What is it about DST...?

[Jells]

In my experience, Delta Sigma Theta simply has been the one and only sorority that has been at the forefront of uplifting, supporting, and educating black communities. When I was in middle and high school, I received awards from a local alumnae chapter and before I got to college, I thought they were just a scholarship organization! All three of my most memorable teachers had been Deltas and they were proud of it!!

It was not until I got to college and read "In Search of Sisterhood" that I learned that Delta Sigma Theta was more than a scholarship org, but a vehicle for change and progression not only for African American women, but for African Americans as a whole. I am proud to be an interest in this great sorority; no other can compare. Hopefully, my day will come that I will be apart of it.

[ladygreek]

Oh the irony of this being brought back up to the top. (it's nothing against you Jells.)

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by ladygreek
Oh the irony of this being brought back up to the top. (it's nothing against you Jells.)

[Jells]

I was able to read some of the "intense" debates after I posted and I have to agree with both sides. I believe that most people begin their interest in seeing it through the people that they love and respect, but what is utimately the most important factor in our decision to actually want to join is what we have learned in our own personal journey. It is my personal experience (from knowing nothing about it, to knowing the members, to supporting to chapter, to knowing what I can contribute) that has left no doubt in my mind that there's just something about Delta Sigma Theta that has left an undeniable mark in my heart and mind.

I can't fault someone for saying that it was because of so and so that I wanted to be apart of the organization. The members are quite proud of Delta Sigma Theta and that has others questioning, "Well, what is it about Delta Sigma Theta that makes them love it so much?" I was in that place at one time. The difference is that now I KNOW, whereas some may just stop at that. I suggest to other sisterfriends and interests that the journey doesn't stop at knowing other members. Get involved and find out for yourself....It will be a more rewarding experience at the end of it all.

For as far back as I can remember, I'd say about 6 or 7 years ago, it has been a dream of mine to pursue this illustrious sisterhood. Why? That question took a lot of thought. I knew I had some soul-searchin and researchin' to do. I have searched and searched and searched. There is just no other organization who can compare to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

I have read the book In Search of Sisterhood by Paula Giddings and just to read all the toils and snares through which those 22 founders came and conquered, got me to thinking about all they went through to establish this great organization. Being let down, being denied, being ridiculed all because they wanted to.........help. All because they wanted to make it better for.....us. Yet and still, they conquered all. Even when people probably pointed and said they couldn't do it. They still conquered....whew! I'm getting excited just thinking about all they did to make Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as large as it is today--over 250,000 members. It's crazy!! I know they stayed steadfast, and I'm sure "prayed up" to make this organization what it is today.

While I do understand that most organizations are certainly down for helping their community, I just don't feel there's one out there who maintains the many avenues of service like Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This organization caught my eye with everything that it stands for; sisterhood, scholarship, service. In addition, just to see the many programs in which Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. works just blows my mind. The 5-point thrust was the decision maker for me. I didn't even know there were so many avenues through which to help people. I want to be able to work with women who have the same goals in mind--to serve in the communities in which we reside. To be able to build bonds with women around the world with this goals is phenomenal in my mind.

[ladygreek]

Originally posted by CrimsonTide4

The original author

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by ladygreek
The original author

GOTCHA!! LMAO!

Jells, welcome to GC, your post was great. Thank you for sharing. ImaDiamond, yours was too.

Thank you, CT4

[4NIC8]

Hello All! I Have Been A Member For A Minute But I Didn't Want To Post To Hastily. I've Seen This Topic And I Know It's Old But It's Relevant. Just In Case You Wanted To Know, I Am A Senior In High School Set For Graduation On 5/21/05 @ 10:00 (LOL I Am So Excited...Ready To Get Out Of High School) So I Hope That I Enjoy Posting On This Board As Much As I've Enjoyed Lurking On It

