What is it about DST...?

[the411]

This question is geared towards those of you who are interested in becoming members of our Illustrious Sisterhood.

Recognizing that all 4 sororities of the Divine Nine are committed to service to the black community in some way or another, and that all are characterized by black sisterhood, why is it that you are SPECIFICALLY interested in Delta Sigma Theta? I only ask because I think it is crucial that you can answer the question: "Why NOT Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta, or Sigma Gamma Rho?", just as confidently, thoroughly, and intelligently as you answer the question:, "Why Delta?" In other words, what sets Delta apart for you?

As you think about your response, focus on these organizations on a national, comprehensive level. Don't focus on stereotypes and superficial (i.e. petty and irrelevant) factors such as the way certain members look or act in a certain chapter of an organization. And please, no bashing!

For those of you who are SERIOUSLY considering membership, this is a question you should be able to answer with ease. Any difficulty answering it may mean you have a tad bit more researching and soul-searching to do.

I'm so curious to hear what you have to say. Share with me!

Nuttin' but luv,

the411

------------------
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pi Kappa, SP97
#3 of QUINTESSENCE

[Babiegyrl]

For me personally, although my mother is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, I took it upon myself to ask her advice on what she thought I should do. She told me to reasearch all of the sororities and then decided for myself. That's what I did.

One of the things that caught my attention was the major programs of the Five Point Thrust. Delta Sigma Theta reaches out to make sure that people are aware of the political issues around us especially supporting Census 2000. Along with that the chapter on my campus are promoting Health awareness by posting up facts on diseases and also the political aspect by having voter registration drives. Delta Sigma Theta notonly community service they show by example and encourage others to take part also. Other organizations do this as well, but Delta community service programs, are programs that reach out and touch people in every shape form and fashion. Delta has continually throughout history been dedicated to their program and passes the ball own down through every person that becomes a member. It took sometime for me to arrive at the real reason why I wanted to pursue membership in Delta Sigma Theta, and after sitting back and taking all of the other aspects out of it ( such as parties, colors, how many members are on campus, what my friends want to be.), I read the book and researched and found that Delta was the only sorority I wanted to be a part of. I hope this answered your question the 411.

[MD2BE]

This is the same question that my son's father asked me a couple of nights ago. He said that he doesn't see me as a person who would want to join a sorority but as a person who would want to start my own.

My reponse:
I always thought that I wanted to be a member of DST but I didn't know for sure(100%) until I began to research all 4 sororities. Delta stood out from the rest and I began to do more research on Delta. In my opinion, none of the other founders could come close to possessing the zeal and compassion for achieving and helping others that your 22 Founders had. They took the initiative to make a differece in their lives and their community. They did not give up no matter what adversity they were faced with. They were STRONG CHRISTIAN women. They were leaders. From reading about them I could see that they were truly genuine.

As I think about the women of DST that I have crossed paths with I see the same characteristics in these women that your founders exemplified. The women of DST always reach out to the community in every positive aspect that you could think of. The women of DST not only educate our Black community about different issues but they also take the next step to implement programs to make sure that our people continue to receive education on these issues.

I am a hard working, strong, christian, Black women and I feel that I exemplify some of the same characteristics that your Beloved 22 Founders did. I am always willing to lend a helping hand. I know that I don't have to be a member of DST to help others and to make a difference in my community. To see the positive impact that the women of DST have in a community; to see the strong christian morals that these women have; to see the zeal and determination that these women have to make a difference in their lives and the lives of others is truly breath taking.

The women of Delta Sigma Theta are truly remarkable and if it is God's will I will one day become a member of this illustrious sisterhood.




[This message has been edited by MD2BE (edited October 11, 2000).]

[Rhonique66]

OK, I'll put myself out there...

First of all: For me it has to do with identification. I am (1) a separated mother of 2, (2) a full time IT contracts administrator, (3) a full time student (seeking undergrad membership), (4) 34 years old (you're never to old), (5) active in my community, which is community service AND raising healthy and respectful children.

