Pi Omega Chapter Danville Area Community College Danville, Illinois Written by Jessica Pierce Excerpts from: "Love can build a bridge," Sung by Wynonna Judd

"Love can build a bridge.
Don’t you think it’s time?"

On the edge of nowhere lies the small town of Danville, Illinois, a hard-working town with fewer than 37,000 residents. Danville Area Community College (DACC) is located in a sparsely chapter-populated area of the large Illinois region. Just four short years ago, Pi Omega faced the arduous task of building an inactive chapter with barely a glimmer of promise. No communication, low membership, and poor leadership placed Pi Omega in desperate need. With a new advisor’s strong determination, Pi Omega became a thriving Five-Star constellation in less than a year. Upon our rebirth, Pi Omega focused on forging bonds of unity within our own ranks. Having strengthened our presence on campus and in the community, we next envisioned the powerhouse the Illinois region could become if we could bridge geographical gaps and break down some ideological barriers. It was time to venture out of the neighborhood.

Going from non-existent to Five Star in one year was an amazing but difficult accomplishment. Realizing the hurdles we overcame, but also knowing we did it, Pi Omega determinedly reached out to help other budding chapters throughout the Illinois Region reach their potential. We set our minds on uniting this great state in which we live, from swirling swamp to majestic Lake Michigan, from coalmines and cornfields to the mighty Mississippi. Last year, we had the privilege of serving as Illinois Regional President. From this position, Pi Omega launched two ambitious regional programs:

• the Illinois Sister Chapter Program and
• the Illinois Chapter Mentoring Program.

"I would give my heart’s desires so that you might see
the first step is to realize that it all begins with you and me."

Regrettably, a large geographical gap exists between the northern and southern chapters in Illinois that impedes regional growth. Pi Omega designed the Sister Chapter Program to increase fellowship between chapters throughout our extended region. This program was designed to encourage chapters miles apart to reach out further than to near-neighbor chapters. By intentionally pairing chapters from different areas of the state, Illinois builds and strengthens bridges of communication amongst all chapters. Each chapter now has a sister chapter, and that chapter has another sister chapter. By initiating this program, every chapter in Illinois is in communication with at least two others; each of those is in contact with two more. Consequently, an energetic weblike network of communication was born!

Pi Omega knows the overwhelming feeling of building a chapter with little guidance. Advisor Garrett had never heard of Phi Theta Kappa until attending the 2001 International Convention. Afterwards, she was energized and very intimidated, but Pi Omega found its way. Our second regional program, the Illinois Chapter Mentoring Program, was created to ease others' journeys. It pairs newly active or rebuilding chapters with experienced chapters. Each mentor pairing is unique and voluntary. The goal: to ensure each mentored chapter understands Chapter, Regional, and International programs, recognizes important dates, gains confidence, and fully enjoys the pleasures of being a Phi Theta Kappa Chapter.

Alpha Psi Eta Chapter, 40 miles from us, sought our assistance over a year ago. This program was born from that union. Our work with them continued last Spring when we attended their induction and assisted them with planning and implementing their large Community Festival, a huge undertaking for even a seasoned chapter. We remain in contact with Alpha Psi Eta and were thrilled when they claimed Five Star status at the Regional Leadership Conference. We shared the joy because we truly appreciated how far they, like we, had really come.
 

"When we stand together it is our finest hour.
We can do anything, anything, if we keep believing in the power."

Last October, little Pi Omega hosted the 2004 Illinois Regional Convention. A total of 220 people attended, including 171 members and 26 advisors from 32 chapters. Among our special guests were Dr. Virginia Stahl, Phi Theta Kappa Board Member, and Mr. Brandon Marsh, Division III International Vice President. The first night of the convention, we were joined by Danville's Mayor and DACC dignitaries. After dinner and campaign speeches, attendees danced the evening away in oldies costumes to the tunes of a live band at our regional sock hop. We capped a great night of fellowship with hula-hoop, bubble gum blowing, and paddleball competitions, and we provided shuttle service to motels.

Our convention theme was "American Graffiti: Voices from the Heartland." On Saturday, we unveiled our work-in-progress: a giant blank graffiti wall encircling the entire arena. We invited chapters to leave their marks and share themselves. The wall changed by the hour all weekend.

During breaks Saturday morning we mingled and ventured out into the warm sunshine to enjoy a classic car show put on for us by the local Illiana Antique Auto Club. That afternoon, a panel of cancer survivors led a discussion that entwined all of our hearts. Through the panel's personal testimonies and experiences, members learned how to be more supportive and compassionate towards people plagued with cancer. Representatives from American Cancer Society and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society offered volunteer information hoping to build a stronger bridge of understanding.

After a tearfully serious afternoon, Saturday evening was all about fun. Following a tasty BBQ dinner, we laughed as DACC’s Acting 1 class performed a play about Mrs. Claus facing the difficulty of replacing the missing-in-action Santa. Regional Officer candidates held an open forum allowing chapters to question them. Pumpkin-decorating and Halloween costume contests, fresh apple cider pressing demonstrations, a popcorn wagon, professional storytelling around a bonfire, and a movie provided fun for everyone.
 

"Every day we build a bridge.
It may reach anywhere across a stream or bed of rocks.
No obstacle is now there."

This past year saw Pi Omega spread its wings at many levels. Members worked alongside DACC administrators painting a neighborhood house. We helped with the DACC family holiday party. We served on committees for Relay for Life and First Night. We met with the Board of Trustees, several local civic organizations, and were joined by our College President for Adopt-a-Highway litter removal. Pi Omegans missed no regional meetings, ventured north to the International convention, south to Regional Leadership Days at Headquarters, and also headed to the nation's western edge when Advisor Garrett, a Faculty Scholar, and our Chapter President attended the International Honors Institute.
 

"Journey to the other side; with joy we reach the bend.
Place our feet upon the earth where friendship has no end"

Looking ahead, newly elected officers strongly believed training would enhance their abilities to support Pi Omega. Thus, the first Pi Omega Officer Training Academy was launched. While each officer attended the training, a bond was forged. This new bond of fellowship supported a remarkable bridge between members of Pi Omega that ultimately extended throughout the Illinois Region. Pi Omega set out to unite the state and led by example, merely by being there. Through our new programs, we have started building long bridges of fellowship throughout Illinois, between disparate chapters. And our work continues in the new year. Now serving as Regional Secretary, we are charged with recording all regional events and maintaining the regional website. We now have a new direction, but our purpose remains the same. Love can build a bridge. Don’t you think its time?