2019-2020
International Awareness and
Involvement Newsletter
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 13
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In This Issue...
Message from our National President & CEO, Beverly E. Smith
Message from our National Program Planning and Development Chair, Andria Jeffries
Message from our IAI Subcommittee Chair, Carol McLaurin
Approved IAI Projects
Meet our New IAI Subcommittee Members
IAI Newsletter Editor-in-Chief Signing Off
Delta Sigma Theta in the News (Reprint)
2019 Mission Trip to South Africa and Eswatini
A Short Reunion
I CAN FLY INTERNATIONAL Newsletter (Reprint)
IAI Sustainability Plan
Chapter Donations for Approved IAI Projects
Featured Articles
World AIDS Day Submissions
Frequently Asked Questions
What's Coming Soon
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National President & CEO
Beverly E. Smith
National Program Planning and Development
Andria M. Jeffries
Chair, National Program Planning and Development
International Awareness and Involvement (IAI)
Committee and Staff
Carol J. McLaurin
Chair, IAI Subcommittee
Southwest Region
Zaphyr Imani Brooks
Eastern Region
Jennifer Frances
Farwest Region
Christina D. Love
Central Region
Dr. Claudia D. Nelson
Southern Region
Dr. Paula V. Snowden
Southern Region
Carolyn McCrea
Director, Programs Department
E. Missy Daniels
Program Coordinator
LaWanza Spears
Program Coordinator
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A Message From Our National President and CEO |
Greetings Sorors,
It is my pleasure to present to you the 2019-2020 National Program Planning and Development Committee’s, International Awareness and Involvement Subcommittee Newsletter with highlights from our phenomenal year. As you know, the primary focus of the International Awareness and Involvement Subcommittee is to promote, preserve and sustain the Sorority’s IAI Sustainability Plan through donations made from chapters and individual members to support the Sorority’s seven approved international projects and initiatives. During the 2020 sorority year, the International Awareness and Involvement subcommittee presented outstanding work. Contributions for our seven international projects through our IAI sustainability programs and direct donations have more than doubled from the funds reported during the 2018-19 biennium. In addition, chapters from all seven regions are actively presenting programming to supplement fundraising efforts for our projects.
A special word of appreciation is extended to chapters in the Farwest, Southern and Southwest Regions who through collective efforts across their regions, raised funds designated for our projects in Kenya, Haiti, and South Africa. With their generous support, our projects in these areas were able to make building improvements and structure enhancements to property and facilities, offer additional scholarships to attending schools, provide new uniforms for students, provide additional school supplies, pay salaries for additional teachers and provide daily meals for students as well as a host of other needed items.
Kenya Mission Trip
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began service in the Motherland over 50 years ago with an investment in the formerly named Thika Memorial Hospital. In May 2019, I led a delegation of 16 sorors including the executive committee, International Awareness and Involvement Sub-Committee and national staff to Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of this mission was not only to commemorate our 50 years of service to the Mary Help of the Sick Hospital but to re-energize our international efforts. During the visit, the Delta Delegation spent time at our three projects located in Kenya—Mary Help of the Sick Hospital (Thika), I Can Fly High School (Machakos) and the Muindi Mbinga School for Boys (Machakos). During our visits, we met with program administrators and staff to evaluate each project and access current needs. Some of the mission highlights were our participation in a celebration ceremony and Eucharistic Mass to dedicate the new hospital ward at Mary Help of the Sick Hospital; guided tour and ceremony at Muindi Mbinga and closing ceremony and spirited closing assembly in which I served as the keynote speaker at I CAN Fly High School.
The sorority donated the following:
Mary Help of the Sick Hospital- Donation for ninety-five hospital beds, five birthing beds, cabinets, medical supplies and scrubs for the maternity ward
Muindi Mbinga School for Boys- Supplies for dormitory and school
I Can Fly High School—Gifts, books and supplies for students.
(full Kenya Mission Trip details can be found in the November 2019 edition of the Delta Journal)
South Africa Mission Trip
In November 2019, I led a delegation of 63 sorors to South Africa and Eswatini to visit our projects at Adelaide Tambo School (Johannesburg) Training Resources in Early Education T.R.E.E. (Durban), Delta House/Vashti Village (Eswatini). An airline strike and torrential downpours did not dampen the spirits of the delegation who represented all seven regions. The experience was life changing for all who attended as for many, this was their first trip to South Africa and for some, their first to the Motherland. A highlight of the trip included laying a wreath at the resting place of our dear Honorary Member Winnie Mandela and a visit to Robben Island where President Nelson Mandela was held as a prisoner for 27 years. More mission trip details can be found in the articles below.
Our International Projects During COVID
Many of you have expressed concern regarding how our projects are faring during this pandemic. We are glad to inform you that we received reports from each of our projects and all are continuing to operate. However, unfortunate circumstances in the areas where some of these projects are located, make the work in their communities more important now than ever and just as here in the US, physical operations are limited. Facilities are operating with all pre-cautions as mandated by their respective governments. We ask for continued prayers and well wishes for their leaders and administrative staff as they continue to provide services and cope during this pandemic.
Our Work Across the Globe Continues
Sorors, we encourage you to continue your International Awareness and Involvement programming virtually during this pandemic. Our goal is to visit all our projects during each biennium as conditions allow. We sincerely thank you for making our 2019-2020 biennium, one of the most successful in decades.
My sorors, I thank you for your continued support of our IAI programs.
With Joy in Our Sisterhood,
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Beverly E. Smith
National President and CEO
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Message From Our National Program Planning and Development Chair |
The goal of International Awareness and Involvement Sub-committee has been to heighten the awareness of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s international footprint, and they have indeed met the challenge. I am proud of the 2019-2020 banner year of accomplishments. We have had an increase in chapter support of the Sustainability Plan, participation in the World AIDS Day contest and an increase in the Exemplary IAI Awards submissions. Most importantly, we were led by our National President, Beverly Smith, and able to put our physical footprint in the locations of our projects in Kenya, Eswatini, and South Africa. The impact of our visit was enormous and a huge success. This newsletter continues to keep the Sorority abreast of what is happening and what you need to know about IAI. Thank you to committee member, Christina Love, our editor for the newsletter, for your dedication and commitment to this effort and IAI. We wish you well in your new assignment in the Central Region as State Coordinator for the state of Kansas.
Andria M. Jeffries
Chair, National Program, Planning and Development Committee
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
"Joy in our Sisterhood, Power in our Voice, Service in our Heart!"
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Message From Our IAI
Subcommittee Chair
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Dear Sorors and Friends,
You have made it possible for us to continue to support our projects! We want to thank you and your chapters, regions and family friends for your volunteerism, donations and fundraising contributions to our Sustainability Plan and Individual Projects.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Fiduciary Agents, (Kenya), Melvin Stringer, Kenya K.E.E.P., and (Haiti), Pastor George Brown, Water Education International (WEI) . Your support and partnership keeps us abreast of our Projects!
This 2020 Calendar Year has presented us with many challenges as we continue this unprecedented struggle to survive the odds and service our projects. We will prevail in time to a new normal and appreciate your patience as you travel this journey with us.
Thanks again,
Carol J. McLaurin
Chair, IAI Subcommittee
National Program Planning and Development Committee
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Meet Our New
IAI Subcommittee Members
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ZAPHYR IMANI BROOKS
Z. Imani Brooks joined Delta through Omicron Xi Chapter, Emory University.
Her professional and personal experiences have provided her with local and global assignments that supports her passion with purpose to focus on international affairs.
