Newsletter

Tabitha Hyduke
Blythe, CA

Criminal Justice
Leadership Track

Alpha Phi Vice President of Chapter Operations

As Vice President of Chapter Operations, I had many responsibilities and obligations to uphold. I was responsible for 82 individual members’ dues and financial requests that applied to the Alpha Phi chapter.  I was in charge of all the money transactions that occurred in Alpha Phi, from events to food to any items that the organization needed. I was in charge of every department’s budget within the organization and every member in the organization dues. I made sure that no departments extended their budgets and the money was spent in a responsible, accurate way. I was responsible for making an actual budget for the next fiscal year. I was also responsible for billing members their dues and keeping track of who has paid and who has not paid. 

I improved Alpha Phi's budget and I ensured that every member was on time with dues. I also helped the organization run smoothly and correctly, particularly in the money aspect. I gained leadership skills and financial skills that I have used in everyday life and have used on my applications for my future career. The budget for each department was clearly labeled and categorized. The Vice President of each department understood their budgets. Every member understood how to pay their dues and every member paid their dues on time. There was no over spending in the budget and the organization all together, stayed in or under budget throughout the year.

 

             My inspiration for this project came from my desire to take on a bigger leadership role in Alpha Phi. I wanted my love for Alpha Phi to grow and to give back to the organization that has done so much for me. I wanted to show other members how great taking a leadership was and how amazing Alpha Phi is. I also wanted to help improve the Alpha Phi chapter as a whole and gain experience for my future career.  

           

            With any leadership position, comes challenges. One of the main challenges I had while in this position was getting burnt out and tired of the position. At some moments throughout the year, I just wanted to give up and be finished with the position. Another challenge was the members being upset with me because I raised the dues. I had to raise the dues to keep the chapter financially sound. At first members did not appreciate the raising of the dues, but after time they accepted it and realized that it was an important decision to be made.

            Besides benefitting myself, I believe that this position benefited the chapter as whole. Before I was in this position, the position of Vice President of Chapter Operations had a negative connotation to the name. Now the position does not seem that negative to the members and they seem more open to the responsibilities that come with this positon. This project also benefitted the chapter by improving the entire chapter’s budget and making it possible to have more money to improve and use in our chapter.

            Being Vice President of Chapter Operations benefited me in so many different ways. It benefited me by showing me how to be a stronger leader. It improved my financial skills by teaching me how to create and manage a budget or setting dues for 80 or more members. This project helped my resume and experience grow for my future career. It gave me a greater appreciation for the Alpha Phi organization as a whole and a deeper love for the sorority.

“I have grown in Alpha Phi as a woman and a leader.”