Southern Area of the Links

Area ConferenceThis event is held every two years in the odd year. Preparation took place throughout the fiscal year 2022-2023. The event is scheduled for June 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Registration opened in late April. The registrants were approximately 1,100 members and 100 guests. Workshops, presentations, keynote speakers, activities, etc. will be held for registrants. Several fee levels were available, basic of $750 and a premium level of $1,750. The registration policy stated no refunds after May 22. Costs were typically what would be expected for a Conference: registration materials, speakers, conference events, travel for executive team & VIPs, hotel & convention center facilities, food & beverage, special activities, community service, exhibit displays, vendors, technology, etc.Registration rates:Basic $750Emerald Gem Premium $1,750Guest $300Connecting Link (spouse) $375Attendees could also purchase additional tickets for certain events: Gospel Brunch ($55), Emerald Ball Gala ($175), Presidents Breakfast ($55)Refund policy was posted on the registration site and had to be acknowledged by each registrant to register: All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the Southern Area Treasurer on or before May 22, 2023, to be considered for one-half (50%) of the registration fee. All refund requests for any illness, immediate family death, acts of God and unforeseen circumstances will be considered and are within the discretion of the Southern Area Director. As indicated, if approved, the refund will be 50 percent of the registration fee.No refund requests will be accepted after May 22, 2023.The event is scheduled to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center with the host hotel as the Westin Hotel Charlotte, June 21-25, 2023.

Facet ProgrammingFacet programming during the fiscal year included the traditional programming for the five Facet Programs (The Arts, Services to Youth, National Trends & Services, International Trends & Services, and Health & Human Services). In addition to the traditional programming, the largest/most significant programs during the year are described below. Under the auspices of Health & Human Services Facet, applications for grants had previously been submitted by the Southern Area in collaboration with The Links Foundation, Incorporated as the grantee which were utilized for the benefit of programming in the Southern Area regarding COVID19 with WK Kellogg Foundation and the Morehouse School of Medicine National COVID19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) Project. During the fiscal year, the Southern Area requested and received grants from The Links Foundation from funds that had been deposited from these two grants for carrying out projects in the chapters of the Southern Area. Funding was also implemented in concluding the projects at the Area Conference. Under the auspices of Services to Youth Facet, the Southern Area held a fundraising campaign for members and chapters to contribute to HBCUs. The contributions were remitted to The Links Foundation, Incorporated. The Southern Area Program Committee developed scholarship criteria and students attending HBCUs located within the seven states comprising the Southern Area were selected to receive scholarships. We requested a grant from The Links Foundation to issue scholarships to the HBCUs that the students were attending. Chapters where the students were in school assisted in presenting the scholarship awards to the students. These remittances occurred in the fall 2022 and winter 2023.

Leadership SummitThe organization holds a Leadership Summit in the fall in during even years after the National Assembly. During late October 2022, this event was held in Montego Bay, Jamaica at an-inclusive resort. Approximately 130 members plus the executive team traveled to Montego Bay for leadership development seminars and community service programs. Depending on the accommodation selected (ocean view, ocean front, single occupancy, double occupancy, junior suite), the rates ranged from $1,550 to $1,695. The Summit schedule for registrants included workshops, community service at schools, social events, etc. Optional activities were available for Connecting Links (spouses) at additional cost.