March for Babies
Sorors from the Zeta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter as well as Mu Kappa, an undergraduate chapter we advise, March for Babies! The March of Dimes is a national service project of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Saving babies and their mothers has been the goal of the March of Dimes since its inception, and the sorority has supported the non-profit organization through a multitude of programs, including our participation in the well-known March for Babies. 
Price of Access Scholarship & Financial Aid Fair
The Zeta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. held its annual Price of Access Scholarship & Financial Aid Fair on Saturday, March 8 at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Our fair was held on the same Saturday that women of Sigma from around the country held a Sigma Youth Symposium, which is part of a national effort to remove the barriers that negatively effect our youth -- drugs, teen violence, abuse, low self-esteem, suicide, teen pregnancy, etc.
Zeta Nu Sigma’s Youth Symposium focused on eliminating the financial barriers that limit access to college. More than two-dozen young people attended, learning about community grants, private scholarships, and government loans. They heard cost-saving tips from current law students, and recent college graduates. A dozen community groups participated, sharing information about the scholarships they have for young people in Greater Boston
Zeta Nu Sigma hosts Local book donation drive in Boston
The Greater Boston Alumnae chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, a leading national service organization comprised of culturally diverse professional women, will continue their commitment to high scholastic attainment through literacy. Each member of the Sorority will donate a chapter book or picture book that can be donated to local schools. Books will be distributed to students of grades kindergarten through 8th grade to schools in the area. Zeta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter and the local undergraduate chapters of the sorority will give the books out in the upcoming weeks on behalf of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s primary mission is to better the quality of life in the community. This enhancement of society is done through public service, leadership development and education. The Book Donation Drive is an opportunity to serve the public and children through high scholastic attainment through literacy.
Get Educated. African Americans continue to experience higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) than any other race/ethnicity in the US. The presence of certain STDs can significantly increase the chance of contracting HIV infection. A person who has both HIV infection and certain STDs has a greater chance of infecting others with HIV. Click here to learn more about African Americans and HIV/AIDS: Link to CDC Information Sheet.
Get Tested. Know your HIV status. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV. Text your zip code to KNOWIT to find a local testing site.
Get Involved. In 2006, HIV was the third leading cause of death for both black men and black women aged 35–44. Find a local event to participate in at www.blackaidsday.org or visit www.actagainstaids.org.
Get Treated. In 2008, an estimated 18,328 blacks received an AIDS diagnosis. Many people with HIV, including those who feel healthy, can benefit greatly from current medications used to treat HIV infection. Getting treated can:
Greek Organizations Rally for UNCF's Text To Donate Campaign for Emergency Student Aid To Help Seniors Graduate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAIRFAX, VA (December 22, 2010) - UNCF--the United Negro College Fund-- and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) are partnering to make sure that seniors at UNCF member colleges graduate on time. All nine members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council--Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Iota Phi Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, Sigma Gamma Rho and Zeta Phi Beta--are rallying around the late-January broadcast of UNCF An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Chaka Khan and the UNCF Campaign for Emergency Student Aid (CESA) to raise $250,000 to support recession-impacted graduating seniors who need to pay off balances for tuition, books and room and board before they can receive their diplomas.
The Greek organizations are joining forces to encourage their undergraduate and alumni members and friends to participate through the Text To Donate component of the campaign featured in this year's UNCF An Evening of Stars® show. From January 1 through February 28th, supporters of each Greek organization will be able to text the letters for their sorority or fraternity to make a $10 donation to UNCF. Supporters may also visit www.UNCF.org and click on the Campaign for Emergency Student Aid icon to help a child graduate from college. UNCF An Evening of Stars® Tribute to Chaka Khan will air nationally on more than 40 network stations in major markets on Saturday, January 29th, and on BET Networks on Sunday, January 30th at 10 p.m. and on WGN America (check local listings).
The tribute to Chaka Khan marks the 32nd anniversary of UNCF's two-hour entertainment television special. A complete list of stations and background information can be found online at www.aneveningofstars.org. "We are excited about this new partnership with the National Pan-Hellenic Council and their commitment to education," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. "Many students at UNCF schools are still being impacted by the recession and they are finding themselves in financially vulnerable positions. All nine Greek organization members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council understand the importance of an education and the doors of opportunity it can open. It's inspiring for us to work together with our community to ensure that all children get the college degrees they need and our nation needs them to have."
The National Pan-Hellenic Council is also establishing a CESA scholarship specifically for members of its nine Greek organizations; the scholarship will be administered by UNCF. As the recession lingers, many students at UNCF schools are at risk of having to drop out of college. Unemployment and pay cuts still reduce families' financial support for their children's education. The credit crunch still keeps private student loans off the market. And students still come up short of the funds they need to cover tuition and room and board balances. "The National Pan Hellenic Council's relationship with UNCF is a perfect match. Our goals are aligned," said Council of Presidents Chairman Dwayne M. Murray, Esq. "Each of our organizations are seeking ways to fund the education opportunities for young people in all walks of life. I am calling upon all Councils of the NPHC to help UNCF in its fundraising efforts and to watch UNCF An Evening of Stars Tribute to Chaka Khan on January 29th and 30th 2011."
