What is it about DST...?

[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.

[I.A.S.K.]

I want to become a member because Delta represents my past, my present, and my future. It is all of the things that were instilled in me, all that I am, and all that I hope to be. The other important reason why Delta has my heart is The Five Point Thrust. When I first read The Five Point Thrust I felt like someone finally understood my purpose in life. The Five Point Thrust contains all of the essential aspects of my life. Those five things are the most important to me as a person, as a woman, and as a black woman. The points are indicative of all of the areas in which I desire to be successful. Though I could give many examples of this I will only give one to try to keep this less long.

I grew up mostly lower to middle-middle class. My mom gave me the world both literally and figuratively. She sacrificed so that I would be able to travel and she instilled in me a love of reading that has allowed me to travel anywhere I want. Because she gave me so much I want to return the favor. I want to be rich and successful so she will not face any financial difficulties. Also, many of the countries I have visited made me aware of the fact that money makes the world go round and it also makes life and death decisions. I went to Soweto and when I saw the poverty people suffered and how they didn’t even have adequate living conditions I decided that I would get rich and come back and build a huge apartment building so that at least they could have a safe place to live (I was 13 and I had big dreams and I still do). Imagine my surprise when I found out about the Delta Towers. This amazing group of women had taken a dream of mine and made it a reality (for a slightly different purpose, but still to help people). Finding out about the Delta Towers made me realize that with Delta around all of my dreams and more would always be possible. That was when I knew that my heart already belonged to Delta. It was just waiting on the rest of me to catch up.

My thoughts and dreams weren’t the only thing that mirrored Delta. I spent hours doing one type of community service or another. It’s weird because I don’t even consider community service that I do “community service”. It’s just what you’re supposed to do. I was involved with mentoring Freshmen during my senior year of high school, I gave blood, time, and money any time one of my peers asked me, I was still active with the organization that I co-founded and spent time speaking to different groups about issues that our community faced, and I registered hundreds of people to vote. Basically anything and everything…I was all for it because I always had been. I went with the NAACP to help deliver supplies the weekend after Katrina hit and I saw proof that I needed to work harder to make a difference for my community and do my part.

Now we all know Delta is amazing and that if it can be done a Delta has probably already done it twice. So I got to the point where I had to answer the question: “what can I bring to Delta?” Every person thinks they’re awesome and all of that, but what do you really bring to the table? I have leadership qualities and experience, I am of good character, my grades are good, but I know plenty of young women who can say the same thing. The more I thought about this question the more I worried. I consider myself reasonably competitive so I wouldn’t hesitate to go head to head with any one of my peers, but in trying to become a member of Delta I am not solely compared to my peers. I am compared to women who are greater than I may ever become. That makes me nervous. I mean if Dr. Height is already a member of your organization what more can I add? There no one quality that I have that Delta doesn’t already have in its membership so where do I fit in? It took a while for me to answer this and to be honest I’m still answering this. I think that the greatness of the organization is not determined by its member’s individual greatness (though that does contribute a great deal) it is determined by their love, passion, determination, and commitment to achieving the goals of the collective and if I want to be a member my individual greatness matters, but it is only a part of what I bring to the table. If my individual achievements are all that I bring to the table then I have truly brought nothing and do not deserve a seat at the table. I know that I am good (or let’s say on my way to great) but that is not what I can offer Delta. All that I have that I can truly offer Delta is simply me. I offer all my time, effort, energy, money, thoughts, hopes, dreams, fears, pain, love, loyalty, happiness, hope, and all that I will become in the future. If that is not enough for Delta, if I am not enough for Delta, then I concede any seat I might possibly have to the better woman because I’d rather see her help Delta move forward than see Delta become stagnant with me. I would hope that at some point in the future I would be enough for Delta and work hard to try to get to that point, but the pessimist in me realizes that even at my greatest I may never be good enough for Delta.

One person asked if you could never wear letters or tell anyone you were a member would you still want to be a member of Delta. That question is far too easy for me to answer. Yes I’d be the best unknown member ever and love every minute of it. The real question to me is What if you were never a member?

Would you still love and support Delta? Would you show up to all of the Delta functions open to the public to show support? Would you still contribute financially to show your love? Would you still say a prayer for Delta when you go to God if Delta did not accept you into their ranks? Would you approach members with an amazing idea even if you could never be their sister? Would you still do anything to advance Delta? If Delta called upon you as a sister-friend and never a soror would you still answer?

