Mel Lewis is a proud Charter member of Alpha Omicron PI who has committed to Fraternal Movement and works within her passion for student development. As a First Generation college student, she attended Ramapo College of New Jersey for undergrad and achieved her Master's of Science in Education at Monmouth University. Mel has advised and worked with Fraternity & Sorority members from NIC, NPHC, NALFO, MGC & NPC and has volunteered with her own organization since being initiated into alumna status. Mel transitioned from a campus based professional to a Headquarters staff and became the first Director of Education and Programs for Alpha Chi Rho National Fraternity. She thrives when she is working with students around mental health, growth, development, sexual violence, and inclusivity. She also holds the title for Most Likely to Defend New Jersey!

Does your Chapter shift in tone when someone mentions Ritual? That is probably because you are not talking about it enough OR you are familiar with robes once a semester. In these virtual times, venturing back into the core of our organizations can be more beneficial than we could imagine. While some are hosting virtual initiations, others are reciting their ritual silently over zoom-being intuitive is what our Founders dreamed of! Each organization is different not only because of their Ritual, but by how their members identify with it. Some members realize that they have been living their ritual their whole life while others agree to educate themselves more once they are enlightened. Let's start the conversation around Ritual but start including our purpose, mission, and/or object so that we can understand the letters we wear across our chest.

Learning Objectives:
1. Bring different perspectives to an organization's ritual/purpose.
2. Understand & acknowledge what areas of ritual needs improvement.
3. Create an education plan for current and prospective members on the importance of ritual in our daily lives.

While our membership is lifelong, it is important to be aware of the different levels of membership our organizations provide us with. Individualism is an important aspect of today's college students that creates the amazing world of Fraternity and Sorority Life. There needs to be a change in focus from 'you will learn' to 'here are the multitudes of ways that you will learn'. With most of our chapters learning how to bring our newest members into the FSL world, there are numerous methods to utilize to ensure that the newly initiated to the newly alumni/a feel supported and understood. How do we allow our members to voice their needs and express where they would like to improve personally and professionally? What kind of educational opportunities are we offering to our members? These questions are important and so is creating a culture of internal growth that leads to a well rounded development of members, chapters, and the community.

Learning Objectives:
1. Educate all members in effective communication.
2. Create programs, workshops, and conversations around areas of interest and importance.
3. Increase membership retention and engagement.

As self governing organizations, we are able to manage Chapter budgets and utilize International/National finances-but, what does that really mean? Most of our Finance chairs are Accountant or Business majors, so we assume that they understand the process of membership dues. The Chapter Budget, however, is something that should be planned and agreed upon in advance; this isn't a cross-our-fingers-and-hope-we-have-money situation! Or is it... Talking with members about dues is two-fold: how to explain the duty and responsibility and how to organize, structure, and set goals for the Chapter. Membership exists in the Zoom chat as much as it thrives to change local & global communities! Conversation around money isn't just for those good at math; every member has a voice in deciding how their chapter functions. Finding new and creative ways to reach chapter goals while managing a budget IS possible!

Learning Objectives:
1. Increase communication skills with members regarding finances and operations.
2. Create academic year goals that meet the mission of your organization/chapter.
3. Enhance fiscal responsibility for all members and functions.