Chapter Programs

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Chapter Programs

BERTHA PITTS CAMPBELL SCHOLARSHIP ( Bertha Pitts Campbell Scholarship Application )

Bertha Pitts Campbell (one of the 22 undergraduate women who founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated) resided in Seattle until her death.  She was a woman who not only left her mark on Seattle and the state of Washington, but this entire country.

In 1913, the same year she and 21 other women founded Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Bertha Pitts Campbell took part in a women's suffrage march in Washington, D.C. to obtain the right for women to vote in this country.  Later she marched there again in the historic march led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1963.

A long-time resident of Seattle, she was a charter member of the Christian Friends for Racial Equality and a member of the Board of Directors at the YWCA of Seattle-King County.  She participated in the 1980 Seattle march in support of the Equal Rights Amendment.  She is also a charter member of the Seattle Alumnae Chapter (1933).

In her honor we award scholarships to local African-American female high school students in need of financial aid.  Our scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a degree at an accredited college, university, and/or accredited technical/trade school in the year following their high school graduation.

DELTA ACADEMY

The Shabazz Delta Academy is designed to offer a variety of opportunites and experiences to young girls, (ages 11-13) who might not otherwise have the exposure. Using science, math, and technology as a focus, the girls meet twice a month with Deltas who are educators to go on field trips, participate in special workshops, and work collaboratively on group projects.  The girls also work together on two public service proejects.

The volunteer teachers in the Shabazz Delta Academy are familiar with the academic standards for middle school and encourage the girls to put time and effort into their academic classes by acknolwedging and celebrating thier successes.  Each year, the Seattle Alumnae Chapter sponsors a Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest for the members in the Shabazz Delta Academy.  This past January, the girls read excerpts from "Letters from A Birmingham Jail" and then wrote a letter to newly elected President Barack Obama from Dr. Kings point of view.

The Shabazz Delta Academy teachers understand the importance of providing a trusting environment that is non-judgmental and is necessary for these young flowers to bloom.  The Shabazz Delta Academy meets at Madrona K-8.

DELTA GEMS

Delta G.E.M.S. (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully), previously entitled Teen Lift, was created to "catch the dreams" of African American at-risk, adolescent girls aged 14-18. It provides the framework to actualize those dreams. The primary goals are:

  • To instill the need to excel academically;
  • To provide tools that enable girls to sharpen and enhance their skills to achieve high levels of academic success;
  • To assist girls in proper goal setting and planning for their futures--high school and beyond; and
  • To create compassionate, caring, and community minded young women by actively involving them in service learning and community service opportunities.

The young women who participate are from various Seattle high schools.  Workshops they attend include team/trust building exercises, career training and anti-oppression/activism.

HOLIDAY BASKETS

The Holiday Baskets committee has the privilege of creating and delivering a holiday feast for needy families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  This committee also develops and delivers Easter baskets to our sick and shut-in sorors.

MADRONA SCHOOL PROJECT

Madrona School is located at 1121 33rd Avenue and is considered by the Seattle School District as one of its' high needs' schools because 91% of its population is non-white and 70% of these students are on free/reduced lunch.

The Seattle Alumnae Chapter adopted Madrona K-8 in 2007 because a staff member who is also a Delta came to a meeting and only asked for prayers of support. In addition to that prayer, the chapter now provides tutors for their after-school program, volunteers for field trips, volunteers to attend PTA meetings and special school events.  The Seattle Alumnae Chapter is committed to be a visible presence and to help represent the 77% African American children who attend this school.

Known as the "ladies in red" by the students, Seattle Alumnae also helps with holiday baskets and will provide gifts during Thanksgiving and Christmas for some of the school's neediest families.  During the 2008-09 school year, Seattle Alumnae will host two parent information nights for the PTA.  In a survey given to families, they expressed an interest in hearing about healthy cooking, juvenile diabetes, and how to select a good high school.

The DELTA ACADEMY operates under the umbrella of Madrona K-8 Project.

SOCIAL ACTION

Delta Days in the State Capital

Delta Days in the state capitol took place on February 4, 2008 in Olympia.  Representatives from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma chapters participated with other local Black organizations including Black Child Development Institute (BCDI), the Washington Sate Commission on African American Affairs, and other Black Greek lettered organizations to address Washington legislators on issues of great importance to the African-American community.  The following highlights the topics discussed and the chapter will work to incorporate highlights from these topics into the Seattle Alumnae Social Action programming for the year:

  • It Is Time to Take Control of Our Health;
  • Education - The New Civil Rights Arena;
  • Challenging the Child Welfare System Serving

Delta Days at the Nation's Capital

The 19thAnnual Delta Days in the Nation's Capital took place in February 2008 in Washington D.C.  This is Delta's effort to unite local chapters and address national political and social issues.  The Seattle representatives were addressed by experts in the following areas: Health Disparities, Economic Advancement and Parity, Educational Systems and Disparities. 

These areas closely align with Delta's 5-point thrust; so many chapters are already working diligently in these areas.  The forum highlights efforts to improved local programming, interventions and political involvement.

TRAJECTORY TO EXCELLENCE

The Trajectory to Excellence serves as an opportunity for the chapter to recognize and honor community members and/or organizations whose tireless efforts are in line with our organization's 5-point program - Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness & Involvement, Physical & Mental Health, and Political Awareness & Involvement.  In addition, the event also raises funds for the chapter's Bertha Pitts Campbell Scholarship Fund.  The first Trajectory to Excellence event was held in 2005 in Seattle, WA.  It honored five community members and featured sorority member and reigning Miss America, Ericka Dunlap.  The second Trajectory to Excellence event was held in 2006 in SeaTac, WA.  It honored three community members and featured sorority member and 17th Past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mona H. Bailey.  In addition to the traditional funds raised, it secured resources for students impacted by Hurricane Katrina.  The third Trajectory to Excellence event was held in 2007 in Seattle, WA.  It honored five community members and featured sorority member, actress, and writer Sheryl Lee Ralph.

WINE TASTING

The Seattle Alumnae Wine Tasting - A Celebration of Reds & Whites event serves as an opportunity for our organization to build relationships with local businesses and to generate awareness about our local programming efforts.  A portion of the proceeds from the event will be used to fund ongoing chapter programming.