Delta Sigma Theta has clearly established itself as a public service organization that strives to confront the problems of African Americans and, hence, all Americans. A wide range of programs addressing education, health, international development, and strengthening of the African American family have emerged and evolved over the years.  The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization's Five Point Thrust:

• Economic Development

• Educational Development

• International Awareness and Involvement

• Physical and Mental Health

• Political Awareness and Involvement

Activities in these areas involve Delta members as volunteers in direct services, catalysts for community action, recruiters of inter-agency support for issues (public and private), leaders in networking and coalition building with other organizations, and sources and resources for the securing and dissemination of information. An integral part of the public service program is the continuous maintenance of an effective system for the gathering and retrieval of data in order to make analyses and evaluations.

Economic Development

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., established the Delta Research and Educational Foundation (DREF), as, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. DREF was designed to help strengthen and expand the charitable, educational, and scientific programs of Delta Sigma Theta and other organizations with similar community service goals.

DREF provides:

• BENEFITS for contributors to the national, regional and chapter activities of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

• RESEARCH AND PROGRAM INITIATIVES through The Center For Research on African American Women serving as a comprehensive database and resource on the diverse lifestyles of African American women and the roles they have played in contributing to the building of the United States. The Center is designed to present extensive research on Black women that will be of significance for policy decision-making on both local and national levels.

• TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES for Parents As Partners In Science, Math, and Technology Education with the Dr. Betty Shabazz Academies and community resource collaboration to get young girls interested and competent in the science fields for 20th century careers and abilities to function well in a highly technology-oriented society.

Within our local Chapter, we host an Entrepreneur Night N White Business Expo, which allows small businesses and service providers to have a vehicle to promote their wares; and we have recently partnered with the local chapter of the United Way and a neighborhood leadership team to develop a directory for African American businesses.

Educational Development

Each year, local Delta Chapters conduct projects designed to address the community's concerns about excellence in education, such as the Gift of Love Book giveaway to promote the importance of reading, as well as developing workshops focusing on academic excellence, career options, scholarships. On a national level, Delta's pursuit of educational excellence takes the form of scholarships and grants to individual members and local chapters. Scholarships to members underwrite individual studies in law, communications and science on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Grants to local chapters subsidize locally-sponsored programs in career education, financial and many other educational areas. Our Chapter provides opportunities to girls ages 11-18 through our Dr. Betty Shabazz Academy and Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS Program.

International Awareness and Involvement

Delta has a rich history of involvement in the international arena. The building and maintenance of a maternity wing at the Thika Memorial Hospital in Kenya, West Africa, to Delta's identification of 1987 at the "Delta International Year" underscores Delta's commitment to understanding the world. The "African Diaspora," a Delta Cultural Awareness/Study Program, focused on the dispersion of the peoples and cultures of Africa through the continents of North and South America, Europe, Asia and the island countries in the eastern and western hemispheres. This year, the Chapter provided financial support to a former “Delteen” for a Mission trip to Kenya Africa. In addition, the Chapter provides a Kwanzaa celebration to its Betty Shabazz Academy and Delta Gems yearly.

Physical and Mental Health

Concerns about America's physical and mental health have not escaped Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta's work in prevention and "wellness" translates to health education programs, health fairs and the provision of health care services. Delta also supports medical research that examines illnesses that victimize specific segments of the country's population. Our Chapter participates in health awareness services to the community, supports educational and charitable initiatives for children and their families, the elderly, and coordinates activism in local and national health-related issues and forums. Specifically, the Chapter actively played a part in such events as the American Cancer Society's Triple Touch Presentation, the American Heart Association Heart Walk, the Community Day of Empowerment and the Relay for Life.

Political Awareness and Involvement

Though non-partisan in nature and purpose, Delta understands the importance of and the need for an informed electorate. Delta's concern for the public's "need-to-know" and the enfranchisement of all Americans has been the philosophical basis for public service programs in this area. Voter registration and voter education programs, workshops and seminars highlighting elected public official assessment and accountability are ongoing. Our Chapter provides voter registration and training to the community and chapter. We promote social activism, targeted advocacy, and ongoing education specific to current and evolving county (local, state, national and international issue. The Chapter participates in Delta Days in the Nations Capitol and Delta Days at the State Capitol.

To learn more about the Five Point Programmatic Thrust, visit our Grand Chapter's website at http://www.deltasigmatheta.org.