NALFO Press Releases

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Instead of making new threads for this each time, I figured I'd put these in one place, just in case anyone is interested

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NALFO Welcomes New Board Member


San Diego, California – August 2008



The National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) welcomes Kelvin Rodriguez as the new Director of Parliamentary Procedure. Rodriguez’s position ensures that all NALFO business runs in accordance with the NALFO Constitution, By-laws, policies and Robert's Rules of Order.



Kelvin is a member of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree in sport and leisure management from Eastern Connecticut State University and his master’s degree in higher education administration from Florida International University . Kelvin is currently the Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs at the Florida State University in Tallahassee .



Kelvin summed up his excitement for the position: “I look forward to working with the 23 member organizations and the NALFO board to continue to push forward the mission, goals, and values of the association.”



###



Established in 1998, NALFO serves as the umbrella council for 23 Latino/a fraternities and sororities from across the United States . The purpose of NALFO is to promote and foster positive interfraternal relations, communication, and development of all Latino fraternal organizations through mutual respect, leadership, honesty, professionalism, and education.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

OMG I know Kelvin!

[Senusret I]

Why not just "Parliamentarian?"

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

Why not just "Parliamentarian?"

You know Greeks and their titles...

[TotallyWicked]

Congrats Hermano Kelvin!

I know Kelvin personally, we were able to meet at Convention last year, he will DEFINITELY be a great asset to NALFO!

[knight_shadow]

Originally Posted by TotallyWicked

Congrats Hermano Kelvin!

I know Kelvin personally, we were able to meet at Convention last year, he will DEFINITELY be a great asset to NALFO!

Awesome. Lord knows we need some help...

[knight_shadow]

From the NALFO listserv -

Leading Wireless Provider launches groundbreaking Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign Working with Latino Youth

LOS ANGELES (8/25/2008) – Verizon Wireless is partnering with best selling author and empowerment specialist, Yasmin Davidds, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. to create the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® and Yasmin Davidds Mobilizing Voices campaign. MOBILIZING VOICES™ is a culturally relevant domestic violence prevention and awareness campaign. The campaign calls upon Latino youth to empower themselves and help break the cycle of domestic violence within their community. MOBILIZING VOICES™ will focus on facilitating a dialogue on dating violence and providing Latino youth with the tools necessary to improve and foster healthy relationships.

The campaign, launching today, will run through the rest of summer and culminate with a MOBILIZING VOICES™ college tour hosted by Yasmin Davidds, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. at the University of Southern California on October 20th. The tour will proceed at San Jose State University on October 21st and Arizona State University on October 22. Over 70 student organizations have come together to help organize the MOBILIZING VOICES™ events and raise awareness.

"We will be discussing the issues of dating violence using an approach that students will relate to," said Yasmin Davidds. "Our goal is to create a movement where our youth are motivated and feel empowered to help a friend or loved one."

Verizon Wireless has long been a corporate supporter of domestic violence awareness programs under their HopeLine® initiative and in 2007 committed over $1.7 million dollars to domestic violence shelters and assistance programs.

"We were exploring unique ways to raise awareness of domestic violence and our HopeLine® initiative among Latino communities," said Ken Muche, Verizon Wireless. "By partnering with Yasmin Davidds, the MOBILIZING VOICES™ campaign will allow us to work with Latino youth to create a forum for education and prevention across multiple states."

Mobilizing Voices Award
As part of the MOBILIZING VOICES™ campaign, Yasmin Davidds and Verizon Wireless will honor four students who have exemplified extraordinary courage in breaking free from domestic violence. The Verizon Wireless HopeLine® and Yasmin Davidds Mobilizing Voices Award will be presented to four students who have shared their stories in transforming the experience of being a victim of domestic violence into a success story of living as a survivor. A selection committee will choose the students who, in their opinion, best exemplify the strength, courage and resolve of the human spirit needed to regain control of their lives. Entrees will be accepted via the MOBILIZING VOICES™ micro site atwww.mobilizingvoice s.com.

