WDCAC Chapter of the Year Award Submission

TheDeltWa ordNewsletter of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter Special 53rd National
Convention Issue!

Inside This Issue 1 2016-2017
2
National and Regional Programs & 3 Message from the President
Initiatives 4
5 For over 96 years, the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter (WDCAC) of Delta
Sisterhood Month 6 Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has worked faithfully and fervently in our
Healthy Lifestyles Nation’s Capital—the epicenter of politics and policymaking that affects
My Cry In the Dark 7 nearly every aspect of our lives. While the current political and social
8 climate often involves a game of chance, WDCAC has been a steady force
EMBODI serving up a jackpot of sisterhood, scholarship, and service!

Financial Fortitude This special edition of WDCAC’s quarterly The Delta Word newsletter
Collegiate Transition Task provides an overview of the chapter’s innovative programming during 2016-
Force (CTT) 2017 in its service to District of Columbia residents. Whether engaged in
Arts & Letters National or Regional initiatives or aspects of our Sorority’s Five Point
Programmatic Thrust, WDCAC has continued its historic and winning legacy
Five Point Programmatic Thrusts of sisterhood, scholarship, and service!

Educational Development: 9 Commemorate and Celebrate:
Backpack Brigade 10
Sisterhood Month Journey
Economic Development:
“Back to Work” Day & Com- While March is a time where many hedge their bets on which team will come
cast Cares Day out on top in the game of basketball, it’s a month where we as Deltas
commemorate and celebrate the surety, sanctity and stability of a sisterhood
International Awareness and 11 that continues to serve up baskets full of love and service. For WDCAC, love
Involvement: World AIDS Day and service were on full-court display during Sisterhood Month in March with
& 67 Blankets for Mandela each activity leading to scores of success and with sorors showing a deep
commitment to each other, to serving the community, and to our beloved
Political Awareness and In- 12 Sorority.
volvement: Community Con-
versation; Mock Debate; Re- WDCAC’s journey through Sisterhood
entry Education; Delta Days Month underscored the fact that like
a team, we consist of many parts that
Physical and Mental Health: 13 work together for the greater good—a
Community Health Fair sisterhood that, by design, was built
to be a champion. Like any champion,
one has to nourish the mind and
body. Sorors did just that at WDCAC’s
Call to Chapel and Sisterhood Brunch
on March 5. The Rankin Chapel Call to Chapel, for which 62 sorors attended,
was held on the campus of Howard University at Cramton Auditorium. For the
occasion, Soror Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie delivered a powerful sermon
centered around the theme “In Times Like These.”

(Continued on next page.)

Healthy Lifestyles: WDCAC’s Sisterhood Month (From page 1.)

Community Health Fair Her message served as a clarion call to continue our work in social
advocacy and service to the community. With regard to our service, sorors
On the heels of reflecting on 96 years of service on also were reminded of the importance of serving with humility when the
February 3, WDCAC hosted a Community Health Dean of Rankin Chapel, Dr. Bernard L. Richardson, told the congregation
Fair the following day. It’s only fitting that our “Don’t seek to be great but seek to serve, for in your service you will be
Charter Day weekend was one of service where the bumped up to greatness.” Those initial moments of our sisterhood on
Community Health Fair took place at three display were played over again and again, like an instant replay, during
different locations—an approach that maximized the remainder of Sisterhood Month. Other highlights of the month
outreach to those in the District of Columbia who included a guided tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
often are marginalized in the healthcare system. on March 12. For that activity, 12 sorors were given play-by-play accounts
of the stories behind various breathtakingly beautiful pieces of African
WDCAC’s Healthy Lifestyles Committee partnered art. The Sisterhood Month activities thus far during the month served as
with organizations such as Howard University opportunities to bond and as warm-
Hospital’s Diabetes ups to prepare sorors for a
Treatment Center, Sisterhood Day of Service on March
the American Heart 18 with SOME (So Others Might Eat)
Association, the and Food and Friends.
American Diabetes
Association, and At SOME, 36 sorors helped with meal
Hillcrest Children service and provided related dining
and Family Center to room support to those in need. For
provide nearly 600 Food and Friends, 10 sorors hand-
residents with a delivered much needed food supplies to District residents unable to shop
wealth of resources for themselves. For both activities, it was very much a team effort that
and services at contributed to a successful Sisterhood Day of Service.
health fair sites
located at Allen A week later brought another opportunity to celebrate our sisterhood with
Chapel AME Church, Roundtree Residences, and a specific focus on our treasured Delta Dears. On March 25, WDCAC held
Good Hope Marketplace Safeway. its “Delta Through the Generations” Delta Dears Appreciation. Like

