The University of Wisconsin- La Crosse chapter was recently one of the thirty-seven chapters to be named a 2012-2013 Key Chapter. Of the many events that the chapter held, there is one matter that is held dear to them- literacy. In fact, the Golden Key chapter’s favorite project during this period was the WACRAO/UMACRAO Book Drive.
The concept for the WACRAO/UMACRAO Book Drive was conceived by their honorary member Christine Bakkum– she knew that the chapter had a relationship with Better World Books and that the members would jump at the collaborative opportunity with over fifteen other schools in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The event was promoted in conference registration materials through a video written and produced by the chapter’s officers. Over the course of two days, they collected many different kinds of books. Ten boxes of textbooks were sent to Better World Books and twelve boxes of children’s books were shipped to Jamaica and the Philippines. The rest of the children’s books were wrapped at the Golden Key chapter’s Holiday Social and delivered to the La Crosse Salvation Army to give to children in the shelter.
This project was not only successful, but also gave the chapter the opportunity to utilize and further their relationships with their honorary members, alumni and other students in the area, and allowed their officers and members the chance to promote literacy in a worthwhile service project. Congratulations to the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse Golden Key chapter for your hard work, dedication to promoting literacy and, of course, being named a Key Chapter!

The Golden Key chapter at Georgia State University is the next 2012-2013 Key Chapter recipient that we would like to highlight. They participated in more than fifteen events ranging from socials to cleanups to volunteer initiatives for children.
Although the Georgia State University chapter participated in numerous events throughout the year, literacy is a subject of particular interest to them. They hosted Books 4 BBQ at the Georgia State Recreation Center in which a donated book could be exchanged for a plate of BBQ. In the end they were able to donate up to ten boxes of books. In the Fall of 2012, the Georgia State University chapter started a lasting partnership with Literacy Action, which is a nonprofit organization located in downtown Atlanta that is dedicated to teaching adults how to read, write and perform mathematics on a high school level. Training sessions were held for members interested in volunteering and twenty new volunteers were placed in the program in the first two semesters! The tutors are required to be in the classroom for four hours per week throughout the entire semester. The students range from twenty to eighty years old, and the majority perform below a middle school level in the subjects. As many of the students become attached to the tutors, it is essential that the tutors have a strong commitment to their service, which in turn makes this a long-term commitment for the volunteers. The Golden Key members saw firsthand the impact that they make on the students. Many of the Georgia State University chapter volunteers have created lasting relationship with their students during the process.
We would like to commend the Georgia State University Golden Key chapter on the hard work and dedication they put forward to improving their community. Congratulations!

The University of Miami Golden Key chapter is the next Key Chapter recipient that we would like to spotlight this month. During the 2012-2013 academic year, they demonstrated commitment to excellence, as well as character by supporting a fellow chapter.
Earlier this spring, Miami Dade College, a university nearby the University of Miami, held their first New Member Recognition Event and requested the help of their neighbors.  The University of Miami chapter arranged for a representative of their chapter to attend Miami Dade College’s New Member Recognition Event to speak about Golden Key and what can be achieved by individual chapters. He also spoke of his experiences as a newly inducted member and how a chapter can successfully develop and grow.
The University of Miami chapter is a strong advocate of cancer awareness- many members have loved ones who have been afflicted by some form of the disease.  For the past three years, they held their own 5k race which has raised a total of over $20,000 to go towards cancer awareness.  During the 2012-2013 year, the chapter partnered with over forty campus organizations for the university’s Relay for Life. They set up a tent and sold popcorn to raise money, and they used the venue as an opportunity to highlight to other people and organizations what Golden Key stands for as well as the mission statement. Several honorary and alumni members stopped by to show their support for the chapter, too. The event was a huge success in that they raised money and awareness for cancer, as well as raising awareness of the University of Miami Golden Key chapter.
Congratulations to the University of Miami chapter for your success during the 2012-2013 academic year, and we wish you the best this upcoming school year!