Why I Pursue DST

Although I have met several members of Delta Sigma Theta throughout my life, they are not my reason for desiring to be apart of your illustrious sisterhood. I am a leader, meaning that I establish new things but am able to be an effective follower, working together with others to acheive one ultimate goal. I have chosen to pursue membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. because it mirrors the qualities that I already possess. The qualities of leadership, scholarship, passion, dedication, and effectiveness in all that I take part in and that can be enhanced by joining forces with those who also have a like mind to serve diligently to the community around them and beyond. In my research, I have found that since the inception of your illustrious sisterhood the Ladies of DST have remained true to their creed of Sisterhood, Scholarship, and Service by implementing programs such as the Five Point Thrust, the DelTeen program, and the Delta Sigma Theta Scholarship that is offered by various chapters. The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta constantly create an atmosphere that is conducive to change, always being sure that they are part of the solution and not the problem as exemplified when your founders were at the forefront of the women's suffrage movement to the movement to revitalize the black and youth voters in governmental elections. When contemplating the pursuit of membership, I had to ask myself what did I truly have to offer DST. Could I give the organization above and beyond the minimum? Could I honestly make and uphold a lifetime commitment? I have come to the conclusion that I would not have it any other way. The qualities of a Delta woman mirror my own before even pursuing membership into your organization. I am a woman who sets herself apart from the rest by first being a leader. A woman who is involved in changing the world around her. A woman who exudes pride in all that she does, being careful to do nothing but the best in all of her endeavors. Becoming a member of DST is not a matter of wearing the letters or colors but a matter of committment to diligence and to service for a lifetime. That is why I am pursuing membership into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

[soserious]

Yes, I can answer this question with ease...

I have always been groomed as an individual whom is set apart. I cannot deny my personal passions to see that all of humanity thrives, and reaps the good of the land. In a world where inequalities and inconsistencies are more than apparent, I strive to make a difference in society, my community, church, my friends and my family. I owe all of this to the people who were before me, and to all those that remain to vast in the glorious victories won.

I understand that it is through my dedication to myself, and those that have like minds that I will be able to accomplish the dreams and goals of so many others that preceded us. To share a likeness of mind, is sharing love eternally...

[morningjoy]

Sometimes when I am just sitting around in my room, walking
around campus, or in class, I just become overwhelmed with
the feeling of wanting to become a part of the sisterhood of
Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority.

While Deltas sure can step (we know they can), and to wear
Crimson and Cream is every woman's dream, my reasons for
wanting to be a Delta far overreach these aspects of the
sorority. Delta Sigma Theta inspires me.

When I can ask questions like, what would Harry Belafonte or
Sidney Poitier have become without Osceola Mcarthy Adams, a
founding member? Or, who would have been the first woman to
earn a Ph.D in economics if Sadie T.M. Alexander hadn't? I
can see that Delta is on a higher level. The women of this
sorority are extraordinary and that is what attracts me to
it.

Why Delta and not another? I am thoroughly convinced that
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated would not be what
it is today had it not been for the drive of the 22 founders
of Delta. While AKA is an admirable organization TODAY, I
wonder if they would have worked so hard to extend their
reach had it not been for the lofty goals of Delta women. I
want to be a Delta and not a Zeta or Sigma Gamma Rho,
because they came after perfection had already been reached
in DST . Though I do respect all of the D9 sororities, I can
say with certainty that only Delta is for me (If, of course, I am selected).

I am mesmerized by the fact that 22 young women, not even
graduated, could orchestrate a movement that would resonate
92 years into the future, and beyond. Delta Sigma Theta has
had a lasting impression on American history and I deeply
hope that I may some day become a part of that history.

Oh...and that's not to mention the ingenius Five Point
Program...

Y'all are on point!

[Divalawgirl]

Allllllllllll of my love, my peace and happiness, I'm gonna give it to Delllllllllllta! I love my Sorors! Ooooooooooooooooo-oooop!

[Highm8ness1]

What is about DST? DST is a strong and fearless organization. She is about business. From the beginning, when issues arose that caused obstacles for Afr. Americans, DST was there casting her voice to ensure everything was line for the Afr. Am community. These ranged from Civil Rights Movement and Women Suffrage March to Delta Days at the Capital, Voter's Registration and Education, concerns in Africa, Health and Healing Drives and much, much more. Because of the zeal, enduring determination, and thrust the members possessed, DST has gained my interest and respect. I have a high regard for the fact that Delta Sigma Theta stands her own ground and continues to grow stronger.

Why not the other 3 sororities of the D9? As a teen, there were only two sororities I ever knew about--XYZ and DST. It was thought of that I would follow in my family footsteps and become a member of their sorority. For along time, I thought I would as well. After I got to college, I found out about the other two sororities. With my mind made up already, I gave these organizations the benefit of the doubt. They were active, as well, in the community and on campus, but they did not spark my interest. In my mind I wanted to follow in my family footsteps, it something was not right to me. It was not in my heart. I started researching and weighing these organizations, and DST prevailed. I confided in one of my family members that I trusted and voiced my reasons for not going that way. I thought I would have gotten yelled at, but her complete words, and I quote "Follow your heart. Because my sorority was for all of us, it may not be for you. It may not always be good to join an organization because someone else did. You have to search for yourself. This will be an organization you will be affiliated with for until your dying day. This may be one of the reasons why some members are inactive today, because they weren't happy with the situation or it was not for them. If you do not go our way, look at DST. You may like it. It is an excellent organization. You have my wishes on whatever you choose, and do your community service." You know my eyes were bucked and my bottom lip was on the floor because I was expecting to get screamed on. Never did I express that I had been interested in DST all along. I thanked her for her blessings. You guys, that meant a lot to me.

