PROGRAMS
The Wichita Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. serves an array of public service initiatives. They are:
Economic Development
The Economic Development Committee is responsible for educating the community and chapter members on personal fiscal management, financial security, homeownership, and entrepreneurship.
Educational Development
The Educational Development Committee was created to implement public service initiatives impacting the lives of the youth in our community. Our mission is to support students living in the Wichita area by mentoring, building positive relationships, and enriching educational experiences.
THE BETTY SHABAZZ DELTA ACADEMY
Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow
Ages 11-14
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 G.E.M.S.
Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully
Ages 14-18
A natural outgrowth and expansion for the continuation of the highly successful Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy: Catching the Dreams of Tomorrow, 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.
The Delta GEMS program offers a road map for college and career planning through activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection and individual growth. Delta GEMS, like Delta Academy, is implemented by chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Delta GEMS participants have the opportunity to define and “Discover their individual Brilliance.”
EMBODI
Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence
The EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence) program is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, with the support and action of other major organizations, on the plight of African-American males. Both informal and empirical data suggests that the vast majority of African-American males continue to be in crisis and are not reaching their fullest potential educationally, socially and emotionally. EMBODI is designed to address these issues through dialogue and recommendations for change and action. EMBODI addresses issues related to STEM education, culture, self-efficacy, leadership, physical and mental health, healthy lifestyle choices, character, ethics, relationships, college readiness, fiscal management, civic engagement and service learning.
International Awareness & Involvement
Delta has a rich history of involvement in the international arena. The building and maintenance of a maternity wing at the Thika Memorial Hospital in Kenya, West Africa, to Delta’s identification of 1987 at the “Delta International Year” underscore Delta’s commitment to understanding the world. The “African Diaspora,” a Delta Cultural Awareness/Study Program, focused on the dispersion of the peoples and cultures of Africa through the continents of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the island countries in the eastern and western hemispheres.
Physical & Mental Health
As an organization of predominantly African American women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is uniquely positioned to impact not only the well-being of its membership, but also the families and communities we serve.
Political Awareness & Involvement
CHAPTER INITIATIVES
Social Action
Committee
Physical & Mental Health
Social Action Committee
The Social Action Committee is directed, guided, and inspired by Delta Sigma Theta’s National Social Action initiatives which work to assure that local, state, and national issues are brought before the Chapter, so that, appropriate action can be taken systemically. Social Action was the first public and significant act of our Sorority.
Feeling compelled to join a national movement and march in the historic Women’s Suffrage March of 1913, our sorority has remained actively involved in political activism and tirelessly working to inform communities about this legislative process. The mission of social action in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is to promote leadership, advocacy, education, engagement, and empowerment to effect social change and public policy in our communities, counties, state, and nation. Though non-partisan in nature and purpose, Delta understands the importance of the need for an informed electorate.
We are the driving force that helps the Sorority to bring about CHANGE! Every Delta is encouraged to use their voice, and presence to advocate for the communities we serve. We are visible, we show
up and we definitely show out! “The Wichita Alumnae Chapter understands the importance of developing ongoing programs that are impactful to our service area and community members.
Our future project, to be on the lookout for the upcoming year of 2023 is The Legal Aid/Tax Fair, designed to service the Wichita community.
Physical & Mental Health
As an organization of predominantly African American women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is uniquely positioned to impact not only the wellbeing of its membership but also the families and communities we serve. The following are some of WAC's recent activities in support of the physical and mental health of our members and community:
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Menstrual kits were donated with affirmation notes for female students in need at Gordon Park Elementary School.
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A women's wellness walk was hosted at Coleman Park, as walking reduces risks of disease in women of color.
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"Step with the Deltas," a physical fitness event, was hosted in collaboration with 3 Keys Fitness, a Black-owned business in Wichita.
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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, an award-winning video promoting mask wearing and hand washing was published.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, a yoga and journaling workshop was hosted to support mental wellness.
Be on the lookout for WAC's Live Well Physical and Mental Health Movement activities, beginning Spring 2023. These events will focus on increasing physical activity; improving mobility; promoting mental health awareness; providing education about the signs, symptoms, and treatment strategies for mental health concerns; and encouraging mental wellness and self-care within communities of color.