What is Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black college educated women, the Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust:
* Economic Development
* Educational Development
* International Awareness and Involvement
* Physical and Mental Health
* Political Awareness and Involvement
The Sorority was founded in 1913 by 22 students at Howard University. These young women wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence; to provide scholarships; to provide support to the underserved; educate and stimulate participation in the establishment of positive public policy; and to highlight issues and provide solutions for problems in their communities.
The organizational structure and governance of the Sorority is invested in the Grand Chapter, which meets in National Convention biennially. Regional Conferences are held in the seven geographic regions of the organization during non-convention years. In the interim, the Executive Board, consisting of elected and appointed members, acts to establish and implement policies, as needed. A paid professional staff, under the leadership of the Executive Director, operates the National Headquarters office in Washington, D.C.
No part of the net income or contributions of the Sorority are utilized to the benefit of, or is distributed to members, officers or other private persons except as authorized by the Sorority to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered or to make payments in furtherance of its purposes.
As a non-profit organization, no part of the Sorority’s activities shall be for propaganda purposes or otherwise attempting to influence legislation in a lobbying role.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. conducts all of its activities in accordance with the rules that govern organizations whose tax status is 501(c)(7).
The members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. represent a unique segment of the nation’s demographic profile. Delta women are movers and shakers–they hold political offices, own businesses and are influential in a range of fields from medicine to law to education. A recent survey of members that resulted in the establishment of the Delta Sigma Theta Resource Bank, showed that 97 percent of all Deltas are registered to vote; they are well-educated, earn competitive incomes and maintain positions of influence and respect within the greater community.
Alumnae Deltas comprise the largest portion (76%) of the membership. The largest segments of alumnae Deltas are almost equally divided among three of the seven regions, Eastern (21.8%), Southern (21%), and South Atlantic (20.5%).
Collegiate Deltas comprise 24% of the membership and have the largest segments of their members in the Southern (23.6%) and South Atlantic (22.7%) regions.
Seventy-two percent of alumnae Deltas are homeowners and the majority (52%) are married.
Most Deltas are employed in education as teachers, school administrators, counselors, professors, and higher education administrators. Other occupations frequently reported include management, social sciences, social work, medicine/health, law, engineering, architecture, the performing arts, information sciences, public administration (federal, state, and local levels), the judiciary, journalism, and religion.
