SISTERHOOD * SERVICE * SCHOLARSHIP * SOCIAL ACTION
OUR 5-POINT
PROGRAMMATIC THRUST
National Programs
OUR 5-POINT PROGRAMMATIC THRUST
The major programs of the Sorority are based upon the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust:
• Economic Development
• Educational Development
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Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy
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Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully)
• International Awareness and Involvement
• Physical and Mental Health
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Summit V
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The Healthy Weight Program
• Political Awareness and Involvement
Delta Academy
Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow, Preparing Young Women for the 21st Century: The Delta Academy was created in 1996 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. Delta Academy provides an opportunity for local chapters to enrich and enhance the education that our young teens receive in public schools across the nation. Specifically, we augment their scholarship in math, science, and technology, their opportunities to provide service in the form of leadership through service learning defined as the cultivation and maintenance of relationships. A primary goal of the program is to prepare young girls for full participation as leaders in the 21st Century.
Delta GEMS
Delta GEMS was created to catch the dreams of African-American at-risk, adolescent girls aged 14-18. Delta GEMS provides the framework to actualize those dreams through the performance of specific tasks that develop a CAN DO attitude. The goals for Delta GEMS are:
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To instill the need to excel academically;
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To provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;
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To assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures in high school and beyond; and
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To create compassionate, caring, and community-minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Youth Program Volunteers
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., recognizes that volunteers are essential to youth programs. Delta defines volunteers as all individuals participating in youth initiatives to include Delta’s and non-Delta’s. An individual must be 18 years or older to participate as a volunteer. All volunteers must complete our volunteer candidate background screening process which includes an application, criminal background check, interview, and reference checks every three years. Volunteers must also attend an annual volunteer training and complete the annual confirmation of status form in the second and third year after their application.
Parents/Guardians
We require parents and/or guardians to complete and sign Risk Management forms for youth to participate in our programs either virtually or in-person. The forms have been approved by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, for use by all chapters.
You may download the forms to your computer using the button below. The forms are fillable PDFs and should be emailed to paducahalum@gmail.com.
Arts & Letters
The National Commission on Arts and Letters, established in 1973 by Past National President Lillian Benbow. We strive to promote a positive image of African Americans and other minorities in our community through music, dance, drama, and poetry. The committee promotes impactful cultural endeavors and artists through events such as:
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Delta Red Carpet/Theatre Outings
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Concerts
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Plays
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Book Clubs
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Painting
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Artists’ Showcases
Paducah Alumnae Chapter Programs
Delta Derby
& Jazz
Delta Derby & Jazz, which is an annual scholarship fundraiser held on the first Saturday in May. This event is a unique blend of Kentucky Derby-style festivities and jazz music, designed to raise funds for scholarships, benefiting local students in the surrounding area.
Hats off to
Delta
Hats off to Delta is another yearly benefit. Granting scholarships towards local students.
May Week
May Week is a national program of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. that was created at Delta’s second National Convention in 1920 at Wilberforce University. May Week is a week in May that is set aside each year for programs, highlighting academic and professional achievements and the events which emphasize the importance of higher education in the community, especially for Black women. Activities are created through the Sorority’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, which was established in 1955.
Go Red Heart Luncheon
The "Go Red Heart Luncheon" is an annual event organized by the Mental & Physical Health Committee. The event aims to raise awareness about heart disease, particularly its impact on black women, and to encourage healthier lifestyle choices. It typically includes a luncheon, speakers, survivor stories, and opportunities for attendees to learn more about heart health, while raising funds for heart disease research and education programs.