Sigma Phi Lambda - Organization

Organization

National Board of Directors

Phi Lamb is governed by Board of Directors. Five alumnae help keep things running smoothly and make policy decisions for the organization.

Executive Director

This is the person you work with if you'd like to start a chapter of Phi Lamb. The "ED" also helps keep things running by assisting the Board with daily tasks and she plans the All-Chapter Officer Retreat.

Regional Directors

These women oversee multiple chapters. They work with the Alumnae Council, if one is present at a chapter, to help guide the chapter in planning and decision-making.

Alumnae Councils

After a chapter has been established long enough to have alumnae, an Alumnae Council is formed. These three members can be former officers or founders of that chapter. The Alumnae Council provides guidance to the chapter and assistance to the Regional Director.

Officers

Five officers are elected yearly in each chapter. The offices are President, Vice President, Chaplain, Secretary, and Treasurer. These officers maintain the daily functions and lead the members of their chapter. Retiring officers write letters to the new officers to include in passed-down notebooks.

All officers must sign and abide by a covenant created by the national board. The covenant reads, as such:

"As an elected officer of Sigma Phi Lambda, I...

-Believe the Apostle's Creed and trust in Christ as Lord. Jesus is the foundation in the life of a believer and, as a community of believers, Jesus should serve as the foundation for that we do in Phi Lamb. As leaders of this community, we need to be in relationship with Christ, allowing Him to lead and guide all that we do in Phi Lamb. I commit to being a woman of prayer, trusting Him first and foremost with my whole life, and I will faithfully pray for and trust Him with all I do in my chapter. Proverbs 3:5-6

-Will lead a humble servant. In the kingdom of God, being a leader is really about being a servant of Christ and of others. All believers should follow the model of Christ and serve others in humility. I commit to set aside my own agenda and look to what is best for others. Philippians 2:1-7

-Will submit to God and the authorities He has placed over me. Within the structure of Phi Lamb, each chapter has authorities serving above them to help provide wise counsel and guide the chapter and its officers. I understand although the officers will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the chapter, these leaders (alumnae council, regional director, board of directors, executive director) have ultimate authority over decisions about the chapter. Romans 13:1

-Will live above reproach in all areas of my life and be aware of the influence I have as a leader in Phi Lamb. Serving as a Phi Lamb officer is a unique opportunity to encourage and lead other women in their relationship with Christ. We are called to model a whole commitment to Christ and live the life we are inviting others to live. As in any other leadership role, others will be more aware of our words and actions and hold us to a higher standard. Serving as leaders challenges us to set aside what we may want to do and instead choose what is best for others in our chapter. This often involves personal sacrifice. I commit to live in such a way that I help others draw closer to Christ and am not a hindrance to any of my sisters. Practically, this has implications in dealing with alcohol and drug use. Since the majority of the chapter is under age and alcohol and drug use is so prevalent on college campuses, elected officers will abstain from alcohol and illegal drug use during their time of service. Although there is nothing inherently wrong with drinking alcohol in moderation for those who are of age, I need to be mindful of the weaker sisters among us and not create a stumbling block for those who are under age or may struggle with drug or alcohol-related issues. In addition, elected officers will strive for sexual purity in their relationships. Sex is beautiful gift that God has given us, but it is only intended to be enjoyed in the context of marriage. As a leader, I will model sexual abstinence before marriage. Believers are also called to avoid evil and the appearance of evil. Leaders will not spend the night with or live with their significant other, even if they are not having sex, as it provides unhealthy temptations and sends a confusing message to others. 1 Timothy 3:2, 1 Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 5:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:22-24, Hebrews 13:4

-Will promote peace and unity by honoring and valuing all members. Our God is a God of order, and by the very nature of His Spirit, He empowers us to live in peace and unity with one another. Although we know that conflict and disagreements will arise within the officer group and in the chapter, it is critically important that each officer strives to deal with conflict in healthy ways and pursues peace and unity. Healthy conflict resolution involves really listening to one another and prayerfully considering what is best in each situation. I commit to pursuing peach and unity. Romans 12:18, Romans 14:19, Romans 15:5-6, James 1:19, John 17:20-23

-Will engage in honest and timely communication with fellow officers, the chapter, and those in authority. Honest and timely communication with one another is important for a healthy officer group. Prompt and respectful communication with the chapter and with those in authority over the officer group is also important for a healthy chapter and officer group. I commit to honest and timely communication with all involved in and associated with Phi Lamb.

-Will be committed to striving for excellence in my role and encouraging others to do the same. Each officer has a unique role to play, and each role is valuable to the health of the organization. We each have unique gifts, and we will seek to use our gifts responsibly and recognize the gifts in others. I commit to function as fully and humbly as possible in my role, while encouraging and empowering others to do the same. In doing so, we can truly be the body of Christ. Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 12:12; 18-20; 27, 1 Thessalonians 5:11"

Actives

These members of Phi Lamb are considered the big sisters of their chapter. They hold voting rights and may hold appointed officers positions that vary from chapter to chapter.

Pledges

New to Phi Lamb, these members are the little sisters. They are cherished by their big sisters and are a vital part of Phi Lamb. Upon initiation into the sorority, they are able to vote and become Actives.