CHAPTER PROGRAMS
Educational Development
The chapter continues to enhance the lives of young women in our community and prepare them for the future through the Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy for girls ages 11 to 14, which began in 1999. The chapter also began the Delteen program, now Delta GEMS, in 2003 to meet the needs of teenage girls in the Gainesville area. The chapter promotes youth literacy through various educational activities, and books collected for distribution to young readers in the area. Through the community’s support of the chapter’s fundraising events, such as the Red & White Ball and the Gospel Brunch, GAC has awarded over $4,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors at the annual May Week reception.
Economic Development
The Gainesville Alumnae Chapter has demonstrated its commitment to economic development in many ways. By providing meals to Habitat for Humanity volunteers, the sorority supports the efforts of this program which provides homes for those in need. Each year, the sorors have hosted and co-sponsored the opening reception for the 5th Avenue Arts Festival, which is a landmark historical event in the Gainesville area. Through our national Healthy Lifestyles and Financial Fortitude initiative, the chapter sponsors workshops on financial well-being to the community.
Physical and Mental Health
Since March 2007, Delta chapters around the world hold activities for the sorority’s Community Empowerment Day. This is a day when we, as a sorority, conduct activities to empower our communities through one of the Five-Point Programmatic Thrusts. GAC sorors work in conjunction with the local National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Meals on Wheels program to deliver meals to homebound individuals. The American Cancer Society’s Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge Thanksgiving Dinner and the Senior Citizens Mixer are two of the chapter’s favorite annual activities, in addition to the annual Gospel Brunch where local religious talent is featured. Here, sorors fellowship with the community and raise additional funds for scholarships and other public service endeavors.
Political Awareness
African-Americans and women must continue the struggle for justice and equality. With this in mind, GAC has remained committed to Social Action. In particular, members have educated citizens about issues facing our community and the world, as well as participated in voter registration drives. Alliances with the NAACP and other community organizations have aided the sorority in these endeavors. In the past, the chapter co-sponsored a workshop on Mandatory Minimum Sentencing in the criminal justice system. On the State and National levels, sorors visit government officials during Delta Days at both the State and National Capitols. GAC sorors have extended this program by holding open meetings with the City of Gainesville and Alachua County governments, as well as the School Board of Alachua County to discuss issues impacting our local community. This year the chapter focused on getting people involved in the country’s most historic election through voter registration, working the polls and hosting presidential debate watch parties.
International Awareness and Involvement
Interest and awareness of other cultures is evident throughout the programming of the chapter. GAC promoted international awareness by providing financial support to Sierra Leone to assist in providing books, clothing and other much needed supplies. We also donated clothing, vitamins, toys and toiletries to Project Haiti. At the State Cluster in 2006, we raised over $1,800 for this project.
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