Second, In the course of a day, my Delta role models do more than that and do it well...When I was younger (18), I used to hear that it was 'hard to be a Delta'...16 years later and I'm finally starting to get a clue about what that meant!

Third, while I can appreciate that the other NPHC sororities are also committed to service, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. best exemplifies the goals that I've set for myself and the committment that I've made to my community. I am definitely from the school of thought that if you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem. My observation is that Delta does not pay lip service to ANYONE. I have seen these ladies out there DOING what others merely suggest. If you are like-minded, who wouldn't want to fellowship and serve with Delta?

That's it. I hope no one was offended by my post in any way. I'm at work so please excuse the typos!



[This message has been edited by Rhonique66 (edited October 04, 2000).]

[Salience]

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. inspires me personally and politically.

Four of the most influential women in my life are members. They are brilliant, dynamic, and community-oriented. These women are daily inspirations for me. I met each at different points in life. They are from different backgrounds. The fact that each woman individually chose Delta (and Delta chose them) was striking. I simply wanted to be like them, you know, the "if I was half the woman you are" adage.

So, I began to research Delta, and participate in activities. When I learned about Delta's political awareness and involvement, I was excited. From Delta Day at the Capitol to Voter Registration Drives to Voter Information Seminars, Delta is doing what I want to do: educating, activating, and making a substantive difference. The American Political environment is what I study, specifically, elections, participation, and policy. I hope that my academic contributions can assist in further awareness and activity among the African-American community.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been at the forefront of significant struggles- suffrage for women, civil rights for African-Americans, better health throughout the African Diaspora. I want to be a part of a group that is committed improvement on all levels.

------------------
@~~^~~~~
The most beautiful thing in the world is, precisely, the conjunction of learning and inspiration.
-- Wanda Landowska

[Valyncia]

I have done my research on all 4 black sororities as well and I must admit that Delta Sigma Theta stood out to me as the most dynamic and instrumental sorority. I feel that Delta women are world changers. Wherever there are problems and issues that need to be dealt with, Delta is there. They are there concerning the Mumia Case, concerning legislation in government, concerning helping the elderly, concerning people in Africa, concerning disadvantaged young children, and much more. And what is most outstanding is that they have been like this from the very beginning of their founding. They have never been afraid to take risks and to have their voices heard in society, whether it was the Suffrage March, Civil Rights Movement, etc. For all of these reasons, and many more, I believe that DST is the right sorority for me. And with a lot of luck and blessings, maybe one day I will be a Delta.

[HopefulProspective]

I guess the thing that really made me want to be a part of this sorority is the history of service. I didn't realize how indepth the history was until I read "In Search Of Sisterhood." I hold a bachelors in history and am a strong believer that your history and knowing it forms your life, especially African-Americans. So, I guess you could say that I am a history buff and all of the historical events that formed my life and opinions, a Delta was there (ie..Sufferage Movement, Little Rock Nine etc).


[This message has been edited by HopefulProspective (edited October 05, 2000).]

[DirectorDST99]

I hear you all loud and clear. You seem to know what attracts you to Delta, but why would Delta be attracted you? In other words, make sure that you have something to offer.

------------------
Director #2
LMAC
Spr 99

[DirectorDST99]

I shared with my soror the411 via e-mail that I liked this post. About a month ago I was going to share my reasons for seeking Delta but got so wrapped up in school work, but what better opportunity...

In high school, I was in everything except being a cheerleader (was a little on the chunky side) and so being a student leader gave me a chance to get to know many of my teachers and others on a more personal level. I begin to realize that there was something about the majority of my female teachers that I grew to love and that was they were heavily involved in the community and I later found out that they were members of some big organization called Delta Sigma Theta.

Like the411, when I was a senior I was awarded a scholarship, the Glenda Hardin Scholarship for $500. But unlike my soror, the local collegiate chapter at then Memphis State University, Epsilon Kappa Chapter, gave me the scholarship. I was thrilled. I had to write an essay, go through a panel interview, and I had to show where I was involved in public service. I didn't know any of those Deltas that interviewed me so, though I left the interview confident, I was still nervous because I thought it was "who you know".

