision of SAI.

25 And use this presentation!