Social Action was the first public and most significant act of our Sorority. In 1913, joining a national movement and marching for a woman’s right to vote was considered “disgraceful” to many, “useless” to some and “dangerous” for all. Yet, 22 African-American, college–educated women decided there was no other place they would rather be. In a time when their color was more problematic than their age, they knew they had to stand up for the rights of others, hoping that one day it would include them. The commencement of that historical act demonstrated over 100 years ago, continues today. Delta Sigma Theta has been stepping up and speaking out against a myriad of issues and conditions facing the black community, locally and internationally, with a focus on women and children. Since our chartering on March 9, 1997, the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter continues to successfully achieve this goal.
Johni Cruse-Craig
Over the years, we have creatively carried out the mandates prescribed by our national organization through programs that address unemployment, domestic violence, human trafficking, failing educational systems, unprecedented foreclosures, AIDS awareness and support, community outreach and volunteerism, leadership development for community and civic leaders, political engagement, social justice and voter education at the local, state, and national levels.
This committee recognizes the importance of an informed electorate and is dedicated to educating and empowering the same. Further, we are committed to identifying and addressing critical issues and guiding legislation that can potentially impact the lives of our members and their communities, such as education, voting rights, and gun violence.
Our programming is designed to influence the political process on the local, state and national levels. Efforts to expose our youth to the political process is ongoing, along with a continued focus on voter registration and voter turnout. In particular, we have emphasized voting rights and gun violence prevention through symposiums and educational forums throughout the community.
Ongoing Initiatives
- Town Hall and Community Forums
- Civil Rights Tour Series
- Voter Education & Registration Events
- Dorothy I. Height Birthday Celebration
- Delta Days at the United Nations (DDUN)
- Days Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital (DDNC)
- Delta Days at the State Capital (DDAC)
- Delta Day at DeKalb County (DDDC)
- Delta Day at Rockdale County (DDRC)
- Call to Action Legislative Outreach
- Human Trafficking Legislative Policy Reform
- Domestic Violence Vigil and Policy Reform
ADVOCACY IN ACTION…ANSWERING THE CALL TO SERVICE
In Social Action, we WILL reiterate our PURPOSE, craft our POLICIES, apply our PRINCIPLES, and define our PROGRAMS... TOGETHER!