An awards ceremony will recognize the honorees with a plaque and congressional proclamation. In addition, a $5,000 donation will be granted to a domestic violence shelter in each of their names. The awards ceremony will take place at the University of Southern California on October 20, 2008.

About HopeLine
HopeLine® is a phone-recycling program exclusive to Verizon Wireless that uses refurbished and recycled wireless equipment and Verizon Wireless services and equipment to help victims of domestic violence. Verizon Wireless collects no-longer used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider at their Communications Stores nationwide. Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine® program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: www.verizonwireless .com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless .com/multimedia.

About Yasmin Davidds
Yasmin Davidds is an internationally recognized speaker, best-selling author and the nation's leading authority in the empowerment of Latinas. She has been recognized and highlighted as one of the Top Leading Latinas in the nation by Hispanic Magazine, and has also been featured as one of the most influential Latinas in U.S. History in The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success. As a media personality, Yasmin broke ground when she hosted her own television talk show "You Go Girl!" in which she addressed issues and gave powerful solutions to challenges affecting all women. Yasmin has served as a national spokesperson for various campaigns focused on empowerment in the Hispanic community and is currently the empowerment expert for a major internet service and media platform designed for Latinos. For more information about Yasmin Davidds please visit www.yasmindavidds. com

About Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc.
Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-based Greek letter intercollegiate sorority founded on March 11, 1986 at California State University, Chico. The purpose of Lambda Theta Nu, is to open doors of opportunity to the Latinas in the community. Their primary focus is academic excellence and meeting the needs of Latina women in higher education. Lambda Theta Nu, also promotes the advancement of Latinas through various campus activities and community services, and provides an environment for personal growth within a unit of sisterhood. The organization does not only focus on its active members, but on the overall Latino community. In order to further their interest in helping out the Latino community, as a national organization Lambda Theta Nu, has established a National Latina Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is designed with the goal of assisting young high school women pursue their own educational goals. Every chapter of the organization awards an annual scholarship to a Latina High School student who signifies the ideals of the scholarship. Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. as a national organization participates in national community services such as the Latina Youth Leadership Conference which emphasizes higher education in young Latina students, leadership skills, self-esteem and cultural pride and other topics. The Tijeras National community service program addresses the Latino communities educational needs by focusing in the areas of Latino leadership and Latino literacy. The National community service program has two components, academic excellence and community service represented by Latina Youth Leadership Conference and Latino Literacy Fund. Lambda Theta Nu cherishes and respects the cultures of all its members. Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. is the only sorority to step/dance with machetes to symbolize our culture and the strength of Latina women. The sorority is a founding member of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO). For information please visit www.lambdathetanu.org.

About Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1975 at Kean College in Union, New Jersey. Lambda Theta Phi is a non-profit social fraternity emphasizing Latin unity and the celebration of the Latin culture. Since its founding, the organization has expanded across the United States. The organization strives to make an impact on not just undergraduate students, but also their surrounding community at large through positive social actions. Lambda Theta Phi's goals are to promote scholarship, Latin unity, respect for all cultures and brotherhood. At the undergraduate level, the brothers are active within the Fraternity and in other student organizations. Lambda Theta Phi promotes gender neutral friendliness and aspire to unite and empower the latino community. The brothers perform community service, promote their culture by sponsoring events which highlight and celebrate their heritage, participate in educational workshops, and enjoy many social programs. As a result of their active participation in every aspect of college life, the undergraduate members are developing their organizational, communication, and leadership skills, all while pursuing their diploma. The younger members are receiving the training and competence to serve as the future leaders of the brotherhood, community, and nation. Lambda Theta Phi has received commendations from the American Red Cross for its fundraising efforts on behalf of victims of earthquakes in Italy and Mexico, mud-slides in Puerto Rico, volcanic eruptions in Colombia, the homeless in the United States and Hurricanes in Florida. Lambda Theta Phi has also received commendations from the Division of Youth and Family Services, various other community service organizations as well as proclamations, resolutions and commendations from Congress and other State Legislatures. For more information please visit www.lambda1975.org.

