Delta Service Organization Convenes in Orlando
ORLANDO, FL – Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a service organization founded in 1913, will convene its 49th National Convention in Orlando, Florida July 24 – 30, 2008. Nearly 15,000 predominantly African American women representing more than 950 chapters in the United States, Japan, Germany, the Republic of Korea, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Jamaica and the Bahamas are expected to attend.
The convention theme, One Mission, One Sisterhood: Empowering Communities through Committed Service, provides Delta Sigma Theta with the opportunity to address issues related to socioeconomic conditions impacting the African American community. Also, in this historic presidential election year, Delta leadership will use the convention as an opportunity to encourage continued political awareness and involvement among its members and the larger public.
“Delta Sigma Theta does not represent the traditional image many may have of sororities and how they operate,” explained Dr. Louise A. Rice, the 23rd national president. “We stand on 95 years of community service, social action, and political involvement. Our programs address the very real issues and concerns affecting families in America.”
Among Delta’s national programs is Financial Fortitude, an initiative that focuses on improving personal finances and achieving home ownership as strategies to build wealth. Total Woman: Mind, Body and Spirit is a program that takes a hard look at the health issues confronting African American women, specifically obesity, heart disease and HIV AIDS. Members are encouraged to take steps to improve their health and also to work in their communities to raise awareness about health and wellness.
“Our members are actively engaged in their hometowns conducting workshops, health fairs, and educational forums to empower people and whole communities,” said Dr. Rice. “Wherever Deltas live, they are working to make a positive difference.”
The public may participate in the open events being held during the Delta convention, including a public meeting, an ecumenical worship service, a social action luncheon, a Gospel Concert headlined by recording sensation CeCe Winans and a signature gala featuring R&B recording artist Brian McKnight. There is no admission charge for the Public Meeting. For information on the public events and ticket information, visit http://www.deltasigmatheta.org/.
Based in the nation’s capital, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. The major programs of the organization are based upon its Five-Point Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement.
More than 200,000 women have been initiated into Delta Sigma Theta through collegiate and alumnae chapters in the United States and abroad. The Sorority includes among its membership social activist Dr. Dorothy Height who is president emeritus of the National Council of Negro Woman and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, former U.S. Labor Secretary Alexis Herman, acclaimed actress Ruby Dee and many other accomplished women.