When I got the letter dated April 27, 1987 that they were proud to inform me that I had been selected as one of two recipients...I cried. I knew that that $500 would pay half of my tuition or pay for books because I came from a family of 6 siblings, 3 mentally handicapped brothers, and only one other was in college...and I knew I had to rely on grants and scholarships. Ya'll I still have that letter...I'm looking at it right now.

The Deltas held a special place in my HEART then and still today. Their giving hearts benefited me greatly. My mother knows that and she is graduating Dec. 16 from that same school whose Delta chapter gave her daughter $500 over 12 years ago. My mother recently shared that she wants to pledge Delta. It would have been awesome if she did it through Epsilon Kappa but she's 51 and said she would rather wait...LOL...I told her to got for it.

It just wasn't there for me as an undergraduate student, but I don't regret it for one moment that I went through an alumnae chapter April 29, 1999.

Anyway, that's part of my story and my testimony because there are a number of reasons why I sought Delta. I can honestly say the going to parties and wanting to "belong" wasn't one of them.

------------------
Director #2
LMAC
Spr 99

[This message has been edited by DirectorDST99 (edited October 06, 2000).]

[the411]

Ladies, your comments have been so wonderful that I'm almost in tears just reading them! I am so glad that our Sisterhood has touched your lives in the ways that it has!

I know I'm already a member, but I'll share one of my MANY reasons for choosing Delta...

I've wanted to be a Delta since 5th grade because my music teacher (and favorite teacher at the time), Ms. Regan, was a Delta, and so was another teacher I loved, Mrs. Straughter. My aunt was also a proud Delta Diva. Of course, at that age, I had no idea what a sorority was-- I just knew that if I wanted to be like Ms. Regan or Mrs. Straughter or my aunt, I had to be a Delta.

It wasn't until I was in 9th ('90-'91) grade that I really saw the fruit of DST's labor. My family was always VERY poor; in 1991 we were selected to receive a house to be built by Habitat for Humanity. Although many, many organizations and companies (including AKA and Zeta) contributed financially to the project, only a few groups actually helped with the construction. When the land was cleared and the foundation was laid, the women of many DST chapters, locally and statewide, came down religiously EVERY weekend (and sometimes during the week) to help with the building. It was SO beautiful to see these women-- all in the same Delta family, but oftentimes not knowing each other until they met at the construction site--dressed in their sorority 'nalia, just hammerin' away or painting or laying bricks or whatever the job-of-the-day entailed!!! They were the only female organization to do hard labor on the project! When the house was built, they even stuck around to help with landscaping, and they donated a number of household items and furniture pieces.

The women came in different shapes and sizes and skin colors and personalities, but even as a high school freshman, I could see that they had one thing in common-- their love for helping those in need. The unity was amazing-- even the ones who'd just met acted like they had been friends for life. Best of all, the Deltas NEVER belittled my family or made us feel like a charity case, even though we were. Other groups talked down to us, assuming that because we were poor we were also ignorant. But the Deltas would actually talk to us and get to know us. When they found out I was an honor student, they immediately and enthusiastically informed me of the different scholarship opportunities they provided, and invited me to participate in Delteens and the National Business & Professional Women's (NBPW) youth club (the latter in which I did join). Many of the Deltas kept in contact with me through the local alumnae chapter, and when I was a senior, DST awarded me with a renewable $1,000 scholarship.

After all that love and compassion, how could I not want to be a part of Delta Sigma Theta?!?!?! And, I can honestly say that my impression was unaltered when I went to college. The Delta's programs (the collegiate and alumnae chapters included) were always purposeful, meaningful, and relevant. While I have much respect for the other 3 sororities, I had never seen the kind of consistency and involvement in public service that I'd seen with Delta. Delta's passion for community service seemed almost like an instrinsic spell that the members couldn't shake, even if they wanted to! That has always been the kind of person I am-- an altrusitic person whose life revolves around helping others. When I miss an opportunity to do something good for someone or to make a positive difference in someone's life, I literally feel empty inside, sick, even. There is no way I could have been a part of any other organization-- I am perfectly matched for Delta Sigma Theta!!!

