#TeamBeautiful HBCU College Ambassador Entry Form

Are you a student at an HBCU? Are you tapped in to every aspect of campus life and regional trends? Do you love blogging and want a chance to have your work published on HelloBeautiful? If the answer to these questions is yes, then HelloBeautiful wants you to become a #TeamBeautiful Student Ambassador.

HelloBeautiful is looking for savvy student writers to represent their college in our Hello Beautiful College & Universty #TeamBeautiful Ambassador Program. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to be published twice monthly on HelloBeautiful.com, serve as social media ambassadors for their school, test out products and distribute HelloBeautiful swag on their campus. Entry forms must be completed by by October 22, 2011.
To fill out the application, click here.

SSE Needs You to VOTE for your SiStErs

SSE, Inc. Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence:
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

We are excited about being in existence for an entire decade and could NOT have reached this milestone without the help of our past and current members---and that alone will be celebrated!!!

We are inviting interested and current members to our 10th year anniversary reception celebration! We are honoring the membership body with awards and you will do the voting! Attached is a link that will allow you to vote for your sisters. Here are a couple of the categories:

• Sister of the Decade
• Humanitarian of the Decade
• "Count on Me" Award
• Sister of the Year 

(Everyone that is a member of SSE, Inc. since inception {2001} has been nominated)

SSE, Inc. is celebrating you and would love to see you there to receive recognition for assisting in the maturity of the organization as a whole.





http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/83RKFC3

Surveys

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8X3PR85

SSE, Inc Update: SSE GIVES away 650 Books!

On Friday, September 30, 2011, Sisters Striving for Excellence's National Executive Board gave 650 books away through their partnership with RIF (Reading is Fundamental). Snapfinger Elementary students in the Pre-K through first grade classes received two books each. Math, multiplication basic skills, and animal books were provided to the inner city students in Atlanta, GA to help mature and develop them even more. The students were immensely thankful and extremely excited about receiving free books. November 18, 2011 SSE, Inc. will follow up with a second distribution and lastly in December giving an estimation of 1800 books!

RIF's mission is to motivate young children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to contact RIF:

National Headquarters

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. 
1255 23rd Street, NW 
Suite 300 
Washington, DC 20037

General Inquiries

1-877-RIF-READ or 202-536-3400 

Corporate Sponsorship

Erika Ekdahl, director, Corporate Relations 202-536-3417 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #SSU Colony Events Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

Your happiness does not come from the moment, or the surroundings, or even from the people around you. It comes from you, and from your decision to feel its positive power.

NEVER downgrade your morals, self respect, and positive self image. Remember I am you, you are me and we are representations of SSE, Inc...

Do the RIGHT thing when no one is looking -- That's Integrity. (J. Meyer)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #SSE WEEK OCTOBER 9TH- OCTOBER 15THƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

 Be sure to check out the SSU colony page. Our sistas are making noise!! (in a good way)

Promise Never To Untie

by Hope Submitted by: Synovia Dover-Harris
	The tender words are spoken Each body and soul bared Told secrets over endless days Often doing more than dared New world beyond my door With intrigued and intensity Now we have shared our hearts A bond now made it permanently Facing our days made easier Despite any type of weather Each other's heart felt deeply Both happy we stuck together It took us little time and effort The bonding as strong as glue I now promise never to untie The strings I have tied with you The understanding of each other Breaths to take, we breathe the air As the relationship interchanges Knowing our loving hearts are there Now we are never left on the outside Lovingly enter each others domain Smiling. laughing and forever teasing But forever friends we then became.

RAINN DAY: Speak OUT and Short Film Viewing

What Is RAINN?
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) operates the National Sexual Assault Hotlines, providing a lifeline to those who have been affected by sexual violence. Since 1994, RAINN has provided free, confidential, help 24/7 to over 1.4 million people through the telephone hotline (800.656.HOPE) and the Online Hotline available at online.rainn.org. In addition to directly supporting survivors, RAINN has led national efforts in the fight against sexual violence in the U.S. by educating the public about prevention and recovery, and championing national efforts to improve services to victims.

What Is RAINN Day?
RAINN Day is RAINN’s annual campaign to raise awareness and fight against sexual violence on college campuses. Each year, RAINN Day reaches over 1,000,000 students in all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Canada with information on how to reduce the risk of sexual violence and what to do if they or a friend have been assaulted. Students and volunteers raise awareness through educational events, volunteer drives, speakers, petitions, posters, and passing out RAINN Day cards and other handouts.

