Governing Documents Committee
The Governing Documents Committee is an Alpha Sigma Tau standing committee that is responsible for collecting and vetting proposed amendments to the Sorority’s governing documents that will be considered by the Convention body. This committee reports directly to the National Council and is composed of at least five alumnae members and one collegiate member.
Meet the Committee
- Violet DeStefano (Epsilon Phi 2016/Winona)
- Katie Linderholm (Epsilon Chi 2019/Minnesota Duluth)
- Nicki Stanley (Delta Beta 2007/Fairmont), Chair
- Callie Sterling (Upsilon 2010/Central Arkansas)
- Nicole Turnage (Beta Rho 2013/Arkansas Tech)
- Brandy VanLoo Beck (Delta Tau 2009/Oakland)
- Joell Sperry (Gamma Theta 2004/Penn State Behrend) (ex-officio)
Meet the Committee
Governing Documents Committee
The Governing Documents Committee is an Alpha Sigma Tau standing committee that is responsible for collecting and vetting proposed amendments to the Sorority’s governing documents that will be considered by the Convention body. This committee is composed of at least five alumnae members and one collegiate member.
Meet the Committee
Violet De Stefano Epsilon Phi 2016/Winona State Chair
Violet is an emergency management and public health professional based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She has a master of public administration from Jacksonville State University and a bachelor of science in public health from Winona State University. For the past four years, she has volunteered with Alpha Sigma Tau as the Operations and Finance Advisor for the Beta Iota Chapter at Millersville University and served on the Governing Documents Committee for the 2022-2024 National Convention.
Brittany Gischner Delta Phi 2006/NYU
Brittany holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre with a minor in producing. For almost 15 years, she has been working in casting for film and television in NYC, where she lives. As a collegian, Brittany held a few different positions, with Courtesy Chairman being her favorite.
Karah Fissel Janevicius Delta Omega 2012/Penn State Altoona
An initiated member of the Delta Omega Chapter at Penn State Altoona, Karah transferred and joined the Psi Chapter at James Madison University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and international affairs and an M.A. in political science. While at JMU, Karah also served as Vice President of Community Relations. Recently, she stepped down as an advisor for the Psi Chapter at James Madison University, where she has advised since 2019. During her time, Karah has held several advisor positions, including Community Relations, Recruitment, Operations, Finance, and Chapter Advisor. Karah currently works on behalf of the U.S. rice industry to advance its interests through international trade policy.
Nicki Stanley Delta Beta 2007/Fairmont State
Nicki is serving her third term on the Governing Documents Committee and served as Chair for the 2022-2024 Committee. Nicki was also part of the inaugural cohort of AΣΤ Excel and represents AΣΤ as the President of the Columbus Alumnae Panhellenic Association. She held various Chapter Advisory Board positions for Delta Beta/Fairmont State and Epsilon Tau/Kenyon, serving as Delta Beta’s Chapter Advisor from 2010-2020.
Anna Van Hese Delta Tau 2019/Oakland
Anna earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology with a minor in public administration and public policy from Oakland University. She joined the Delta Tau Chapter in 2019 and held positions such as Chapter President, Vice President of Organization Development, and Director of Structured Recruitment. As a collegian, she was also a 1899 Society Ambassador. Currently, Anna serves as Chapter Advisor for Alpha/Eastern Michigan and is a member of the Detroit Metro Alumnae Chapter. She currently works as an addiction counselor at a rehabilitation center in the Metro Detroit area.
Lauren Bendes Warren Beta Xi 2005/Michigan Tech Ex-Officio
Lauren is currently serving her first term as a National Vice President and as Ex-Officio for the Governing Documents Committee. Previously, Lauren served as an advisor for the Delta Tau Chapter at Oakland University and as Treasurer for the Detroit Metro Alumnae Chapter. Professionally, she is the Director of Traffic Operations for a DBE consulting firm and holds internationally recognized certifications as a Project Management Professional, Professional Engineer, and Professional Traffic Operations Engineer.
Soph White Epsilon Xi 2024/Gustavus
Soph is originally from Nebraska, but currently attends Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. Soph is double-majoring in religious studies and gender, women, and sexuality studies, as well as minoring in philosophy. Soph currently serves as Director of the Women’s Wellness Initiative for the chapter.
Learn more about service on this committee
Governing Documents Committee Info Session
Monday, May 12, at 8 p.m. ET
Hosted by National Council Vice Presidents Lauren Warren and Joell Sperry
Any member considering applying to volunteer on the Governing Documents Committee is strongly encouraged to attend this informational webinar. You’ll gain insight into the committee’s responsibilities, the scope of work, and the timeline. You’ll also learn more about the qualities and competencies of a successful candidate.
Governing Documents Committee Charge Description
The Governing Documents Committee shall be composed of at least five members, including one collegiate member.
