Intelligence is the Torch of Wisdom
Buy Now
Welcome to the official site of the Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. For the past 80 years in greater Austin, the members of the Austin Chapter have demonstrated their commitment to serving the community and to being steadfast in delivering quality programming to benefit residents of East Austin.
We hope that you will find our site informative and that you will visit often for the latest updates on programs, events, and activities. Perhaps you will even join us for one of our planned events and learn more about us and the commitment we have embraced in service to the communities of greater Austin.
Sincerely,
Gwendolyn Robinson Greene
President 2009-2011
ScholarshipApplication11-12final.doc
Austin Alumnae Chapter
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
1190 San Bernard St.
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 480-0587
contactus_austinalumnae.org
The national website for
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
www.deltasigmatheta.org
The Southwest Region of
Delta Sigma, Theta Sorority, Incorporated
http://www.dstswregion.org
Sigma Sigma (Austin Alumnae) and Alpha Kappa Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. were established simultaneously on November 26, 1930 at Wesley United Methodist Church by the National President, Soror Anna J. Thompson. Sigma Sigma was the first black Greek letter organization with a graduate chapter in the city of Austin.
Charter members of Sigma Sigma are:
Soror Maude Ella Garrett Tyree - (First President)
Soror Gladys Brewer Miles - (Second President)
Soror Harriette Brown Goff - (Sixth President)
Soror Annie Lillie B. H. Armstrong - (First Secretary)
Soror Arlyne B. Wyatt - (Served as President of San Antonio Alumnae)
Soror Christine Shackles - (Served as Regional Director)
Soror June Brewer - (Served as Regional Director)
Two associate members were Mable Echols and Jannett Walker McNealy. These Sorors were confirmed into full membership at the 11th National Convention in 1931. Soror Christine Sellers Shackles was the first initiate of Sigma Sigma. By mandate of Grand Chapter, Sigma Sigma became Austin Alumnae in 1956. Austin Alumnae sponsors three collegiate chapters: Alpha Kappa at Huston-Tillotson
University, founded 1930; Epsilon Beta at the University of Texas at Austin, founded 1960, and Iota Omega at Southwest Texas State University, founded 1973. Austin Alumnae provides advisors for each of these chapters and financial assistance as required or requested. The Collegiate Advisors Committee, serves as the liaison between the Alumnae Chapter and the collegiate chapters.
Delta Sigma Theta, a non-profit Greek-lettered sorority is dedicated collectively to public service with emphasis on the African American community. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on January 13, 1913 by twenty-two collegiate women on the campus of Howard University. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is the largest African-American Greek-lettered sorority in the world.
Our major goal is to reach out to the community; thereby, creating a sense of appreciation for Arts and Letters through implementation of and assistance with programs, activities or events that provide opportunities for involvement of youth and senior citizens. In addition, we will continue to announce, promote, and coordinate various group activities that may be of interest to Chapter members.
Social Action Committee
The Social Action committee promotes leadership, advocacy and empowerment to effect social change and public policy. We are the vehicle through which the Sorority establishes a position on an emerging or perennial public issue, determines the action to be taken, and directs the actions of our members. The committee implements projects and programs that stimulate social action and educate members and the community on current issues.
Social Action Committee Goals:
Heart Month
American Heart Month is only a week away and you are invited to join us for our Heart Month Lobby Day. Help us educate lawmakers on the number one cause of death in Texas - - heart disease.
Thursday, February 2
Texas Capitol: Room TBD
10am – Noon
While heart disease and stroke remain the leading health threats in our state, funding was recently cut that would have had an impact on Cardiovascular Disease prevention. We all know it is more cost effective to prevent disease than it is to treat it, but our elected officials need to hear that message from our Heart Advocates.
Next Thursday we want to talk to lawmakers about the importance of the Texas CVD Council and health disparities programs.
Please RSVP to me if you are interested in attending and don’t forget to wear your red!
Heart Disease and Stroke. You'’re the Cure
Pamela Sherman <Pamela.Sherman_heart.org>
Letter from the NAACP
Leadership. Commitment. Unity.
