Serving the community, near and far!
2024 Young Master Writers & Artist Competition
Now Open
The 2024 scholarship application deadline has passed.
Our 2025 Scholarship Application will be available after Dec. 1, 2024.
President’s Welcome
"Faith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible."Tonya T. Jones
President
Bucks County (PA) Chapter
Save The Date...
Who We Are
Our Facets
Chapter Updates
National History
The Links, Incorporated
The Links, Incorporated is an international, not-for-profit corporation, established in 1946. The membership consists of over 16,000 professional women of color in 292 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.
Our Core Values are Friendship, Integrity, Honesty, Service, Commitment, Family Relationships, Courage, Respect for Self and Others, Legacy, Confidentiality, Responsibility, and Accountability. The members of The Links, Incorporated are influential decision makers and opinion leaders. The Links, Incorporated has attracted many distinguished women who are individual achievers and have made a difference in their communities and the world. They are business and civic leaders, role models, mentors, activists and volunteers who work towards a common vision by engaging like-minded organizations and individuals for partnership. Links members contribute more than 1 million documented hours of community service annually – strengthening their communities and enhancing the nation. The organization is the recipient of awards from the UN Association of New York and the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation for its premier programs.The outstanding programming of The Links, Incorporated has five facets which include Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services and Health and Human Services. The programs are implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development, and public policy campaigns.
Our Mission
Founded in 1966, The Links, Incorporated Bucks County (PA) Chapter is a volunteer service organization of concerned, committed and talented women linked in friendship. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life of African-Americans and those of African descent, in our communities and globally, by providing programs that focus on cultural enrichment, education, health and wellness, and economic prosperity.
Chapter History
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
The Bucks County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is committed to improving the quality of life in our community and abroad. The members demonstrate their dedication through volunteer participation in community service projects and the granting of college scholarships to African-American students who excel academically and have financial need.In the words of the first Bucks County Chapter President, Link Jennie Jeter, from 1966:
A meeting was called at the home of Josephine Booth, Trevose, PA on Sunday October 31, 1965. Being concerned primarily with the problems of our youth, we readily organized to encourage and motivate youth activities. A name for our group was suggested by Florence Johnson "Ladies of Bucks County." This was accepted and the following officers elected:Jennie Jeter - President
Dorothy Stratton - Vice President
Eloise Livingston - Secretary
Florence Johnson - Treasurer
Anne Garrott - Chairman of Public RelationsWith Vickie Marcos and Betty Taylor as member (sic) of the committee
Other members: Clarice Logan and Louise NelsonWe got to work with the word "involvement" leading us into action. Our first venture was in the field of Art Appreciation, given in New Hope, June 12, 1966. The Y.W.C.A. of Langhorne for Creative Arts and the Doylestown Treasure Chest building fund for retarded children were the beneficiaries.Word came that we had been accepted at the Links National Assembly in Boston. Plans were made and in the quaint town of Doylestown, PA in the beautiful parish auditorium of the St. Paul Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 29, 1966 we were installed by the Philadelphia Links. The ceremony was most impressive and included the three-fold aim- social, charitable, and inter-cultural which strengthened the fervor of the new members. Attending were members of the Delaware Valley Links. The enjoyable and delightful lunches were served at the Cock and Bull Restaurant of Peddlers Village.From Chapter Historian, Link Maxine Carson, 2009:
During the early years, The Bucks County Links sponsored a fundraiser and several projects and volunteered at the Eastern State School and Hospital for Emotionally Disturbed Children. On June 12, 1966 they sponsored their first art show in New Hope, PA. The proceeds from this endeavor went to the YWCA of Langhorne and the Doylestown Treasure Chest. As we enter our 43rd year we continue to serve Bucks County and the larger community.
Listed below are at least two outstanding projects for each of the facets:The Arts 1977
- Art Show at New Hope and Montgomeryville, PA
- Art Show at the George SchoolNational Trends
- Holiday baskets
- Checks or gift certificatesServices To Youth
- Scholarships every year since 1967
- College seminar and fairInternational Trends
- Teas at the International House at the University of PA
- International picnic
- Presented African sculpture made by Jim Camp to the African American Museum in Philadelphia.The Bucks County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated continues to look toward the future by expanding its impact locally and internationally.
