SOT Adventures

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Celebrating Women of Color... "Women Pioneers Share Their Story"

New Haven, Connecticut – Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison, African American Cultural Center at Yale and Sisters of Today and Tomorrow partnered to bring New Haven an engaging Women’s History Month program, “Celebrating Women of Color… Women Pioneers Share Their Story”, last Saturday, March 19th, at the African American Cultural Center at Yale, in New Haven, Connecticut.

The inspirational program, included entertainment, food, and an enriching conversation with New Haven women pioneers. The "feel good" program highlighted and celebrated the accomplishments of women pioneers and history makers. The panelists included: First Gold Medalist in the Hammer Throw, Alexandria Givan; First black woman Captain of New Haven Police Department, Patricia Helliger; Alderwoman Tyisha Walker, first woman president of the New Haven Board of Alders and first woman elected president of the Greater New Haven NAACP, Doris Dumas. The panel was moderated by: Babz Ivy Rawls, Editor-in-Chief of Inner City News. Hosted by: Carla Morrison, Executive Director, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow, with a welcome by: Dean Rise Nelson, Executive Director, African American Cultural Center. And closing remarks by Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison, Ward 22 NH. Celebrating Women of Color highlights included SOT members Zaria, Knyah and Bryonna, with a special poetry performance by Tyquanda Johnson of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Rho Zeta chapter.

“’Celebrating Women of Color’ (CWOC) is a feel good program that I’ve been producing since 2003, while living in Atlanta, Georgia,” stated Carla Morrison, Executive Director of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. “I am now making the transition back to New Haven, after 20 years, and thought this would not only be a great way to reintroduce myself and my passion to my hometown and the beloved community, but establish a new kind of programming for New Haven girls and women. And with partners like my sister, Alder Jeanette Morrison and Dean Rise Nelson of the AfAm Cultural Center at Yale, I know I'm on the right track.”

The event is an annual program and will take place next year, same time, different theme. The organization is also planning their 3rd SOT New Haven Leadership Conference for Girls, July 14-16th, 2016 at the African American Cultural Center at Yale. To sign up your daughter, niece or mentee, you can pre-register (no later than Thursday, June 20^th), by logging onto: www.sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org (press the donate button) to make your $125 contribution. You can also, call (404) 319-2130 or email: sistersoftodayandtomorrow@gmail.com. #SOTWomenPioneers

“Celebrating Women of Color…” is one of three signature programs produced by Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT). The program is in its 10^th year and takes place in the month of March, in celebration of Women’s History Month. SOT has had a number of phenomenal keynote speakers including: Child Prodigy Kenya Jordana James, Publisher of Black Girl Magazine; Georgia State Senator Connie Stokes; Author/Poet Mark Anthony; Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas-Morgan; 1^st African American Woman Fire Chief Rosemary Cloud; R&B Singer Chrisette Michele; The Honorable Mayor of Riverdale, Georgia Evelyn Wynn-Dixon; Music Executive / Community Activist Karen Marie Mason; Author/Professor Dr. Stephane Dunn; Author/Professor Rabiyah “Rah” Karim-Kincey; R&B Diva’s Executive Producer/ Cast member Nicci Gilbert; The Houston’s “On Our Own” Executive Producer Wanda Shelley and Trumpet Awards Founder Xernona Clayton.

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow is a 501C(3) nonprofit organization, that helps to build confidence, character and leadership. Founded by Carla Morrison, in 2008, the organization is reputable across America for its sincere need to assist women and children. The organization has produced over 25 community programs, promoting higher education, entrepreneurship, self-esteem, health & fitness and personal development, in both Atlanta, Georgia and New Haven, Connecticut, impacting over 5,000 youth and adults. www.SOT2Girls.org

Monday, March 14, 2016

Celebrating Women of Color… “Women Pioneers Share Their Story”

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s 10^th Annual Women’s History Month program

For Immediate Release! March 15, 2016

Contact: Carla Morrison,

Executive Director

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow

(404) 319-2130

sistersoftodayandtomorrow@gmail.com

New Haven, Connecticut – Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison, African American Cultural Center at Yale and Sisters of Today and Tomorrow partner to bring New Haven an engaging Women’s History Month program, “Celebrating Women of Color… Women Pioneers Share Their Story”, Saturday, March 19, 2016, 10am-12pm at the African American Cultural Center at Yale, 211 Park Street, New Haven, Connecticut. $25 - donation. The program is open to all men, women and children.

