The Annapolis Alumnae Chapter’s commitment to serving our community in the Annapolis and surrounding areas is a reflection of who we are. The Chairs and Co-chairs of our various committees have worked hard to ensure programming is in the best interest of the community in which we serve and is consistent with the Sorority’s Five Point Programmatic Thrusts of Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness.
Some of our local youth enrichment and educational opportunities include a focus on Minority Scholars where we have provided more than $260,000 scholarships to graduating minority students who are college bound, which includes a formal tea and awards luncheon. We also have implemented the “Thelma T. Daley STEM initiative” that provides to students awareness and the promotion of careers in the areas of science, science, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We also provide many opportunities for the community to experience the Arts, including a “Talent Showcase” of local artists. Additionally, the chapter supports the Arts through initiative such as “Matinee at the Movies” where once a month chapter and family members attend a movie that highlights the accomplishments of African Americans as well as through support of local theatres such as the Arena Stage. On the political front, our Social Action Committee is busy bringing relevant issues to the community, including being actively engaged in Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital, Delta Days in Annapolis, and providing resources to the community and providing education on the political process.
Our focus on Regional and National Programs and Initiatives is evident throughout the Annapolis Alumnae’s programming. Our implementation of a Health Fair, which provides services and screenings, has garnered Regional attention and has been recognized as a best practice. We have a thriving Dr. Betty Shabazz, “Delta Academy” designed to prepare young ladies, aged 11-14 to become leaders in their communities and effect change for the future We also have a very active and energetic Dr. Jeanne L. Noble Delta GEMS program where we provide life-skills training and mentoring opportunities to young women ages 14-18. Our EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build
Opportunities for Developing Independence), is designed to refocus the efforts of the sorority on the plight of African-American males in which the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter has a thriving partnership with the Eta Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Moreover, the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter supports an array of service projects, inclusive of the annual C.R.O.P (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk, feed the homeless partnerships with several area churches, seminars and workshops on financial empowerment, and voter awareness and registration.
As you can see, the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter is busy offering many opportunities for members to get and stay involved. In order for the chapter to achieve the highest level of community involvement, it is important for all members to actively participate in the preparation, planning and implementation of initiatives and programs that impact our community both locally, nationally and abroad.
In the extraordinary words of our beloved Dorothy Height, “we have to improve life, not just for those who have the most skills and those who know how to manipulate the system. But also for and with those who often have so much to give but never get the opportunity.”
