Supreme Basileus Carolyn House Stewart announced that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will explore ways to advance its civic social and legislative agenda when it hosts its 9th Public Policy Conference in Washington D.C., September 19-21. The theme of the three-day event is: The Time is Now!”

Led by the International Connection Committee whose chairman is Soror Leyser P. Hayes, the Conference represents AKA’s commitment to shaping policy and legislation. Stewart said that the need is even more critical today when considering that joblessness, mental and physical illness and poverty plague African Americans in disproportionate numbers. In hosting this Conference the Supreme Basileus is issuing a charge for Alpha Kappa Alpha to address these ills.

In making the announcement, President Stewart declared: “The Time is Now for us to engage in serious dialogue about these challenges as we move from advocacy to action to obtain effective results. The Public Policy Conference will provide that forum where we can go from dialogue to action.”

Stewart said that the discussions will focus on local, national and global challenges and how leaders can work in unity to find programs to address these continued dilemmas. Because of the global nature of the discussion and the focus on leadership, the Conference will parallel the administration’s theme: “Global Leadership Through Timeless Service.”

Members attending the conference will have an opportunity to network and engage in one-on-one dialogue with experts about program initiatives that impact our community. Sorors will also have an chance to visit with their senators and congressional representatives to discuss and advocate for issues of importance to their regions.

The tentative schedule is as follows:
Monday, September 19, 2011
-Registration
-Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 20, 2011
-Registration
-Legislative Briefing
-Town Hall Meeting

Wednesday, September 21, 2011
-Individual Congressional Visits
-Closing Session
-Reception for AKA Members newly elected to Congress

“Sorors, the Time Is Now for us to make a “CONNECTION” to better the living conditions for African Americans,” declared Stewart in issuing the call to attend the conference. “We must continue to push for proactive legislation and policy to improve our social stature in service to all mankind.”

Added Hayes, “Remember the Connection Committee’s theme for action and advocacy for 2010-2012: “Global Empowerment: Moving from Discussion to Action.” There is no better time and there is no better group of college-educated women to organize and advocate for social justice in our local areas than Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.”

Hayes stated that the metrics for positive changes is:

Connection + Advocacy = Effective Results.

She said that the Conference’s goal is to effect changes through this formula.

For conference registration and hotel information please see your Ivy Leaf Magazine. The deadline to register is August 1, 2