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eSigma Gamma Rho Up CloseA Non-governmental Organization Associated with theUnited Nations Department of Public InformationPromoting unity among women is the legacy that bonds over 90,000 members found in more than 500chapters in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Germany and Korea“Greater Service, Greater Progress”As a leading international,nonprofit, community serviceorganization, Sigma Gamma RhoSorority Inc. meets the challenges ofthe day and continues to growthrough Sisterhood, Scholarship andService.SisterhoodFrom seven young teachers, SigmaGamma Rho has become aninternational service organizationcomprised of women from everyprofession. Sigma Gamma Rhooffers its members opportunities todevelop their unique leadershipabilities and talents throughleadership training and involvementin sorority activities and programs.Sigma Gamma Rho membershipprovides an atmosphere to developfriendships and connect with aglobal network of professionalcontacts which last and provideinvaluable support, sisterly love andcareer assistance for a lifetime.ScholarshipIn a time when higher education forAfrican Americans was difficult toattain, the Founders of SigmaGamma Rho became educators.They believed that the self-respect,knowledge and discipline gainedthrough study would helpindividuals recognize their duty andresponsibility to society. Thus,Sigma Gamma Rho was founded onthe precept of education andcontinues to promote and encouragehigh scholastic attainment.Undergraduate members at collegesand universities throughout the U.S.are challenged to achieve andmaintain high grade point averagesand are recognized annually at thelocal, regional and internationallevels.Community alumnae chapters awardthousands of dollars in scholarshipseach year to area high school andcollege students, as well asundergraduate members.Additionally, the NationalEducation Fund, one of thesorority’s three 501(c)(3) arms, wasestablished to ensure perpetualeducation support and commitment.For more than 25 years of operation,the Fund has awarded more than$500,000 in scholarship awards andtraining to deserving undergraduate,graduate and post-graduate students.ServiceSigma Gamma Rho’s legacy of andcontinued commitment to service isexpressed in its slogan, “GreaterService, Greater Progress.” Thesorority has a proud history ofproviding positive and proactive(cont’d on page 2)Mission StatementSigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s aimis to enhance the quality of lifewithin the community. Publicservice, leadership developmentand education of youth are thehallmark of the organization’sprograms and activities. SigmaGamma Rho addresses concernsthat impact society educationally,civically and economically.Established:Sigma Gamma RhoSorority FactsClassification:Membership: 90,000+Division:Nov. 12, 1922 at ButlerUniversity, IndianapolisIndianaNonprofit service andsocial organization.Five Regions - Central,Northeastern,Southeastern,Southwestern, WesternService Channel: Over 500 chapters inthe U.S., Canada,Bermuda, the Bahamas,Germany, the Caribbean,& KoreaWebsite:Headquarters:www.sgrho1922.org1000 Southhill Drive,Suite 200Cary, NC 27513Phone:888-SGR-1922Fax: 919-678-9721Key Officials:Board of Directorscomprised of 27international andregional officers led bythe International GrandBasileusBonita M. Herring23 rd International Grand BasileusRachel MorrisExecutive Director

service wherever chapters exist. Someof the more prolific national programsand initiatives include the following:Project ReassuranceAs the signature program for SigmaGamma Rho, Project Reassurancewas originally developed to providehealth education, support andnurturing for expectant teen mothersand teens who are parents. Theproject has now evolved to focusmore on Healthy Choices, HealthyLiving and Healthy Generations (H 3 )to help prevent teen pregnancythrough a comprehensive year roundprogram addressing the factors thatlead to teen pregnancy - low selfesteemand economic issues - whilealso providing support and guidancewhen it does occur.Operation BigBookBagDesigned to address the needs,challenges and issues that face schoolaged children throughout thecommunity who are educationally atrisk, through this program chaptersand members collect and donateeducational materials, equipment andschool supplies. The program hasexpanded in recent years to includementoring and tutoring and has givenrise to the sorority’s Annual YouthSymposiums which include anational partnership with Girl Scoutsof the USA to promote excellence inscience, technology, engineering andmath (STEM).Wee SaversFocused on expanding the knowledgeof young people ages 6-18 infinancial survival and independence,this program helps students develop agreater appreciation and awareness ofthe need for proper financialmanagement and planning.Hattie McDaniel CancerAwareness & Health ProgramCognizant that African Americansbear a disproportionate burden ofcancer — the highest mortality rate ofOctober 2012any ethnic group — Sigma GammaRho Sorority is committed toproviding education on and activesupport of early detection as well asresearch for the prevention and cureof breast, prostate, ovarian, colon andother types of cancers.HIV/AIDS Awareness ProgramThe newest of the organization'shealth focal areas, the program is anational partnership with the Centersfor Disease Control & Prevention toincrease HIV/AIDS awareness,testing prevention and action,especially in the African Americancommunity.Past and Present Global ThrustsSigma Gamma Rho has worked toprovide financial assistance andeducation from a global perspectivethrough the following projects:Project for AfricaWorking in partnership with Africarefor many years, Sigma Gamma Rhoassisted in providing thousands ofdollars to purchase grain grinders forAfrican women to help alleviate theirback-breaking work. The projectfocus has now evolved, as have theneeds, to addressing HIV/AIDSawareness, education and treatment.Project MwanamugimuAs an essay contest for participationby elementary, middle school andhigh school students, this project isgeared toward educating Americanyouth about Africa and Africanculture. Monetary awards are given towinners at the local, regional andinternational levels.Additionally, as an organization thatunderstands that we all can do morewith more — resources and peoplepower — Sigma Gamma Rho hasand continues to partner withorganizations and agencies with likevision and community commitment toexpand both the breadth and impactof the services provided. Included are:• March of Dimes• St. Jude Children’s ResearchHospital• National Campaign to PreventTeen & Unplanned Pregnancy• National Center for Missing &Exploited Children• National Council of Women of theUnited States• AfricareSignificant Sigma SistersFound among the more than 90,000women who have joined our circle ofsisters since our inception in 1922 onthe campus of Butler University areground-breaking leaders in thepolitical, educational, entertainment,business, entrepreneurial, medical, artand civic arenas who each join withtheir Sigma Sisters in supporting allof us and building up the least amongus in communities across the globe.Some of these include:• Vanessa Bell ArmstrongGospel Recording Artist• Rev. Willie T. BarrowCivil Rights Activist• The Honorable Corrine BrownCongresswoman, D-Florida• Victoria RowellActress and Social Activist• Marilyn McCoo, Songstress• Kelly Price, Author & AwardWinning Inspirational Music Artist• Lana Moorer (aka MC Lyte)Pioneer Female Rap ArtistFor more than eight decades, thedynamic women of Sigma GammaRho have built and sustained a wellknown and respected reputation fornot only leading positive change, butalso, and perhaps more importantly,inspiring others to dream more, learnmore, do more and become more.From community soup kitchens to thehalls of the U.S. Congress, Sigmawomen can be found at the forefrontexhibiting active, value-added andinfluential leadership and support, asappropriate, to ensure equality,forward progress and growth.