The Governing Documents Committee shall receive all proposed amendments to the governing documents that will be considered by the Convention body. They shall study each amendment to see that it does not conflict with other rules of a higher authority. They shall ensure that all amendments are in correct parliamentary form and shall consolidate similar amendments for joint proposal subject to the acceptance by the proposers. The committee shall give notice of all properly submitted amendments along with a recommendation for action.
The Governing Documents Committee reports directly to the National Council.
The Governing Documents Committee must receive proposed amendments to the Bylaws eight (8) months prior to the start of Convention – October 11, 2025.
The Governing Documents Committee shall develop a report of the proposed amendments that will be distributed to the membership. The report is due to the National Council in late December 2025, and will be shared with the membership no later than January 11, 2026.
Competencies of a Successful Governing Documents Committee Member
These are the competencies that a successful Governing Documents Committee member possesses and actively practices:
Expand for list of Governing Documents Committee competencies
Inclusion is defined as valuing and actively promoting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of Alpha Sigma Tau and ensuring proposals align with this standard.
Self-awareness is defined as conscious knowledge and understanding of her own character, feelings, and motives and how that affects the group dynamic of the committee.
Focus is defined as acceptance of the committee charge, process, and timeline and working diligently to fulfill the defined charge.
Collaboration is defined as the ability of committee members to work with each other, the Board, and the Parliamentarian to complete the defined work of the committee while maintaining confidentiality, impartiality, and fairness.
Accountability is defined as a committee member that demonstrates high performance of self and expectations of others. Furthermore, understanding the impact of decisions made by the committee and taking ownership on how those decisions affect the future of the organization.
Critical Thinking is defined as the ability to strategically evaluate proposals, balancing adherence to all levels of governing documents with the practical functionality of the organization.
Apply Now
Application deadline is June 15, 2025.
Below from 2018
Alpha Sigma Tau is currently receiving applications for service on the Governing Documents Committee to last through the National Convention in 2020. Please read the below committee description and competencies of a successful committee member, complete the application, and indicate if you have interest in serving as Committee Chair, Member, or either.
All applicants for the Governing Documents Committee must be alumnae or collegiate members who have met all membership requirements and are currently in good standing. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with National Council members. Following the interview process, the National Council will appoint members of the Governing Documents Committee and designate a Chair of the committee.
Volunteering is a special and worthwhile way to honor the vows that each member made at Initiation. Serving as a volunteer is challenging, stimulating, interesting, rewarding, and ever-changing. Volunteering allows you to broaden your Alpha Sigma Tau world beyond your chapter of Alpha Sigma Tau Sisters.
- The Governing Documents Committee is composed of at least five members, including one collegiate member. The committee’s work is primarily conducted virtually via video conference and electronic communications.
- The committee receives all proposed amendments to the governing documents that will be considered by the Convention body.
- The committee ensures all amendments are in correct parliamentary form.
- When necessary, the committee communicates with each submitter to consolidate similar amendments.
- The committee gives notice of all properly submitted amendments along with a recommendation for action.
- The committee works with the National Council to execute a plan to notify members of the timetable and process for submitting proposed amendments to the Bylaws.
- The committee submits their report to the National Council and it is in turn shared with the membership by the date designated in the governing documents.
Governing Documents Committee Chair Responsibilities
- The committee chair is responsible for overseeing the work of the respective committee and ensuring the charge of the committee is fulfilled.
- The Chair shall participate in committee chair orientation.
- The Chair provides a committee report to the National Council.
- The Chair is responsible for coordinating the training of the committee with the Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP). The Chair will work with the PRP to ensure the committee’s understanding of the appropriate processes the committee must follow to review any proposed changes from a parliamentary perspective.
- The Chair will work with the National Council to have the proposed amendment in a complete document delivered to the membership for review as required in the Bylaws.
- For Convention, the Governing Documents Committee Chair will work with the National President and the PRP to develop a script and general session timetable to bring the proposed amendments for consideration by the Convention body. At Convention, the committee Chair will give the report of the committee to the Convention body.
General Expectations of Committee Members
- Fulfill all expectations as a committee member and/or committee chair as outlined in the Bylaws and this document.
- Be familiar with the Bylaws and Standing Rules of Alpha Sigma Tau.
- Understand the committee charge and the role of a committee member.
- Understand the role of your committee work as outlined in the Bylaws of Alpha Sigma Tau.
- Respond to all communication from your respective committee chair and committee members.
- Keep written documentation of your committee work and progress.
- Minutes should be taken at all committee meetings and/or conference calls. The minutes should include the date of the meeting, committee member attendance and a summary of the committee meeting. Minutes should be attached to the report provided to the National Council.
How to Apply
All interested applicants should submit the following application along with a current resume, three professional references (including at least one Alpha Sigma Tau member and one non-member), and a cover letter. Please include in your resume any relevant Collegiate/Alumnae Chapter/Association leadership positions, relevant community involvement, any awards and honors, and previous volunteer positions held with Alpha Sigma Tau National Sorority. Your cover letter should address why you want to serve on the committee, how you exhibit the competencies for successful service on the committee, and a description of relevant experience and/or interest relevant to the committee member description and committee charge.