Services and resources provided included coaches who build and lead winning
information on heart health, diabetes, dental teams, Delta Dears have a special
health, prostate and breast cancer, stress
management, and reflexology. Medical way of nurturing and inspiring Dolls
representatives and other volunteers also were on and Divas (as well as the Dears
hand to check blood pressures as well as provide among them) to be the best Deltas
yoga and nutrition demonstrations. Additionally, possible. In paying tribute to our
WDCAC organized consultations by internists and Delta Dears and recognizing them for
pediatricians, and arranged educational what they have brought to our
presentations on diabetes and prostrate and breast sisterhood, the day’s activities
included a Red Carpet Walk/entrance
health. under a U.S. Marine Corps Sword Guard; a “Penny Walk Back in Time”
icebreaker where sorors shared something significant based on the mint
Overall, the year of the penny; thoughtful and introspective reflections given by a Doll
Community Health and Diva; entertainment provided by a senior dance group who ranged in
Fair was educational age from 60-90; table service for lunch; personal reflections,
in scope in that it perspectives, remembrances, and life lessons given by Dears; superlatives
equipped voted on by the Dears and awarded at the end of the program; the
participants with Sweetheart Song and a group photo; and a “Then and Now” video that
important and showcased pictures from the Dears’
impactful health- early days as Deltas as well as current
related information. photos. One could not have painted a
The fair also served better picture of our sisterhood in
as a reminder of action, although sorors came close with
WDCAC’s 96-year the final Sisterhood Month activity.
legacy of working in the Washington, DC
community. With that legacy comes a great On March 26, members of WDCAC
responsibility of service and advocacy. It's a legacy
in which WDCAC members are called to serve with enjoyed a Paint & Sip event where 25
devotion and diligence, and with purpose and
passion—all of which were on full display at the sorors painted either a “Sister Circle of
Community Health Fair the chapter hosted during
its Charter Day weekend! Sorors,” “Delta Vase,” or “Wine Glass.” WDCAC also invited and sponsored

ycooullneggeiartesosrof2rrso,mofIoctoaurIsoet,asi(pCpainthgoolinc University) to the event with the
apple juice! It’s only fitting that the

final activity teamed up collegiate and alumnae sorors, which further

emphasized the diversity and strength of our membership and the rewards

of our sisterhood.

WDCAC’s My Cry in the Dark Committee was awarded a 2016 Centennial Program Planning and Development Grant
Fund in collaboration with the Delta Research and Educational Fund (DREF) towards our Mental Health Across the
Lifespan Initiatives. In particular our committee was awarded a grant to support an anti-bullying summit within
Washington DC in an effort to raise awareness on the psychological and physical harm that bullying can cause and
to pave the path to a safer and more aware community for youth in the District of Columbia to live and thrive. Our
project is aimed at assisting local middle schools in creating anti-bullying task forces within their schools that will
work to develop anti-bullying strategies for their student population and local community. Excitingly, this project
has taken an innovative approach to addressing this pervasive problem impacting schools and communities
throughout the country by introducing the arts (spoken word, drawing and acting) as tools to help students
productively address bullying while simultaneously providing a mechanism for self-expression. Finally, this project
is helping to create a bridge and stronger working relationships between students, parents, educators, and
community partners to collaboratively work to address and diminish the issue of bullying within the Washington DC
community. Our anti-bullying summit is scheduled for Wednesday June 28, 2017 at Johnson Middle School in
Washington, DC.

Another key highlight of the Mental Health Across the Lifespan is successful aging. The Washington DC Alumnae
Chapter’s My Cry in the Dark Committee is committed to not only providing tools and resources to chapter
members but also to the community at large. As a result, this year the chapter decided to utilize technology and a
motivational speaker to help disseminate these successful tips that are correlated with positive mental health
during the aging process. This free video series is titled “Growing Gracefully” and it features Trina Ramsey, a
career and life strategist, who actually shares personal anecdotes, positive affirmations and practical tips on living
fiercely during the inevitable aging process. Regardless of the season in one’s life, this empowering series of videos
will feed women’s minds, bodies and spirits. (Please see attachment for brochure about and links to video series).

