Read it Forward: Tips for Promoting Literacy

Celebrate National Literacy Month by promoting literacy both on campus and in your community with these ideas and tips.

Host an event.
One of the best ways to promote literacy is to host an event in your local community. There are a number of events that you or your chapter can host such as an informational booth, public forum on illiteracy, tutoring program, book drive, monthly read-alouds and more. Whatever you choose, consider making it an annual event during National Literacy Month.

Spread the word.
Use fliers, posters, bookmarks, brochures and other printed materials to celebrate literacy. You can also create informational packets combining printed materials to be distributed at events. Consider running a PSA or campus newspaper ad for an upcoming chapter event. Social media is another great way to spread the word while encouraging others to do the same.

Give a gift.
Clean off your bookshelf and donate books to a local library, school or organization in your community. You could also host an event to raise funds to make a monetary donation to a local organization that supports and promotes literacy in your community.

Apply for a Literacy Grant.
Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grants are available to help you champion new or ongoing literacy initiatives. The grants of up to $2,500 are available each year for chapters and individual members. Learn more about the program here, and watch these podcasts created by past winner Dr. Paulette Harris (Part 1 and Part 2) for tips on a successful application.

Celebrate year-round.
Even though National Literacy Month is one month of the year, make it a priority to do something—big or small—to encourage literacy on campus and in your community throughout the entire year. For example, consider participating in Phi Kappa Phi’s Annual Book Drive Competition. The competition, open to all chapters, kicks off in February of each year.

To join us in celebrating National Literacy Month, read more about the Literacy Grants Program and share ideas in the Literacy Initiatives conversation on Link. Tweet us @PhiKappaPhi using #PKPLovesLiteracy.

Photo provided by Ericka Delisme – Chapter 126 members Gerdine Behrmann, left, and Faeik Al Rabee, center, of the University of South Florida, met with Potter Elementary School principal Melanie Hill, right, and students from the school after collecting books in Phi Kappa Phi’s annual book drive.

Resources for Job Seekers

Excel in your job search with resources available as part of your membership. From the Career Center to the career guidance podcast series, Phi Kappa Phi provides the following resources to help you succeed!

Write a Winning Résumé

To rise above the competition, you need a résumé that is focused on your target, complies with modern screening apps, and promotes your value through accomplishments. Members can save $75 on any Seeking Success résumé writing package. Click here to learn more about Seeking Success and how to apply the savings to your package. A discount on LinkedIn profile writing packages is also available.

Your membership in the Society is recognized as a stamp of academic excellence, and we encourage you to proudly display it on your résumé by including an official Society logo. Several styles, sizes, and colors are available for download at www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Logo-Graphics.

Hear advice from the Seeking Success team, including the award-winning, nationally-recognized career expert Tamara Dowling. The Seeking Success podcast series delivers current résumé, LinkedIn profile, and job interviewing advice in a quick format. Click here to visit the podcast series.

Visit our Career Guidance Resources to learn "How to Write a Winning Résumé and Cover Letter" by Robin Ryan.

Apply for Your Dream Job

The Phi Kappa Phi Career Center connects job seekers to the perfect job opportunity. Job seekers can visit the Career Center to create a profile, post résumés and cover letters, customize email job alerts, search job openings and easily apply for jobs.

Applying to a federal agency? Phi Kappa Phi members seeking federal employment may be eligible for a GS level upgrade according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s General Schedule Qualification Policies. Keep in mind this is not a Phi Kappa Phi managed benefit—it is a federal policy. Questions regarding specifics of the policy should be directed to the Human Resources department associated with the position being applied for.

Nail the Interview

Join other ΦΚΦ members to share job search strategies, interview tips and all-around career advice in our exclusive Link community. Click here to sign in using your existing Phi Kappa Phi login credentials and start participating today!

Visit our Career Guidance Resources to watch podcasts and get advice on interviewing and dealing with stress.

