Since being tasked by our President to lead this venture, Naline Persaud-Thompson and Sandra Haynes-Thomas have both responded to our requests to join this committee. Although one of the standing committees in our Bylaws, this committee has inactive for a long time now. Getting back on task has been challenging, yet fruitful. Our main focus at the present time is to enhance public understanding of the role of our association by written or other media.
Here are the various sections of this reports; SRAA brochures, Telephone #, Twitter account, Facebook Page, Guyana Folk Festival, Meeting of alumni associations and Future projects.
1. SRAA brochures
At the request of the Membership Committee, Public Relations created a SRAA brochure detailing our mission, history of the association and school, serviam song, picture and names of our Executive Board, contact information and projects both completed and ongoing. This is a work in progress with the possibility of future updates. The brochure has received overwhelming reviews from the Toronto chapter and they will use our idea and also create a brochure.
2. Telephone # for SRAA
A telephone number has been established for the Association using Google voice. The phone # is 917-72ROSES. Constituents may leave a voicemail message on this #, an email notification is then forwarded to the PR committee and the Secretary notifying that there is a voicemail. Once reviewed, that voicemail message is routed to the respective committee co-chairs or the executive board. This service does also allow for one to return calls from the number. The committee is presently reviewing the use of Google voice for the conference call feature.
3. Twitter account
This service is a way to share, discover, and stay connected through the sharing of information via instant messaging and microblogging. Of particular interest will be the benefit of connecting with other NFP and supportive organizations. Maximum of 140 characters messages (tweets) may also be sent as notification updates to our ‘followers.’
4. Facebook account
The organization now has a presence on Facebook which to date is one of the largest social network. We have created an account as an organizational page. We are currently evaluating other types of account pages to determine the one that will best serve our needs for analytical traffic reporting and marketing effectiveness. The goal of the Facebook page is to capture some of the more than 2000 Alum sighted on similar pages. Our vision is to be established and recognized as the official St. Roses Alumni Facebook page where information such as, quality project updates, school happenings, events and Alum surprises is broadcast.
5. Guyana Folk Festival
In conjunction with the Membership committee, SRAA had a presence at the Guyana Folk Festival. The event was held on Sunday, September 5 at the Meyer Levin Middle School in Brooklyn. Visitors viewed recent pictures of the school, HM, faculty and staff, labs and other areas of St. Rose’s. Pauline Roman-Willis, Peggy Bacchus, Ingrid Thomas-Clark, Byron and I managed the booth and anyone stopping by received one of the giveaways (SRAA brochures, balloons for the children, NYC subway maps, fans and NYC event brochures). Our table was in a very prime location (facing the entrance and in the middle of the exhibition lot) and thus we had quite a few alumni stopping by to learn about the work our chapter has done for St. Rose’s and register on our SRAA roster. Especially were the visits by youngsters who stood proxy to engage their parent alum via telephone confirmation. It turned out to be the meeting place for some alumni who were fortunate to see their classmates (some who have not been in touch since school). In addition, we built a very good relationship with our counterparts from Christ Church Alumni Association who shared space with us. The stage was set for inquiries from other alumni associations wishing to be part of next year’s event.
6. Meeting of alumni associations
An invitation was extended to the other alumni associations of schools in Guyana. This meeting was Lorraine’s brainchild because she felt the need to collaborate with them to discuss challenges/successes, brainstorm, network and share information. Invited to the forum were Bishop’s High School, St. Stanislaus, Queens College, Christ Church, Charlestown, Central, Tutorial, St. Joseph’s and South Georgetown. On Saturday, September 25th, representatives from Queens, BHS, St. Joseph’s, Central, South Georgetown and Christ Church met at the Canarsie Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library with Ingrid Thomas-Clark, Byron and I representing SRAA. The representatives present expressed overwhelming proposal for the formation of an umbrella council with all New York based alumni associations. Each association was tasked with reporting back to their respective Executive Boards for their approval and Lorraine will share the contact information for all invitees. The alumni associations will share a calendar of future fund raising events and once approved, a follow up meeting will be scheduled.
7. Future projects
We, as co-chairs, values everyone’s input, recommendations and suggestions so please let us know your feedback on these or any other venture. The success of this committee thus far could not be accomplished without the cohesive teamwork of all its members.
Co-chairs:
Byron Henry Jr,
Lorraine Croft-Farnell
Members:
Gail Taitt-Francisco (EB liaison),
Ingrid Thomas-Clark,
Jennifer Harding,
Naline Persaud-Thompson,
Sandra Haynes-Thomas
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