Well, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Please keep your testimonies rollin' in-- they are simply beautiful!

Nuttin' but luv!

the411


------------------
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pi Kappa, SP97
#3 of QUINTESSENCE

[ASU Diva2003]

Hi,
this is Skegeegirl (it's been a long time, I know). I changed my name because I changed schools.

My reasons for having interest in DST is because of the ongoing service that I see this remarkable group of women performing. I see a group of women not bound by blood, but who share a strong sisterhood like no other I have ever seen. These women are the movers and the shakers, a distinct group of women that have touched and will continue to touch many lives.

When I was a senior in HS (wow! a entire year ago), I was awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Cleveland Alumnae Chapter. I had to write a essay as with any other scholarship and I had an interview. This interview was like no other that I have ever experienced and I will never forget it. I sat in the middle of a circle of DST women who were sitting at a roundtable. Each member asked me questions about my accomplishments and public service. Talk about NERVOUS.
So, I got my acceptance/congratulatory letter and I was so happy. And since that day I have stayed in contact with the Cleveland Alumnae Chapter by giving them updates on my progress. I come from a single parent home. I had no idea how my Mom was going to pay for my education and I am truly blessed. Only one person from our school could recieve this award and I was chosen.

DST has a ongoing committment to community service, scholarship, character, and leadership which inspired me and touched my life.

I am very involved in my community and although it is hard and I sometimes don't sleep at night juggling academics and activities ,it is something that I have to do. Life is about helping those in need and never forgeting where you come from. Whatever you give to people will come back to you through blessings from God. Well, those are my reasons. They are similar to those of the other interests.

It's just something about DST that touches the lives of everyone it encounters.

( I apologize for being brief, but I have procrastinated so long and I have a newspaper article that has to be on the Editor's desk by 9 am)

[the411]

Director, I actually expected much more responses than this. The ones posted are very good and enlightening, but considering all the interest in this forum, it's suprising how few prospectives have shared their testimonies.

Hint, Hint.

the411


------------------
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Pi Kappa, SP97
#3 of QUINTESSENCE

[quietstorm]

My interest in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc was sparked at a young age when I found out that my grandmother was a member (she is now deceased). Fascinated by this fact, I too wanted to become a member. While in highschool I came in contact with members of all the BGLO's and it was not until my last two years of highschool that I began to question why I was interested in Delta Sigma Theta. After doing some research I found myself still interested because of their continued commitment toward community service and issues affecting the African-American community both locally and nationally. Through my research and personal contact with members of the sorority, I saw that they weren't just volunteering to say that they participated in community service, but that they have a true genuine interest in helping others in their community and human welfare. I have always felt priveliged to be able to obtain higher education and have so many opportunities that others don't get, I feel that it is my duty to extend my hand to help others to achieve their goals. Delta Sigma Theta exemplifies this. Delta Sigma Theta's involvement in education, in politics, in economics, internationally, and with physical and mental health, shows that they don't just follow the crowd, but instead pave a path for others to follow.

***the411:Sorry I haven't been in contact, school among other things have beening keeping me busy.***

------------------
I can do all things through God who strengthens me!

[This message has been edited by quietstorm (edited October 11, 2000).]

[DirectorDST99]

I hear you loud and clear, soror the411. I noticed that myself.

Perhaps others don't really know why they want Delta so badly and by reading this thread, it has placed something on their hearts - to find out truly why they want DELTA and what they have to offer her.

------------------
Director #2
LMAC
Spr 99

[Babiegyrl]

DirectorDST99 asked the question Why would Delta Be Attracted to you?
I feel that Delta would be attracted to me because I am a hard working person that practices community service all the time, I work very dilligently to keep up and raise my GPA, I am a nice friendly person, and I do what I can to help others. I am involved in a tutorial program to tutor underprivaliged kids, as well a the local chapter of NSBE, and NAACP, and I also volunteer to help out around my dorm. I hope this has provided some insight to what kind of person that I am and why I feel that Delta would be attracted to me.



------------------
All of our dreams can come true- if we have the courage to pursue them.