No matter how many ways I ask myself these questions and no matter how much I fear this as a possibility and how much I know it would hurt me; because I truly love Delta my answer is always the same and always will be: Yes.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by 1stSoon2BePhD

That the other members of Alpha Kappa Alpha at the time did not want to budge and change is indicative of an organization that is prone to sticking to the status quo

You aren't sure of the bolded so it is best to leave that alone.

You may get this question in real life from Sorors, so remember that a lot of people focus on the history and the DST-AKA thing to the point where that's most of their answer. History is important and that includes Black history, BGLO history, and the history of our Founding. But, we have accomplished so much nationally and locally (which you know through the chapters that have math and science youth programs ) since then, so your answer should focus on that as much as (if not more than) the Founding history. We already know the history and have heard it time and time again from aspirants. Good luck to you.

[Dreadloc'd Diva]

I admire Delta Sigma Theta because of the incredible body of work they have done for nearly a century. I have a deep and profound respect for the 22 founders of DST,because they took risks during a time when women collectively were struggling to be heard,and black women had to fight twice as hard. When I was reading In Search of Sisterhood,I was just so...proud of these brave young women to take such chances during volatile times for African Americans. I salute every single sister that paved the way so we can better ourselves for the future. Whether it is political,educational or liberal,the Deltas are courageous trailblazers in every way. It is their courage that has inspired me to one day be a Delta. I truly hope that the legacy they created will continue to flourish for future generations.

[nervous]

The answer for me is.................................

I resonate with what Delta stands for. I believe that with education we produce productive citizens. Anytime you educate an individual, no matter what socioeconmic status, they become more informed. When an individual is more informed they make better choices. Better choice-making creates a productive citizen. Whether Delta is informing individuals about voting, making healthy life style choices, promoting information about HIV/Aids, lending a helping hand with Habitat for Humanity, standing up for a worthy cause I believe it is our duty to do those things. If not you, if not me then whom? Everyday I get up and go to work, teaching at a title I school, i think what can I do to educate my students and make them productive citizens. How can, what I'm teaching them, help them make good choices in life. The question should be why not Delta? What I have said thus far is only a small portion of why I choose Delta

Hopefully this has answered your question to some extent


With great respects,



Looking to make a small change in the world

[Twinkle1432]

You ask what it is about Delta Sigma Theta, well i know this might sound cheesy but... its just in my heart.
Its like when your hungry and you know exactly what you want to eat.
Or when you step in to a store and something catches your eye when other things dont.
Maybe even when you meet a guy and you know that its something in him that you like that you cant find in anyone else.
Though I am not a Delta...I have realized that somethings just come natural to you....they are apart of who you are.
and alot of those things you cant explain...they are well.....just in your heart.

[treblk]

Very interesting stories ladies!

[psychdesire]

It took some years for me to actually understand the meaning of a sisterhood. As I researched the other three sororities, I could not make that connection as I have done so with DST. I was adamant that the epitome of being in this sorority is heart-warming and everytime I think about it, I get angry that I have not been able to join. This past weekend let me know that DST is definitely for me, because as I watched my friends cross at my school I felt an intense closeness to them as well as intense sadness that I have not joined yet. The empty feeling of not having the kind of sisterhood with my own family is one of the main reasons I want to join because everyone I come in contact with has so much emotion about how strong their relationship is with there sisters and the community service projects that they do as a unit.

To specifically answer the question, Delta is all that I am. With all the research I have done in the past couple of years, I always fall back to the national website to see what new information or events are taking place. I cannot see myself apart of anything else, this is the final piece of the puzzle. I love doing community service, implementing projects for teenage girls in impoverished neighborhoods around the community, and value being altruistic. Volunteer work is my second passion, and I will never get too tired to give back my wealth and appreciation to those who need it most. And that is what I believe Delta Sigma Theta does for the community.

I appreciate everything taking the time to read this, because this is a dream of mine and I hope that I can fulfill this dream. Furthermore, I am inspired by the women on this forum not only in DST, but in other sororities as well for providing honest information and feedback about issues at hand. Thanks again

[psychdesire]

Originally Posted by psychdesire

It took some years for me to actually understand the meaning of a sisterhood. As I researched the other three sororities, I could not make that connection as I have done so with DST. I was adamant that the epitome of being in this sorority is heart-warming and everytime I think about it, I get angry that I have not been able to join. This past weekend let me know that DST is definitely for me, because as I watched my friends cross at my school I felt an intense closeness to them as well as intense sadness that I have not joined yet. The empty feeling of not having the kind of sisterhood with my own family is one of the main reasons I want to join because everyone I come in contact with has so much emotion about how strong their relationship is with there sisters and the community service projects that they do as a unit.

