Theta Delta Sigma

Theta Delta Sigma Society, Inc. () is a national fraternal organization that emphasizes the four pillars of Leadership, Diversity, Unity, and Respect. Founded in 2001 by fourteen undergraduate men and women at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), Theta Delta Sigma has been a partner in the values-based fraternal movement. Theta Delta Sigma is a non-partisan and non-sectarian organization that declares membership to be open without regard to ability, race, creed, faith, nationality, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or veteran status.

Overview

History

Theta Delta Sigma was established at the State University of New York, Buffalo on April 15, 2001 and recognized by the university as an official and organizing group on campus the same semester. On March 23, 2003, Theta Delta Sigma was recognized under the laws of the State of New York as a non-profit organization as Theta Delta Sigma Society, Incorporated. Since then, Theta Delta Sigma has grown past the boundaries of the University at Buffalo and Western New York and has formed a union among members of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures.

The Fourteen Founders

Fourteen individuals, sharing a vision of diversity and multiculturalism, are recognized as the founders of the organization:

* Jamel Catoe (So.)
* Ritchie Chavez (So.)
* Kimberly Cheng (Fr.)
* Gilbert Chu (Fr.)
* Yvonne Gong (Fr.)
* Michael Liu (Sr.)
* Cecilia Mejia (Fr.)
* Brian Phillips (Fr.)
* Naudeya Richards (So.)
* Melissa Tang (Fr.)
* Joey Tsao (Sr.)
* Iris Wangpataravanich (Fr.)
* Jim Wong (Fr.)
* Judy Wong (So.)

Mission

Theta Delta Sigma Society, Inc. identifies itself as a multicultural fraternal organization that advocates for diversity awareness, supports personal development, and aims to build a lifelong bond among individuals of all backgrounds. Theta Delta Sigma refers to their membership as a Siblinghood which empowers members to be inclusive leaders committed to uplifting marginalized communities.

Initiatives and programs

Public service

Since its inception, Theta Delta Sigma has emphasized public service. Its public service activities encompass charity, advocacy, relief, education, and service.

Service-4-Youth

Theta Delta Sigma did not select a single charity for its chapters to dedicate their efforts but chose a general cause (disadvantaged youth) that each chapter and member could support as they deemed fit. Therefore, members of Theta Delta Sigma are involved in a multitude of organizations and causes that supports Theta Delta Sigma's public service focus, disadvantaged youth. Theta Delta Sigma was founded to aid and to provide assistance to disadvantaged children, youth, and their families. The society's first service commitment was a volunteer babysitting program which provided low income families with a free and dependable babysitter. This service has been discontinued, however, Theta Delta Sigma continues to be involved in the lives of the youth through association with the following charitable organizations:
* Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
* Boys & Girls Clubs of America
* UNICEF
* Make-A-Wish Foundation
* Toys for Tots
* Variety Club International

National Day of Service

For one weekend, every spring, all chapters and colonies of Theta Delta Sigma hold concurrent service projects built around the theme of service to disadvantaged youth. On that weekend, the siblings of Theta Delta Sigma will engage in programming to provide support to decrease the struggle of the youth.

Educational development

Collegiate Officer Leadership Academy

The Collegiate Officer Leadership Academy focuses on the educational development of chapter officers and individuals who may be looking to take on more responsibility in their chapter. These variety of conferences, workshops and training sessions provide opportunities for members to maximize their potential in areas of personal, professional, leadership and fraternal development that help chapter officers be more effective in the role they play.

National Ritual Celebration Week

Theta Delta Sigma has partnered with Phi Mu Women’s Fraternity to participate in National Ritual Celebration Week, an annual initiative to encourage members of fraternities and sororities to reflect on the Ritual that makes each organization unique and recommit themselves to living the Ritual and their organizational values every day.

Chapter programming

Days of Diversity

Held annually in the fall semester, Days of Diversity is a week of educational programs and service projects designed to increase diversity awareness and to educate the community about multiculturalism.

Founders Day

In celebration of their founding and accomplishments, each chapter is responsible for organizing its own ThetaWeek events. Founders Week events include leadership training, community service, diversity education, and social events designed to bring together the communities in which Theta Delta Sigma chapters serve.

Collegiate chapters and associate chapters

Theta Delta Sigma has established chapters in:

;Connecticut
*Trinity College/Hartford County (Gamma)
*University of Hartford (Cohesion)
*University of Connecticut (Vortex)

;New Jersey
*Montclair State University (PLUS)

;New York
*Adelphi University (Delta)
* City University of New York (Epsilon)
* State University of New York at Stony Brook (Beta)
* University at Buffalo, SUNY (Alpha)

;Pennsylvania
*Slippery Rock University (Zeta)
*Widener University (Iota)

;Rhode Island
* Rhode Island College(Beacon)

;Vermont
*University of Vermont (Aspire)

;Virginia
*Virginia Tech (Eta)

;Wisconsin
*Lawrence University (Mu)

References

External links

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Organizations established in 2001
University at Buffalo
Multiculturalism in the United States
Ethnic student organizations
Fraternities and sororities in the United States
LGBT fraternities and sororities