Need a new suit for your interview? Sign up for your complimentary Brooks Brothers Corporate Membership Card and save 15% on regularly priced merchandise at all Brooks Brothers U.S. and Canadian stores, by phone and online. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Brooks-Brothers for information on how to apply for your card. And, check back in October for information on how you can save even more during the fall shopping event!

Please note, career resources are available to active members only and your member login will be required to access certain webpages. Not active? Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Renew to renew your membership today.

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, member engagement director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800.804.9880, ext. 217.

This Could Be You! Apply for a Love of Learning Award by October 1

Need funding to attend a conference, support dissertation research or pay for textbooks? Apply for a Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award by Sunday, October 1.

Available to active members, Love of Learning Awards help fund post-baccalaureate professional development including graduate and professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, career development, travel related to teaching and research, and more. One hundred awards of $500 each will be distributed during Session B.

Given the opportunity to workshop new music at the Banff Center for the Arts in Alberta, Canada, Raquel Acevedo Klein (SUNY Potsdam) used her Love of Learning Award to fund program costs and travel. The aspiring music educator hoped the experience would shape how she trained future students and broaden their musical palettes.

“I will have students explore music that represents their nationality and cultural background,” shared Klein. “I look forward to creating a new generation of composers that use music as a vehicle to create inclusion and feature cultures or traditions that stem from all over the world.”

To be eligible, applicants must have completed their baccalaureate studies by the Session B October 1 deadline. To see the 2018 Session A award recipients, click here. For full eligibility requirements and application instructions, download the fact sheet or check out the frequently asked questions.

If you have additional questions, contact Kelli Partin at kpartin@phikappaphi.org.

Chapter Update - September 2018

By Kay White

Chapter Development Director

The newest chapter of Phi Kappa Phi was installed at Queens University of Charlotte on September 5, 2018. Chapter 349 bears the distinction of being the second Phi Kappa Phi chapter at a university in Charlotte, North Carolina, along with chapter 228 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

“The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to welcome Queens University of Charlotte to its community of scholars,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “Queens’ mission to provide transformative educational experiences is reflected in a nexus of a firm foundation in the liberal arts with a strong culture of student engagement.”

Officers elected by the chartering group to serve the newly installed chapter include President Dr. John Sisko, President-elect Dr. Nancy Johnson, Secretary Dr. Mark Kelso, Treasurer Dr. Greg Pillar, Public Relations Co-officers Dr. Tama Morris and Dr. Siu Challons-Lipton, and Awards & Grants Co-officers Dr. Janie Best and Dr. Scott Weir.

We hope that their chapter thrives both on its own and in the companionship of an older, established chapter, right in their neighborhood. Congratulations!

Due to the initial success of the 2016-2018 Council of Students Visibility Week held last year, we are continuing the program! Over 20 chapters participated in this student-led event, and we hope to have even more participate this year. Click here for more information and to register your chapter!

To share your chapter’s events with the national office, contact Kay White, Chapter Development Director, at kwhite@phikappaphi.org.

Show Your Phi Kappa Phi Pride

You’ve earned it. Let us help you show it! Highlighting your membership in the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society is easy with personalized press releases, membership verification letters, Phi Kappa Phi logos and Society-branded gear.

Membership Verification Letters
Confirm your membership with a letter from Dr. Mary Todd, society executive director. This letter is printed on Phi Kappa Phi letterhead and will be mailed to the address you provide. Email Deanna Landry at dlandry@phikappaphi.org to request your personalized membership verification letter.

Phi Kappa Phi Logos

Let our logos be a mark of academic excellence on your résumé. Several styles, sizes and colors are available for download in PNG format. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Logo-Graphics to start downloading.

Please note, logo graphics are available to active members only and your member login will be required.

Press Releases

Using a program known as Merit, Phi Kappa Phi sends press releases on behalf of members for achievements such as being initiated into the Society, receiving a Phi Kappa Phi award, becoming a chapter officer and more. These press releases are distributed electronically to members’ hometown newspapers and posted to the Phi Kappa Phi Merit Page.