When I began college I started to take notice to the members on campus. I observed that they were focused on their education, carried themselves in a lady-like manner, and they were respected by their college peers. I found that members were very active in the community and on campus. I was more interested in the Five Point Thrust Program that Delta Sigma Theta was implementing. I feel that these are the exact problems that greatly affect our community and needs to be addressed.

Why would DST would be attracted to me? I believe that DST would be attracted to me because I am no stranger to community service. I have the zeal, determination and drive to work hard for Delta. I am a strong and active supporter in all their community service events. To see the members in action and to see the impression they leave on people's live that they come in contact is just magnificient. I also work hard to excel in my studies.

[humbleme]

hi!!! new member!!!

i would like to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta because as I am growing into a woman and a follower of Jesus Christ, I am more than eager to leave my mark in the world. Delta Sigma Theta is a sisterhood in which i could help uplift many women in regards to educational and social involvement, political awareness, and health issues. I also would like to make new sorors all over the world and share my love for life and the development of the human race. Delta Sigma Theta embodies EVERYTHING that I would love to exude as servant of God and my community.

I often get asked "why do you think you need Delta to spread the love of God?". I dont feel i NEED Delta, but seeing as though it is a sisterhood promoting enrichment, i KNOW i can touch MANY men and women and share my love for humanity! African-American women have come along way in the world and we can do much more by coming together as not only sisters but daughters of someone even greater.

At almost every community service event i attend, i ALWAYS see Delta Sigma Theta. I get shivers as i see the ladies working side by side bringing a CHANGE to the world, a change that I have yet to see any other sorority do yet. I have thoroughly (ok maybe not THOROUGHLY ) read up on religion vs. BLGO's, and I have faith in myself that I will never put myself in a situation (or organization) that would go against the word of God. After all, I am ecstatic to bring my sisterly love, courage, compassion, and to Delta and my community as well as gaining new souls for my heavenly Father!

Be Blessed!

[I.A.S.K.]

There have been many great women who I have been influenced by. There was probably an equal division between those who are members of Delta Sigma Theta and those who are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha. When I was a senior in High school people began to ask me what sorority I wanted to be a member of. I basically ignored their questions because I didn’t know if I even wanted to be in a sorority, I didn’t know enough about sororities, and I was still in High school and I was more concerned with my grades, AP, graduation and getting in to college.

On a bus trip to Memphis I met a young woman who is a Delta and she was talking about her experiences on campus as a member. Someone was surprised that she was a member because she didn’t show it. She said that she wasn’t defined by her letters and felt no need to wear them all the time. She said she’d rather encounter prospective members as a regular person to see how they treat other women in general not how they would act around a Delta. I asked her why she chose Delta and she said “I did my research and Delta is what was best for me.” When asked if she had a daughter would she make her become a Delta she said that she wouldn’t force Delta on anyone because Delta isn’t for everyone and it has to be in your heart.

With that conversation in mind I decided to start doing research. As I did I found that only two of the four organizations appealed to me. Zeta and SGRho are both great, but I knew then that neither was in my heart. As I learned more I found that the two organizations I was still considering had a shared piece of history. I learned a little bit more about that, but didn’t give joining a sorority much more thought because I had more pressing concerns. I had to get ready to go off to college and I had to help my mom move.
As I was packing for the move I came across my sister’s obituary. I sat a looked at it as I had done probably a million times before, but this time when I read it I noticed in the last paragraph that before she died she wanted to become a member of Delta Sigma Theta. This did NOT make me want to be a member. My sister was one of the most beautiful, kind, and loving people I have ever known. She was intelligent, hard working, and principled. Because I know what kind of woman she was I knew then that there must be something special about Delta if she wanted to join. So, I filed that bit of information away in my brain and decided to acquire more knowledge about Delta.

By this time I began my freshman year. After really taking time to consider the purpose and mission of both AKA and Delta I realized AKA was not for me. I then decided to purchase a copy of In Search of Sisterhood. I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to even become a member because as they say Greek life isn’t for everyone, but I was sure that if I was going to be a member of anything it would be Delta.

As I read In Search of Sisterhood I became enthralled with Delta. Learning the history of Delta made me admire the organization even more, but I still had to figure out why I want to become a member.