Convention FAQs
See our most frequently asked questions below.
GENERAL FAQ
What is Convention?
Gamma Phi Beta hosts an international Convention biennially (every other year on even-numbered years). Convention is an opportunity to gather as sisters, conduct Sorority business, celebrate our cherished traditions and rituals and let our sisterhood shine.
Who should go to Convention, and why should I go?
Gamma Phi Beta members are invited to join in a great week of celebration and sisterhood. Collegiate and alumnae chapter officers, advisors, AHC board leaders and members who want to connect to the Sorority in meaningful ways are all welcome. Every collegiate chapter and alumnae chapter is expected to send a delegate.
Why is Convention expensive?
We understand that attending Convention is an expensive event. Please keep in mind that ticket prices accommodate many things related to Convention, including but not limited to meals, decor, staging, audiovisual, registration, mobile app, safety protocols, staffing, shipping, branding, room rentals, etc. This year has seen an increase in our Convention costs due to inflation and ensuring increased accessibility with a virtual component.
Why are resolutions not a part of Convention?
The Bylaws Committee had a robust discussion regarding the current Convention Resolutions process. The Committee recognizes that in some ways, the Convention Resolutions process is an avenue by which members engage with International Council (IC); however, we also acknowledge that this process has become less relevant and effective over time.
- Fewer resolutions are being submitted, primarily by a small segment of our membership, with our collegiate members largely absent from this process.
- The language of resolutions can be too vague, and the Bylaws Chairwoman and International Headquarters staff must engage in substantial research and editing.
- Precious time at Convention is taken by resolutions that have no legislative power and no implementation guarantees.
- Issues raised in resolutions are sometimes proactively being handled through the work of international officers and staff. Data and other information on these issues is available but not shared widely. The Committee sees this gap as one that needs to be addressed.
The Committee recognizes that feedback from our membership is vital; therefore, in order to expand and transform this somewhat opaque process to a more transparent one, IC will replace the Convention Resolutions process with an open forum at the winter International Council (IC) meetings. All members will be allowed the opportunity to participate in this annual process, communicating directly with IC during their business meeting. Member requests and recommendations will be submitted in advance of the meeting and shared publicly to create transparency about the topics at hand.
What if I am local to the Chicagoland-area and want to help plan or am traveling in and want to volunteer to help during Convention?
Please email Local Arrangements Chair Jessica Jecmen at convention@gammaphibeta.org.
Convention delegate/ alternate FAQs
Who can be the alumnae delegate or alternate delegate?
An alumnae chapter delegate or alternate delegate can be a chapter advisor, AHC officer, alumnae chapter member or other volunteer leader who is in good standing and an active member in good standing with your alumnae chapter. An alumnae chapter delegate or alternate delegate may not be a current member of IC, professional staff or volunteer leader attending Convention at the expense of the Sorority or receiving supplemental funds from the Sorority to attend Convention.
Delegates and alternates should be formally elected by your alumnae chapter to represent the chapter.
Who can be the collegiate delegate or alternate delegate?
Any initiated member from your collegiate chapter can be the delegate or alternate delegate. Traditionally, the chapter president is elected to serve as the delegate; but in the event they are unable to attend, we recommend electing another executive council officer or member to serve in her place. Each collegiate chapter is required to send one delegate and encouraged to send at least one alternate delegate. Due to COVID-19, we recommend you elect multiple backup alternate delegates in case someone has to back out last minute due to illness.
What are the duties of a collegiate and/or alumnae delegate?
Delegates are expected to register as a full Convention attendee and fully participate in all Convention events and business sessions. Delegates are expected to sit in their assigned seat (indicated by a chair cover with the chapter’s name) throughout all business session events. Delegates are responsible for voting on behalf of their chapter for elections of IC and the Nominating Committee and Bylaw amendments. Delegates share the outcome and experience of Convention with their chapter afterward.
What does a collegiate/alumna alternate do?
Alternate delegates are expected to register and fully participate in all Convention events and business sessions. Alternate delegates may be called upon to be credentialed as the voting delegate should the delegate need to leave or step-down. In this case, the alternate delegate would assume all delegate duties at Convention. Alternate delegates should also help the delegate in sharing the outcomes of Convention back to your local chapter.
Do both the delegate and alternate have to attend in person?
Yes, all delegates and alternates are required to attend Convention in person. Our Bylaws state the following, “Delegates must be present to vote at Conventions and special meetings held in person; voting by proxy is prohibited.”
What is and where are the Credential Forms?
The Credential Form is the Sorority’s official document that certifies your chapter has elected its delegate and alternate delegate to represent and vote in the best interest of your chapter at Convention. There is one form for alumnae chapters and one form for collegiate chapters. Each chapter needs to submit one form. These will be posted in 2024.