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From Diverse Online

Feature Stories
The Next Best Thing to Family
By Reginald Stuart
Sep 18, 2008, 14:39

As more Hispanic women are enrolling in college, Hispanic sororities are filling a personal void that other campus groups don’t.

COLLEGE PARK, MD.

Members of the Upsilon chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. gather on campus at the University of Maryland, College Park, for a show of unity in displaying their sorority’s hand sign.
Brenda Delgado, gathered on campus with a group of ‘sisters,’ quickly ticks off a list of why a Latina sorority was more appealing than other Greek-letter groups when she enrolled at the University of Maryland, College Park. She draws nods of agreement from those gathered around.

“I feel that I can relate to these women,” says Delgado, a senior majoring in family science. “My parents being immigrants. Their parents being immigrants. My parents speak Spanish. Their parents speak Spanish. I feel that I can relate to them.” When asked how many in the group were first-time college students, all nine ‘sisters’ proudly raised their hands.

“I was a minority in high school, and I’m a minority here,” Delgado continues. “I felt that I needed my own home,” she says.

She found it as a sister in the 17-member Upsilon chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., one of two Hispanic sororities on the UMCP campus. The other is Sigma Lambda Upsilon, Senoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc.

A generation ago, Latina sororities were in their infancy on American college campuses. Membership has ebbed and flowed since the founding of the first one, Lambda Theta Alpha, at Kean University in Union, N. J., in December 1975.

Though still small in member numbers today, compared to more long-established mainstream fraternities and sororities, Latina sororities have emerged as an important ingredient for success for many Hispanic women in college. They find Latina sororities fill a personal void other campus groups don’t. “

They are looking for cultural identity and community service,” says Yvonne Hernández, a member of Kappa Delta Chi and chair of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO), the umbrella council for 23 nationally recognized Hispanic Greek-letter groups. “Once you get them active, they are passionate about getting involved in the community.”

Today, there seems to be a slight increase in interest, Hernández says. She attributes it to the rise in the number of Latinas going to college and a seemingly greater desire among today’s students for more cultural identity. “For some reason, it seems especially poignant in the millennial generation,” she says.

While founded by Latinas, many Latina sororities are open to women of all backgrounds. In Lambda Theta Alpha at UMCP, students have roots in Bolivia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Nepal and Peru.

Collectively, NALFO member organizations boast between 6,000 and 8,000 male and female members across the country. Latina sororities run the gamut in size and structure, with their styles of operating varying by group and sometimes region. Some emphasize academics; others stress social life.

Chapters with three to five members are common, particularly in the Midwest. In the West, where the Hispanic population is larger, some chapters will have 40 to 50 members. Membership dues are usually small and flexible, as most members come from low-income families that struggle just to help a student go to college.

Latinas who encounter family resistance to college find support and cultural connections through Latina sororities, says Gina García, retention coordinator at California State University, Fullerton.
Some, like the Radiant Ladies of Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., ‘step,’ a trademark style of historically Black Greek-letter groups. Most Latina sororities have some form of the traditional “rush” or “pledge” season, although some call it an “intake process.” The range of initiation activities and requirements varies widely, depending on the group’s focus.

Maintaining a Balance

Regardless of their size, membership requirements, secret codes and regional peculiarities, there are some common threads running through Latina sororities. Their focuses are on academic achievement, community service and respectful redefinition of the role of the Hispanic woman while keeping a strong emphasis on the Hispanic family.

“What’s important is engaging not only the student but the family,” says Hernández, citing the tough balancing act Latinas face in trying to grow beyond their traditional roles in the family while not alienating or disrespecting their elders and heritage.