To specifically answer the question, Delta is all that I am. With all the research I have done in the past couple of years, I always fall back to the national website to see what new information or events are taking place. I cannot see myself apart of anything else, this is the final piece of the puzzle. I love doing community service, implementing projects for teenage girls in impoverished neighborhoods around the community, and value being altruistic. Volunteer work is my second passion, and I will never get too tired to give back my wealth and appreciation to those who need it most. And that is what I believe Delta Sigma Theta does for the community.

I appreciate everything taking the time to read this, because this is a dream of mine and I hope that I can fulfill this dream. Furthermore, I am inspired by the women on this forum not only in DST, but in other sororities as well for providing honest information and feedback about issues at hand. Thanks again

The influence grows strong once again, I have some more input to speak on.

To go along with a previous poster, what can I bring to Delta? That question is definitely one that all of us PNMs should ask ourselves day in and day out. Being a psychology major, the importance of personality in interpersonal communication is definitely influential. It helps you making lasting first impression, and build rapport with those around you. Furthermore, being apart of Delta Sigma Theta, I can add to the amazing group of young empowering leaders of the new era by building meaningful relationships. I recently implemented a program at a high school where teenage girls are subjected and scrutinized for being behind in their studies. The program that I focused on was teaching them how to make lasting impressions. Although the program has ended, the girls are still true to my heart and I was able to implement the Five Point Programmatic Thrust into the outline of the project. I was fulfilled, and being apart of Delta Sigma Theta I can help fulfill the aspirations of younger women globally to become successful leaders, acknowledge their strengths, and value friendships.

With all the Deltas that I have come in contact with over the years, these are only some of the things that I admire about them. I have strong connections with majority of them, and I hope my rapport can build more into the future.

[Undiscovered]

Let me first start by introducing myself and saying hello...this is my first post ;-)...

Honestly, the reason why I first wanted to be a Delta was because of my influences. Although none of the women in my family are greek, I have been blessed to come into contact with some great women of who just so happend to be Deltas. At first, I didn't really know what a Delta was, all I knew was that I wanted to be like the women that had such a positive effect on my life and when they spoke so highly of their sorority I decided I wanted to be apart of greatness too.


When I entered high school my greek knowledge grew and learned of the Divine Nine. Even though I thought was pretty much set on what I wanted to do, I researched the AKAs, Zetas and SGRhos to read up on their history and see what their principles are. That's when I do that there was NO OTHER thing for me. DST have great history and I love the idea of the five-point programmatic thrust.

Also, like the poem says, it really is "just in my heart!" I feel like there is ever burning flame inside of me that has a genuine love and passion for what DST is and what it stands for...and I also feel as though I could one of the few who could carry on the torch.

Replying to the "why would Delta be attracted you?" question...

As a college student, it is very important for me to establish myself as an individual. I am currently a freshman, and in my short time in college I have made a great name for myself. I have completed over 100 hours of community/university service, maintained a 3.0+ GPA (gotta keep HOPE alive lol), I am apart of 4 organizations (two of which I am on the exec board *the ONLY freshman* ;-), gone to various leadership conferences and symposiums, and I am also a poet and I perform my works with the campus groups at different venues...Although I am very active now, I do understand that it will be difficult to do all this if/when I become apart of the sisterhood so I am prepared to cut back on somethings to make room for sorority business if need be

All in all, I must say that I hit my first year hard and I plan on giving my same time, dedication, and talent to DST.

[lzy09]

Ahh yes I thought if ever asked this question I wouldn't know what to say but in all honesty I was doing some research on the organization I was very impressed. For, one I look at delta sigma theta as being a very prestigious black letter organization. And when I see historical women like shirley chisholm (one of many) who impacted and made a difference and influenced not only black people but black women and women in general is definitely ok with me. Knowing that she was a respected member of this organization can only mean that this organization is worth being apart of to say the least.

It inspires me when I see black women who stress the importance of education, serving their communities, and being politically involved! I love the fact that I was able to read in Search of Sisterhood because this book allowed me to understand the importance of change and standing up for what you truly believe in. It is extremely difficult being black and being a woman so when I see how determined these women are to make a difference in our society that only encourages me more to want to be apart of such a illustrious sisterhood. I am not apart of a Greek lettered organization but I one day hope to be apart of an organization such as delta sigma theta. It is women like them who uphold and inspire young women such as myself to have the confidence and inspiration to seek change and know that anything is possible. I hope that one day I can become a member of this organization and exemplify why this organization was even established. Whether I pledge tomorrow or in 20 years my heart will always have a spot for DST.


~"I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen!"~ Anonymous.

