Thank you all for your support of the Renaissance Chapter of the Links Incorporated! As our chapter prepares to reconvene programs and chapter events for 2008-2009 we do so with a spirit of excitement and energy. We are excited about our programming which promises to bring us many wonderful opportunities to demonstrate our unending spirit of friendship to our community-at-large. Allow me to tell you about our programs and highlight several major upcoming activities below.

WHAT WE DO!
Community Service Programming We are proud of our work with the children in our community in supporting their educational success and achievement. Continuing our chapter’s theme to expose our children to experiences that will enrich and reinforce classroom learning, this year, we will provide robust program activities with the theme "A Renaissance of Mind, Body and Soul: Leaving a Legacy." Our educational programming for children is designed to help foster their successful futures in school and in life and will focus on empowering children with keys to learning and development through global learning, education and the arts; advancing wellness by establishing a foundation for healthy habits that can last a lifetime and preserving culture by providing opportunities for children to learn more about our heritage/culture and to use history and cultural references to understand current issues and events. We advocate using computer technology as a tool to enhance learning and we will continue to support effective, active learning approaches using the computer labs we installed with the assistance of excellent partnerships with major corporations here in the Detroit area.

HOW WE DO IT!
Renaissance Chapter Retreat
We invest in the infrastructure of our Chapter to advance our community service agenda. The foundation of friendship is a core strategy of The Links, Inc. for effective and enthusiastic programming at the national, regional and chapter levels. To refresh, reengage and reinforce the friendship value for the Renaissance Chapter, we will kick off the program year with a day-long retreat designed to focus on the chapter’s program vision, to improve internal communications skills, and to continue building the bonds of friendship.

Four (4) Areas of Commitment
Throughout the years, The Renaissance Chapter of The Links, Inc. has made substantial contributions to a number of community service and health groups in the Detroit community, including The Focus Hope Fast Track Program, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (MAAH), The American Red Cross, Detroit Public Schools Art Programs, Your Heritage House, Children’s Hospital Sickle Cell Anemia Unit, Karmanos, United Negro College Fund, and financial assistance to gifted musical students. Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, and International Trends and Services, are our Chapter’s four areas of commitment. We use these four topic concerns to identify specific needs and address them through an "Umbrella Program" approach which entails working with educators, schools administrators, parents and students to develop programs that enhance the curriculum and aid in the overall education of students.

Umbrella Programming
The Renaissance Chapter of The Links, Inc. utilizes the "Umbrella Program" approach as a positive, expedient, and beneficial way to facilitate good program management, set goals, and chart positive results from the time and effort given to serving our community. We employ this concept in creating, developing, delivering, and maintaining various educational programs in reading and writing, history, art, computer technology, and extra-curricular activities including youth etiquette, the golf program, and field trips for 1,000 students, teachers, and parents at Courtis Elementary and Noble Elementary Schools in the City of Detroit. One of our programs and major accomplishments using this approach is the continuous, on-site computer program and hands-on laboratories we provide for students, teachers, and parents at Courtis School. Plans include enhancing our initial gift last year of books to each student at Courtis and Noble to include establishing and maintaining a new library at Noble Elementary, exposing students to the fine fictional works of renowned authors of children’s literature, and teaching history using art and traditions of African Griot "story-telling." We will provide information about nutrition and healthful diet and continue to monitor learning and student outcomes.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Support Our Programs at Our 15th Biennial Fundraiser

Join the Renaissance Links on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 6 PM to Midnight at the dynamic, innovative Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) for URBAN AGENDA the best "party with a purpose" in Detroit!!! MOCAD is located at 4454 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48201. Presenting contemporary visual art by local, national, and international artists including the limited engagement must-see exhibit Becoming: Photographs from the Wedge Collection that explores themes of Black identity by artists throughout the African Diaspora, Canada, and the United States. Support for MOCAD’s exhibitions is provided in part by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. We’ll feature amazing original artwork, live music, cocktails and a strolling supper, at what promises to be a fun and funky evening! Tickets are $100 each and proceeds will support the Community Service Programs of The Renaissance Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Complimentary Valet Parking. Urban Chic attire. For tickets and information, please email or call 248-705-4964.

I am so very excited about the excellent work we will accomplish over the next few months in the spirit of friendship and with a lot of fun! Thank you all for your support. I look to see everyone at MOCAD in October!

Sincerely,
President