Sisters Striving for Excellence, Inc. has partnered with RAINN to promote the public awareness of the issue to Savannah State University. We will be hosting a Speak Out along with the viewing of a short film. Be sure to join us and support the cause.

Have you or someone you know been sexually assaulted? You are not alone! Join the fight against sexual violence by participating in RAINN Day 2011! 

contact Ethel Ej Johnson for more information at ejohns29@student.savannahstate.edu

The SSU COLONY is gearing up for the Fall Semester!

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a process; working together is success. -Henry Ford

Freshman and Sophomore, come out TONIGHT (9/14/11) @7pm for SSE's Sister to Sister mentoring program in King Frazier Ballroom!

Sisters Striving For Excellence Make-up Seminar

Location: Freshman Living & Learning Center

Time: ‎6:00PM Tuesday, September 20th

Miss Sisters Striving for Excellence of Sisters Striving for Excellence, Inc.(Nakia Stephens) is hosting a “Party with a Care” Service Project for the month of September which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month! I want to invite you or your organization to participate! The party requires a donation of just $10.00 ; the bears that we build will be donated to The Cancer Patients at The Backus Children Hospital

 

Celebrating Ten Years of Excellence: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

This month marks a decade of women striving to be their BEST! When Felicia, Ashley and myself (co-founders of SSE, Inc.) created and established Sisters Striving for Excellence, Inc, we had no idea that this would be a part of our legacy and history. I guess, I can't really speak for them because, I had NO IDEA that the organization would grow into what it is today. It's funny how life works. Your destiny and purpose will make a way for you, even in your ignorance. That's the biggest lesson I learned through this experience. I am so grateful that my Creator decided to utilize me as a vessel to help bring harmony and unity amongst women through education. I absolutely LOVE being apart of the organization and being the Executive Director. With help from extraordinary women, I now see ten more years of polished efficient, professional, educated women who understand the importance of giving back.

Let the celebration begin!!!!

Celebrating Ten Years of Excellence: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Pre-celebration 

Friday, July 22, 2011

7:00pm -> Meet and Greet/Bonding. Location-8000 Waters Ave., Apt 84, Savannah, GA 31405

 

Saturday, July 23, 2011

1:30-3:30pm -> Community Service at Riverview Health and Rehabilitation Center. Location-6711 LaRoche Ave, Savannah, GA 31406

 

8:00pm -> Bowling at either the Victory Drive Bowling Alley or Tibet Avenue Bowling Alley (trying to see who has the best deal)

 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

11:30-1:30pm -> Church at First African Baptist Church. Location-23 Montgomery St, Savannah, GA 31404

 

1:30-2:30 -> Pictures and brief sightseeing/shopping

 

2:30-until -> 1. Lunch/Fellowship at Locos Grill and Pub. Location-301 West Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401 (Note: Locos is within walking distance from First African)

 

SAVE THE DATE:  The 10^th Anniversary of Sisters Striving for Excellence, Inc. will be celebrated on Friday, October 28^th in Savannah, Georgia. Stay tuned for more details to follow regarding this memorable occasion.

Growing through Life...

You may not know what’s ahead of you in this journey called life, but with the right GPS system you will make it to your destination.  We all know that when you use a GPS, all you have to do is place the address in the system and usually you end up where you want to go.   You may make the wrong turn, or go through a detour, but no matter what, the GPS will still get you there.  With a GPS, there are several routes to get you to your destination.  And everyone doesn’t have to take the same route to get where they need to go.  Well, this is how life is…  There are rules to everything including life and it’s best to follow directions when you have them to follow.  (TNG)

Tawana Gibbs

Natl. Executive Director/Founder

Summer is OFFICIALLY here!

Summer 2010 is already here! OMG! We have had such a productive year! The National Executive Board would like to extend many thanks to the Savannah State Colony for really out doing themselves with all their community service opportunities. We only hope for things to get better as we move forward. We have had our hands in many pots between last year and this year and have started and complete many initiatives. We have a big development with Lisa Nicole Bell, the CEO of the Inspired Girls. She will assist in helping to groom SSE. She has written a book which will be released this month called Legacy Letters which will highlight collections of short stories aimed at educating and empowering young ladies. This is definitely what we want our up in coming ladies to be apart of on the Collegiate level. We are all excited about this partnership and expect to give and get many great things. Last but, not least…

Summer time is officially here! I know that warmer temperatures mean trying to stay cool but, let’s keep our dress tasteful. Fewer clothes such as shorts and tanks will help with dealing with the sudden rise in temperature but, we DON’T have to have everything out. Let’s leave a little bit to the imagination. Remember, I am you, you are me and we are SSE!

submitted by:
Jamese Beazer
NEB VP of Finance

ONE!

