Programs

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide programs and services to promote human welfare. The major programs of the Sorority are based upon a Five-Point Program Thrust:

Economic Development
Educational Development
International Awareness and Involvement
Physical and Mental Health
Political Awareness and Involvement

Local Program Implementations

Summit VI: Health Issues Impacting Women of African Descent

Obesity; HIV/Aids; and breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers are all health issues impacting women of African descent at disproportionate rates. In April 2006, Delta Sigma Theta commemorates twenty-five years of summits with an international awareness program, Summit VI: “Health Issues Impacting Women of African Descent,” to be held on the beautiful, stress-free island of Jamaica.

Summit VI will feature many of the foremost experts on healthcare to focus on health issues of mothers, daughters, and sisters of the Diaspora. The conference will include various formats for disseminating information—workshops, panels, and town hall formats. Healthy lifestyle activities will also be a feature of the conference.

Arts & Letters: Women of Courage

Annual Women of Courage Awards - Each year we honor outstanding women in our community. The 2010 Women of Courage Awards will honor women with current and past service in the armed services. Nominations for the 2010 Awards are being accepted until January 23, 2010.

2010 Women of Courage Nomination Form (PDF)
Arts and Letters Monthly Newsletter (PDF)

Cotillion

The Cotillion has been sponsored by the Kansas City, Missouri Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 18 years. The Cotillion is a youth development and scholarship program co-sponsored by The DEED Foundation. It consists of a group of activities which are designed to enhance the academic, social, cultural and civic awareness of selected high school seniors from the greater metropolitan area.

Delta Education and Economic Development Foundation

In 1998, The DEED Foundation was established by the Kansas City, MO Alumnae Chapter as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The business affairs of DEED are managed by a Board of Directors who are members of Delta Sigma Theta. The Foundation works with the KCMO Alumnae Chapter in providing educational and economic development opportunities in our community.

Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy

Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy, a national signature program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was designed to save our girls from the perils of academy failure, low self-esteem, and crippled futures. Another focus is helping young ladies realize and claim goals as they relate to scholarship in the areas of math, science, technology and non-traditional careers.

Delta GEMS

Delta GEMS was created to catch the dreams of African American adolescent girls aged 14-18. Delta GEMS provides the frame work to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific tasks that develop a CAN DO attitude. The goals for Delta GEMS are:

To instill the need to excel academically;

To provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;

To assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures high school and beyond; and

To create compassionate, caring, and community minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.

The Delta GEMS framework is composed of five major components:

Scholarship

Sisterhood

Show Me the Money

Service

Infinitely Complete

These form a road map for college and career planning. Topics within the five major components are designed to provide interactive lessons and activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individual growth.

Delta GEMS Brochure (PDF) .............................. Delta GEMS Schedule (PDF)

Economic Development

Economic empowerment seminars are held around the community that are free and open to the public.

International Day of Service

In promoting health and wellness on HIV/AIDS in a foremost manner, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc affirmed March 13, 2004 as its International Day of Service. On this day, the 900 plus Delta chapters in American and abroad presented conventional and innovative programming initiatives to educate men, women and children on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, provided testing, raised funds for research and services, petitioned policymakers in an effort to win the battle HIV/AIDS.

Voter Registration

Training is periodically held for Kansas City residents to certify them to register voters. Voter registration drives follow.

Annual Youth Retreat

Girls in grades 5 - 12 attend a full day long event where they receive information on money management, personal hygiene, self-esteem, and career and education development. The 12th Annual Youth Retreat will be held on Saturday, May 1st. For more information see the flyer below. To register, click the registration link.

Youth Retreat Flyer (PDF).............................. Registration