Delta Internal Development
SISTERHOOD
Module
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Agenda
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Introductions
Meditation
Objectives
Ice Breaker
What Does Sisterhood Mean to Me?
Keys to Effective Sisterhood
Sisterhood Commitment Plan
Evaluation
Closing
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Objectives
• To explore the concept of sisterhood.
• To understand the five keys of sisterhood.
• To help sorors better understand attributes and
experiences that promote sisterly behavior.
• To develop an individual action plan for sisterly behavior.
• To strengthen the bond between chapter members through
sisterly activities.
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Ice Breaker
“Call all Deltas to the Floor…”
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What Does Sisterhood Mean to Me?
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Keys to Effective Sisterhood -- I
Am I my sister’s keeper?
• Self esteem
• Ability to motivate others
• Positive expectations/attitudes
• Strong communication skills
• Understand the diversity of the group
• Learn how to provide and receive
constructive feedback
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How Do I Feel About Myself?
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How Do I Refresh?
• Being sisterly is not always easy.
• The next activity will ask you questions
about what makes you tick.
• Follow the directions as best as you can,
and yes, we will do some sharing.
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Keys to Effective Sisterhood – II
Sorors must value our Sisterhood.
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Mission Statement
Minerva Circle of Identity
The Delta Oath
Code of Ethics
Code of Conduct
Nine Cardinal Virtues
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Mission Statement
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated
is an organization of college educated
women
committed
to
constructive
development of its members and to public
service with a primary focus on the Black
community.
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Minerva Circle of Identity
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The Delta Oath
I will strive to reach the highest educational, moral and spiritual efficiency
which I can possibly attain.
I will never lower my aims for any temporary benefit which might be gained.
I will endeavor to preserve my health, for however great one’s mental and
moral strength may be, physical weakness prevents the accomplishment of
much that otherwise might be done.
I will close my ears and seal my lips to slanderous gossip.
I will labor to ennoble the ideals and purify the atmosphere of the home.
I will always protest against the double standard of morals.
I will take an active interest in the welfare of my country, using my influence
toward the enactment of laws for the protection of the unfortunate and weak
and for the repeal of those depriving human beings of their privileges and
rights.
I will never belittle any race and will try to persuade others to take the same
just stand.
I will not shrink from undertaking what seems wise and good because
handicaps or obstacles of any kind confront me; but striving to preserve a
calm mind with a courageous spirit, barring bitterness from my heart.
I will strive all the more earnestly to reach the goal.
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Code of Ethics
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Preamble: Believing in the worth and dignity of each human being, Delta expects each
soror to recognize the supreme importance of the pursuit of truth, devotion to
excellence, and commitment to social responsibility. Each soror is expected to live up to
these ideals by embracing and adhering to the following ethical principles.
Each soror shall regard as primary the bond of
Sisterhood and the giving of public service;
Each soror shall uphold the Constitution and
Bylaws of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.;
Each soror shall maintain high standards of
personal conduct;
Each soror shall support and promote the goals,
objectives, and programs approved by Grand
Chapter;
Each soror shall treat all persons with dignity and
respect;
Each soror shall exhibit compassionate and
courteous behavior toward sorors at all times;
Each soror shall refrain from making false or
misleading statements about the Sorority to
anyone;
Each soror shall recognize her personal
responsibility to assist with and promote the
development, improvement, and execution of
programs to strengthen the Sisterhood;
Each soror shall uphold and support all sorors
impartially without regard to race, color, age, and religion,
national origin, political belief, educational status, and
mental or physical challenge;
Each soror shall neither engage in nor countenance any
exploitation or disparaging of the Sorority;
Each soror shall refrain from using her membership in any
matter that is improper or illegal;
Each soror shall maintain the confidentiality of all
information provided to her during membership intake and
as a member;
Each soror shall refrain from using the Sorority’s property,
including its name, symbols, and other trademarks and
service marks, for personal use;
Each soror shall exercise sound business principles in
conducting the Sorority’s affairs;
Each soror shall refrain from engaging in illegal and
unsisterly conduct; shall use her best efforts to protect the
Sorority from any such conduct by anyone; and shall report
any such conduct to the appropriate local, regional or
national officer;
Each soror shall support the Sorority’s programs through
the payment of all dues and fees approved by Grand
Chapter; and
Each soror shall demonstrate her commitment to public
service by participating with her local chapter or nationally.
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Code of Conduct
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
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Nine Cardinal Virtues
Compassion
Courtesy
Dedication
Fellowship
Fidelity
Honesty
Justice
Purity
Temperance
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Ways to Exemplify Compassion
• Comfort someone who has suffered a
loss
• Forgive a soror for a mistake made in the
past
• Become a mentor to another soror
• Preserve and support our collegiate
chapters
• Perform Omega Omega Service
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Ways to Exemplify Courtesy
• Yield your seat to Delta D.E.A.R.S.