In addition, a customizable online profile is created for members to easily share achievements with family and friends on social media. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Merit to learn more.

Phi Kappa Phi Gear
The Phi Kappa Phi Online Store features a large selection of Society-branded items, including tote bags, comfy sweatshirts, dressy polos, technology accessories, drinkware, and even a Phi Kappa Phi teddy bear! The easy-to-navigate departments make it simple to shop for and order your favorite Phi Kappa Phi items, and you can take advantage of free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Visit www.PhiKappaPhiStore.org to start shopping today!

Questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, member engagement director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800.804.9880, ext. 217.

Deadline Approaching for Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Awards

The deadline to apply for a Love of Learning Award is Monday, October 1. Phi Kappa Phi will give 100 awards of $500 each to members nationwide.

Awarded twice a year, Love of Learning Awards help fund post-baccalaureate professional development for active Phi Kappa Phi members including graduate and professional studies, doctoral dissertations, continuing education, career development, travel related to teaching and research, and more. To be eligible, applicants must have completed their baccalaureate studies by the October 1 deadline.

“After completing an undergraduate or graduate degree, many may think their days of learning are done. The best part of Phi Kappa Phi is that they recognize those that continuously pushed themselves academically, and continue to allow them to further advance their knowledge beyond the classroom,” said Michael Kessler, recipient of a 2018 Love of Learning Award. “By offering multiple awards, students and professionals can be lifelong learners.”

The Love of Learning Program gives 200 awards annually to Society members pursuing post-baccalaureate development. Since its inception in 2007, the program has awarded more than $600,000.

The Love of Learning Awards are part of the Society’s robust award programs, which give nearly $1 million each year to qualifying students and members through graduate and dissertation fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

The application period to apply for a $500 Love of Learning Award is currently open until October 1. For full eligibility requirements and application instructions, click here.

Beyond Books: Supporting Literacy and Learning

The very definition of literacy, in addition to the ability to read and write, is competence or knowledge in a specified area. Established in 2003, Phi Kappa Phi’s Literacy Grants Program was created as a way to help members and chapters champion initiatives that recognize the many facets of literacy. The grants, of up to $2,500, help fund projects ranging from traditional reading initiatives to those fostering learning in cultural, digital, financial, health, historical literacy and beyond.

In honor of National Literacy Month, read how some of the 2018 Literacy Grant recipients are making a difference:

Candy for the Mind

Christophe Konkobo

Since 2003, Austin Peay State University’s Phi Kappa Phi chapter been involved with the safe Halloween trick-or-treating program, G.H.O.S.T. (Great Halloween Options for Safe Trick-or-Treating), sponsored by the Student Government Association and held on campus. Chapter 191’s contribution to the event is Candy for the Mind. Begun by Dr. Linda Thompson, a Past Chapter President, the early literacy initiative provides books instead of candy to children. Chapter members solicit new or gently used children’s books, or collect funds that can be used to purchase them. Thompson envisioned that the drive could be the catalyst that stimulates a love of reading in children, introducing them to the magic and wonder of books.

My Story Matters

Benjamin Jacob

The Brigham Young University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi will partner with Refugee Action Network and My Story Matters, community-based, nonprofit organizations, to promote literacy for refugees and immigrants within the community. The project will provide supplies to aid in English as a Second Language classes, as well as publish the unique life stories of the families. Phi Kappa Phi volunteers will interview families and assist with the writing, formatting, and photography for the stories. Once the books are published, members will deliver the books and help the children read them. The books also will be available online for families and others to access.