Captain Patricia Helliger

The event will include: Entertainment, food, vendor shopping and an enriching conversation with New Haven women pioneers. The program is a feel good program, highlighting and celebrating the accomplishments of women. The panelists include: First Gold Medalist in the Hammer Throw, Alexandria Givan; First woman Captain of New Haven Police Department, Patricia Helliger; and First woman president of New Haven Board of Alders, Alderwoman Tyisha Walker. Moderated by: Babz Ivy Rawls, Editor in Chief of Inner City News. Hosted by: Carla Morrison, Executive Director, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. Welcome by: Dean Rise Nelson, Executive Director of AfAm Cultural Center. Greetings brought by Alderwoman Colon. Celebrating Women of Color highlight brought to you by SOT members Zaria Edwards and Knyah Patton, with special performance by Tyquanda Johnson of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Rho Zeta chapter. And closing remarks by Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison.

Doris Duma

“’Celebrating Women of Color’ (CWOC) is a program I’ve been producing since 2003, while living in Atlanta, Georgia,” stated Carla Morrison, Executive Director of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. “I am now making the transition back to New Haven, after 20 years, and thought this would be a great way to reintroduce myself and my passion to my hometown and the beloved community.”

To attend this event, you will need to rsvp (no later than Thursday, March 17^th), by logging onto: www.sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org (press the donate button) to make your $25 contribution. You can also, call (404) 319-2130 or email: sistersoftodayandtomorrow@gmail.com. #SOTWomenPioneers

Alexandria Givan

Alderwoman Tyisha Walker

Babz Rawls Ivy

Alderwoman Jeanette Morrison

Alderwoman Delores Colon

Carla Morrison

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

How Loud Are Your Actions?

By: Carla Morrison, Founder

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow

“Your actions speak louder than words.” Those were the words of wisdom imparted to me by Ms. Ruth Wilson, my first grade teacher. Forty years later, that statement resonates louder than ever.

My actions say, I am about the business of empowering girls to become goal-oriented young leaders. My words say, “we need funding and support’” to keep doing the work. My belief has always been, if I keep doing the work, the support and funding will come. And just as the wind blows, the support and donations come and go.

For 12 years, I have been exposing and empowering youth across the country to various career and educational opportunities. People often tell me what a good thing I am doing in the community and how I’m helping so many young people. Often times, it’s hard for me to see it, because I’m so deep in the trenches and the results of my actions aren’t immediate; yet I persevere.

What drives me is a natural desire to help those who have the will to do and be great.

My passion to help and mentor others is deeply rooted in my DNA; however, the fuel that keeps me going is God and the giving people he sends my way. Will your actions help support our girls? Make a contribution today at www.SOT2Girls.org (Click the donate button) or mail your contribution, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow, PO Box 54066, Atlanta, Georgia. 30308.

Thank you!

Monday, April 13, 2015

SISTERS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW UPDATE

SOT IN BRIEF:

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT) expands its reach! SOT recently hosted “Awakening the Dream in Me” Sisters Circle in Gainesville, Georgia, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County. Check out SOT in the Gainesville Times. http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/m/section/6/article/109058/

Join Sisters of Today and Tomorrow for the 30-day Mother’s Day Challenge, where you honor your mother by making a 90 second or less video about a life-long lesson she has taught you; attach the video to our face book page and make a donation to SOT in her honor. For Details: http://sistersoftodayandtomorrow.blogspot.com/2015/04/sot-30-day-mothers-day-challenge.html

“The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan has especially asked for your attendance and support of his desire to assist your tireless efforts in our community to "Save Our Girls," with your program, "Sisters of Today and 'Tomorrow," in a recent correspondence sent to SOT Founder / Executive Director Carla Morrison. Join members of SOT, their mothers, grandmothers, God mothers, aunts and mentors, this Saturday, April 18, 2015, 10am-12pm, at Mosque #15, 3642 Campbellton Rd., SW., Atlanta, Georgia, for this enlightening program. We encourage SOT supporters, mothers, mentors and members to come out in full force. Rsvp by Wednesday, April 15^th info@sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org . Sisters of Today and Tomorrow has been featured in the Final Call four times over the past year; most recently last week. See below:

http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/National_News_2/article_102259.shtml

Calling all Girls! Calling all Girls, (ages 11-18) from across the nation! Register for Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s 8^th Annual National Leadership Conference, Friday-Saturday, July 10-11, 2015, in Atlanta, Georgia. Fun & interactive workshops (self-esteem building, health & wellness, leadership, careers/entrepreneurship); College Scholarship opportunities and more. For details and to pre-register your daughter or mentee, after May 1, 2015, log onto: www.SOT2Girls.org

And if you didn’t know…

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow-New Haven hosted its 2^nd annual Leadership Conference for Girls in New Haven, Connecticut this past winter, in partnership with Alder-Woman Jeanette Morrison of Ward 22-NH. Highlights included: Lunch with a Leader – Mayor Toni Harp; Chat with an Entrepreneur, featuring Business Leader Roberta Hoskie; Zumba with Fitness Guru Chaila “Cameo” Gilliams and a powerful Sisters Circle with a judge, lawyer, police officer, social worker, journalist, radio personality and other prominent women in the community, topic: “DO BLACK LIVES MATTER?”.

