April 19, 2019
As Kappa Deltas, we are united by common values. Foundational to our values is the desire to give back in all phases of our lives, leaving our communities better than we found them. Volunteering as a Kappa Delta house corporation member allows alumnae to invest back into the organization (and themselves!) by leveraging their unique skillsets to support collegiate chapter housing.
To celebrate Advisor Appreciation Month this April, we talked with Maurine “Mo” Jeude (Sigma Iota-Washington), president of the Sigma Iota-Washington House Corporation Board, to learn more about why she values her experience as a Kappa Delta volunteer.
KD: What is the most rewarding part about volunteering on a house corporation?
Mo: “It definitely keeps you young at heart and the connections across decades are priceless. This probably sounds corny, but I would say the most rewarding aspect is the notion that you are contributing to the immense potential that blossoms when these young women join KD. I experienced it when I became a member, and I am awestruck by the quality of women who join and what they do and become thereafter. The energy when you walk in the door is palpable; it makes me very proud and gives me hope for the future. That is a wonderful thing to experience! Plus, even though serving on house corporation is often a behind-the-scenes job, the members are remarkably aware of our contribution and so very grateful. Volunteering is a gift to myself!”
KD: How do you balance your KD volunteer responsibilities with your personal and professional obligations?
Mo: “If it’s important, you make the time. The great thing about volunteering for house corporation is that there is a position to fit wherever you are in life. For most, it is a couple hours a month or even a quarter. The house corporation president is more on-call, and that was challenging at times when I was working and raising twin daughters. It certainly helps to have a very supportive husband! Sigma Iota has been blessed with a strong house corporation board. I’m happily retired now, but I always knew I could count on one of the other volunteers to step in when needed.”
KD: What advice do you have for someone considering serving on a house corporation board?
Mo: “Say ‘yes!’ Know that you are needed and welcome! Even a full board can use some help, and no contribution is too small. Ask to sit in on a meeting and see where the needs are, and if you have special skills, offer some ideas on incorporating them. If you aren’t from the same chapter, it is a great way to connect and your fresh point of view is invaluable. Finally, if you commit to something, follow through; we’re all volunteers and accountability is critical.”
KD: How does serving on a house corporation board help you put your values into action?
Mo: “I believe education is the answer to most all our ills, so working with university women is a natural. As an house corporation board, we provide a safe and healthy environment that supports KD values and members’ aspirations. KD empowers women to be more than even they thought they could be and to make an impact on the world around them. Everyone who passes through those doors is putting exceptional values into action and I am honored to help support that.”
Are you ready to volunteer? Click opens in a new windowhere to learn more about volunteer opportunities with KD and complete an interest form.
Download the “I’m proud to be a volunteer for Kappa Delta” graphic and tell us why you volunteer on social media! The graphic is available as a opens in a new windowsquare graphicopens IMAGE file and a opens in a new windowvertical graphicopens IMAGE file (perfect for Instagram Story).