Born to Read

Mary Elizabeth Ambery

Since 2001, when Born to read was first launched, the Southeast Missouri State University chapter has been committed to providing a cherished book to every baby born in Cape Girardeau, Mo., local hospitals. In 2017, the project expanded to add the Perryville, Mo., area. As part of the program, local hospitals are provided with books to be given to parents as they leave with their newborn baby. Chapter members prepare and deliver the books which include a congratulatory note from Phi Kappa Phi that stresses the importance of reading to babies. Born to Read now reaches more than 3,000 babies and their families each year.

To join us in celebrating National Literacy Month, read more about the Literacy Grants Program and share ideas in the Literacy Initiatives conversation on Link.

Secure a DC-based Internship and Apply for a $2,500 Scholarship

Find the perfect DC-based internship and apply for scholarships worth up to $2,500 through Phi Kappa Phi partners DC Internships and the Washington Internship Institute. These programs provide members with opportunities to explore career options, while enhancing their leadership development potential.

DC Internships

Sponsored by The Fund of American Studies, each DC Internship program includes academic credit through George Mason University, internship placement, furnished housing, guest lectures and site briefings as well as professional development and networking events. Three scholarships in the amount of $2,500 have been reserved for members of Phi Kappa Phi. Members not selected for one of these scholarships will be reviewed for awards from The Fund for American Studies' general scholarship fund.

The early admissions deadline for the spring 2019 Capital Semester on International Affairs + Public Policy Program is October 4, 2018. Apply by this date to receive a 5% discount on your tuition balance. The early admissions discount can be combined with the $2,500 scholarship. Members must denote Society membership within their online application materials. The final application deadline is November 8, 2018. Visit www.DCInternships.org to learn more about the program and how to apply.

Washington Internship Institute

The Washington Internship Institute’s semester-long academic internship program is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experience and academically rigorous courses emphasizing public service, leadership, and professional development. Students from every field of study have successfully participated in rewarding internships that have helped them focus on and further their career goals.

Members of Phi Kappa Phi are eligible to receive a $500 scholarship from WII toward the program. The application deadline for the spring 2019 program is November 15, 2018, and the deadline for the summer 2019 program is March 15, 2019. Visit http://WIIDC.org/ to learn more about the programs including how to apply.

Internship scholarship opportunities are available to active members only. Not active? Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Renew to renew your membership today.

Have questions? Contact Jamie Chapman, member engagement director, at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 800.804.9880, ext. 217.

Apply for a Study Abroad Grant by September 15

The deadline to apply for a study abroad grant is this Saturday, September 15. Phi Kappa Phi will award 25 $1,000 grants to students nationwide.

Awarded twice a year—50 in the spring and 25 in the fall—the grants are designed to support undergraduate students as they seek expanded knowledge and experience in their academic fields. Interested students do not have to be a member of Phi Kappa Phi to apply, but must currently attend an institution with an active chapter.

“Being awarded the Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant truly opened doors for me into places I had only dreamed of going before,” said Grace Kinner, a Session A recipient from Berea College. “Without receiving the award, I would not have been able to travel to Mexico to better my grasp of the Spanish language, understand nuances of cultures other than my own, and develop the independence that studying abroad requires of you. I am truly grateful to Phi Kappa Phi for believing in me and helping me to achieve my goals.”

Phi Kappa Phi gives 75 study abroad grants annually to students on its chapter campuses. Since its inception in 2001, the program has awarded more than $800,000.

The study abroad grants are part of the Society’s robust award programs, which give nearly $1 million each year to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

The application period for students to apply for a $1,000 study abroad grant is currently open until September 15. For full eligibility requirements and application instructions, visit www.phikappaphi.org/studyabroad.

Phi Kappa Phi Celebrates National Literacy Month

September is National Literacy Month and Saturday, Sept. 8 marks the 52nd annual International Literacy Day. The annual event brings together communities, organizations, educators and students to raise awareness for literacy and its importance as a foundation for lifelong learning.

International Literacy Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a way to promote awareness about and find solutions for illiteracy. Since its creation in 1966, the day has been celebrated internationally each year. Many organizations, including Phi Kappa Phi, extend the celebration beyond this day to devote the entire month to literacy awareness.