“They (Latina sororities) try to do a lot of activities where mom can come, grandma can come, aunts can come, the whole family,” says Hernández. “They break down some of the traditional barriers so the family starts to see what a positive experience college is for the student.”

When Cintya Renderos enrolled at UMCP, she found herself awash in a sea of thousands of strangers. All were anxious to make that tough transition into adulthood but hardly equipped with the personal tools to do so.

“I never thought about college while I was younger, I never really thought I could go to college,” says Renderos, the first person in her family to pursue a college degree and one of the few Hispanics among her high school peers to attend college. “The fact that I’m here now just really blows my mind sometimes.”

Renderos, whose family immigrated to the United States from El Salvador when she was in elementary school, is quite a changed person. The once soft-spoken average student is now a campus leader and academic achiever (she earned a 4.0 grade point average last semester). She sounds confident about excelling in her pursuits after her expected graduation next spring with a degree in public and community health. She credits her evolution into a confident adult to her involvement in a Latina sorority.

“For me, the sorority helped me achieve in every way possible,” says Renderos, president of UMCP’s chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha. “It’s kind of like a family away from home. They supported me and helped me find myself and my potential.”

Sorority participation pays personal dividends for most who join, says Gina García, retention coordinator in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at California State University, Fullerton, and the author of a 2005 study on Hispanic student participation in Hispanic sororities.

“The Latina sorority becomes a support group,” says García, whose survey of more than 300 students across the country found membership helped the students with their social adjustment to college life and boosted their commitment to their schools, both important factors in deciding whether to stay in school.

“There are women who get family resistance, and the sorority provides them contacts and connections who know what they are going through,” says García. “If you are going to a school out in the Midwest that’s majority White, you are looking for a cultural connection,” García explains.

García’s findings and sentiments are echoed by Mary Peterson, executive director of Iowa-based Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Peterson, who retired three years ago from the student life staff of the University of Iowa, helped five Hispanic students at the school start the sorority in 1990.

“For a majority of our women, being away from home, this just gave them a support system to try things they haven’t tried before, to feel better about being away from home and hopefully retain women so they do graduate. That’s what’s most important,” says Peterson, noting that Sigma Lambda has 87 active chapters and 12 active “colonies,” the term used to refer to new interest groups.

Indeed, even at the more urban Maryland campus, on the outskirts of Washington, D.C., the significance of a Latina sorority to its members can’t be overstated. In its most recent enrollment report in fall 2007, the university reported nearly 6 percent of its 25,857 full-time undergraduate students were Hispanic. Just over half of the 1,517 Hispanic student population, 819 students, is female.

Renderos says many parents of Latina sorority members don’t understand what their daughters are going through, as their parents have never been to college.

“It’s a real balancing act, trying to be the best in both worlds, in your home and school,” says Renderos. “The Latina sororities have helped me realize it’s OK to be who I am and to have the love for academics and my family.”

Email the editor: editor@diverseeducation.com

Click here to post and read comments


© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com

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OPBSI 3-2-1 Countdown: Fight to End Violence Against Women!

NEW YORK, New York… October 1, 2008. Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated (OPBSI) launches its annual project dedicated to their national philanthropy, raising awareness of violence against women, with its first ever “3-2-1 Countdown: Fight to end Violence Against Women” campaign. As part of OPBSI’s National Philanthropic efforts, the campaign will also aim to raise funds to contribute to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

During this national effort, the devoted women of OPBSI’s National Council of Officers, local chapters, and colonies will host three programs, two community service endeavors and one fundraiser in honor of their national philanthropy. Individual members will also collect monetary donations that will aid NCADV in its continued efforts to provide information for and assistance to those in need. OPBSI hopes to exceed its monetary goal of $2,000 by collecting $10 donations from its membership, friends and supporters. "The annual campaign will also include a five-minute moment of silence at 7:17am/pm on the first Monday in October, in observance of NCADV's Day of Unity that honors DV survivors and advocates", says Shaeina Bailey, Director of Community Service, National Council of Officers.

