National Five-Point Programmatic Thrust
Since its founding in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has clearly distinguished itself as a public service organization that boldly confronts the challenges of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. Over the years, a wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and strengthening of the African American family have evolved.
In realizing its mission, East Kings County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through the national Five-Point Programmatic Thrust that includes:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Our Economic Development Committee serves the communities of eastern Brooklyn by delivering award-winning financial empowerment programs. Our programs include teen and adult entrepreneurship presentations, job readiness instruction, small business support, financial literacy workshops and homebuyer education. In 2013, the committee was recognized at both the National and Regional levels for providing exemplary economic development programs to the community.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Our Educational Development Committee conducts the sorority’s national youth development programs promoting academic development, scholastic achievement and career exploration. Locally, the committee delivers programs to meet community needs for educational enrichment, college and career readiness, mentorship and service learning:
- Betty Shabazz Delta Academy for girls ages 11-14
- Jeanne Noble Delta G.E.M.S (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) for girls ages 14-18
- E.M.B.O.D.I (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) for boys ages 13-18
In 2014, the EMBODI program was recognized at the Regional level for providing exemplary programming.
INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS & INVOLVEMENT
Our International Awareness and Involvement Committee is charged with educating members of the sorority and the community about international events and issues. East Kings County Alumnae Chapter participates in the following projects: Adopt A Child/Sponsor A Child provides financial sponsorship to a young girl in Ethiopia; our Virtual Baby Shower initiative raises funds to benefit Mary Help of The Sick Mission Hospital – a maternity hospital in Kenya; World AIDS Day events deliver educational programming about the prevention of HIV/AIDS; and the Summit VI health initiative focuses awareness on issues affecting women of African descent. In 2014, the committee was recognized at the Regional level for providing exemplary programming.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
Our Physical & Mental Health Committee focuses on the importance and benefits of lifestyle changes affecting longevity, morbidity and mortality; identifies organizational alliances that work towards addressing pertinent health issues; and develops and implements health-focused programs.The Total Woman: Mind, Body and Spirit lifestyle change initiative positively impacts the well-being of sorority members, our families and our community-at-large by delivering physical and mental health education. Programs such as ‘Delta Fit Club’ provide exercise and nutrition sessions, ‘My Cry in the Dark’ elevates awareness of mental health issues, and ‘Catching Coping & Conquering’ promotes knowledge about chronic illnesses that disproportionately impact African American women and their families.
POLITICAL AWARENESS & INVOLVEMENT
Our Political Awareness and Involvement Committee is charged with stimulating interest and participation in social action and keeping the chapter and community current on political issues. Locally, the committee develops and coordinates the following social action programs such as: its signature Street Smart Series on Stop & Frisk and Handling a Police Interrogation; Voter Engagement and Registration activities in conjunction with the NYC Votes campaign; and advocacy and lobbying initiatives for Delta Day at Brooklyn Borough Hall, Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital, Delta Day in Albany and Delta Day at the United Nations. In 2014 the committee received the NYC Votes Award from the NYC Campaign Finance Board for demonstrating an outstanding level of commitment toward the advancement of voter education, awareness, participation, registration, and engagement.
Visit our blog to see our programs in action.