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SOCIAL ACTION

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been instrumental in pursuing equality for all since its founding in 1913.  Months after its founding, the Founders participated in the Women’s Suffrage March
in March of 1913 in Washington, D.C. Participation in this march was the Sorority’s first public act. 

SOCIAL ACTION IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC

More than 100 years after the Sorority’s participation in the Women’s Suffrage March, members of the sorority continue in their political awareness and involvement efforts.  With the United States Supreme Court’s ruling in 2013, which impacted the Voting Rights Act, recently many states have enacted voter discrimination laws infringing on the right to vote for minorities and individuals with disabilities.   Within the South Atlantic Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., encompassing North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Bermuda, members of the sorority have been influential in pursuing justice for all and serving as a voice for our communities. 

 

For an example, in North Carolina, members of the sorority advocated against the implementation of the 2013 voter identification law, which enacted voting restrictions.  In 2016, this legislation was held unconstitutional. 

 

In South Carolina, members of the sorority supported the removal of the confederate flag from the South Carolina State Capital building in 2015.  This was the first time that this flag, which served as a symbol of racism and southern pride, was removed since the civil rights movement.   

 

In Virginia, members of the sorority educate and provide assistance to individuals meeting eligibility requirements for restoration of rights, which assists these individuals in successful returns to the community after periods of incarceration.   

 

The states within the South Atlantic Region continue to serve as battleground states for politics and members of the sorority within this region continue to serve as leaders in the advocacy of equal protection for all.

CURRENT SOCIAL ACTION INITIATIVES IN THE REGION

Chapters throughout our region participate in Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital annually in Washington, D.C.  Additionally, each state hosts Delta Days at the General Assembly annually at their state’s capital whereby individuals meet with state senators and representatives to discuss pertinent issues affecting citizens within their state.   Members of the sorority within our region serve as advocates in addressing the issues impacting our local communities.  

 

Through today’s programming, forums, and seminars, members within the South Atlantic Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will focus on a number of critical initiatives including:

 

  • Voter Rights

    • Voter protection

    • Voter registration

    • Voter mobilization

    • Voter education

    • Voter rights and restoration of rights for former offenders

    • Monitoring redistricting

  • Education

    • Advocate for the closing of the achievement gap

    • Support increase funding for public schools

    • Advocate for increased teacher salaries and recruiting of high quality teachers

    • Support funding for Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

  • Health Care

    • Support the expansion of Medicaid and affordable health insurance for all

    • Educate and address mental illness in our communities

    • Advocate against sex and human trafficking

  • Economy

    • Support the increase of the minimum wage

    • Support enactment of laws for equal pay

    • Support small businesses and economic empowerment

  • Racial Injustices

    • Protect against racial profiling and racial disparities within the criminal justice system

    • Improve community policing

    • Encourage productive conversations and relationships between law enforcement and community members

  • Domestic and Gun Violence

    • Decrease domestic and gun violence

    • Educate communities on healthy relationships

  • Women in Politics

    • Encourage women to pursue appointments and elected positions at the local, state and nationally level

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