With more than 40 years in music behind her, Grammy-winning R&B/soul singer Chaka Khan will be surrounded on the UNCF An Evening of Stars® stage by the greatest talent in entertainment and education, as she is presented with the UNCF Award of Excellence. The award cites her long entertainment career and support for UNCF and minority education.
This year's program will feature award-winning singers and performers Stevie Wonder, Fantasia, Angie Stone, Melanie Fiona, Ledisi, El DeBarge, Estelle, Faith Evans, Ginuwine, Bettye LaVette and Herbie Hancock. The parade of celebrities joining Dr. Lomax in celebrating Khan also includes Academy Award winner Mo'Nique, Akon, LeVar Burton, Kim Coles, Taraji P. Henson, Quincy Jones, Tom Joyner, CNN's Soledad O'Brien, Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker, Amber Riley, Bobb'e J. Thompson, Tracie Thoms, Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson, Lauren Velez, and a special taped appearance by Mary J. Blige. The celebrities will not only entertain but will make special appeals for all Americans to text to donate to help seniors graduate from college.
All Pan-Hellenic Council members, friends and family are encouraged to text the letters for their
fraternity or sorority to 50555 on their cell phones to donate $10 to help these students walk the last mile to their education. Individuals can text up to $30 per cell- phone monthly billing cycle. Supporters may also donate to the Campaign for Emergency Student Aid online. To learn more, visit www.aneveningofstars.org and click on the Campaign for Emergency Student Aid icon; or contact Christal Cherry, UNCF National Director, Alumni, Groups & Faith Partnerships at (404) 302-8623, for answers to questions about the UNCF-Pan Hellenic partnership.
Text UNCF SGR to 50555 to help Sigma Gamma Rho raise money for a graduating senior.
NPHC of Greater Boston holds its first Boston Greek Weekend!
Click here to check out the full Boston Herald story.
Earthquake Devastates Haiti: Sigma Gamma Rho Pledges its help
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is grieved by the reports of destruction, devastation and death suffered by our brothers and sisters in Haiti, resulting from the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the defenseless island on Tuesday. The leadership is asking all regions, chapters, officers, members, affiliates, friends and guests to again join us in coming to the dire aid of those both within and connected to our circle of sisters by contributing to the 2010 Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Disaster Relief Fund. Click here to read more about our Disaster Relief Fund and how you can help.
Girls Night Out Will Bring Together Over 200 Women of All Ages
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2009
Night focused on pre-screening of new film “Precious”
On Wednesday November 18th, over 200 young women from urban neighborhoods across the greater Boston area will come together at a special pre-screening of the new, critically-acclaimed film Precious at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge.
The Zeta Nu Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated and Teens Lead @ Work have partnered to bring this film to the Brattle in an effort to have a multi-generational conversation about the themes of self-esteem, self-image, and violence against women.
“Watching Precious together will allow women the opportunity to open up about their own experiences with violence, self-esteem, and body image,” says Nancy Luc, TL@W program coordinator. “We want to provide a forum for women of all ages to come together to discuss themes that touch us all.”
The film is based on the novel “Push” by Sapphire. It tells the story of 16-year-old Claireece Precious Jones, growing up on the unforgiving streets of 1987 Harlem – brutalized by her parents, under served by her failing school, and pregnant for the second time by her father. All but abandoned by the people and systems that are supposed to protect and nurture her, Precious finds a lifeline when she enrolls in an alternative school, where she learns to read, write, and trust her own voice. As Precious discovers her own potential and worth, she is able to break the chains of her circumstances, and pursue her vision of a better future, for herself and for her children. The film is rated R, and women under 18 can attend only with signed permission of a parent.
The event has been made possible through Sigma Gamma Rho’s partnership with Lionsgate films. Alumnae chapters across the US have been hosting these screenings and discussions since the start of November. It fits into one of SGR’s National Initiatives: Project Reassurance that encourages chapters to create programming that will provide support systems to enhance the development of young women.
“Programs like this offer each woman that attends the opportunity to identify positive role models in their lives, resources and referral agencies in their community that can then strengthen their capacity for self-love, self respect and self-esteem.” said Shauna Rigaud, president of the Boston Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho.
TL@W and Sigma Gamma Rho expect at least 200 women to attend the screening and subsequent discussion.
The event is open to the media. If interested in attending, please RSVP to: preciousboston@gmail.com. The media is asked to hold any questions to after the screening.
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TL@W – Teens Lead at Work was created to address the alarming rates of teen worker fatalities and injuries while helping teens make a difference in creating their own futures. TL@W is composed of teens from the Greater Boston area. TL@W is a program of MassCOSH – the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health.
www.masscosh.org
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
http://www.znsboston1922.org/
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