Chapter Officers
Tonya T. Jones
PresidentAndrea Corpening
Vice PresidentConstance White
Recording Secretary
Kelly Reid
TreasurerRosalind Derricotte
Financial SecretaryBrigitte Walker-Quinn
Corresponding SecretaryJohanna W. Daye
Historian
Nikki Farrior
ParliamentarianDenise Allen Williams
Program ChairCherylane Walker
Immediate Past President
2023 - 2024 Facet Chairs
Deborah Camp-Frye - Co-Chair
Kathleen Holt-Whyte - Co-Chair
The ArtsFelicia McAllister - Co-Chair
Kimberley Wilson - Co-Chair
International Trends & Services
Robyn Johnson - Co-Chair
Lynne Millard - Co-Chair
National Trends & ServicesSherita Lee - Co-Chair
Margarita Lucas - Co-Chair
Service To Youth
Gwendolyn Scott-Hodges - Co-Chair
Gail Lewis - Co-Chair
Health & Human ServicesAnnette Kelton
Youth Council
Chapter Presidents
1966-1968 Jennie Jeter
1968-1970 Betty Taylor
1970-1972 Eloise Livingston
1972-1974 Edna Watts
1974-1976 Vivienne Harris
1976-1980 Anne Garrott
1980-1982 Leontine Scott
1982-1986 Mary Bass
1986-1988 Cornelia Camp
1988-1992 Rose Miller
1992-1996 Pearline Greene
1996-1998 Cleopatra Figgures
1998-2002 Linda Bodley
2002-2006 Jackie Neal
2006-2010 Clarice Taylor
2010-2014 Deborah Camp-Frye
2014-2018 Tayna Longino
2018-2022 Cherylayne B. Walker
2022-present Tonya T. Jones
National Program Facets
The outstanding programming of The Links, Incorporated has five facets which include Services To Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services and Health and Human Services. The programs are implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development, and public policy campaigns.
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Services To Youth
The Bucks County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated Services to Youth Facet reflects an integrated approach to preparing young teens and adults to succeed through education and training enhancements.Youth Council
The Youth Council was first established to identify and foster the development of potential young leaders in our community. The Youth Council adheres to five pillars of leadership: academic excellence, enterprise and career, financial responsibility, public service, and ethics. These pillars are reinforced through programs for young people such as career shadowing, financial literacy, college guidance, mentoring opportunities and other leadership exercises.
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Scholarship Programs
The Bucks County Links have provided scholarships to Bucks County students for over 40 years. Scholarships are awarded on academic achievement, need, service and community outreach. These educational scholarships provide financial assistance to students attending public and private colleges and universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Since 2007, the Bucks County Links awarded thirty-one scholarships and nine book awards to forty scholarship recipients totaling $197,900.
The Arts
The Arts Facet has come a long way since its establishment at the 14th National Assembly in 1964. Throughout the nation, Links chapters have partnered with their local museums, symphonies, arts councils, educational institutions and corporations in order to support art programs, especially where it focused on the presentation of artists of color, i.e. Awadagin Pratt and the Boys Choir of Harlem. The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College honored The Links, Incorporated and Walter Mosley for their respective outstanding arts legacy at the New -York Historical Society located in New York City.Activities Include
- S.M.A.R.T. in the Arts Program which encompasses our annual “Healthy Living” National Poster Arts Contest in the Morrisville School District exposing over 500 youth to arts, culture and esteem building activities while learning about healthy living styles.
- Sponsorship of The Conservatory smArt program, an after school arts workshop with 6th-8th grade students in the Morrisville School District.
National Trends & Services
The Bucks County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated designs community programs which raise awareness and address economic and social inequalities that affect the quality of life of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.Activities Include:
- Voter registration and civic advocacy.
- Preparation of food baskets for families in need during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season.
- Sponsorship of annual youth forum focused on issues of key importance to teens.
- Local and regional partnerships and programming to support economic empowerment for women.MLK Day of Service Activities
- Donation of hygiene items, coats, books, car seats and clothes for infants and elementary school age students to Cradles to Crayons.
- Preparation of meals and care packages for Aid for Friends and local shelters.
- Assembly and donation of fleece blankets and stuffed animals for children with chronic illnesses
International Trends & Services
The Bucks County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is engaged in Villages in Motion, a project which assists a village and its students in Ghana, West Africa and supported the medical needs for a Health Clinic in Ganta City, Liberia.
