Sigma Gamma Rho
Sorority’s
National Programs
SISTERHOOD. SCHOLARSHIP. SERVICE.
Sigma Gamma Rho is fully committed to assisting those in need and working towards betterment of communities around the globe. In addition to focusing on five essential national programs, the sorority works in partnership with national support organizations including the NAACP, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, the National Urban League, the United Negro College Fund, and many others.
Operation Big Bookbag
Operation Big Bookbag is a program designed to address the needs, challenges and issues that face school-aged children. Through this program, chapters and members collect and donate educational materials, equipment, school supplies, and also donate their time to support students.
Operation Big Bookbag was established in 1996 by the late Dr. LaRona J. Morris, the 18th International Grand Basileus of Sigma Gamma Rho. It was established in partnership with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order, Nobles Mystic Shrine, Inc. (Shriners). The program has expanded in recent years to focus on exposing students to STEM curriculum and careers, and a refocus on tutoring support and mentoring programs. Programs can be held by chapters all year long with the back to school supply give-away held every August and January of the school year.
Women's Wellness Initiative
The Women’s Wellness Initiative is a consolidated effort that allows chapters to focus on health issues that impact women, and specifically women of color. The Women’s Wellness Initiative was developed after the sorority’s participation in the United Nations/March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness panel in New York. Acceptable educational and programmatic efforts under this Initiative include, but are not limited to, Breast Cancer Awareness, Intimate and Domestic Violence, Heart Health, Diabetes Health, Mental Health and other issues that target women.
The goal of Sigma Gamma Rho's Women's Wellness Initiative is to:
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Encourage women to maintain a healthy lifestyle and minimize health risks
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Empower women to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and emotional health
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Ensure there is a representative number of Black women in the medical profession.
Swim 1922
According to the CDC, approximately 10 people drown every day in the United States. An even more startling fact is that 70 percent of Black children and 60 percent of Latino children in the U.S. do not know how to swim. Additionally, Black children are three times more likely to drown than their white peers. That's why Swim 1922 was formed.
In 2012, Sigma Gamma Rho partnered with USA Swimming to form Swim 1922 and address this disparity by having Olympians like Maritza McClendon and Cullen Jones, as well as members of the sorority, teach the community about water safety and how to swim. By partnering with USA Swimming, Sigma Gamma Rho has touched close to 20,000 lives, helping to inspire and educate the next generation of swimmers.
Project Cradle Care
A collaboration between Sigma Gamma Rho and the March of Dimes, Project Cradle Care seeks to improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk communities by increasing the number of women of childbearing age who receive adequate prenatal education and care. The program also focuses on educating moms about proper infant care and child development.
Because of its commitment to young people, Sigma Gamma Rho is also concerned with teenage pregnancy and parenthood in the U.S. Approximately 13 percent of all birth defects affect babies born to teenage mothers, and adolescent childbearing presents health risks to both moms and their babies. These health risks have long-term consequences for teenagers, their babies and society.
Through Project Cradle Care, Sigma Gamma Rho and the March of Dimes join forces with medical professionals and community-based organizations to educate and raise awareness in high-risk communities about prematurity prevention by hosting informational baby showers, health symposiums and health fairs. Participants receive information on prenatal and postnatal care, birth defects, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), newborn care and more.
Annual Youth Symposium
The Sigma Gamma Rho Youth Symposium is designed to highlight some of the challenges that negatively impact our youth (drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, human trafficking, etc.), while also preparing them for the future through professional and educational training.
Created by Dr. LaRona J. Morris, Past Grand Basileus (National President) of the sorority, this nationwide, one-day symposium seeks to empower youth in our communities through hands-on, interactive leadership activities centered on an annual theme.
Let’s Make An Impact Together
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