Violence against women is a global epidemic. In the United States alone, a woman is raped every 6 minutes and battered every 15 seconds. There is a greater risk of a woman being made a victim of violence by someone she knows. DV is a violation of a woman's right to physical integrity, to liberty, and all too often, to her right to life. The 3-2-1 Countdown: Fight to End Violence Against Women campaign is an amazing project that demonstrates OPBSI's commitment to end violence against women.



Donations in the form of check or money order can be sent to:
Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
P.O. Box 3352
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163
Attn: 3-2-1 Campaign – Raising Funds Against DV


Omega Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a NALFO organization member, is a Latina-oriented sorority founded on March 15, 1989, at the University at Albany, State University of New York. Seventeen women of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds came together to defy the injustices suffered by women, particularly women of color, in the academic, professional and political arenas. The purpose of OPBSI is to serve and educate people of diverse backgrounds through sisterhood, leadership, and guidance. As positive role models, we promote unity of all cultures, focus on the empowerment of our gender and raise the standards of excellence in our academic, social, and personal endeavors. For further information visit: www.OmegaPhiBeta.org

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is comprised of people dealing with the concerns of battered women and their families. We represent both rural and urban areas. Our programs support and involve battered women of all racial, social, religious and economic groups, ages and lifestyles. We oppose the use of violence as a means of control over others and support equality in relationships and the concept of helping women assume power over their own lives. We strive toward becoming independent, community-based groups in which women make major policy and program decisions. For further information visit: www.ncadv.org

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Just released-- Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. Pi Chapter featured in Austin News 8 Time Warner Cable.

Clip can be viewed at the link below.

http://www.news8austin.com/content/t...sp?ArID=221352

Also, there is an interview that with the Austin-American Statesman with Mary Gonzales, Chapter Development Officer for KDChi and Pi Chapter Alumna :
http://link.brightcove.com/services/...ctid1836683566

Students get hooked on registering voters
10/6/2008 3:10 PM
By: Amy Hadley


Sisters of Kappa Delta Chi help register voters.
The push is on to get that final 5 percent of unregistered eligible voters in Travis County to register.

With the voter registration deadline looming, more than 30 student organizations set up tables all over the University of Texas campus Monday to hook the vote.

There's the normal hustle and bustle on the UT campus as students go to and from classes and buildings and volunteers say it's an easy process to get registered.

The sisters of Kappa Delta Chi were on hand to chat with News 8's Amy Hadley.

Students help register voters on the UT campus Monday.

Tables will be set up until late Monday afternoon and then they will be gearing up for Midnight Marathon at Gregory Plaza.


--
Raquel Guerrero
Vice President of Public Affairs
Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc.
publicaffairs@ kappadeltachi. org

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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell
Public Relations Officer, Omega Alpha Graduate Chapter
Email: Omega.Alpha@justbecus. org
Website: www.JustBeCUS.org


CHI UPSILON SIGMA PLACES 2ND IN PHILADELPHIA PUERTO RICAN PARADE

Philadelphia, P.A. October 1, 2008 – The Omega Alpha Graduate Chapter of Corazones Unidos Siempre, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (CUS) participated in the 46th Regional Puerto Rican Day Parade, “A Celebration of the Region’s Latino Music Scene”, on Sunday September 28, 2008. This year Chi Upsilon Sigma competed in the parade and received second place!

The annual tradition of participating in this parade started with Chi Upsilon Sigma’s Omicron Chapter, Drexel University. Omega Alpha is proud to carry on this tradition which has occurred annually since 1998. With competitive performances back in 2000 and 2001, and non-judging participation the other years, it was time for CUS to bring their one of a kind stepping and strolling back to the parade. This year the performers consisted of Danielle Bracy, Jeannine Burton, Cristina Colon, Jazmin Delgado, Nikki Echols, Felicita Medina, Vanessa C. Peralta-Mitchell, Jasmind Thomas and Vanessa Vazquez, of which seven were alumnae and two were undergraduates.

