BY AUTUMN MCBRIDE (TAU, BRENAU UNIVERSITY), education and engagement manager
Like stitches in fabric, our daily interactions have the power to bring us closer. Think back to your favorite moments of connection in Alpha Chi Omega – maybe it was Bid Day, moving into the chapter facility, attending your first National Convention, graduating with your sisters or celebrating a membership milestone. Each memory reminds us that a sense of community isn’t created all at once. It’s pieced together through intentional choices and meaningful occasions. When we acknowledge, honor and uplift one another, we craft a membership experience that feels genuine and transcends time!
So how do we keep the tapestry of our sisterhood radiant? One way is by leaning into five threads of connection: mindfulness, gratitude, joy, inclusion and curiosity. Together, these strands help us seek the heights! Over the next few weeks, challenge yourself to weave them into your daily life and see how your relationships grow.
Mindfulness
With our schedules filled with back-to-back events, meetings and classes, we often forget to be fully present. Practicing mindfulness, paying attention to the here and now, can help build camaraderie. A mindful sister is consistent and reliable. She notices the small things, like your silly catchphrases or your coffee order. She also recognizes when you’re missing from the room or just not “yourself.” Like a hand-sewn garment, friendship takes time. By making yourself intentionally available to others, you may be surprised at the details people choose to share.
Week 1 Connection Challenge: Togetherness flourishes when we show up for one another. Ask a friend to join you in a routine task this week like errands, walking or working out. Be in the moment together!
Gratitude
Gratitude is an internal, ongoing state of deep appreciation for life and the efforts of others, whereas “thanks” is often a momentary, external response. Gratitude ties small knots of trust and helps us feel supported. You can express it by paying it forward or thanking someone for how they impact your day. You can also encourage collective gratitude, just as our Symphony calls us “to appreciate all that is noble in another.”
Week 2 Connection Challenge: Acknowledgment reminds others they matter! Strive to recognize effort, not just outcomes. Tell someone this week how much you admire their dedication and passion.
Joy
The glue of belonging is joy! Woven in both ordinary and extraordinary moments, joy strengthens collective energy and sustains resilience. Laughing and celebrating life break down walls and build closeness faster than any icebreaker. Joy transforms everyday events into lifelong memories. Adding vibrancy to our sisterhood, joy reminds us that connection can be playful and heartfelt.
Week 3 Connection Challenge: Bonds are cultivated through shared experiences! Make a group playlist this week or start a new tradition with sisters like weekly coffee, a sunset walk or a monthly cookbook club.
Inclusion
Inclusion goes beyond simply saying “you’re invited”; it’s purposely shaping environments where different viewpoints, communication styles, beliefs and backgrounds are embraced. That might mean slowing down to ensure everyone is heard, rotating who leads conversations or being aware of traditions that unintentionally leave others out. Every voice contributes to the richness of our shared design!
Week 4 Connection Challenge: Belonging deepens when every voice is welcomed! Focus this week on uplifting quieter voices. How can you prioritize collaboration over competition?
Curiosity
Cultural humility and healthy curiosity go hand in hand. Cultural humility asks us to recognize that we don’t know everything about another’s identity and to remain open to learning. When guided by humility, curiosity becomes healthy; it prompts us to ask thoughtful questions, listen and approach differences with respect rather than judgment. This kind of openness helps mend gaps in perspective and fosters a culture of care where every sister matters!
Week 5 Connection Challenge: Listening and learning open our hearts to deeper understanding! Push yourself to discover one new thing about a sister this week. Ask open-ended questions that generate meaningful conversation.
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Belonging is never a finished craft; it’s something we continue to create together! Each time we return to these five threads of connection, we have the chance to strengthen our ties in new ways. As you plan for the weeks ahead, which thread will you pick up first?
Did you learn something meaningful from this Note of Belonging? We invite you to share your story of belonging through your Alpha Chi Omega journey or recommend a sister to do so!