She has held many positions and roles across Delta, to include National Committees, Collegiate Leadership and Greek Awards.
In 2014 she began work for the United Nations Foundation Campaign Girl Up.
November, 2019, she traveled with Delta’s delegation to South Africa and Eswatini. As a participant she facilitated a workshop and data collections to support our SWOT Analysis on our projects for International Awareness and Involvement Subcommittee. She was with Delta at the 55th Anniversary of Selma to Montgomery March in Selma Alabama.
Relevant assignments, running congruently, with her work and leadership continue to embrace international affairs with study abroad in Paris and internships with Georgia Legislature Internship Program. The Research Program work done with Emory Undergraduate Research Program and Emory Global Health Institute continues to support her baseline interest with international affairs.
Z. Imani is currently studying at American University Washington College of Law, interest in International Human Rights Law pursuing a Juris Doctor. Her current chapter affiliation is with Federal City Alumnae Chapter, Eastern Region.
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JENNIFER L. FRANCIS
Jennifer L. Francis is a public service servant locally and globally. Her service to others has spanned from Arizona to Africa supporting Science Technology Engineering & Math initiatives along with other common community service initiatives. Jennifer’s engagement with the Sorority’s International Awareness and Involvement mission projects dates back to 2009 (South Africa). She participated again in 2011 with the delegation that traveled to Kenya and most recently with a return trip to South Africa in 2019.
As a passionate science professional, Jennifer believes whole heartedly in Science in Everyday Experiences and works tirelessly to introduce science to all ages. The love of community and giving back is deeply rooted in her upbringing and Christian beliefs. From her youthful days as a Candy Striper in Prairie View, Texas to current volunteerism through her employer (Intel Corporation), Jennifer has had the opportunity to provided service locally and to the international community (Namibia 2018 and Ghana 2014; 2005).
Jennifer’s career as an ‘Environmental Health and Safety professional is supported by a M.S. Degree in Toxicology from the University of New Mexico, a M.S. Degree in Education from Arizona State University along with Teacher Certification, and B.S. Degrees in Chemistry and Biology from Prairie View A&M University.
Through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Jennifer currently serves alongside her fellow chapter sorors of the Phoenix Metropolitan Alumnae. Her service through the sorority includes a host of chapters and leadership positions dating back to being a collegiate member of the Eta Beta Chapter at Prairie View A&M University.
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IAI Member and Newsletter
Editor-in-Chief Signing Off
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Serving on the IAI Subcommittee has been both inspiring and life-changing. I am so grateful to have been surrounded and embraced by our professional, loving, and empowering leadership. Thank you all for allowing me the phenomenal opportunity to serve on the International Awareness and Involvement (IAI) Subcommittee and for supporting me in my new role as the Central Region Kansas State Coordinator!
Christina D. Love, IAI Subcommittee Member, 2017-2020
Leavenworth Alumnae, Central Region
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Approved International Awareness and Involvement Projects |
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Above: Delta Delegation in Kenya
The International Awareness and Involvement Subcommittee with the support of our National President and CEO, works tirelessly to provide international projects in five developing countries, in Africa and Haiti. Our primary focus for these projects are women and girls.
We will continue to keep going and growing to building working relationships with our 900 plus global chapters and increasing our partnerships’ to assist and support our Projects and Mission Visits to inspect what we expect.
We are affecting change across these projects as it correlates to our Five Point Programmatic Thrust:
- Educational Development
- Economic Development
- International Awareness and Involvement
- Physical and Mental Health
- Political Awareness and Involvement
Approved International Projects:
- Adelaide Tambo School (Soweto, South Africa)
- Delta House/Vashti Village (Mbabane, Eswatini)
- DST School CB/McIntyre Campus (Cherette, Haiti)
- Mary Help of the Sick Hospital (Thika, Kenya)
- I CAN FLY International (Machakos, Kenya)
- Muindi Mbingu Boys Secondary School (Machakos, Kenya)
- T.R.E.E. - Training Resources for Early Education (Durbin, South Africa)
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Adelaide Tambo School for the Physically Challenged (Soweto) - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated supports the school to assist with the care of physically challenged learners through providing supplies and donations.
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Delta House / Vashti Village (Mbabane, Eswatini) - Dedicated in 2002, the Delta House is a home for children who became orphans due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It is located in what is now known as Vashti Village, in Mbabane, Swaziland along with two similar structures. Built to accommodate 12 children and a housemother, the home was made possible with funds contributed by Delta sorors at the 45th and 46th National Conventions held in Chicago (2000) and Atlanta (2002).
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elementary School (Cherette, Haiti) - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in collaboration with Water in Education International opened the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Elementary School, The Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Campus in Chἐrette, Haiti June 15, 2013. The Water and Education International Student Collaboration for Haiti Outreach Opportunities for Learning (WEI SCHOOL) Project was established to provide an adequate school facility to include clean water for school children in Haiti. It is the first of many initiatives to alleviate some of the challenges in obtaining a quality education in Haiti. The remote village of Chἐrette is located 96 miles southwest of Port-au-Prince.
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Above: Soror Smith and Mr Smith were being recognized at the 50th year Celebration at Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital.
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Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital (Formerly Thika Memorial Hospital) - In 1955, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. began making plans and laying the groundwork to establish a maternity hospital in the east African country of Kenya. The plans for a facility came to fruition in the early 1960s when Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. made a major donation to help finance the construction of the Thika Maternity Hospital in Thika, Kenya, which is now named Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital. It provides affordable prenatal and postnatal care, nutritional education, child immunization, and family planning. The hospital gives prenatal care, including lab work, blood tests, and examinations to more than 200 women daily. The facility also has a special care nursery for babies after delivery. The hospital also serves as an educational institution for nurses and midwives. Over 66 students are trained each year.
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Muindi Mbingu Boys Secondary School (Machakos, Kenya) - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. provides water tanks, supplies, and scholarships for the Muindi Mbinga School.
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Training Resources in Early Education T.R.E.E. (Durban) - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. works with T.R.E.E to promote quality early development care for children from 0-4yrs to include educating the mothers to care for the babies.
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I CAN FLY International (Machakos, Kenya) - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated works, with I CAN FLY International whose mission is to provide life-changing opportunities through education to rescued children and youth living within impoverished villages around the world
Below: (1st picture) I CAN FLY in Machakos, Kenya - Soror Smith and students.
(2nd picture) Muindi Mbingu Boys Boarding School, Machakos, Kenya - School Welcome Ceremony with National President & CEO Smith and Delegation
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Soror Michele Hagans and Soror Carol J. McLaurin with Teacher/Vera Vesh Mike at Muindi Mbingu Boys School in Machakos, Kenya. |
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Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Kenya. |
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Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in Kenya.
Delta donated news beds and new Moms/patients are happy!
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Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated
in the News
(Reprint)
NGO REPORTER, VOL 28, #6, July 2020
Celebrating 28 Years of Connecting Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO) Associated
w/United Nations (UN) Department of Global Communications (DGC)
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2019 Mission Trip to
South Africa and Eswatini
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International Community Service in SOUTH AFRICA AND ESAWTINI …with “Joy in our Sisterhood, Power in Our Voices, Service in Our Hearts!”
Written by Carol J. McLaurin, Chair International Awareness and Involvement
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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. traveled to South Africa and ESwatini, departed USA, November 9, 2019. National President & CEO Beverly E. Smith led the 63 person delegation to include 22nd National President Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn E. Boyd, National Program Planning and Development Committee Chair, Andria Jeffries, International Awareness and Involvement (IAI)Subcommittee Chair, Carol J. McLaurin along with IAI members, Jennifer Francis, Christina Love and Dr. Paula Snowden, two Collegiates -Jessica Hale and Zaphyr Imani Brooks, three DST National Staff - Carolyn McCrea, Dorcus Washington and E. Missy Daniels with additional sorors representing all seven regions totaling 47 chapters and two family members, Stephen Smith and Joseph Snowden.
Upon Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa, we were greeted by sorors living in South Africa, whose leadership on the ground assisted and supported our delegation in making our trip an absolute success! They were as follows:
Sherida (Persard) Stevens – Morgan State University, Alpha Gamma Chapter, Spring, 1993...”looking forward to helping the sorority to continue their work in South Africa…”
La Chenna Cromer, Saint Louis Alumnae Chapter, Fall 1995...” such a pleasure...reminded our sisterhood remains strong regardless of geography or background…”
Ghairunisa Galeta, Spelman College, Eta Kappa Chapter 2002...”welcoming sorors to my hometown…look forward to sustaining support of our projects here….”
Angela Pulliam-Gillespie, North Jersey Alumnae Chapter (NJAC), Fall 1992...” Pure Joy to welcome our National President & CEO Beverly E. Smith and 22nd National President Gwendolyn E. Boyd…and sorors to Johannesburg, South Africa inspired by your visit…thankful and grateful for the time spent with sorors"
Rebecca Maserumule, Pi Beta Chapter, Rochester New York Citywide
Charlotte Fuller, Initiated at Delta Tau Chapter in 1954, Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. She joined us in Durban, South Africa, her home residence for many years. Since 2000 she has worked with us assisting and facilitating with pre-planning/planning our Durban Mission Trips and site visit. Her first and lasting memories of our visits.. “You are awesome women who take care of business.”
The longest journey begins with one single step! We began our first step on this journey in international community service 50 years ago. On this memorable trip November 9 thru November 20, 2020, we traveled 12 days visiting sites which included the grave site of the Late Soror Winnie Mandela at Fourways Memorial Park, Randburg, South Africa, Adelaide Tambo School in Soweto, South Africa, Delta House/Vashti Village in Mbabane, Eswatini and Training and Resources for Early Education(T.R.E.E.) in Durban, South Africa. We also visited historical sites to include Nelson Mandela Museum in Soweto, and Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, dinner with Consul General Sherry Zelika Sykes in Durban, South Africa, and ending our visitations touring District Six Museum, Table Bay Mountain and Robben Island to include our final group Dinner in Cape Town, South Africa.
Our IAI projects site visits focus was based on our Five Programmatic Thrust to include: Education Development, Economic Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health and Political Awareness and Involvement.
We were welcomed and entertained by community leaders and students at Tambo School in Soweto, South Africa and Vashti Village in Eswatini, Africa! The students escorted us on a tour of the sites. We conducted workshops and presented gifts and donations to the school and the children. T.R.E.E.’s staff met with us as we toured the site to continue our involvement to support the training to educate their women, including mother's and pre-schoolers.
Sorors were inspired and will go and tell their story about this journey! Our journey will be chronicled in the DST Archives. As we continue strengthening our international awareness and involvement, our volunteering deepens our understanding and appreciation for those we serve and seek to serve. Whether we volunteer close to home or we’re thousands of miles away, we see how others live. In this way we’re helping to improve lives, not just in the moment, but for generations to come.
Our 10th National President the Late Dr. Dorothy I. Height stated and I quote, “…we have got to work to save our children with full respect for the fact if we do not no one else is going to do it…”
Black Children’s Lives Matters!
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK TO WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE 2019 MISSION TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA AND ESWATINI:
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Pictured left to right: Soror Carol McLaurin, Chair, IAI Committee, Soror Christina Love, Member, IAI Committee, Andrea Jeffries, Chair, National Program Planning and Development, Dr. Paula Snowden, Member, IAI Committee and Soror Jennifer Frances, Member, IAI Committee |
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Sorors honoring Honorary Member Winnie Mandela during visit. A wreath was placed at her gravesite. |
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National President and CEO, Beverly E. Smith at the Adelaide Tambo School for the Physically and Mentally Challenged in Soweto, South Africa |
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Mr. Joseph Snowden, Family Member, presenting a Hygiene Workshop to young men during visit to the Delta House at Vashti Village. |
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National President and CEO, Beverly E. Smith with Collegiate Soror Jessica Hale and Chair, IAI Committee, Soror Carol McLaurin |
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Happy faces from the Delta House at Vashti Village after receiving donations from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delegation |
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Sorors welcoming the Delegation to Johannesburg, South Africa |
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Group picture after tour of Project T.R.E.E. (Training and Resources for Early Education) in Durbin, South Africa |
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Soror Smith & Soror Boyd with Principal at the Tambo School in Soweto, South Africa |
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Collegiate Sorors Zephyr Imani Brooks and Jessica Hale participated in workshops and visits to our projects in Africa and Eswatini |
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Soror Boyd, Durban Consular General Sherry Zalika Sykes and Soror Smith in Durban, South Africa. |
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Vashti Village in Eswatini, Africa gave Award Gift Recognition to our Presenters, to include Mr. Smith during the Workshops! |
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Visited and toured Robben Island in Cape Town.
Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison at Robben Island - which is now a museum
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Delegates @ T.R.E.E. in Durban, South Africa. |
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A Short Reunion at the
54th National Convention
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Although Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated announced it would conclude the 54th National Convention early as a precautionary measure in response to Tropical Storm Barry, the business of Delta still took place. Sorors gathered from around the world in New Orleans, Louisiana.
During the Convention Sorors from the IAI Committee were able to catch up with the Founder and CEO of I CAN FLY INTERNATIONAL, INC. Soror Rev Sha Givens. Many chapters across the regions have worked hard to support her organization.
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Soror Christina Love, Member, IAI Member, Soror Rev Sha Givens Founder and CEO/ I CAN FLY INTERNATIONAL, INC/
Soror Carol McLaurin, Chair, IAI Committee
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I Can Flyer International Newsletter (Reprint)
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The IAI Sustainability Plan |
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The IAI Sustainability Plan continues to collect monetary donations for designated international projects and provides services according to agreed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU). The collected funds are allocated according to the percentage breakdown below or specific chapters/individual(s) may request for funds to go to a designated project.
- Adelaide Tambo School (Soweto, South Africa) - 20%
- Delta House/Vashti Village (Mbabane, Eswatini) - 25%
- DST School CB/McIntyre Campus (Cherette, Haiit)- 20%
- Mary Help of the Sick Hospital (Thika, Kenya)-12.5%
- T.R.E.E. Training Resources for Early Education (Durban, South Africa) - 5%
- I CAN FLY International (Machakos, Kenya)- 10%
- Muindi Mbingu Boys Secondary School (Machakos, Kenya) - 5%
- IAI Sustainabilty- 2.5%
Send all email correspondence to:
Make all checks payable to:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Mail checks for approved IAI projects to:
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
ATTN: National PPD/IAI Subcommittee/Sustainability Plan
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Chapter Donations for Approved
IAI Projects
Donations over and above allotted $200 received after October 2019
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(KENYA)
Donations for I CAN FLY International
Farwest Region
Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter
Century City Alumnae Chapter
Cerritos Area Alumnae Chapter
Contra Costa Alumnae Chapter
Foothills Alumnae Chapter
Greater Salt Lake Alumnae Chapter
Hawaii Alumnae Chapter
Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter
Long Beach Alumnae Chapter
Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapter
North San Diego Alumnae Chapter
Okinawa Alumnae Chapter
Republic of Korea Alumnae Chapter
Rolling Hills Palos Verdes Alumnae Chapter
San Fernando Valley Alumnae Chapter
San Francisco Peninsula Alumnae Chapter
San Joaquin Alumnae Chapter
Solano Valley Alumnae Chapter
Tacoma Alumnae Chapter
Ventura County Alumnae Chapter
Southern Region
Central North Alumnae Chapter
Chattanooga Alumnae Chapter
East Point College Park Alumnae Chapter
Gastonia Alumnae Chapter
Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter
Jacksonville Alumnae Chapter
Macon Alumnae Chapter
Marietta Roswell Alumnae Chapter
Memphis Alumnae Chapter
Miami Alumnae Chapter
Orange County, CA Alumnae Chapter
Shelby County Tennessee Alumnae Chapter
Tallahassee Alumnae Chapter
From Cluster Meetings:
Georgia
Mississippi
Alabama
Florida/Bahamas
Tennessee
(KENYA)
Donations for KENYA K.E.E.P
Fort Knox Alumnae Chapter
Hattiesburg Alumnae Chapter
Knightsdale-Wake Forest Alumnae Chapter
Las Vegas Alumnae Chapter
Ocala Alumnae Chapter
Oxford-Henderson (NC) Alumnae Chapter
Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter
Prince George County Alumnae Chapter
Tempe Alumnae Chapter
Warner Robins Alumnae Chapter
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HAITI
Donations for Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Campus, Elementary School Cherette, Haiti
Southwest Region
Alexandria (LA) Alumnae Chapter
Ascension Alumnae Chapter
Baton Rouge Alumnae Chapter
Bay Area Houston Alumnae Chapter
Beaumont Alumnae Chapter
Bexar Area Alumnae Chapter
Collin County Alumnae Chapter
Crowley Alumnae Chapter
Dallas Alumnae Chapter
East Harris Chambers Liberty County Alumnae Chapter
Fort Smith Alumnae Chapter
Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter
Galveston Alumnae Chapter
Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter
Huntsville (TX) Alumnae Chapter
Jonesboro Alumnae Chapter
Lafayette Alumnae Chapter
La Marque Alumnae Chapter
Little Rock Alumnae Chapter
Lubbock Alumnae Chapter
Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae Chapter
Monroe Alumnae Chapter
Monroe Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter
New Orleans Alumnae Chapter
North Central Texas Alumnae Chapter
North Dallas Suburban Alumnae Chapter
North Harris County Alumnae Chapter
Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter
Odessa Alumnae Chapter
Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter
Port Arthur Alumnae Chapter
Prairie View Alumnae Chapter
River Parishes Alumnae Chapter
Suburban Houston Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter
Tyler Alumnae Chapter
Upsilon Epsilon Alumnae Chapter
Vidalia Alumnae Chapter
South Atlantic Region
Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter
Eastern Region Donation
Queens Alumnae Chapter
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SOUTH AFRICA
Dallas Alumnae Chapter
Leavenworth Alumnae Chapter
Rolling Hills Palos Verdes Alumnae Chapter
Tennessee Chapters
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Additional Chapters that gave more than $200.00 required
Eastern Region
Chester (PA) Alumnae Chapter
Federal City Alumnae Chapter
Westchester Alumnae Chapter
Midwest Region
Glen Ellyn Alumnae Chapter
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter
Zeta Chapter
South Atlantic Region
Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter
Conway Alumnae Chapter
Greenville (NC) Alumnae Chapter
Gastonia Alumnae Chapter
Richmond (VA) Alumnae Chapter
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Featured Articles from
Around the Regions
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FARWEST REGION SUPPORTS 'I CAN FLY' |
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In November 2019, under the leadership of the Farwest Regional Director, Soror Tracy R. Aikens, and Gwen Coley, Regional Program Planning and the Development Coordinator, the region launched a fundraising campaign for ‘I Can Fly International/I Can Fly High School’ in Kenya. I Can Fly International was founded by Soror Sha’ Givens, a member of Inglewood Alumnae Chapter in the Farwest Region. Farwest Region members were asked to support the campaign by donating $22 (additional sponsorship levels were also available). Donations were targeted for specific needs and initiatives identified by Soror Givens, with a primary focus on new construction (classrooms, dormitory) and a school bus. Additional needs included uniforms, hygiene kits, and books. The Farwest Region was the first region in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to adopt an approved International Awareness and Involvement project as a regional project.
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The campaign was called ‘The Butterfly Campaign’ in recognition of the many girls whose lives have been transformed by the ongoing efforts of I Can Fly International’s Butterfly Project. The Butterfly Project, launched in 2012, offers free education to vulnerable girls from five distinct counties in Kenya. Most of the girls come from small, rural villages where water, food and other basic needs are scarce due to unemployment and drought. The Butterfly girls live on the I Can Fly school campus in the Butterfly House, which is equipped with beds, modern amenities and living room space. Three meals per day, 24- hour security, transportation and enrichment activities are also provided.Following the project launch and throughout the four-month campaign, information was communicated to the region promoting the project and encouraging participation via:
• E-mail status updates on donations against the goal (initially bi-monthly, then increased to weekly)
- Monthly regional e-newsletter updates and flyers on the region’s social media sites
- Farwest Regional Director’s monthly Chapter Presidents and Advisors Conference Call
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The Farwest Region successfully completed the campaign raising a total of $31,924.00! This amount contributed to Soror Givens reaching a fundraising goal of $65,000 and receiving matching funds from a donor. In summary, the Farwest Region demonstrated support for one of its own and a shared commitment to the youth of I Can Fly. The exposure for I Can Fly as a regional project, including its mission, activities, and highlights about the girls, has hopefully planted a seed for continued support as follows: 1) individual sorors or chapters to sponsor a child and/or donate for other needs on an annual basis, 2) chapters to designate I Can Fly as a service project for future events, and 3) possibly repeat as a regional project in the future.
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SOUTHERN REGION SORORS SUPPORT 'I CAN FLY INTERNATIONAL' IN A BIG WAY |
The 2019–2020 Southern Region – State Cluster cycle service project targeted support for I Can Fly International (Kenya). The Southern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has set the bar for donations in the International Awareness & Involvement program initiative. Under the leadership of the dynamic Southern Regional Director Sandra K. Horton and the sorors from the Southern Region, the region raised over $47,000, to support the outreach and educational efforts for young girls targeted by this Kenya based organization.
Georgia: $19,657.00
Mississippi: $16,047.00
Alabama: $8,850.00
Florida/Bahamas: $2,273.00
Tennessee: $969.00
Total: $47,796.00
Monies raised and other tangible donations provided for the necessities of the I Can Fly, girls high school students and assisted to ensure a better quality of life and educational opportunities for them. Our Soror, Sha Givens, attended each state cluster and shared with the assembly how The I Can Fly High School and Butterfly Houses have made significant strides in Kenya and praised the support shown by our membership. Reports from Soror Givens after the cluster cycle provided how important these donations are. The high school accepted 34 new freshman girls from six different counties. Additionally, 110 girls from poverty-stricken backgrounds and villages that practice early marriage, female genital mutilation, child labor, sex trade and households with abandonment issues or HIV-positive parents all received free education. Each child receives three meals per day, shelter/boarding, basic medical care, 24-hour security, water, electricity, and enrichment activities. Over 47 preschool students benefited from similar services. The Dynamic Southern Region is happy to make such a significant impact of this international program that coincides with the sorority’s International Awareness and Involvement Programmatic Thrust. We salute Soror Givens and her work and are excited to be involved in such a small way.
As a region, we are committed to the ideals of Delta, as well as staying committed to bringing hope and happiness to the lives of others. The Southern Region is always shining and ensures that as a region, the women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. continue making a lasting impact in helping others through service contributions. We will continue to be the rainbow in someone’s cloud by cultivating loving-kindness daily. We ask that sorors continue to tune your heart to connect with people around you and around the world.
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SOUTHWEST REGION
SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
During the 2019-2020 Sorority year, the International Awareness and Involvement sustainability initiative was heavily pushed by the Southwest Region’s Program Planning and Development Coordinator, Myra McGlothen-Sutton, with the support of the Regional Director, Michelle R. Brown and the State Coordinators (Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas/New Mexico). During the 2019-2020, sorority year all chapters in the Southwest Region were encouraged monthly during the Regional Directors calls and quarterly reminder emails were sent to chapter presidents within the Region to donate towards the sustainability plan. International Awareness and Involvement has historically been hard for chapters to wrap their heads around.
With full transparency at the 2019 leadership retreat and messaging of how the funds are expended by National Headquarters around the international programs, chapters were able to get behind this initiative. Many of the attendees left the Leadership Retreat energized and ready to support beyond the $100 per year or $200 per biennium request from National Headquarters. Chapters planned robust activities around International Awareness and Involvement. The states of Arkansas and Texas/New Mexico raised well over $10,000 towards these efforts. While the state of Louisiana raised $8000 to cover school uniforms, tuition and meals to meet the needs of the students attending the Cynthia Marie Antoinette Butler-McIntyre school in Cherette, Haiti.
During late spring 2020, chapters were once again asked to make one last donation. The requested donation was intended to offset the schools fourth quarter expenditures of $3609. The chapters in the ‘Blazing Southwest Region’ answered the call. With this effort, we not only met the goal but exceeded our expectations. During this challenging time (Covid-19), many chapters had to reschedule or cancel their events. However, those chapters as well as others are planning to host ‘Blazing’ new programs in the future.
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COLUMBUS (OH) ALUMNAE CHAPTER |
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Charity Around the Globe
The Columbus (OH) Alumnae chapters International Awareness and Involvement committee, plunged into the sorority year determined to impact the plight of people living across the diaspora. Their concentration was on two traditional chapter projects: Operation Christmas Child and World Aids Day. The chapter was also thrilled to implement a new project in support of children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic living in our Delta House, now known as Vashti Village.
Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of Samaritan’s Purse which is an international relief organization. The mission of OCC is to provide shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene products, and school supplies utilized as tools to reach out to children in their communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. The decorative boxes are shipped outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease. Chapter members, families and friends enabled the chapter to ship 57 boxes. Delta Sigma Theta's presence was felt all the way around the globe in Burundi. Burundi, located in Southeast Africa is home to 11 million people where 46% of the population is 14 years old or younger.
Recognizing the 30th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, the committee engaged in several activities to bring awareness to the disease. First, they set a modest goal to raise $500 for Vashti Village, located in Mbabane, Swaziland. The generous contributions of CAC members allowed the chapter to surpass the goal raising $633.00 for the children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic living in Vashti Village. One particular project was to raffle off a beautiful bowl of authentic items from the Republic of Botswana in South Africa. And by also raising awareness in the community of our sorority's work in Swaziland, additional monetary donations were received, allowing us to demonstrate charity all the way around the globe to Swaziland.
The CAC committee members also volunteered for two events held in Columbus at Nationwide Children's Hospital and sponsored by the City of Columbus Health Department, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Equitas Health, and the Aids Foundation. There were performances by artists bringing awareness to the disease as well as prevention. As volunteers, they assisted with logistics for the reception, supported with registering guests and disseminating information. Approximately 175 participants were in attendance.
The second event was their Client Holiday Dinner. The holidays can be a difficult time for those impacted by and living with the stigma HIV/AIDS. Adults and children participants experienced the gift of a temporary distraction with an opportunity to focus on something fun and affirming. The committee was engaged in preparing the Santa Toy Shop, decorating the superhero room and serving a meal to approximately 300 participants.
CAC's WAD service was posted on their Facebook page using hashtags #KnowYourStatus, #KnowYourRisks, and included other statistical data.
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In accordance with Delta’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust, Dallas Alumnae Chapter, International Awareness & Involvement Committee members focused on communal empowerment and enrichment by educating ourselves and others with international activities and promoting involvement as it related to women and children. Our local chapter has continued to engage in projects and programs to promote positive developments with women and children globally which include the USA local immigrates – “USA local is included and is the new global.”
(Below) KENYA: Mary Help of the Sick Hospital
DST/Dallas Alumnae Maternity Wing/Ward
Six Birthing Bed Sets@ $700 each
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(Above) Donated to the 17 students living at Vashti Village: Uniforms & Toiletry Items.
(Below) Dallas Alumnae Chapter members at Vashti Village
National Secretary, Elsie Cook-Holmes, Dallas IAI, Berda Venerable,
IAI National Chair, Carol McLaurin and Dallas IAI, Angelyn Rogers.
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FAIRFAX COUNTY ALUMNAE CHAPTER |
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Hurricane Dorian was the most intense tropical cyclone on record to strike the Bahamas and is regarded as the worst natural disaster in the country's history. Damage in the Bahamas was catastrophic due to the prolonged and intense storm conditions, including heavy rainfall, high winds and storm surge, with thousands of homes destroyed and at least 73 deaths recorded.
The Bahamas Embassy Consular Annex in Chantilly, Virginia held a Donation drive for Bahama residents to collect supplies for their immediate needs after the Hurricane. In September and October 2019, Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter’s International Awareness & Involvement Committee organized a collection drive for Chapter members to donate supplies from the Consular’s immediate needs list. The Chapter collected over 500 pounds of donated items for the drive, including clothing, cleaning supplies, ash lights, rst aid supplies, hand sanitizer and batteries. Chapter members also participated in the sorting and packing of the items that were donated by the community. The donations were packed and shipped to the Bahamas.
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Fairfax County Alumnae Chapter member, Margaret Gamble, with other service organizations signing the package before it is put on the truck for shipment to the Bahamas. |
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In the sorting and packing room of the Bahamas Embassy Consular Annex where boxes were sorted and packaged.
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Truck with community donations for the Bahamas. |
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EAST POINT COLLEGE PARK
ALUMNAE CHAPTER
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Accepting the Challenge for I CAN FLY International
Imagine being a victim of child labor, working for $.30 cents a day, and giving your earnings to your parents and siblings to eat; education is not even an option because of your responsibilities to support your family. What would happen if you heard a heart-wrenching story about a 10-year-old young girl marrying a 55-year-old man? The young girl was rescued but the man returned to the family demanding his dowry back and the family gave him her 6-year-old sister. Soror Sha’ Givens witnessed these horrendous events and obeyed God’s purpose for her life. As a result, her school, I CAN FLY International, was developed.
Soror Givens provided her testimony at the East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter’s October Meeting. She shared her story and how she is living in her purpose, God’s purpose for her life. I CAN FLY International was not easily developed. Soror Sha’ Givens opened the doors in 2008, she had to endure low student enrollment due to registering the school as a private school and not public. Many families wanted the school to be public, so they kept their young girls’ home. Soror Givens even fell ill while she was developing the school. During her illness, the money stopped, many teachers left, and she told her manager to “just shut the school down”. Well, he did not listen and remembered her purpose and told her “God has not told me to let it go”. Eventually Soror Givens regained her health and resumed raising money again for her school. Soror Givens has been blessed with contributions from individuals, organizations, and churches to help fund her school. Sorors also donated $480.00 toward toiletry bags to help the young girls at her school with the simple items that we take for granted.
Lastly, to help Soror Givens continue her mission which is to provide life-changing opportunities through education to rescued children and youth living within impoverished villages around the world, the East Point/ College Park Alumnae chapter took on the challenge to help build another classroom for the I CAN FLY International High School. The vision of the International Awareness & Involvement Committee was to build one classroom before the end of the sorority year, but with the help of Sorors and several committees EP/CP chapter raised enough money to build not one but two classrooms.
In addition to providing $16,000 for two classrooms, the 40th Anniversary Committee donated over $3,000 to I CAN FLY International High School for school supplies. “I am so very proud of the Sorors of East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter for their commitment to go above and beyond the goals we’ve set for I CAN FLY International High School”, said Debra Bunkley – Chapter President. “The Co-Chairs – Sorors Tracey Matthews and Tonya Phipps are to be commended for their leadership, along with past International Awareness & Involvement Co-Chairs – Paula Snowden and Charla Mitchell, for their vision and collaboration with Soror Givens over the past several months. They have met and exceeded all expectations and the ultimate satisfaction is that the children will benefit in the not-too-distant future with new classrooms and school supplies.
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World AIDS Day 2019
The HAC International Awareness and Involvement Committee embraced World Aids Day by partnering with the Brentwood Community Foundation, an IRS designated 501(c)(3) charitable organization to spotlight HIV/AIDS Awareness in our community. This is the second year in which HAC has collaborated and supported the Foundation’s Project WAITT which denotes “We’re In This Together” under the leadership of Willie Sylvester, Executive Director.
The Foundation launched this project in 1993 and continues to service individuals with HIV/AIDS by providing 18 traditional living spaces for clients requiring housing. Additional services provided to residents include food vouchers, short-term rent, mortgage and utility assistance, supportive services and taxi vouchers.
HAC shared the purpose of the International Awareness and Involvement Programmatic Thrust and the history of World AIDS Day. HAC provided a generous breakfast buffet and participated in joint prayer with residents and guests.
Sorors provided gift bags containing essential personal hygiene items specifically toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, razors and shaving cream, t-shirts and socks for the Project WAITT residents and toured the Project WAITT facility as well as one of the cottages on the property.
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The Houston Alumnae Chapter’s (HAC) International Awareness and Involvement Committee launched two major service projects during the fiscal year 2019 – 2020, “World AIDS Day 2019” and “The Bucket Project: Hospice Kits”. Sorors Paulette Gadison, Audrey Gassama and Stephanie Morales serve as co-chairs along with 30 committee members.
The Bucket Project: Hospice Kits
Houston Alumnae Chapter‘s International Awareness and Involvement Committee partnered with the Baptist Global Response (BGR) organization on Saturday, March 14th, 2020 to embrace their “Bucket Project: Hospice Kits” for the fifth year. The Team Leaders from the BGR are Franklin and Donna Kilpatrick, who served as missionaries in Africa for over 40 years. The Kilpatrick’s have partnered with the Port of Houston to ensure that our Buckets are transported directly to Africa to assist terminally ill HIV/AIDS patients in Sub Saharan Africa. The destination in Africa this year is Kenya.
Each year, HAC has prepared 22 Buckets in honor of our Founders. The approximate cost of each bucket/contents is $100 and contains pharmacy, health and beauty supplies, twin bedding/pads, bath linens, cleaning products and other miscellaneous personal care items. Sorors skillfully sorted items on tables and meticulously assembled the buckets adhering to custom guidelines while engaging in sisterly camaraderie. Items found in each bucket bring comfort to each patient and serve as an aid to each caregiver.
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METROPOLITAN DALLAS ALUMNAE CHAPTER |
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Currently, the majority of Haitians lack access to quality education; a prerequisite for sustained social and economic development. Despite improvements in enrollment and the commitment of the Haitian government to strengthening public education, challenges in funding, teacher training, and access remain widespread. These issues put a generation of Haitian youth at risk of lacking the knowledge and basic skills necessary to succeed in the labor force.
In September 2019, the International Awareness and Involvement Committee at the Metropolitan Dallas Alumnae (MDA) Chapter kicked off a Change for Change campaign, where a small donation can lead to big outcomes. The campaign requests Sorors to donate their spare change during chapter and executive board meetings. Our lofty goal of $1000 will go to support the elementary school in Haiti, whose campus was named after our 24th National President, Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre. These funds will provide breakfast for 40 students, allowing nourishment to enhance their learning experience. The rst meal of the day is the proper educational tool needed to create a positive learning environment, essential to school instruction, enabling students to excel in and outside the classroom.
Access to education in Haiti has been grossly inadequate. One of the main reasons for this inadequacy can be explained by public underinvestment and mismanagement of the education sector. We know that providing the proper educational tools and creating a positive learning environment enables students to thrive and hence enables their means to later provide for their families. Improving access to education in Haiti through this school, sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta, will directly support the Sorority’s international efforts to create awareness and increase involvement.
MDA plans to continue its efforts through the remainder of the sorority year while inspiring Sorors to build a better world through giving. Through our IAI programming, MDA is focused on making global charitable giving fun and accessible where small donations have a meaningful impact. We help Sorors use their change...for change and mobilize our chapter to affect meaningful transformational impact.
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MOSS POINT ALUMNAE CHAPTER |
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The Moss Point Alumnae Chapter (MPAC), in partnership with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter, hosted a sock drive to benefit children living in the Rift Valley of Kenya October 1 – November 30, 2019. The chapters collected 1,300 socks for Cross World Africa. Cross World Africa is a non-profit organization dedicated to making hope a reality for impoverished rural communities in Kenya’s Rift Valley. The organization believes the only way to overcome inequality is through opportunity. Cross World Africa has created and executed a variety of projects that bring tangible change to where it’s needed most through community development, education, and public health programs.
Likewise, many families throughout the Rift Valley are in dire poverty and struggle to pay school fees and necessities. Some children are forced to work to help support the family by herding goats and cows. Cross World Africa seeks to provide a solution by offering free education to orphans and children involved in child labor. Additionally, in the Rift Valley of Kenya, many children do not own socks and shoes. Many children are left to walk around barefooted which results in worms that infest their feet. If children had proper footwear it, would help prevent parasites from eating at their feet.
The Moss Point Alumnae Chapter stands ready to answer the call to positively MPAC the plight of people globally, particularly those of the African diaspora. A sock may be a small article of clothing. To the children of the Rift Valley, it is a symbol of hope and an article that will tangibly improve their lives.
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Staff from the Moss Point Alternative Learning Center pose with Soror Watson after donating socks to our Sock Drive. |
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Soror Debora J. Joiner, chapter president, and Cynthia A. Lee, member of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter, posing with a few of the donated socks. |
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A few of the socks collected |
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NEW ORLEANS ALUMNAE CHAPTER |
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[Rodney Thoulin, CrescentCare's Program Director accepting a donation check from the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter President Soror Linda Howard-Curtis. (Permission received) |
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HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 12/1/19 Red Shoes |
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DST School- CBM Campus HAITI |
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New Orleans Alumnae (NOA) Chapter, through its International Awareness and Involvement (IAI) Committee, concentrated on increasing cultural awareness within its local community and internationally. The membership conducted and participated in programming that specifically impacted women and girls.
NOA contributed $1,030.00 to the Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Campus in Cherette, Haiti. In an effort to address the need for school uniforms, NOA contributed $480.00 and supported our five local collegiate chapters by contributing a supplementary amount of $250.00 on their behalf. NOA was delighted to contribute an additional $300.00 to help offset the school’s 4th quarter expenditures.
According to recent reports from the CDC, women account for 27% of all new HIV cases. In an effort to address these concerns, on October 27, 2019, NOA joined with event organizer and community partner, “In This Together” for its annual (Black) Red Umbrella Second Line. The chapter was highly visible, donning red and white decorated umbrellas representing the chapter’s commitment to raise consciousness about HIV/AIDS in the Black community.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released in November 2018, ranked the New Orleans Metropolitan area 4th for HIV cases and 6th for AIDS cases among large metropolitan areas in the nation. Nationwide, African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS. The NOA Chapter members raised awareness at their respective churches on Sunday, December 1, 2019 by wearing red shoes and red ribbons to their places of worship. Photos were also placed on social media platforms using the #dstworldaidsday in observation of World AIDS Day.
NOA and community partner, CrescentCare participated in NOLA HIV Awareness Week (Dec 1-7, 2019). On WORLD AIDS DAY, December 1, 2019, (which is also international day of service), chapter members were encouraged to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The theme Communities Make the Difference was symbolic, in that the places of worship joined in events and activities, which included wearing red shoes and red ribbons to their respective religious service. Sorors posted pictures on their social media sites with hashtag #dstworldaidsday in observation of World AIDS Day.
On December 5th, NOA partnered with CrescentCare, and attended a Prayer Breakfast. The Program and Prayer Breakfast were held at St. George Episcopal Church. The audience included ministers, individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, State Officials and medical personnel. Chapter members served as greeters and facilitators. Program Presenters reviewed detailed statistical information about HIV/AIDS cases in New Orleans and Louisiana. There was also a presentation of the history of the red ribbon and the AIDS memorial quilt. Materials, handouts and red ribbons were distributed to attendees.
NOA’s Physical and Mental Health committee’s 5k Race, scheduled for March 14, 2020 was cancelled, due to COVID-19. In spite of the cancellation, $922.76 in proceeds were donated to CrescentCare’s FACES Program, serving HIV-infected and affected women, pregnant women, infants, children, youth and families in the Greater New Orleans area.
The New Orleans Alumnae Chapter is committed to continue raising and increasing awareness of issues that impact our community, particularly women and girls.
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NORTH DALLAS SUBURBAN
ALUMNAE CHAPTER
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The North Dallas Suburban Alumnae International Awareness and Involvement Committee has had an amazing biennial. In addition to supporting the annual sustainability plan with a $100 per year contribution, our committee accomplished the following:
World Vision
We continued our annual sponsorship of a young girl, Naisy Samantha, through the World Vision Child Sponsorship. Our sponsorship provides long term resources for Naisy and her community as well as for other children in need.
Water Backpacks to support Clean Water Initiative
NDSA’s IAI committee worked with Partners for Care www.partnersforcare.org to direct our donations to provide water backpacks to schools which are supported by our national International Awareness and Involvement Sub-Committee. A total of $1,000 was donated towards the production of 100 backpacks. Packs are distributed one for every 30 students in a school. Students at I Can Fly International received 20 water packs and students at Muindi Mbingu School received 22 packs. The students were taught by the Partners for Care staff about safe water and hand washing. The remaining 58 packs were donated to nursery schools so that the younger children learn they will not become sick if they drink safe water.
World Aids Day
The 2018-2019 theme of World Aids Day was to “Know Your Status”. NDSA chose to leverage social media to increase awareness, promote testing in our communities, and show strong support for those continuing to live with HIV/AIDS. A content calendar was created to schedule targeted information at 2-3 hour increments throughout the day on December 1st. The information shared included awareness of the continuing epidemic of HIV/AIDs and its increased severity because of the lack of testing and early detection. Information relative to African Americans, African American women, and particularly to Texas residents was shared along with places to visit for testing. As a result, over 1,700 people were reached with 164 of them taking additional action upon reading the information.
Hurricane Dorian Relief
Answering the call for assistance, our committee sprang into action to help our sisters of the Bahamas Delta Chapters with Hurricane Dorian Relief. The goal was to collect personal hygiene items to be shipped to the Bahamas. The committee collected items during chapter meeting and during the Physical and Mental Health Committee’s Skate Party. Items collected included hand and bar soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, toothbrushes, female sanitary products, first aid kits, and other traditional hygiene items. The committee shipped ten boxes of hygiene items to the Bahamas.
I Can Fly International
The IAI Committee informed us about the dire needs and horrific genital mutilation practices still used today in African countries. The committee shared an informational video of the experiences that young girls in Kenya and across the African diaspora must endure during the mutilation process and the stigma in the aftermath. The committee set out to develop an engaging fundraising campaign for the girls of I Can Fly International, which is one of the approved international projects under Grand Chapter. The committee challenged chapter members to donate $22, in honor of our twenty-two Founders, to provide $2,500 towards the purchase of 50 uniforms for the children of I Can Fly International near Nairobi, Kenya. It was no surprise that the committee exceeded its goal, with over 45% of chapter members donating, and was able to donate $3,000 dollars to I Can Fly International School for the purchase of school uniforms.
Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Campus
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NORTHWEST ARKANSAS AREA
ALUMNAE CHAPTER
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Children from Canopy NWA hold books donated by the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter |
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A little girl smiles with her book, donated by the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter |
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Moving to a new neighborhood can be exciting, but perhaps frightening to a small child. Imagine escaping your homeland to resettle in a new country, learning a new language, and moving to a location where the majority of the residents do not look like you.
In September 2019, the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter held a children’s book drive to support local libraries with books featuring Black and African-American characters and historical figures. A portion of these books were donated to Canopy Northwest Arkansas (NWA) to share with refugee children of African descent who are resettling in our community.
Canopy NWA, a non-profit founded in February 2016, is the first designated refugee resettlement site in the state of Arkansas. Canopy NWA supports refugees from around the world, including the African diaspora, in their efforts to move from survivors to citizens in the Northwest Arkansas community. When asked why the chapter chose Canopy NWA as a recipient of the children’s books, Tanya Cook, Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter President, said, “I felt it was an important act for our members to partner with Canopy NWA by donating books to the children that feature people who look like them to promote a healthy self-image and to aid them in learning about prominent African- Americans.”
The American Immigration Council defines a refugee as “a person who is unable or unwilling to return to his or her home country because of a well-founded fear of persecution due to race, membership in a particular social group, political opinion, religion, or national origin.” Canopy NWA reminds us “this means that in order to be a refugee, you can’t just be in any type of danger—you must be in danger because of who you are.” The children who received the donated books are refugees from several African counties including Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Canopy NWA works to create a community where refugees are welcomed and equipped with all they need to build new lives and thrive. Chapter President Cook said, “The African refugees that come to the Northwest Arkansas community need to know that there are people in the area that look like them and support them as they transition into their new lives. Canopy Northwest Arkansas has become a bridge for making those transformations.”
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A selection of books donated by the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter |
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Canopy NWA staff show some of the children's books donated by the Northwest Arkansas Area Alumnae Chapter |
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NORTHERN VIRGINIA ALUMNAE CHAPTER |
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For the 2018-2020 biennium, the Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter (“NoVAC”) heeded Soror National President’s charge to develop dynamic programming that would impact women and girls throughout the diaspora. NoVAC accepted this charge and with a zealous focus on “Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service,” NoVAC entered our 60th year with a commitment to making a lasting impact among our international neighbors. Led by our IAI International Awareness and Involvement (“IAI”) Committee and successful collaborations with chapter committees, community partners, including mentoring the collegiate chapter that NoVAC sponsors, NoVAC donated nearly $14,000 to Grand Chapter IAI Sustainability Initiatives!
In 2018- 2019 sorority year, NoVAC raised $7,320 to support IAI Initiatives. The year’s highlight was our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service Project to support our global community. NoVAC educated the chapter and public on the issue of “period poverty” and raised $1,920 that facilitated through IAI partner, Kenya KEEP, provided sanitary towels for two years to support all the girls attending the “I CAN FLY SCHOOL.” Residual funds raised from NoVAC’s MLK event provided $2400 for the lunch program at the Emmanuel School located in Nairobi, Kenya and provided monetary support of $2000 to build a well in the Village of Gamba located in Kenya, which will provide clean water for students and their families. NoVAC donated $500 to the Vashti Village, and we are proud to have mentored and collaborated with collegiate chapter Omicron Rho Chapter, in raising $500.00 for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. School, Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Campus, in Haiti.
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In 2019-2020 sorority year, NoVAC raised $6,000 to support IAI Initiatives. For our 2019-2020 sorority year and approaching our 61st year of service, NoVAC co-sponsored a World AIDS Day Program with the City of Alexandria and five Northern Virginia area chapters of, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The five collaborative NoVA Chapters were Fairfax County Alumnae, Fredericksburg Area Alumnae, Loudoun County Alumnae, Northern Virginia Alumnae, and Prince William County Alumnae. Attendees received valuable educational tools for awareness, prevention, treatment, and resources for rapid HIV testing in the locality. The sorority year highlight was our “NoVAC Strong for Haiti” campaign. With a goal to support 300 children, the Committee developed a sponsorship program of $20 per child, which would cover costs to provide a breakfast and lunch for each child. As an incentive for sponsoring each youth, Sorors were provided a wristband for each $20 increment. NoVAC and the Community gave generously and again all were educated on the event goals. NoVAC raised $6,000 to support the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. School, Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre Campus in Cherrette, Haiti.
Our course NoVAC made its biennium donation of $200 to support the sorority’s overall IAI Sustainability Plan.
In our 61st year, NoVAC remains committed to IAI Initiatives to build better lives for women and children throughout the diaspora. NoVAC remains committed to supporting our international communities.
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OKLAHOMA SOONER CITY ALUMNAE CHAPTER |
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The Dynamic Oklahoma Sooner City Alumnae (OSCA) Chapter, of Oklahoma City, participated in the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City Young Professionals’ (ULOKCYP) World AIDS Day Networking Event, as a community partner for National AIDS day. Guiding Right, Inc offered free, discreet, condential HIV/AIDS testing on-site during the event. This event was free and open to the public. During this informative event, Poet and published author Anthony Crawford, aka Proverb, preformed a special poem encouraging the hearts of all those in attendance. The company sponsors in attendance were Boeing Company / Boeing Employees Pride Alliance (BEPA) who sponsored free food for all attendees. Food catered by Black Owned Business, Bistro 46 Restaurant and Grille. The OSCA International Awareness and Involvement committee provided Red Ribbons in acknowledgment of World AIDS Day and discussed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. mission, and International Projects. Other community agencies included the Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network of Oklahoma (RAIN Oklahoma), who provided condoms and literature on preventing HIV. This World AIDS Day Networking event reached over 70 people in the Oklahoma City Metro area. |
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Oklahoma Sooner City Alumnae Chapter members setting-up our display table.
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Oklahoma Sooner City Alumnae Chapter and Boeing sponsor. |
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Just a few items available during the World AIDS Day Networking Event. |
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WESTERN WAKE ALUMNAE CHAPTER |
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The Western Wake Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has been energized by Chapter President, Soror Shenita Cunningham to be intentional about providing food to those in need. In an effort to provide food to a local food pantry the chapter kicked off the Western Wake Fights Food Insecurity Food Drive. Sorors were encouraged to bring non perishable foods to the October, November and December sorority meetings. Prior to the December sorority meeting the chapter had collected over 225 pounds of non perishable foods. The Western Wake Fights Food Insecurity Food Drive will culminate at the December sorority meeting. All foods collected will be donated to the food pantry at Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolina. |
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WHAT IS WORLD AIDS DAY?
World AIDS Day takes place on 1 December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.
WHY IS WORLD AIDS DAY IMPORTANT?
Over 101,600 people are living with HIV in the UK. Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year in the UK over 4,300 people are diagnosed with HIV, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.
World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
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Thank you to ALL Seven Regions for your World AIDS Day Submissions! |
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Oklahoma Sooner City Alumnae
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Brooklyn Alumnae
Central Jersey Alumnae
Philadelphia Alumnae
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Ascension Alumnae
Portland Alumnae
San Fernando Valley Alumnae
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Akron Alumnae
Columbus (OH) Alumnae
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Charlotte Alumnae
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Atlanta Suburban Alumnae
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Baton Rouge Delta Alumnae
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Epsilon Beta
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New Orleans Alumnae
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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FINANCE QUESTIONS
Q: Where do I send my IAI (International Awareness and Involvement) funds and donations?
A: All IAI financial donations must be mailed to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Finance Department
PAYEE: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
ADDRESS: DST/Finance Department, 1707 New Hampshire Ave, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009
Q: Can I get a tax deduction receipt for my financial donation?
A: Yes, all financial donations that require a Federal income tax deduction receipt must mail their donations to Delta Research & Education Foundation (DREF)
PAYEE: Delta Research & Education Foundation
ADDRESS: DREF/1703 New Hampshire Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009
**Enclose notation, list your Chapter name and Chapter number and where you want the funds/donations to be credited – name the project and location. DREF will communicate with IAI to transfer funds to IAI according to your written request. Once this transaction is completed funds will be disbursed electronically by IAI to project(s).
INVOLVEMENT QUESTIONS
Q: We want to do more than donate – What else can we do?
A: The simple act of telling someone is powerful – leveraging the power of our voices as there are plenty of ways to bringing awareness and get your community involved, i.e., Fundraisers, Information and Communication Sessions, Partnerships, etc.
** IAI has a CAMPAIGN FUND APPROVAL FORM to support Chapter’s or Region’s Fundraiser. This form is available, please email ppd@deltasigmatheta.org
Q: Can we send supplies and physical donations to help?
A: When it comes to supplies/donations, our fifty years of experience have proven the value of “local first.” Whenever possible, we source supplies and item donations locally because it is most cost-effective and it benefits local economies. It’s safer, as we minimize the risk of supplies being tampered or stolen, also shipping, transportation and labor costs are extremely expensive! By eliminating risk factors in these countries and expensive cost, we are able to invest more of your donation into lifesaving sustainable survival opportunities for years to come.
Q: Can our Chapter volunteer to visit our project(s) in Africa and Haiti?
A: We must have National President Smith’s Signature Approval to visit our Project(s) prior to travel date(s). IAI has an International Awareness and Involvement Mission Trip Approval Form Packet that must be submitted six months prior to your travel and trip itinerary date(s). This form is available, please email ppd@deltasigmatheta.org
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WORLD AIDS DAY, December 1, 2020. The IAI Subcommittee will request submissions for our 2021 IAI newsletter and will present awards to chapters with exemplary programming during national convention for 2020 World AIDS Day, using the theme: "Rock the Ribbon" More details will be forthcoming.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS: Below is the link to the World AIDS Day 2020 Jotform for the article newsletter submission
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR
CONTINUED SUPPORT!
INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 13
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