The theme of the group’s stepping and strolling performance was the “Roots of Puerto Rico”, representing the Africano, Indigenous and Spaniard groups. The performance was a reflection of how the groups came together as one to make the foundation of its people. The team began with a mini step exhibition in which they showed their synchronization, precision and team work. Then they strolled to bomba music, “Seshuque y Balance” by Grupo Afro Boricua. They used this Puerto Rican style of music to fuse their modern style with the traditional flavor of the land. Various movements reflected each native group and the modern style of the performing team. The costumes reflected the three groups: Africanos, Indigenous and Spaniards. The Spaniard group wore bright, lively red colors which represented the passion of its people. The Africano group wore traditional wraps with dynamic orange and green colors which represented the influential character of its people. The Indigenous group wore neutral colors which represent the innate nature of its people. The team was judged on best portrayal of the parade’s theme, best display of Puerto Rican or Latino culture, originality and creativity, costumes and crowd appeal. Out of the six organizations in the college category, CUS came away with second!

In addition to the performance, CUS annually participates in the parade to promote a social awareness. This year the focus was the Go Red For Women campaign which unites women in the fight against heart disease. The educational information they passed out covered topics, helpful tips and resourceful information from the American Heart Association. They also carried jars to collect funds for their “Change for Change” campaign. The idea behind this is to collect change so they can in turn make a change in a young girl’s life. Money raised is for their Annual Book Scholarship which is awarded to an excelling high school teen mother who has been accepted into college. The group consisted of over 30 participants which included Sisters, families and friends who assisted Omega Alpha in their efforts.



About Omega Alpha Graduate Chapter of Corazones Unidos Siempre, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc.

Established in 2002, the Omega Alpha Graduate Chapter aims to keep alumnae involved, support our undergraduate chapters, provide professional events and assist our community. These goals are accomplished through various annual functions, monthly events and hands on community service. To learn more, please visit: www.geocities. com/Omega_ Alpha_CUS. Omega Alpha is a graduate chapter of Corazones Unidos Siempre, Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (CUS). CUS was established in 1980 with the goal of reaching our communities through social, educational, political and cultural awareness. This established organization prides itself on effective community service and the ability to educate, elevate and empower all those who cross our path. To learn more, please visit: www.JustBeCUS.org

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Latino Greeks launch groundbreaking Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign at USC Working with Latino Youth

LOS ANGELES (8/25/2008) – Verizon Wireless is partnering with best selling author and empowerment specialist, Yasmin Davidds, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. to create the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® and Yasmin Davidds Mobilizing Voices campaign. MOBILIZING VOICES™ is a culturally relevant domestic violence prevention and awareness campaign. The campaign calls upon Latino youth to empower themselves and help break the cycle of domestic violence within their community. MOBILIZING VOICES™ will focus on facilitating a dialogue on dating violence and providing Latino youth with the tools necessary to improve and foster healthy relationships.

The campaign, launching today, will run through the rest of summer and culminate with a MOBILIZING VOICES™ college tour hosted by Yasmin Davidds, Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc., and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. at the University of Southern California on October 20th. The tour will proceed at San Jose State University on October 21st and Arizona State University on October 22. Over 70 student organizations have come together to help organize the MOBILIZING VOICES™ events and raise awareness.
"We will be discussing the issues of dating violence using an approach that students will relate to," said Yasmin Davidds. "Our goal is to create a movement where our youth are motivated and feel empowered to help a friend or loved one."

Verizon Wireless has long been a corporate supporter of domestic violence awareness programs under their HopeLine® initiative and in 2007 committed over $1.7 million dollars to domestic violence shelters and assistance programs.