[Dreadloc'd Diva]

"Education is the passport to the future,for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." -Malcolm X

Originally Posted by lzy09

Ahh yes I thought if ever asked this question I wouldn't know what to say but in all honesty I was doing some research on the organization I was very impressed. For, one I look at delta sigma theta as being a very prestigious black letter organization. And when I see historical women like shirley chisholm (one of many) who impacted and made a difference and influenced not only black people but black women and women in general is definitely ok with me. Knowing that she was a respected member of this organization can only mean that this organization is worth being apart of to say the least.

It inspires me when I see black women who stress the importance of education, serving their communities, and being politically involved! I love the fact that I was able to read in Search of Sisterhood because this book allowed me to understand the importance of change and standing up for what you truly believe in. It is extremely difficult being black and being a woman so when I see how determined these women are to make a difference in our society that only encourages me more to want to be apart of such a illustrious sisterhood. I am not apart of a Greek lettered organization but I one day hope to be apart of an organization such as delta sigma theta. It is women like them who uphold and inspire young women such as myself to have the confidence and inspiration to seek change and know that anything is possible. I hope that one day I can become a member of this organization and exemplify why this organization was even established. Whether I pledge tomorrow or in 20 years my heart will always have a spot for DST.


~"I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen!"~ Anonymous.

[Pyramediator]

First I must commend the soror who startedt his thread b/c often times prospects don't have a true understanding for the work of Delta.

I was first introducted to the organization my freshman year in high school. I joined Delta TAAS (now GEMS) and got the opportunity to watch a unique group of woman in all shapes, complexions, sizes, and from all walks of life work together. I met these women at a time when I had really low self-esteem and didn't know what it meant to love myself and they nurtured and showed me to love me for who I was. As grew in the organizaiton and became a debutante I noticed that, no, they didn't always agree and they were very opinionate, but when it was all said and done they were able to compromise and come to a mutual agreement to accomplish the work of Delta.

When I decided that I wanted to be apart of a sorority I did my research. I checked out the websites, read the books, and talked to members of local chapters. What I found was an organization that stood firm on the morals and values of their founders. When they saw a need for change they stepped up to the plate and did what needed to be done. I was intrigued at how diligently they worked to make a difference in the lives of others because they realized that it was about more than just saying you're a member.

As a member of this great sisterhood I pledged to give Delta all my love, dedication, time, MONEY, and talents to help better the community. I've enjoyed the work I've done so far, but I'm especially looking forward to the work that I have yet to do.

[KAPgirl]

Hello All

I have been part of greek chat for a very long time now but this is my first post.I have always wanted to be part of a sorority just to belong to a sisterhood but never really thought about why i wanted to be part of that specific sorority. For a long time I had my mind set on being part of a this one sorotity and then I cam along this post about a year ago. So I asked myself why do I want to be part of the sorority and what can I bring to it. I got to thinkiing and nothing really came to mind. When talking to other people interested in being greek they always told me to research all the sororities before I should make up my mind. To me my mind was already set so why should I research everybody else? After giving my life to the lord I began to grow and see things in a different way. Thats when I really started to question my decision in the sorority and be came curious in others.

So I decided to attend DST's spring informational and thats when I really began to open my eyes up. Thats when I realised that I basing my view of sororities on myths and colors and the strolling. After attending the infomational I must admit I was really impressed and and felt at home but I didnt want this experience to be my sole bases either on wanting to join DST because many had told me thats the idea of the information to be really nice and make their sorority seem like the best.So I started to read In Search of Sisterhood but didnt finish becasue it was a borrowed book and I was still very impressed and I guess that when I really made the decision to want to a member of Delta Sigma Theta. But I wanted to be 100% sure so I finally did thorough research on all of the NPHC sororities. When I reviewed history and what they are doing now in the community with themselves as a sorority I was sadly unimpressed. I knew there had to be more and thats what exactly I found. Some sororities just seemed as if they were just to be part of a sisterhood get good grades and do some good in the community. And others seemed to be more focused on status then actually bettering the world.

To me Delta Sigma Theta's strong history is intriguing and actually means and stands for something. Delta Sigma Theta is still standing strong through their 5 point program which sill based off the basic principals of which DST was created. When I think about Delta Sigma Theta I think about a strong black woman, who is intelligent, who has morals, who gives back to the community, who uplifts, who is aware of the world and the issues facing it. I see role models, good mothers, loving aunts, caring understandind and always there sisters.

After much research and prayer and even dreams I know in my heart that Delta Sigma Theta is for me and look forward to all that I can bring to DST.