Convention: Highlighting Dimensions of Wellness
By Joanna Barrett (Epsilon Epsilon 2007/JWU North Miami)
Alpha Sigma Tau Conventions play a crucial role in empowering women by providing them with opportunities to learn real-world skills that significantly impact their present and future lives. This year’s Convention included a variety of opportunities focused on wellness, connection, and community, helping participants build valuable tools for various life experiences. Through these experiences, women can enhance their personal and professional lives, fostering an environment where they can thrive and grow.
Occupational Wellness: Women’s Leadership Luncheon
Led by lifestyle and etiquette expert Elaine Swann, the Women’s Leadership Luncheon focused on how to prepare for and attend a formal meal and feel confident and comfortable in a formal environment.
“The luncheon truly summed up Alpha Sigma Tau’s mission of providing women with the community, skills, and empowerment they need to excel in life said Francie Grasso (Epsilon Sigma 2019/Bridgewater State). “Being in a room of Sisters made me feel safe and supported to make mistakes and ask questions while learning these skills, so when it comes time to put them to work, I am capable and ready when it really counts.”
Elaine shared up-to-the-minute tools and practical tips from a contemporary perspective to ensure the skillful success of our women.
Upon arriving in the ballroom for the luncheon, attendees learn how to set a proper table setting, which utensils to use with which course, and both American and Continental styles of utensil use. Table etiquette was also addressed, such as choosing from the menu, passing bread or condiments, and dealing with uncomfortable situations such as fatty meat, excusing yourself from the table, and handling the check.
“As someone who occasionally attends lunch interviews as an interviewer, this luncheon made me consider not just my etiquette but also the questions and considerations of the person I’m interviewing,” said Brandy VanLoo Beck (Delta Tau 2009/Oakland). “It taught me not just about my etiquette, but also how to lead by example and leave the interviewee questioning expectations as little as possible.”
During the luncheon, participants had the opportunity for experiential practice and could engage with Elaine through questions and feedback, creating a lively atmosphere and memorable wellness experience.
Jillian Brennan-Barbeau (Delta Iota 2022/JWU Providence) reflected that the impact of this lunch was an extension of the impact of Alpha Sigma Tau as a whole: to empower women to be their best selves and give them the skills they need to succeed in all aspects of life.
This session was generously made possible by the Alpha Sigma Tau Foundation and its donors.
Physical Wellness: Yoga Class
On Friday morning, women gathered for an all-inclusive yoga class centered around the theme “Circle of Sisterhood.” This session encouraged participants to practice yoga poses in innovative ways, relying on each other for support, and translating the spirit of sisterhood from “on the mat” to “off the mat.” The class provided an opportunity for the women to breathe, visualize, move, and rest together, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support.
Emotional Wellness: Wellness Lounge
This year’s Convention Wellness Lounge was a dedicated space for women to retreat and nurture their emotional, physical, and mental well-being. In this tranquil environment, participants could take time to feel and process their emotions, stretch and ground themselves, and care for their bodies, hearts, and minds.
The Wellness Lounge featured various stations, allowing women to select the activities and resources they needed to support their self-care during the Convention. Stations included:
- Foot-Paths to Peace Gratitude Practice
- Think on These Things Journaling Prompts
- Seek Peace and Pursue It Activities to Reduce Anxiety
- Worry stones, coloring sheets, fidget toys, essential oils, accupressure mats, and foot massages
- Fidelity to Purpose Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises