ince 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, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated provides an extensive array of public service initiatives through its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust of:
- Economic Development
- Educational Development
- International Awareness and Involvement
- Physical and Mental Health
- Political Awareness and Involvement/Social Action
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
As a public service organization, the Bloomington-Normal Alumnae chapter members are dedicated to volunteering in the community that we serve. Since its beginning, our members have been actively involved in various community programs to aid in Economic Development throughout the community.
National economic trends, such as unstable employment, the threat to Social Security as we know it, and the widening gap between wealth and poverty are the bases for the development of Financial Fortitude, the current Economic Development Program Initiative of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Financial Fortitude is a process that will help program participants to set and define goals, develop a plan to achieve them, and to put the plan into action. The process serves as a blueprint to address all aspects of personal finances.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Bloomington-Normal Alumnae chapter takes pride in our programming under the sorority’s Educational Development Thrust. From recognizing leaders in our community to offering scholarship awards to mentoring our future leaders, our sorors believe in the importance of education. Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow, Preparing Young Women for the 21st Century. Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy “was created out of an urgent sense that bold action was needed to save our young females (ages 11-14) from the perils of academic failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures. Our focus has been the personal development of young ladies, with specific attention given to the areas of self-esteem, writing, mathematics, science, and technology. In addition to Delta Academy and Delta G.E.M.S., the chapter has a longstanding scholarship program that provides scholarships to students within the Bloomington-Normal community. We also recognize the accomplishments of outstanding individuals and our chapter members.
INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT
The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s International Awareness and Involvement (IAI) program’s mission is to promote global citizenship and understanding of other nations. The sorority has a history of involvement in international causes, including
- Several events and activities related to the International AIDS Awareness Day
- Supporting relief efforts in Haiti, South Africa, and other Third World countries
- Providing pre- and post-natal care for women and children in Thika, Kenya through the Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital
- Providing a home for children who became orphans due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Swaziland through the Delta House
- Providing a school facility for children in Haiti through the Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre Campus of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. School
Our chapter’s activities have varied from soliciting support for global projects, such as Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital in East Africa and International AIDS Awareness Day, to coordinating an international Pen Pal program between the local students of Delta Academy and students in Kenya.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
As an organization of predominately African-American women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is uniquely positioned to impact not only the well-being of its members but also the well-being of families and communities at-large. Our national and regional initiatives focus on self-care, physical fitness, emotional wellness, and preventing domestic intimate partner violence. Through strategic partnerships with the March of Dimes, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Cancer Society, we access resources to educate communities regarding health issues and contribute funds to their work. The Midwest Region has also compiled the attached Mental Health directory for providers serving the communities in the Midwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
In recent years, our chapter has focused on raising awareness of chronic illnesses in African-American families such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, mental health issues, diabetes, and kidney disease. We annually participate in the St. Jude Walk to end childhood cancer and have provided community education on organ donation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have recognized essential workers with encouragement and meals to support their physical and mental health. We also have partnered with local organizations to sponsor and participate in health fairs. Our chapter invites you to join us on a journey of self-care and making healthy lifestyle choices to positively improve your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
POLITICAL AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT/SOCIAL ACTION
In March 1913, less than two months after the sorority’s founding, Deltas marched down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. for women’s suffrage. Delta’s political activism is alive and well in the Bloomington-Normal Alumnae Chapter (BNAC).Voter Education – BNAC distributes voting information regarding registration, early voting, and casting absentee ballots.Voter Registration – BNAC conducts voter registration drives at the Cultural Fest and Juneteenth, in addition to drives at local businesses and churches.
Delta Day at the Bloomington City Council, Delta Day at the Town of Normal Council – On the second Monday in May in Bloomington, and the first Monday in June in Normal, BNAC celebrates Delta Day at the City Council. Implemented in May of 2003, Delta Day educates BNAC sorors on the workings of the City Council and exposes the City Council to the public-service programs BNAC implements in Bloomington and Normal.
Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital – BNAC sends a representative to this annual legislative conference to increase our involvement in the national public policy-making process. Delta Days include legislative briefings, issue forums, and advocacy skills development. Featured speakers include key policy-makers, members of the United States Congress, Congressional staff members, and national issues experts. Delta Days trains participants to become effective social action advocates in the areas of quality education, affordable healthcare, Census 2010, and economic viability.