My Dear Sister Links:

It’s been several weeks since I was announced the 14^th National President of The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation Incorporated. Words can’t express how humbled, grateful and blessed I feel to be afforded the opportunity to lead the greatest women’s organization in the world. Never doubt my gratitude to you for your confidence in my ability to carry our organization forward.

Under my administration we will always be mindful of the fact that the cornerstone of our great organization is friendship. Our founders, Sarah Scott and Margaret Hawkins, had the insight and vision to know that a circle of loving friends, with a clear mission and commitment to service has the power to positively impact critical issues affecting people of African descent.

We will be certain to maintain our legacy as our base, and friendship and service as our infrastructure.

We will persistently advocate for that which is just and fair, continue our philanthropic endeavors, collaborate with those entities that share our belief system, and continue to develop our aspiring leaders by utilizing and intergenerational approach.

We will continue to build our own wealth in order to take care of ourselves and those in need through our endowment programs.

We will continue to foster the international goodwill which is characteristic of The Links, Incorporated.

We will solidify our present position as the premier Black Women’s organization; an organization that can speak for the African American community through the depth and breadth of our programs, and be held in high esteem by all.

We will never lose sight of the fact that our core purpose is to do, collectively linked together by the bonds of friendship and service, what none of us can do alone – bring about true societal change.

Much has occurred since that 35th National Convention; a good portion of my appointments have been made, meetings have been held and certain operational procedures have been put in place.

We will continue with our governance structure; however, we won’t be holding a full Governance meeting this fall. This is a transition year in that we will lose our Area Directors, their Executive Committees, Area Program Directors, and Committee Chairs, at the end of the 2006-2007 year. We have analyzed all systems, programs, policies and procedures to see what is working and what is not. We will be hiring the Executive Board and Assembly approved positions to more effectively carry out the business of The Links, Incorporated and The Links Foundation, Incorporated. A satisfaction survey will be included in one of your future newsletters for you to complete and return. We are very concerned about your satisfaction with our organizational operations.

The vision for me is clear; we must take all of our initiatives and efforts to the next level. We must create continuity and alignment in all aspects of our organization at the Chapter, Area, and the National level. We must start with world class service. In our pledge we promise to do our share toward serving our communities. Leading our service team will be Link Alma Dodd, Windy City Chapter, Chicago, Illinois.

Through one’s artistic expression all things are possible. The Arts program will be directed by Link Marcia White, Long Island Chapter, New York, New York.

In the world today, our current existence is contingent upon a global well being. The International Trends and Services Committee will be directed by Link J. Kamala Buckner, South Suburban Chicago Chapter, Chicago, Illinois.

Education is the key to open locked doors. Services to Youth will be directed by Leila Potts Campbell, Charleston Chapter, Charleston, South Carolina.

The Links care about the emotional, physical, social and spiritual well being of our communities at all stages and ages of life. The National Trends and Services will provide the umbrella for all Health, Wellness, Social, Emotional and Political issues. This facet will be under the direction of Link Kim Jeffries Leonard, Arlington Chapter, Arlington, Virginia.

Our Signature Programs will again find prominence at the heart of our agenda and fall under the umbrella of their relevant counterpart. Beginning in 2008 at the 36th National Assembly, a special monetary award will be given for excellence in signature programming.

Our focus for this biennium will be on how to plan and provide substantive and sustainable signature service in order to provide our communities with successful solutions.

Frequent communication on all levels is the key to better understanding and will lead to well informed decisions. My collaborative leadership style will ensure that all members continue to have a voice in, and input into, the decisions that direct our governance.

I ask you now to please join me in “Seizing the Opportunity to Provide World Class Leadership, Friendship and Service.” Through leadership, friendship and service, and your continued support, we will not only be considered the premier Black Women’s organization, but the premier Black organization.

Sisterly Yours,

Gwendolyn B. Lee
National President
South Suburban Chicago (IL) Chapter