"We were exploring unique ways to raise awareness of domestic violence and our HopeLine® initiative among Latino communities," said Ken Muche, Verizon Wireless. "By partnering with Yasmin Davidds, the MOBILIZING VOICES™ campaign will allow us to work with Latino youth to create a forum for education and prevention across multiple states."

Mobilizing Voices Award
As part of the MOBILIZING VOICES™ campaign, Yasmin Davidds and Verizon Wireless will honor four students who have exemplified extraordinary courage in breaking free from domestic violence. The Verizon Wireless HopeLine® and Yasmin Davidds Mobilizing Voices Award will be presented to four students who have shared their stories in transforming the experience of being a victim of domestic violence into a success story of living as a survivor. A selection committee will choose the students who, in their opinion, best exemplify the strength, courage and resolve of the human spirit needed to regain control of their lives. Entrees will be accepted via the MOBILIZING VOICES™ micro site atwww.mobilizingvoice s.com.

An awards ceremony will recognize the honorees with a plaque and congressional proclamation. In addition, a $5,000 donation will be granted to a domestic violence shelter in each of their names. The awards ceremony will take place at the University of Southern California on October 20, 2008.

About HopeLine
HopeLine® is a phone-recycling program exclusive to Verizon Wireless that uses refurbished and recycled wireless equipment and Verizon Wireless services and equipment to help victims of domestic violence. Verizon Wireless collects no-longer used wireless phones, batteries and accessories in any condition from any wireless service provider at their Communications Stores nationwide. Phones that can be refurbished are sold for reuse and those without value are disposed of in an environmentally sound way. Proceeds from the HopeLine® program are used to provide wireless phones and cash grants to local shelters and non-profit organizations that focus on domestic violence prevention and awareness.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 65.7 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 69,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). For more information, go to: www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Yasmin Davidds
Yasmin Davidds is an internationally recognized speaker, best-selling author and the nation's leading authority in the empowerment of Latinas. She has been recognized and highlighted as one of the Top Leading Latinas in the nation by Hispanic Magazine, and has also been featured as one of the most influential Latinas in U.S. History in The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success. As a media personality, Yasmin broke ground when she hosted her own television talk show "You Go Girl!" in which she addressed issues and gave powerful solutions to challenges affecting all women. Yasmin has served as a national spokesperson for various campaigns focused on empowerment in the Hispanic community and is currently the empowerment expert for a major internet service and media platform designed for Latinos. For more information about Yasmin Davidds please visit www.yasmindavidds.com

About Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc.
Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. was founded on March 11, 1986 at California State University, Chico, becoming the first Latina-based sorority in the region. Since then, the sorority has set out to foster leadership skills, community service and academic excellence in young women. The sorority is also a founding member organization of the National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO). In addition to having a strong internal support system, the sorority gives the next generation of leaders and professionals a scholarship to aid in their pursuit of higher education. For more information on the organization and/or the scholarship please visit www.lambdathetanu.org .


About Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc. was founded on December 1, 1975 at Kean College in Union, New Jersey. Lambda Theta Phi is a non-profit social fraternity emphasizing Latin unity and the celebration of the Latin culture. The organization strives to make an impact on not just undergraduate students, but also their surrounding community at large through positive social actions. Lambda Theta Phi's goals are to promote scholarship, Latin unity, respect for all cultures and brotherhood. Lambda Theta Phi promotes gender neutral friendliness and aspire to unite and empower the latino community. For more information please visit www.lambda1975.org .

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dianna Romaguera, National Director of Public Relations
publicrelations@lambdalady.org

LAMBDA THETA ALPHA IMPACTING CHANGE

New York, N.Y. October 20, 2008 - With the nation’s focus on this year’s 2008 election and the world’s attention geared towards government politics, sisters, Regina Reese and Evelyn Lopez of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. are using their voices to help encourage Latinos throughout the nation to use their votes to make a difference.

