International Program: ESP          Under the 2006-2010 "Extraordinary Service Program (ESP)" and the leadership of the 27th International President, Barbara A McKinzie, Alpha Kappa Alpha women strive to be “supreme in service to all mankind."  Chi Omicron Omega will implement programs that meet our international targets, as well as benefit the community. Under ESP, our non-traditional programs will focus on: 1) the non-traditional entrepreneur, 2) economic keys to success, 3) economic growth of the black family, and 4) health resources managment and economics.  We look forward to an exciting year filled with innovative programs for our sisterhood and the community.  Each platform is described below.   Non-Traditional Entrepreneur Women are seizing the reins of entrepreneurship because they realize that it is the key to economic survival. As they become more of the business landscape and their enterprises grow, women are coming face to face with the challenges of managing and expanding new ventures. To build a strong foundation for women in business, Alpha Kappa Alpha will create economic expertise, success in business and power networking opportunities for the non-traditional entrepreneur. Economic Keys to Success Economic development is expanding its reach to a new global frontier. The Sorority must be poised to compete in these world markets. Simultaneously, living standards within the Black community must be improved. To achieve these goals, Alpha Kappa Alpha will, through education, synergy and partnerships, develop and disseminate the economic keys to success. Economic Growth of the Black Family The strength of the Black community hinges on the viability of the family. If the family foundation is weak, so too will be the broader societal structure that gives life and nourishes the family unit. Alpha Kappa Alpha is sensitive to the fact that within the core structure, the Black male, in particular, faces potentially daunting challenges. Recognizing this, a powerful remedy lies in devising strategies for assisting young males in overcoming the formidable challenges to their educational development and well-being. Through activities that enable, support and provide access, Alpha Kappa Alpha will work to achieve the economic growth of the Black family.   Health Resource Management and Economics To reach that stratosphere of satisfaction where one is physically and mentally fit and poised to embrace all of life's rewards and challenges requires a balance of emotional intelligence, optimal psychology and spirituality. Studies prove that when all of these elements are in divine order, physical health, relationships and life satisfaction will be the result. Through health resource management and economics, Alpha Kappa Alpha will address the many health issues and crises that face the Black community in the United States and globally. The mandate in this platform is to gain emotional empowerment, develop social support networks and raise public awareness.     Chi Omicon Omega has a demonstrated history of achieving our program goals and providing a positive impact on our community.  Some of our 2007-2008 program events included:   Entrepreneur Brunch- A platform for community entrepreneurs and business owners to answer questions and give advice to others with the goal of business ownership.   Health Awareness Program- sponsors a mini health fair to disseminate information about health care issues that affect the African-American community.   Thanksgiving Feed-a-Family - members of Chi Omicron Omega worked together to provide Thanksgiving dinner to local families in the community.   Christmas Toy project - members of Chi Omicron Omega  sponsor a toy drive and items are donated to needy families in the community.   Katy MS Walk– partnered with community groups to raise funds and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.   Adopt-A-Family – provide life skills, resources and recommendations to a family in the community with at least one black male in the household.   Easter Eggstravaganza – community outreach with games and an easter egg hunt for families.