Page 14 - The Scepter - Spring_Summer 2017 - Syn-Lod 2017 SPECIAL EDITION_Neat

It has been stated that challenges, opportunities and responsibilities are
gifts of service that benefit the human potential without limits; a mis-
sion we value and love, as we tell our TLOD story. It has been an
honor as well as a privilege to serve Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. in
the capacity of National First Vice President. With a sense of mission, we
are challenged to live the vision and chart the direction of our organization,
as we move forward. It was our duty to assess our progress of the Programs
in our organizational paradigm shift and determine next steps. Increase the
percentage of Five Star Program Chapters, and to improve the quality of life
for people in our communities, and to refocus our efforts on renewed inter-
est of the National Partners to increase members active participation and
involvement. Many new and exciting initiatives were rolled out and dis-
cussed. Programming took on a new look and purpose.

The focus is "All about the Top Teens." And, in keeping with that directive,
· Every Chapter shall follow the M.O.M.E.N.T.U.M. Program as outlined in the National Program Resource
Guide; · Every Teen, regardless of the size of the chapter, shall have a mentor, and communication shall take
place at least once a month; · Each chapter shall be encouraged to participate in the "Me & My Mentor" Publica-
tion on the local, area, and/or national level; · Chapters, Areas and/or Clusters shall implement a mentoring activ-
ity that will include all of the ladies and teens; · Every TTA Chapter shall have an annual induction in order to be
awarded Five Star Program Status; · Every TTA Chapter shall be mindful of the need to grow their membership
and formulate effective recruiting strategies; · TTA Chapter shall strive to have representation at the conferences
and participate in the Spelling Bee, St. Judes, and March of Dimes.

TTA Leadership Academy - The 10th Vivien Coe Richard Top Teens Leadership Academy was held in Houston,
TX, July 10-14, 2016. The focus of the Vivien Coe Richard TTA Leadership Academy was on STEM (Science,
Technology, Electronics and Mathematics) where all 32 Top Teens were engaged in the scientific activities of the
NASA Center.

Status of Women - "Back-to-Work" is our Status of Women signature program and is required for Five Star Pro-
gram Status. Entrepreneurship is a new focus that will center on assisting women in starting their own businesses.
Volunteer Service: Total Number of Hours expended by Ladies Lords and Teens in the execution of the program:
($927,280 Volunteer Hours) Funds expended or donated: ($48,352.00) Ladies: 1,993, Teens: 719 Lords: 57. Advo-
cacy and Accountability: 4,361 Clients were serviced and 3,050 were assisted in finding employment through train-
ing sessions, 7 actively interviewing, 1 in college pursuing a degree and 8 earning collective scholarship offers in
the amount of $283,000. Ladies donated: 2,345 clothing items, 2,745 pairs of shoes, 890 Handbags and 278 Brief-
cases/Portfolios, 460 Toiletries, The issues chapters invested in include the following: ·Partnered with Dress for
Success, Job Corp and other Job Development Programs ·Assisted with preparing the job seeker for the job
market and provided job skills training · Provided venues for job seekers to acquire new skills and promoted self-
esteem · Assisted with interview preparation, resume/cover letter development/Mock Interviews · Ensured op-
portunities for selection and provision of appropriate attire and Food Assistance · Provided opportunities for
Continuing Education and Entrepreneurship opportunities. · Employment skills training, GED and Pre GED
Programs, Job Fairs, Resume Writing, Career Building, Work Ethics, Job Placement, Career Fairs, First Impres-
sions and How to Keep a Job. The Number of Partnerships/Outside Entities: 698. The total number of Com-
munity Members participating: 4,268, materials were distributed by all areas/chapters and 92% of five areas re-
ported Media Coverage or pictures taken. Social Responsibility: Relevancy of the program to the needs of the
community & sustainability. Effective Programs increased success opportunities and cycles of poverty and insta-
bility were broken. Community needs were met and organizations bonded with “Back to Work Programs” for