• Show proper respect and recognition for
our officers
• Don’t forget “Please” and “Thank you”
• Show up and start on time
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Ways to Exemplify Dedication
• Support the Sorority financially
• Sign up for a committee
• Celebrate the lives of our Founders
regularly
• Carry out the Five Point Programmatic
Thrust
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Ways to Exemplify Fellowship
• Support chapter programs with your
participation
• Register for Conventions and Conferences
• Adhere to the Sorority’s dress code
• Actively participate in ceremonies
• Reclaim sorors
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Ways to Exemplify Fidelity
• Uphold the secrets and symbols of the
Sorority
• Enforce the Sorority’s published rules
• Eradicate hazing
• Do not alter ceremonies
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Ways to Exemplify Honesty
• Manage chapter funds appropriately
• Focus on what is right instead of who is
right
• Talk directly with those who you have an
issue with or need clarification from
• Admit when you are wrong
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Ways to Exemplify Justice
• Protest against the double standard of
morals
• Align yourself with issues and not people
• Attend Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital
• Support Social Action initiatives
• Run for leadership positions in the
Sorority
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Ways to Exemplify Purity
• Work without receiving credit
• Do not belittle other organizations
• Close your ears and seal your lips to
slanderous gossip
• Wear insignia respectfully, properly,
and in good taste
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Ways to Exemplify Temperance
• Use Parliamentary Procedure in
meetings
• Agree to disagree
• Participate in conflict resolution
• Listen and think before you speak
• Instead of complaining, sign up for a
committee
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Keys to Effective Sisterhood – III
Sorors must support one another.
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Pulling together
Avoiding negative thoughts
Expect success for others
Give security and praise
Be receptive of everyone’s opinion
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How Do I Feel About My Sorors?
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The Concept of Sisterhood
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GUIDELINES FOR RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT
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Value the relationship
Be open and honest
Affirm the relationship
Learn and practice gestures
of positive relations
(encourage and praise)
Allow for space in the
relationship (develop self
and other interests)
Be cautious with criticism.
(balance criticism with
affection)
Expect shifts in the
relationship
Touch
Compliment
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Listen deeply
Talk freely about your feelings
Learn to let go of anger
Respect the contribution of
conflict
Know thyself with confidence
(know your strengths and
weakness)
Forgive freely
Be loyal and constant (Do not
give up easily. Keep trying.)
Give of yourself
Trust
Incorporate the element of
surprise
Love
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Keys to Effective Sisterhood -- IV
Sorors must be responsible.
• Delta’s Governing Documents
• Delta’s Administrative Resources and
Tools
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Roles and Responsibilities of Chapter Members
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Be loyal to the officers and to the Sorority
Participate and attend meetings regularly;
arrive on time and stay throughout the
meeting
Pay dues promptly
Be willing to serve when asked
As a committee member, complete
assignments quickly and efficiently
Be fair to all, interested in all, and never
become involved in a clique
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Roles and Responsibilities of Chapter Members
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Be interested in the purpose of the
discussion or activity, rather than in the
personality of the discussant or
participant
• Expedite business (listen attentively
during discussions)
• Follow rules (be knowledgeable of the
chapter’s Rules of Order and Policies and
Procedures)
• Address chair before speaking
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Keys to Effective Sisterhood -- V
Sorors must come together and plan.
• Network
• Plan of Action
• Evaluate
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SOROR IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
Positive Habits
• Compliment sorors at every possible opportunity
• Develop an understanding attitude
• Learn more about the Sorority and what it means to be a
part of a sisterhood
It is important to know your history in order to:
• Gain a better understanding of who you are
• Learn from past mistakes
• Provide growth and development to build towards the
future
Practice improving one soror a year….myself
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My Sisterhood Commitment
PLAN OF ACTION (INDIVIDUAL)
• How strong is my commitment to the
Sorority?
• To promote and enhance sisterhood, I
will:
• Strategies I will suggest to my
chapter to promote and enhance
sisterhood:
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Sisterhood!
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Evaluation
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The Leadership Academy
2008-2013
Elsie Cooke-Holmes, Co-Chair
Pamela E. Smith, Co-Chair
Schean G. Belton, Esq.
Stephanie M. Cooper
Deloris Johnson Drakes
Lisa Farmer-Cole
Soraya Williams Farver
Charlotte M. Freeman, Ph.D.
Renee LaVerne Harper
Beverly Harris Schembri
Wendy J. Johnson (2012-13)
Sandra F. Mack, Ed.D.
Gwendolyn J. Mosley
Mandy Mullens-Williams
Mabel Lake Murray, Ed.D.
Mildred Porter-Duncan
Norma Sermon Boyd, Ed.D.
Jennifer R. Smith
Hellenna L. Terrell, Ed.D.
Barbara Woods, Ph.D.
Shannon Jones Jenkins, Staff Liaison
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