As I sat in the House of Representatives chamber this evening, these were the themes I heard President Obama speak to in his State of the Union address. But as I listened to President Obama, I looked at obstructionist leaders in Congress and I couldn't help but get angry. It is past time to throw aside partisan differences, put America first and embrace the American values of equal opportunity and fairness for all. In communities across the country, the NAACP has marched, rallied, and raised our voices to let our leaders know job creation can't wait. President Obama has heard our call, and tonight he laid out his ambitious blueprint for continuing to improve the economy and put people back to work. Unfortunately, too many members of Congress are committed to nothing but blocking the president's work. They are more concerned with scoring political points than getting us out of the worst economic slump since the early 20th century. Every day, NAACP leaders nationwide speak with people who are working harder than ever before, and still struggling to make ends meet. Just this week our North Carolina NAACP leadership conducted a tour throughout the state to chronicle the effects of joblessness, underemployment, and poverty. We know many of you have similar stories, and we want to hear them. Will you share with us your story on how the economic crisis has affected you and those you love?
http://action.naacp.org/page/m/474a349d/7995cc19/7ce19339/2f6176a0/357812508/VEsE/ Marcellus Brown is 43 years old. He doesn't have a steady job, but he wants one. He's from Scotland Neck, North Carolina, but travels 30 miles to apply for unemployment and look for jobs. There are no resources or living wage jobs in his community. Davette Bulluck, a mother of three, is unemployed in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She cleans yards, washes dishes, and collects cans in the streets for money. Her utility bill exceeds her monthly income by $500. She's skipped many meals so her children can eat, and often faces the prospect of choosing between electricity, water, and food. President Obama's American Jobs Act would create 1.9 million jobs for people like Marcellus and Davette in places like Scotland Neck and Rocky Mount. His summer jobs and tourism initiative will create hundreds of thousands more, and stimulate an economy built to last and designed for sustained prosperity. I applaud President Obama for adopting our long-standing priority of economic stability in communities of color, for his bold stand on job creation, and for leading the charge on reversing the economic crisis. But Congress must match his leadership. Millions are suffering, and systemic poverty persists in almost every corner of the richest nation on earth. In moments like this, extreme partisanship is a luxury our nation cannot afford. It is time to pass much-needed legislation to foster workforce training and create the kinds of jobs that allow Marcellus, Davette, and countless others to thrive, not just survive. It is time for cooperation to trump personal political agendas. And until it does, we must continue to speak out, stand up, and be heard. Please share your stories and experiences on the economic crisis, and how it has affected you and your loved ones:
http://action.naacp.org/job-crisis-stories Thank you.
I look forward to hearing what you have to say.
Sincerely, Ben Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO NAACP
Given the sensitive nature of the process, please direct inquiries to the national website for information and if you still have questions, please direct your questions to the Chapter President, as she is the only person authorized to speak on behalf of our Chapter. Persons who wish to express their interest in becoming members should the chapter ever decide, by vote of financial members, to undertake the membership intake process, they need only “drop a line” expressing a desire to be on a mailing list to the attention of the President at the Delta house. No other information is required. If you are interested in the Intake Process, click the envelope below.
The Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy is a program designed for young women ages 11-14 (mid-adolescence /middle school) who:
Delta Academy is anchored in the basic tenets of Delta Sigma Theta: Sisterhood
Scholarship and Service. HAC's curriculum is aligned with the sorority's national
SEE initiative: Science in Everyday Experiences. For more information please contact
Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Delta GEMS (GROWING AND EMPOWERING MYSELF SUCCESSFULLY Program is an extension of the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy I Program. The GEMS Program name and content was changed to become consistent with other teen programs
sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Chapters. The Delta GEMS Program focuses on teenage girls between the ages of 14-18. The goal of Delta GEMS Program is to develop strong, confident and respectful young ladies and prepare them to take an active role in their success and society.
The Delta GEMS is designed for:
Young women who have potential, but need guidance, support and skills to achieve success.
Young women who are interested in developing leadership skills
Young women who are actively pursuing college/and or career options
Young women who need encouragement and support in pursuit of higher learning
Young women identified by schools, churches, youth groups and/or former Delta Academy participants
The objective of the Delta GEMS Committee is to serve as a motivational tool targeting African American female teenagers resulting in an increased knowledge and awareness of issues and concerns affecting women today. The objectives and goals of the Delta GEMS Committee will be accomplished through workshops on:
Scholarship (Academic Excellence)
Sisterhood (Self Esteem, Health Awareness & Leadership)
Showing Me the Money (Financial Awareness)
Service (Social Responsibility Obtained Through Community Service)
The Delta GEMS logo is likened to a gemologist who can see through the use of certain
tools, the hidden treasure in unpolished jewels. Delta GEMS uses the polished jewels as
a symbol of the many facets that shine and glow within our young African-American women.