One song can spark a moment, One flower can wake the dream.

One tree can start a forest, One bird can herald spring.

One smile begins a friendship, One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea, One word can frame the goal.

One vote can change a nation, One sunbeam lights a room. One candle wipes out darkness, One laugh will conquer gloom.

One step must start each journey, One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits, One touch can show you care.

One voice can speak with wisdom, One heart can know what’s true.

One life can make the difference, You see, it’s up to you!


(Unknown Author) Submitted by: Synovia Dover-Harris

"Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things" (I Thessalonians 4:12, NIV)

 

A motivational vitamin for the month just for you ….

In life we are often doomed by the riches of the world instead of the riches from our almighty king, Jesus Christ. We find ourselves trapped over not having the nicest car, highest paying job, handsome looking man, or the biggest house in the neighborhood. I challenge you to take a moment and reflect on the priceless riches that God has already given you and those that he has ordained you to have. I challenge you to look beyond the physical materials and reflect on the gift of salvation that God has given. I challenge you to go back to that long night when our awesome God was nailed in his sides, bleeding to death, just for a sinner like you and I so we could have life and live it more abundantly. How precious is a gift than a man who would lay down his for you and I? It’s priceless!

I challenge you to set your mind on Jesus Christ. Amen

By Angela Chambliss

Who are you and what is your purpose?

There are some interesting articles posted on the Little Pink Book (www.littlepinkbook.com) that should sign-up for and one article particularly I found interesting and wanted to share with you called "Why Are You Here?".

The article reads:
“Without a clear sense of who we are and where we’re headed, it's easy to get off course,” says Dr. Ann Daly,  career coach, author and columnist for The Glass Hammer. Her secret to staying focused on the big picture? Clarity.

“Clarity is our inner compass; it keeps us focused on what matters most,” Daly says, adding that spreading ourselves too thin can make women more vulnerable to distraction and burnout. It's easy to get bogged down in day-to-day tasks and forget the higher purpose that keeps you going - at home, at work and in your everyday life. "To regain clarity," she explains, "you've got to step back and press pause."

To review more of the article visit:  

http://littlepinkbook.com/little-pink-book/business/why-are-you-here

So as you continue to go through your daily life, take some time to clarify what's important in your life. Continue to strive for success! Until next time... cherish each and every moment of the day.

Thanks,

Chrissy Terry

Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year again. We dread it, but it has to be done. It is the only way to keep things fresh and livable. Its funny that some of the physical things that we are required to do in our everyday lives or as the seasons change, is the same thing we must do in our lives. 

Have you ever felt like you just needed a good cry?  Your soul just needing to cleanse itself? Or maybe you are finally done with a partnership, friendship or relationship that continues to weigh you down and you know its time to really be done with that situation. Well, that’s what “spring cleaning” entails when it comes to our lives. I know, easier said then done. But when you are in the process of going to the next level in your life, certain habits or certain people DO NOT QUALIFY to join you in your journey; especially when you are ascending to greater heights. We dread it and sometimes we procrastinate, but ultimately we must ensure that we do it. If not, you will find yourself in the same situation for years to come.  

Change and Growth is the only constant in life. Embrace that concept and renew your mind daily so that you can be the best you. Striving for Excellence isn’t about being perfect. We will always miss the mark when we try to  BE PERFECT. Striving for Excellence is giving your best and being your best. It is trying your hardest to emulate love and displaying integrity and character. Because once you give your best, that’s all you can give. So if you haven’t started cleaning or cleansing, today is a great day to make a decision to make it a part of your daily life.

Tawana N. Gibbs

Executive Director/Co-Founder

A Friend... 
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown
Submitted by: Synovia Dover-Harris 

 

(A)ccepts you as you are (B)elieves in "you" (C)alls you just to say "HI" (D)oesn't give up on you (E)nvisions the whole of you (even the unfinished parts) (F)orgives your mistakes (G)ives unconditionally (H)elps you (I)nvites you over (J)ust "be" with you (K)eeps you close at heart (L)oves you for who you are (M)akes a difference in your life (N)ever Judges (O)ffer support (P)icks you up (Q)uiets your fears (R)aises your spirits (S)ays nice things about you (T)ells you the truth when you need to hear it (U)nderstands you (V)alues you (W)alks beside you (X)-plains thing you don't understand (Y)ells when you won't listen and (Z)aps you back to reality   A friend...