Since the New Haven Conference, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow was honored by Pastor Sharon Burns & Kingdom Mantles Ministry Jewels & Gems Women’s Conference. http://rollingout.com/photos/event-photos-photos/sisters-today-tomorrow-make-difference-new-haven-connecticut/

SOT welcomes your time, talents and treasures. #GiveuntilitHurts www.SOT2Girls.org

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow mission is to transform the lives of girls and the women who raise them, through innovative programs that focus on self-esteem, education, health & fitness and careers/entrepreneurship.

For daily updates on SOT, follow us:

www.twitter.com/SistersofToday

www.instagram.com/SistersofToday

Log onto: www.SOT2Girls.org

Email: info@SOT2Girls.org

Friday, April 10, 2015

SOT 30-DAY MOTHER'S DAY CHALLENGE

“Girls emulate the first person they see; and in most cases that person is their mother. Growing up, I did everything my mother did. And as an adult, not only do I look like her, I talk, walk and act just like my mother, which is seen in the work that I do…” – Carla Morrison, Founder of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow

As Mother’s Day approaches, join Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s 30-day Mother’s Day Challenge, by honoring your mother with a video sharing a life-long lesson she has taught you; And a donation to Sisters of Today and Tomorrow. ALL PROCEEDS OF THIS 30-DAY CHALLENGE are tax deductible and WILL SUPPORT Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s “Mommy, Mentor and Me” program, in addition to our overall mission. Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s mission is to transform the lives of girls and the women who raise them, through innovative programs focused on self-esteem, education, health & fitness and careers / entrepreneurship.

The “Mommy, Mentor and Me” program is a series of activities that include, but not limited to: Special outings, health & wellness workshops, cooking demonstrations, etiquette classes and tea parties, where we explore strengthening the bond between mother, daughter and mentor.

LOG ONTO www.SOT2Girls.org

#MothersDaygiftideas #MothersDayChallenge

The Challenge:

Honor your mother, by sharing on video a life-long lesson she has taught you and donating to Sisters of Today & Tomorrow.

There are two categories: 1.) Funny or 2.) Sincere/Heart felt.

Steps to get involved:

1. Like Sisters of Today & Tomorrow’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sisters-of-Today-Tomorrow/357394781724?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

(Twitter & Instagram) @SistersofToday

2. Create your Mother’s Day video message in 90 seconds or less.

3. Upload your Mother’s Day video message onto your page and tag Sisters of Today & Tomorrow’s facebook page.

4. Once the video is uploaded, SHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK.

5. Challenge your friends to make a video and donate in honor of their mother to Sisters of Today & Tomorrow.

6. Make a donation in honor of your MOTHER or SPECIAL WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE to Sisters of Today & Tomorrow.

You can make a donation in honor of your Mother, Godmother, Grandmother, Aunt or Mentor to Sisters of Today & Tomorrow, online: www.SOT2Girls.org (click the donate button); Telephone: 404-319-2130 or mail: Sisters of Today & Tomorrow, PO Box 54066, Atlanta, Georgia. 30308. #MothersDaygiftideas #MothersDayChallenge

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

THE INTIMATE CONNECTION BETWEEN RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND FUNDRAISING

Last week I had the great pleasure of attending the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), “2015 International Fundraising Conference” in Baltimore, Maryland, with over 4,000 fundraising professionals.

Each Master Trainer and Development Officer from around the world easily shared their in-depth and vast experience on fundraising. As I listened to their presentation, I became excited about how I could apply this information to help take Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOT) from good to great.

With hundreds of workshops to choose from, all of which, seemed relevant to SOT’s needs; the workshop that resonated with me the most, was “Date Your Donors: How to Attract and Engage a New Generation of Philanthropists,” with Jonah Halper, ALTRUICITY, Nanuet, NY.

Halper took the class through the process of relationship building through the lens of courtship. He discussed how your actions and words can help your organization stand out from others; As well as ways to find out what inspires prospective and existing donors to advocate for and support your organization. The method and goal, is to connect, engage and inspire donors to give.

As I thought about the relationship building process of Sisters of Today and Tomorrow’s network, it is evident that our actions speak truth to power, however our engagement with prospective donors has to be on a more intimate level, if we want to sustain and continue serving our constituents.

“What you are actually doing is producing hope,” Comedienne / Actress Whoopi Goldberg, told the fundraisers. Goldberg was the featured speaker during AFP’s Opening General Session. “Donors look to you for how they can make a difference.”

“What is my Five dollars going to do? It makes the road a little shorter.” – Whoopi Goldberg

With minimal resources, Sisters of Today and Tomorrow is making a difference in the lives of young girls and the women who raise them, through transformational programming focused on self-esteem, education, health & fitness and career / entrepreneurship. We also offer mentorship matching, where each individual is paired with a woman professional in her preferred career field of interest, providing exposure, experience and opportunity.