The Austin Delta Foundation (ADF) for the Austin Alumnae Chapter was initially established during the presidency of Soror Brenda Hanson. The first officers of the Foundation were Betty Washington, Chair and Jacqueline Pleasants, Treasurer. The purpose of the ADF is to "promote projects sponsored by the Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for the furtherance of educational, cultural, and economic development of the Austin community. The primary focus of such projects shall be the East Austin community."
The governing body of the Foundation is the Board of Directors which is composed of thirteen members. Any financial member of the Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. The current President of Austin Alumnae serves as an ex officio, non voting member of the Board of Directors. The term of office for each director is two years, hoever a Board Member may serve two consecutive two year terms. Biennially, the Board of Directors elects its Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, and Tresurer from among its own membership.
The Foundation is responsible for maintaining the property, however the Austin Alumnae Chapter membership is responsible for the financial obligations of the property. On September 19, 1993, the Austin Alumnae Chapter made history and held the Mortgage Burning celebration.
Every year the ADF hosts an annual fundraiser to raise money for scholarships that are given to Austin area graduating high school seniors.
Austin Delta Foundation
Meeting Calendar
2011
Please mark your calendars. ADF will meet at the Delta House at 6pm on the second Tuesday of every other month.
Meeting dates are as follows:
Note: Chapter Meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. in the Baker Center cafeteria located at 3908 Avenue B, Austin, TX 78751, one block east of Guadalupe, between 39th and 40th streets.
The attire for chapter meetings is business attire, no jeans and no clothing made of jean material. Children must not be present in Chapter meetings or business functions. In addition, we remind all sorors to please silence cell phones before entering the meeting.
Note: Executive Board Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. at the Delta House, 1190 San Bernard Street, Austin, TX 78702
Once you arrive on our facebook page, click the button.
"Like" offers a light-weight, consistent way for our fans to connect with the Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. By connecting to our Facebook Page means that our fans will receive updates in their News Feed and receive any new updates on upcoming events from our Sorority Chapter.
Through our fundraising efforts we award scholarships to deserving high school graduates. At the secondary level our programs provide students with assistance in preparation for the SAT and the ACT. Our Delta Academy/ Project SEE (Science and Everyday Experiences) is a program that encourages middle school girls to develop an interest in science. At the elementary level, we offer a variety of programs and activities. Additionally, annual contributions are given to the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) to assist historically black educational institutions.
Our service support children in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Specifically, in Africa we have provided school supplies for the impoverished children in the West African country of Ghana. Through our service at a local Artisan store we are able to provide assistance to villages in Asia and Latin America. The United States military forces serving in the Middle East have also benefited from our public service commitment.
Austin Alumnae members have hosted financial and home ownership workshops to inform interested members of the Austin community. Also, career counseling and professional apparel assistance has been provided to young women exploring employment opportunities.
Our members volunteer in various positions at election polls throughout the Austin community. Voter registration assistance is provided for eligible citizens new to Austin and for people who have never registered.
Our chapter continues to participate in community involvement programs such as the Relay for Life (cancer awareness), the March of Dimes and the Health Fair in conjunction with a local church. We also support the Arts in the Austin community.
