Political Awareness & Involvement

In March of 1913, nearly six weeks after its founding, several Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Founders marched in the historic Suffragist March under the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Banner, the Sorority’s first public act. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues to institute activities that foster:

• Sponsoring Voter Registration and voter education programs
• Combating Voter Suppression
• Affordable Health Care and access to quality health care
• Financial Literacy and Economic Empowerment
• Political Awareness and Involvement
• Gender Equality

Newport News Alumnae Chapter has a rich history in keeping its members and the local community informed and educated regarding upcoming local, state and national elections, voter registration deadlines and voter restoration of rights workshops.

Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital

In 1989, the National Social Action Commission instituted Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital, an annual legislative conference to increase members’ involvement in the national public policy-making process. The annual conference includes legislative briefings, issue forums, and advocacy skills development. Featured speakers include key policymakers, members of the United States Congress, Congressional staff members, and national issues experts.

The activities of Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital are briefings on legislative issues which impact the African-American community; skill development sessions such as How to Advocate Effectively, Understanding the Role of Congressional Staffers, How to Monitor and Track Legislation and legislative visits to members of Congress. The participants, who come from all geographical areas of the country, also have opportunities to observe the legislators in session, participate in Senate Press Tours and White House briefings. Members of Delta and others with expertise on various issues, conduct the skills development and discussion sessions. In addition, the members also participate in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Town Hall Meetings and conduct Delta Days at the State Capitol, Delta Days at City Hall, and Delta Days at the School Board.  Annually, Newport News Alumnae Chapter has representatives for the chapter attend.

Delta Days at the United Nations

Delta Days at the United Nations (DDUN) is an annual conference held during the annual session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The purpose of DDUN is to bring awareness to and advocate on behalf of women and children worldwide, as it aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2023, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary of the Sorority receiving non-governmental organization (NGO) special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Special Consultative Status as an NGO allows the organization to provide analysis and expertise in monitoring and implementing international agreements on issues of mutual concern. As an NGO, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has the opportunity to gain access to and disseminate information concerning a range of issues on women and children in which the United Nations is involved. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. representatives attend regular briefings and disseminate information on UN activities to its members and the community at large. The Newport News Alumnae Chapter (NNAC) has representatives from the chapter attend this annual conference.