Analyzing the 5 POINT THRUSTS of DST

[candygirl]

International and political awareness and involvement.

If I'd answered this question, lets say 14 months ago, I probably would have said educational development or physical and mental health. Since the events of September 11 I feel the need to become more knowledgeable of what's going on in other countries.
As a college student my thoughts, time, and energy are focused on my next test, a paper that I have to write, or preparing for graduate school. When asked about my opinions about terrorist, homeland security, and war with Iraq my responses are very limited. I know I'm not the only one who is ignorant about what's going on. In all actuality we all may be a little ignorant, especially since they claim that the government new about the possiblity of what happened on Sept. 11 ten years before it happened.

[Gina1201]

Similar to what has already been said I think that education is KEY. We can educate everyone about the other four thrusts while using the educational thrust as an umbrella thrust. The strengths of this particular thrust is that this can be applied to everyone. A person is NEVER to old to learn.

Currently, I work with my area's Delta Academy. We are stressing education as the primary goal this year. We have used education in a very broad sense. We have different elements that we like to work on including: academics, self-love, sheroes, etc. While it is important to stres education for everyone, I believe that young African-American women have a lot to benefit from the academy. For one, they are able to see other African-American women in a positive light and can also use these women as role models.

I myself have learned a lot from the Academy, not only from the members of Delta Sigma Theta but the young girls themselves. I believe CT4 said it best, "without education we cannot move forward as a people".

[Kimmie1913]

This is the thrust that is most important to me. Social Action is my passion in Delta Sigma Theta. I feel that is truly the basis of the Sorority and that it was demonstrated by the first public action of the Sorority, participation in the Women’s Suffrage March.

In order to meet the goals of the other four thrusts, political involvement is needed. Whether it is funding for education, AIDS research, business development, or international aid, our government touches some part of the issue. So for me, social and political action plays a part in each of the thrusts.

[Misstery]

I'm gonna go with Political Awareness because the country is in dire need of more policy change and urban representation in ALL areas of politics, from Local to National. If we as black people don't understand how voting really affects us, then things will change very slowly or not at all.
I've been to places and actually have lived in a place where the people weren't given any choice as to who their leader was, and all they could do was hopelessly look on as these people (I like to call them degenerate bastards) embezzled the country's money, assasinated journalists and citizens who tried to tell the truth about them, and commit other awful crimes against the citizens/human rights.
So I think that trying to increase and encourage Political Awareness will do a lot for the community and country, and stirring people to action over issues that affect them is the best way to stimulate change, IMO.

Misstery....

[CrimsonTide4]

ttt for 2005

[pyt4christ]

I know I am responding to a super old post, but I love this topic!!! I think that the thrust structure is a very efficient and effective way to both communicate purpose and serve the community, but I am most drawn to "Economic Development."

One of the things that I value is homeownership for African Americans (and all Americans, really)...which is why at 22, I made it a REQUIREMENT to purchase a home for myself (toot, toot! ). But seriously, with our nation's flailing economic situation, many community service orgs do not want to touch the homeownership topic. I love the fact that Delta is embracing it with the "Delta Homeownership Initiative." I've seen that many chapters are holding financial literacy workshops and equipping people with the FACTS to be able to pursue dreams of financial freedom and even homeownership!! I love it!! It's time for African Americans to gain parity in the money game, and I appreciate that Delta is diving in full force!!!

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by pyt4christ

I know I am responding to a super old post, but I love this topic!!! I think that the thrust structure is a very efficient and effective way to both communicate purpose and serve the community, but I am most drawn to "Economic Development."

One of the things that I value is homeownership for African Americans (and all Americans, really)...which is why at 22, I made it a REQUIREMENT to purchase a home for myself (toot, toot! ). But seriously, with our nation's flailing economic situation, many community service orgs do not want to touch the homeownership topic. I love the fact that Delta is embracing it with the "Delta Homeownership Initiative." I've seen that many chapters are holding financial literacy workshops and equipping people with the FACTS to be able to pursue dreams of financial freedom and even homeownership!! I love it!! It's time for African Americans to gain parity in the money game, and I appreciate that Delta is diving in full force!!!

fyi, Delta is not the only one--the first of the NPHC, but not the only one with a home ownership initiative. Just want to set the record straight in the spirit of D4 unity.