Ghana
- Provided scholarships for eligible Ghanaian high school students to cover their tuition and boarding fees through graduation until 2019 when the cost to attend high school was funded by the government.
- Support the Tutor-Mentor program, which employs high school graduates who tutor and mentor younger students in preparation for high school qualifying exams.
- Provide funding support to high school graduates who continue their education at the University of Ghana, University of Cape Coast, Distance Learning program.
- Supported the construction of a health clinic and nurses’ quarters and provided medical supplies to improve the Villagers’ healthcare.
- Collaborate with Dr. Pamela June, President, CEO of Kuntu Village Nkosohen Committee-USA (Ghana, West Africa).Liberia
- Co-authored a Teacher Training Curriculum Program to support furnishing the libraries for four adopted schools in Liberia, including the School for the Blind.
- Supported the United Liberian Inland Church Associate and Friends (ULICAF) Medical Supply program for the Liberian International Christian College Health Clinic (Ganta City, Liberia) by providing funding for the shipment of medical supplies and medication to treat Malaria.
- Collaborated with the ULICAF Chair of the Medical Supply Ministry (Liberia, West Africa).
Health & Human Services
The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in our communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans. The mission of the Health and Human Services facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support maintenance of good health and elimination of chronic health diseases in communities through education, advocacy and access to health resources.The Bucks County (PA) chapter takes the charge very seriously and partners with the Morrisville School district along with Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Futures program by providing free dental screening for youth in the school and surrounding communities.
Youth Council
A Dynamic Youth Program that will provide...
Leadership Development, Community Service, College Preparation and much, much more!
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The purpose of the Youth Council is to train youth to meet the challenges in their communities. It enables young people who aspire to lead to learn skills sets that are common traits in effective leadership. Youth Council members will learn to assess their strengths and weaknesses, review models of leadership, develop strategic plans, collect and analyze data, set goals, communicate effectively to build networks and then apply these skills to create successful lives for themselves and/or impact community change.
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The Bucks County Links Youth Council adheres to five pillars.Each of the five pillars is viewed as both the foundation as well as the catalyst for leadership: Below is the list of Pillars.5 Pillars of Youth Council
- Academic Excellence
- Enterprise and Career
- Financial Responsibility
- Public Service
- EthicsThe five pillars are reinforced through a three-pronged method of (a) guidance and instruction: (b) mentoring and team building, and (c) proactive and hands-on experience.
The 2022 Teen Leadership Institute was a success because of you! If you missed anything here’s a recap. Stay tuned for information on the 2023 Teen Leadership Institute.
The Youth Council was birthed from our Teen Leadership Institute which has been held the fourth Saturday of March for the past 10 years.To find out more about how to apply to the Links Youth Council program, please review the application information below.
Community
Partners
In our collaborative effort to support youth, promote the arts and fund continuing education, The Bucks County (PA) Links maintains positive relationships with several other nonprofit, community based organizations:- Ann’s Choice
- Bucks County Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated
- Foundations Community Partnership
- Morrisville School District
- Pearl S. Buck International Pennswood Village
- Second Baptist Church of Doylestown
- YWCA Bucks County
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)
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Sponsors
The Bucks County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated appreciates the contributions of the following corporations:- Colgate-Palmolive Company
- F.C. Kerbeck & Sons
- General Electric
- General Motors
- Goldman Sachs Community
- Teamworks
- Parx Casino
- Spring Mill Manor and Country Club
- TD Bank
- 1911 Smokehouse BBQ
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Events & Media
Young Master Writers & Artist Competition 2024
2024 YMWAC Competition Packet
Young Writers and Artists Competition
Eligibility:
High School Students in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12
Submission Deadline:
April 5, 2024 - Midnight (EST)
Submissions of original and unpublished work in one or more of the following areas will be accepted, including short thematic descriptions/prompts with each work of poetry, prose, dance, music, and drama. Profanity or sexual content is not acceptable.
Competition Topics / Prompts:
The submission must align with the National Social Action Initiatives of The Links, Incorporated:
Link Up the Vote!