Join us for this month-long celebration by:

• Following our blog for weekly literacy posts
• Connecting with us on social media using #PKPLovesLiteracy
• Telling us about literacy initiatives being championed by you or your chapter
• Reading about our 2018 Literacy Grant winners

We look forward to celebrating literacy and our love of learning all month long, and we hope you’ll join us!

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi to Install Chapter 349 at Queens University of Charlotte

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi will install its 349th chapter at Queens University of Charlotte in North Carolina today, September 5. Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.

The installation of the Queens University chapter comes after a thorough petitioning process and approval from the Society’s board of directors. To be eligible, an institution must be a regionally accredited four-year college or university with an established reputation of excellence and an expressed commitment to upholding the values of the Society.

“The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to welcome Queens University of Charlotte to its community of scholars,” said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. “Queens’ mission to provide transformative educational experiences is reflected in a nexus of a firm foundation in the liberal arts with a strong culture of student engagement.”

Officers elected by the chartering group to serve the newly installed chapter include President Dr. John Sisko, President-elect Dr. Nancy Johnson, Secretary Dr. Mark Kelso, Treasurer Dr. Greg Pillar, Public Relations Co-officers Dr. Tama Morris and Dr. Siu Challons-Lipton, and Awards & Grants Co-officers Dr. Janie Best and Dr. Scott Weir.

Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 when Marcus L. Urann, a student, brought to his professor the idea of creating a different kind of honor society—one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines. Today, the Society has chapters on more than 300 select campuses in the United States and the Philippines and inducts approximately 30,000 new members each year. Membership is by invitation only to the top 7.5 percent of juniors and the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students, along with faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Member Benefit Highlights – September 2018

Appreciate autumn savings with these special offers exclusively available to Phi Kappa Phi members throughout September.

Avis Rent A Car
Plan your next trip with Avis Preferred and save up to 25% off Avis base rates when making a reservation with Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number W980400. Visit www.Avis.com/PhiKappaPhi to complete your reservation and access exclusive coupons including free upgrades, free weekend days and more!

Becker
Are you preparing for the CPA Exam? If so, let Becker Professional Education help you achieve your goals! Members are eligible for a $300 discount when registering for all four parts of Becker's CPA Review Course at the same time. Visit www.Becker.com/CPA-Review to enroll and select ‘The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi’ from the society drop-down menu on the Affiliations tab. The discount will be automatically applied to your purchase.

Fluenz
Members can save 20% on any Fluenz language learning purchase. Fluenz offers interactive language learning software for Spanish (Latin American), French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Spanish (Spain). Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Fluenz to learn more today!

Lumosity
Train your brain with Lumosity’s language learning games. Members receive an exclusive 25% discount on individual yearly and lifetime subscriptions, and Lumosity is available on iPad, iPhone and Android. Visit www.Lumosity.com to set up your free account. Once you’ve created your account, click here to activate the 25% discount.

Road Scholar
Road Scholar offers an unmatched selection of unique learning adventures at a remarkable value from San Francisco to Siberia, and nearly everywhere in between! All of their 5,500 programs provide exceptional educational opportunities led by instructors who are experts in their fields. Click here to sign up for a Road Scholar catalog and you’ll receive $100 off your first Road Scholar adventure.

Ticket Monster Perks
Members can receive a 15% discount on over 2.5 billion sports, concert and theater tickets worldwide, and access discounts up to 25% off movie tickets and over 70 theme parks nationwide. Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Ticket-Monster-Perks to learn more and sign up today!

Want to access even more savings year round? Visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/Discounts to view all of the discounts available to active members. Please note, discounts are reserved for active members and your Phi Kappa Phi login will be required to access many of the partnership web pages.

Questions about member benefits? Contact Jamie Chapman at jchapman@phikappaphi.org or 1.800.804.9880, ext. 217.