[pyt4christ]

Absolutely, thanks ladygreek! I was moreso referring to community service orgs in general (as opposed to just Greeks/Black Greeks). I have a lot of respect for all of the D9 Fraternities and Sororities and all of the things they've done to advance African Americans over the years.


It's definitely good to know that these Black Greek orgs are moving toward similar, positive goals.

[brickhouse492]

Physical and Mental Health

On College Hill last night, students participated in an event sponsored by the Ludacris Foundation. IT WAS SO FLY!!!!!!!!

A venue was secured and food tables were set up.
Set up took approx. 1 hr. The children arrived and the College Hill students cooked with them.

Some of ya'll know how little ones love to get in the kitchen to help mommy. They learned about the food chart, eating well, measuring, safety, etc. Teaching the children from young re: Physical and Mental Health could help our people live longer, ..... and better.

All of the kids had on little chef hats. Their smiles were so awesome. It was so adorable. Very Jack and Jill. THENNNN, the kids took home a gift.

Finally, they actually ate the food they prepared. Very Nice Event. I also loved the Kings Who Cook event in Harlem. Seeing dads step up to the plate was very hot. And Tastey.

[qt237a]

I think Educational Development is the most important of the five thrusts. It is important to prepare our youth so that they can become tomorrow's leaders. They need better schools, mentors, and someone to teach them about their history. Like someone said earlier, all of the other thrusts can be taught through education. And every successful person (doctor, lawyer, business owner, etc.) has a teacher to thank.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally Posted by qt237a

I think Educational Development is the most important of the five thrusts. It is important to prepare our youth so that they can become tomorrow's leaders. They need better schools, mentors, and someone to teach them about their history. Like someone said earlier, all of the other thrusts can be taught through education. And every successful person (doctor, lawyer, business owner, etc.) has a teacher to thank.

The unsuccessful ones have a teacher to thank as well.

[5Knowledge1913]

Originally Posted by CrimsonAngel2001

Political Awareness and Involvement

I think that more people need to be aware of what is going on politically in the United States and get involved and take a stand. There are so many people that complain about the government and politics but don't vote because they believe there voice doesn't count. When someone knows whats going on politically it can really help them understand why certain things are certain ways and if they see a problem with it tose who are politically educated may actually go out and do something to make change.

I totally agree. Once our people become more involved and aware of what the powers-that-be are doing, we can make greater strides.

I believe that Delta overall does a great job in exposing the public to the political realm, especially through voter registration drives, a core part of political involvement.

[Angel11E01]

Physical and Mental Health

I think that preserving our health is most pertinent in today's society. Kids and adults are fatter & more unhealthy than ever. Disease is ravaging our community, from Diabetes to Cancer to AIDS/HIV. Diseases related to poor diet and lack of exercise are slowly killing us. Physical weakness prevents the accomplishment...

[BlessedOne04]

Physical and Mental Health

In society today there is a need to care for our mental health. We see more senseless killings from angry children, wives, husbands etc. Not just murder, there are more attacks in general on the psyche of people. We need to address mental concerns especially in minority communities where there is a stigma attached to seeking any sort of counseling or any help when dealing with issues of mental health.

My program is going to address the needs of the community through the art of spoken word and writing. The program will be geared towards youth ages 8-17 and hopefully through the children the parents will become involved. The program will have different levels beginning with just exercises in writing how you feel and learning to journal and ending with shows where the children will showcase their writings, at least the ones they want to share!

I have more developing and tweeking to do!

[Reserved_1]

I would have to say educational development:

I say this because I am currently researching the cause of educational gaps nationwide, and previous literature links educational development to quality of life. The world is filled with inequality and it starts at the educational level, because a degree opens the doors that a diploma can only knock on. Some have already said this, but I had to piggy back and give my little two cents.