Police Reform
Principles of the Black Lives Matters Movement
Prevention of Human Trafficking
Environmental Justice (EJ)
Questions can be emailed to:
[email protected]
Events Calendar
2024
Midnight Magic - Oct 26, 2024
Photo Gallery
For more photos that capture the service and sisterhood of the Bucks County (PA) Chapter, visit our photo gallery on our facebook page.
Social Feed
Contact Us
Please fill out our contact form and we will reply back to you as soon as possible.The Links Incorporated
Bucks County (PA) Chapter
P.O. Box 1072 l Doylestown, PA 18901
e | [email protected]
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Toolbox
2021-22 Academic Year ScholarshipDEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JANUARY 31, 2020
Featured Event
Event Registration
RSVP By December 13th$75 Per Attendee • Donations Appreciated
Proceeds benefit The Links Foundation, Incorporated
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Special Overnight Hotel Room Rate Available.
Book before December 13, 2019Checks made payable to:The Links Foundation, Incorporated
Bucks County (PA) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated
P.O. Box 1072, Doylestown, PA 18901Cherylayne Walker - President
Carla Stinnette-Miller & Rosalind Williford - Co-Chairs
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Printable Forms
Download and fill out these applications and mail them back along with your sponsorship level / ad selections and payment.To guarantee inclusion in selected event materials
Please return forms by
October 5, 2019
The Legends Tea
Pre-Legends Tea Events
HBCU & Friends Happy Hour
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Time: 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location:
Assembly Rooftop Lounge, The Logan Hotel
One Logan Square, Philadelphia PA 19103
RSVP requested
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Fireside Chat
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Time: 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location:
Peacefield Board Room, The Logan Hotel
One Logan Square, Philadelphia PA 19103
RSVP requested
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Hotel Reservations
The Logan Philadelphia
Phone Reservations: 215-963-1500
Follow the prompts to make a new reservation.Group Code: GBUCK
This link and group code will expire when the block is full and/or the Cut-off date of 12/08/23
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Sponsorship Information
HBCU Champion | $10,000
20 invitations to event
Premier stage-side reserved seating
Premier on-screen name or logo recognition at event and in Ad Book
Podium recognition at event
HBCU Visionary | $5,000
12 invitations to event
Prominent reserved seating at event
On-screen name or logo recognition at event and Ad Book
HBCU Hero | $2,500
5 invitations to event
On-screen name or logo recognition at event and in Ad Book
HBCU Leader | $1,000
3 invitations to event
On-screen name or logo recognition at event
HBCU Advocate | $500
2 invitations to event
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E-Journal Advertisements
Full Page - $300
Half Page - $175
Business card - $75
Front and Back Inside Cover - $500
Outside Back Cover - $750
For more information contact:
[email protected]
**Please note contributions are not tax deductible.
The Young Masters 2.0 Competition
Entry Deadline: January 15, 2021 by Midnight (EST)
Dear Guidance Counselor:Inspired by the extraordinary talents of the young people with whom we work and mentor, the Chapter announces the Young Masters 2.0 Competition from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021 for young writers of poetry and prose, dancers, musicians, and thespians. In past years, the Bucks County (PA) chapter of The Links, Incorporated has sponsored the Young Master Writers Program Competition, which included works of poetry, prose, essays, and short stories. Now we have expanded the competition to include dance, music (both vocal and instrumental) and drama.This competition is exclusively for high school students featuring their original and unpublished works of poetry and prose, dance, music, and drama pieces in partnership with schools like yours.Submissions may deal with a subject of the student’s own choosing. All submissions must be in English. Please note that works with profanity or sexual content will not be accepted.- Poetry and Prose – Students may select a topic of their own choosing (no biographies or term papers please).
- Dance, Music, and Drama – Students may create, compose, design, and perform works of their own choosing.
Young Masters 2.0 Competition Details and Instructions
Young Masters 2.0 Permission to Publish Form
Young Masters 2.0 Teacher Verification Form
All work must be original and unpublished. Prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third place winners for each category or as determined by our competition judges. All first place winners’ work will entered into to The Eastern Area of The Links, Inc. competition for a chance to win additional prizes. The title of Young Grand Master will be conveyed upon each First Place Eastern Area of The Links, Inc. winner. The title of Young Master will be conveyed upon second and third place winners of the competitions at the Area levels as well.Bucks County (PA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated winners will be announced on Monday January 25, 2021 at 7 PM.