MTV Tr3s, a division of MTV Networks dedicated to Latin programming and entertainment, is proactive with impacting Latinos to vote with their Choose or Lose campaign. MTV Networks has been using Think MTV in conjunction with the Choose or Lose campaign to get younger generations interested in voting and focusing on issues relating to education, politics, human rights and the environment.

In the most recent advertisements for the campaign, sisters of Lambda Theta Alpha at the University of Maryland want to get their message out to the world how Latinos do have the power to affect government policies by using their votes.

“Go out….make a change, create a change because you can, because you do have the potential and the power and you will make a change,” said Regina Reese, senior at the University of Maryland in a promotional video for MTV Tr3s.


“What my fellow Latinos need to understand is that our voices can be heard, we just need to make sure we speak,” said Evelyn Lopez, Lambda Theta Alpha sister and graduate from the University of Maryland.

Evelyn Lopez, organized a march for the re-instatement of Latino Studies at the University of Maryland. Her perseverance and the commitment of the other students involved helped encourage educational professionals to sign a bill to keep the Latino Studies program at the university. Sisters, such as Evelyn Lopez and Regina Reese are making waves in the community impacting their schools, their communities and their cultures.

Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. is the nation’s first Latin sorority and was founded in 1975 at Kean University, Union, N.J. The organization is based on the principles of Unity, Love and Respect and serves as a beacon for the unification of Latina women. The organization’s mission is to empower the community through charitable and educational programs by developing strong leaders who promote political, social and cultural activities.

For more information, please visit:
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. National Web site: http://www.lambdalady.org
MTV3 Web site: http://www.mtvtr3s.com
The Choose or Loose Campaign: http://chooseorloose.com
You can also view the promo spot at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtK66WuPP7Y

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SIA supports March of Dimes

Dear friends,

September 20, 2008 marked the launch of SIA's Blue Ribbon campaign. The Blue Ribbon campaign is the final phase of a three part fund-raising campaign launched during the 2005-2006 academic year in order to devote SIA's national fund-raising efforts to our philanthropies. During Phase I, hermanas raised awareness and funds for AIDS and AIDS research during the Red Ribbon campaign. Phase II (Gold Ribbon campaign) was dedicated to supporting Special Olympics by raising awareness about how sports training and competition improves the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. SIA members have raised over $18,000 in their efforts.

The Blue Ribbon campaign will take place during the 2008-2009 academic year and will benefit March of Dimes. The goal is to support March of Dimes by raising awareness and working together to give babies a chance against the threats to their health: prematurity, birth defects, low birth weight.

For more information on how to donate to this campaign, email president@hermandad-sia.org or visit http://www.hermandad-sia.org/blueribbon.html

Donations made via the national website will be matched.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information:
Enrique Camacho
(414) 405-6347
Enrique.Camacho@lambdas.com

New York (November 12, 2008) — Are you ready to cook? Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity’s very own Alex Eusebio is among the 17 culinary “up-and-comers” who will compete to be the top Chef on the Bravo network. Hermano Alex Eusebio was inaugurated in Spring 1995 into Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity, Inc. Alpha Chapter at SUNY Buffalo. Hermano Alex is an executive chef from New York, NY currently residing in Los Angeles, CA.

The top chef contestants or "chef'testants" as the network calls them will be competing for a grand-prize package of $100,000. The money can be used as seed money to help open a restaurant, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, and a showcase at the Annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

The mission of Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity is to be a network of professionals that promotes brotherhood, scholarship and service to the community. The fraternity promotes brotherhood by providing its members personal and professional support on an undergraduate and alumni level. Our members pursue scholarship not only for professional advancement, but to attain personal growth. The brotherhood serves the community by sponsoring events which aide those in need, promoting cultural awareness, and enriching the collegiate environment. Every member must continue to uphold the mission and goals of the fraternity, as they are the common values that distinguish us as Hermanos of Lambda Alpha Upsilon.