February 2004
Issue

The Nevada/California Region is promoting the Nev/Cal Connection, a sister chapter project. The program promotes communication throughout the region by getting chapters together with neighboring chapters to hold joint induction ceremonies and other events.

Nevada/California Regional President Jane Presta said, "This project came about during the summer planning meeting. The Regional Officers wanted to improve communication, and we felt that this project would do the job. It is amazing to see how chapters are reaching out to each other. The results have been phenomenal with at least 50 percent of the region's 67 chapters participating in the project."

Members at Mt. San Antonio College in California have gotten involved in the Nev/Cal Connection by taking other chapters under their wing and inviting them to their campus to learn about the Five Star Chapter Development Program and Hallmark Award essay writing.

The Nevada/California Region's newest chapter at Modesto Junior College in California will reap the benefit of this regional program when three of their members attend the International Convention in April. The Nevada District of the Nevada/California Region agreed to sponsor three members to attend the International Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Pacific Region is also reaching out to chapters in their region by teaching chapter members the value of getting involved in Phi Theta Kappa programs. The region recently sponsored a workshop on preparing Hallmark Award entries. One of the goals for the Pacific Region this year is to implement workshops on Phi Theta Kappa topics. The region's aim is to help chapters develop their programs and to get a better understanding of the Society. To accomplish this goal, the region held a Hallmark Workshop in Fall 2003 at Kapi'olani Community College.

Linda Letta, Phi Theta Kappa advisor to the Hallmark Award-winning chapter at Kapi'olani Community College, led participants through the process of writing a Hallmark essay. Along with Regional Coordinator Charlotte Toguchi, nine members from four Oahu chapters were present. The session was videotaped and sent to the chapters that were not able to attend. The region plans to sponsor more workshops on other related topics for the chapters in the coming year.

At the New England Region's Leadership Conference, the chapter at Manchester Community College in Connecticut issued a challenge to all chapters in the region to join them in raising cancer research funds by purchasing a Nikki's Bear from the Build-A-Bear Workshop.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Nikki's Bear will be distributed through the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation to fund children's cancer research and treatment programs. The chapter has extended their challenge to chapters in all Phi Theta Kappa regions. Chapters planning to purchase a bear are asked to email New England Regional Vice President of Programs Kimber Britton at kimberly.britton@ptk.org who will track chapter participation in the project. For more details visit www.buildabear.com/AboutUs/Nikki/.

For more information on projects in your region, please contact your Regional Officers or Regional Coordinator. Contact information is available from the online Regional Directory at www.ptk.org/regions/regions_dir.htm. Regional officers are encouraged to share news of their regional events by contacting Regional Programs Coordinator Faye Christian at faye.christian@ptk.org.