JANUARY – 2012
01/03 Delta Academy – Garcia Middle School –focus on a University & discussion on
African American History (person, organization, event, book)
01/05 PPD Committee Meeting-7:00pm via teleconference
01/07 Chapter Meeting -10:00 am
01/07 Economic Development Internal Workshop/Budgeting (for chapter members)-
12:30pm-1:00pm
01/08 Education Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
01/08 Economic Development Committee Meeting -7:30pm via teleconference
01/09 Social Action Committee Meeting – 9:30pm via teleconference
01/09 GEMS Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
01/10 Scholarship Committee-meet with the Austin Delta Foundation
01/10 Delta Academy – Focus on a University (Texas Woman’s University), focus (tba)
01/10 Membership Services Committee –7:30pm via teleconference
01/12 Budget & Finance Meeting – 6:00 pm
01/12 Physical & Mental Health Committee Meeting -8:00pm via teleconference
01/14 Risk Management Training -10:00am (Delta House)
01/16 MLK March & Celebration – Austin Alumnae & GEMS
01/17 Executive Board Meeting – 6:00pm
01/22 Founders Day Celebration
Chapter Worship Service at Greater Mt Zion Baptist Church at 10:00am & Founders Day Program & Rededication-2:00 pm at The Doubletree Hotel
01/28 GEMS meeting – (Career Path & Black History Moment)
01/29 International Awareness & Involvement Committee Meeting- 7:30pm via
teleconference
February 2012
02/02 PPD Committee Meeting-7:00pm via teleconference
02/03-06 23rd Annual “Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital”
8th Collegiate Forum (2/4/2012)
02/04 Chapter Meeting – 10:00am (speaker-League of Women Voters president)
02/09 Physical & Mental Health Committee Meeting -8:00pm via teleconference
02/10 Austin Delta Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser –“ Dancing with the Deltas ” –
Red Oak Ballroom
02/12 Education Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
02/12 Economic Development Committee Meeting- 7:30pm via teleconference
02/13 GEMS Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
02/13 Social Action Committee Meeting – 9:30pm via teleconference
02/16 Membership Services Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
02/17 Scholarship Committee – Last day to submit scholarship applications
02/21 GEMS meeting-“Black History Moment” (Healthy eating & living), healthy
relationships, & teen pregnancy)
02/26 International Awareness & Involvement Committee Meeting- 7:30 pm
via teleconference
MARCH – 2012
SISTERHOOD MONTH
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
FINANCIAL FORTITUDE MONTH
03/01 PPD Committee Meeting-7:00pm (In person, location TBD)
03/02-06 23rd Annual “Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital”
8th Collegiate Forum (3/3/2012)
03/03 Crimson & Cream Day
03/03 Chapter Meeting – 10:00 a.m.
03/08 Physical & Mental Health Committee Meeting -8:00pm via teleconference
03/09 Scholarship Committee – Review applications
03/10 Impact Day of Service
03/11 Education Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
03/11 Economic Development Committee Meeting- 7:30pm via conference
03/12 Social Action Committee Meeting – 9:30pm via teleconference
03/12 GEMS Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
03/13 Membership Services Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
GEMS College Tour Weekend
03/13 Scholarship Committee – Scholarship recommendations submitted to ADF
03/14 Scholarship Committee – Scholarship recipients notified
03/16 Sisterhood Activity –‘Old School Meets Modern Day Game Night’
03/18 Chapter Worship Day
03/20 Executive Board Meeting – 6:00pm
03/24 GEMS Meeting – Black History Moment & Women’s History Moment.
03/23-25 Texas/NM State Summit – League City, TX
03/25 International Awareness & Involvement Committee Meeting- 7:30pm via
APRIL – 2012
04/05 PPD Committee Meeting-7:00pm via teleconference
04/07 Chapter Meeting -10:00am
04/07 Risk Management Training -1:00pm (or 1 hour after chapter
meeting)-Delta House
04/08 Easter
04/09 Social Action Committee Meeting – 9:30pm via teleconference
04/09 GEMS Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
04/10 Membership Services Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
04/12 Budget & Finance – 6:00pm
04/12 Physical & Mental Health Committee Meeting -8:00pm via teleconference
04/12-15 Hortense Golden Canady International Women’s Conference (San Juan,
Puerto Rico)
04/17 Executive Board Meeting – 6:00pm
04/27 Relay for Life East Austin
04/28 GEMS final meeting (etiquette: how to dress & prepare for special events,
financial: credit cards, debt, & the economy)
04/29 International Awareness & Involvement Committee Meeting- 7:30pm via
MAY – 2012
05/03 PPD Committee Meeting-7:00pm via teleconference
05/05 Chapter Meeting – 10:00am
05/05 Austin Delta Foundation-Scholarship Recipient Reception (after
chapter meeting)
05/10 Physical & Mental Health Committee Meeting -8:00pm via
05/13 Mother’s Day
05/14 Social Action Committee Meeting – 9:30pm via teleconference
05/14 GEMS Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via teleconference
05/15 Membership Services Committee Meeting – 7:30pm via
05/15 Executive Board Meeting – 6:00pm
05/19 GEMS culminating event/party for volunteers
JUNE – 2012
06/02 Chapter Meeting – 10:00am
06/02 Membership Services/end of year celebration & chapter fellowship -
12:30pm
TELEPHONE: (512) 480-0587
FAX:
E-MAIL: contactus_austinalumnae.org
Copyright _ Austin Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. All rights reserved.
