As a national non-profit sorority, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. promotes service on three levels:
International: Children's International
Through C.I. each of our undergraduate chapters as well as alumnae sponsor underprivileged children in Latin America. We have sponsored impoverished children in Latin America since 1990.
National: Camp Heartland
Our organization fundraises on behalf of Camp Heartland year round. Each undergraduate chapter is required to host annual fundraisers for this organization and nationally we participate in various annual funding drives. members have also volunteered at the camp that provides personal growth, social development and good old-fashioned fun to campers. Our partnership with Camp Heartland began in 2003.
Local: SIA Cares
On a local level, undergraduate chapters as well as alumnae participate in a variety of community service events. Each chapter as well as each region is encouraged to participate in local events based on the needs of their community.
Philanthropies that our organization traditionally sponsors/participates in include
(but are not limited to):
March of Dimes
MS Walk
Special Olympics
Hands on Network (City Cares Days: NY, Chicago, etc.)
AIDS Walk
Various Breast Cancer Walks
Food & Clothing Drives
Holiday Toy Drives
REACHING OTHERS through SERVICE & EDUCATION (R.O.S.E.)
The R.O.S.E. Mentorship Program is a national educational initiative created by Ivone De Jesus (Hermana Exaltada) for Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. and administered by the Alumnae/Graduate chapters. The program serves as a resource to Latinas aged 14-18 and encourages service, scholarship and personal development in order to create leaders within our communities while providing the tools necessary to succeed.
The R.O.S.E. Mentorship Program aims to:
- Provide mentorship and programming that will aid in the academic and personal development of young Latinas.
- Utilize SIA's network of professional Latinas to increase awareness of the Latino culture while promoting educational excellence and proactive community involvement.
- Develop leadership qualities and abilities in young Latinas.
- Work in conjunction with the Solidaridad Inspiración Amistad Community Foundation to establish solid partnerships that produce additional resources for young Latinas.
Alumnae members serve as mentors and meet with young women throughout the academic year to provide mentorship in the following areas: relationship building, academics, cultural awareness, leadership, personal and professional development and community activism.
Workshops are conducted in conjunction with the annual SIA Summer Leadership Conference held nationally that deal with relevant topics for young Latinas such as the Importance of Community Service, Cultural Awareness and Pride, Academic Success/Scholarship Opportunities, Choosing the Right College, Adjusting to College Life, Financing Your College Education, Making it in the “Real” World, Self-Esteem and Confidence, Latinas on the Rise. Through the empowerment of young Latinas, we foster a commitment to our goals and encourage our future leaders and potential future members.
According to the National Coalition of Hispanic Health and Human Services Organizations, Latina girls now rank as the largest minority group of girls in the country and are projected to remain so for the next fifty years. The U.S. Census Bureau reported 28% of Latinas had only a high school diploma in 2004. Drop out trends for young Latinas were researched by the U.S. Department of Education where they found that pregnancy was the leading cause at 43% however other reasons that influenced drop out were low academic achievement and low self esteem.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited health trends that included eating disorders (Almost 1 in 5 Latina young women (18%) went without eating for 24 hours, 8% took diet pills, powders or liquids, and 7% vomited or took laxatives to lose weight or to keep from gaining weight), suicide (Latinas in grades 9-12 are more likely than White or Black young women to have seriously considered attempting suicide (24%), made a suicide plan (19%) and attempted suicide (15%) and drug use (Among Latina high school students, 38% have ever used marijuana, 18% currently use marijuana, 14% have ever used any type of inhalant, 9% have ever used any form of cocaine, 5% were currently using any form of cocaine, 8% have ever used methamphetamines, 7% have ever used ecstasy and 1% have ever used a needle to inject an illegal drug).
These are alarming statistics that require more than research to resolve them. What we need is a larger effort that includes educators, families and communities. Here's one more statistic: one in four women in the United States will be Latina by the middle of the century. The time to make a difference is now! SIA advocates for action through the R.O.S.E. Mentorship program.
Please note: Although the program is geared towards young Latinas, it is open to all young women. Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. does not tolerate discrimination based on race, national origin, religion, creed, or sexual orientation.
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