In addition, the My Cry in the Dark Committee embarked upon a proactive social media campaign designed to raise
awareness about Mental Health within the African American committee. This campaign even included the
dissemination of a few committee authored articles on celebrating successful holidays solo. In addition, one of the
videos that the chapter disseminated was actually highlighted by Soror President Paulette C. Walker in the April
edition of the 25th word. The video titled, “Snapping the Chain: Ending Mental Health Stigma in the African
American Community” can be viewed at this link https://youtu.be/ZcqtFlLNSa4.

This sorority year, the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter’s My Cry in the Dark Committee has demonstrated a
fearless and proactive approach to raising awareness and starting the dialogue regarding mental health across the

The Video Links for the Growing Gracefully Video Series are as follows.

Other promotional materials are attached as separate documents.

Growing Gracefully Part 1
https://youtu.be/VsfRKm2L8go

Growing Gracefully Part 2
https://youtu.be/ImIiW6KDk-k

Growing Gracefully Part 3
https://youtu.be/l07EvcoVM38

Growing Gracefully Part 4
https://youtu.be/0cYT9W5b6Xw

Growing Gracefully Park 5
https://youtu.b3e/qGPdfgLDIWU

Full Growing Gracefully Video
https://youtu.be/-PSdnfP10Lg

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in4the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in5the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in6the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in7the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in8the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in9the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in10the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in11the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!

(Continued from page 1.) REPLACE & ADD MORE PAGES

Replace WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee is responsible for coordinating
Delta’s Project 13 initiative at the local level. As the Project 13 initiative is
Community Mobilization designed to strengthen Delta’s ties to the community while demonstrating
Angel Tree Project our sisterhood’s collective power of service, the committee plays a critical
role in mobilizing sorors to make a difference in the communities we serve.
In addition to collecting food donations for The Community Mobilization Committee also has responsibility for
Thanksgiving baskets to benefit families served by coordinating service projects such as Comcast Cares and the Angel Tree
CFSA, the Community Mobilization Committee also Project as well as identifying and recommending additional community
coordinated an Angel Tree Project in December. outreach activities for participation by chapter sorors (e.g., Food and
Once again, WDCAC sorors were generous in Friends, Special Olympics, Prom Dress Project, Back to Work with New
providing support and collectively contributed a Endeavors, etc.).
total of 116 gifts and two boxes of books to CFSA
for children and youth in DC’s foster care system. Under the leadership of co-chairs Keturah Raabe and Karen Turner for the
current sorority year, WDCAC’s Community Mobilization Committee has
International Awareness and Involvement been actively working within the community to make a difference. In
World Aids Day September, for instance, the committee organized a team to participate in
the 2016 St. Jude 5k Run/Walk to raise money to fund pediatric cancer
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on December research—an effort sponsored by Project 13 partner St. Jude. Team WDCAC
1 and in support of a national Delta initiative, concluded this year’s fundraising drive in early October and collected over
WDCAC’s International Awareness and Involvement $2,400 thanks to the generous donations of team participants, chapter
Committee partnered with the Whitman-Walker members, and supporters such as the Delta Housing Corporation of the
Clinic for a day of community HIV screening and District of Columbia.
education. The committee joined efforts with a
Whitman-Walker HIV screening van at the CVS As described in the “WDCAC in Action” section of this newsletter, the
parking lot located at 845 Bladensburg Road NE. committee also organized a group of chapter sorors to volunteer their time
Volunteers consisted of seven WDCAC sorors, three at another Project 13-sponsored event—the American Diabetes Association’s
community residents, and two staff members from Game On, Greater Washington, in partnership with the Washington
the clinic. Redskins. In describing the chapter’s participation in the St. Jude Run/Walk
Sorors and other volunteers engaged passerby and and the American Diabetes Association service projects, Soror Turner noted
distributed free lubricant and condoms (male and that the activities provided sorors with “fun and fulfilling experiences and a
female) as part of HIV education. They canvassed great chance to build bonds with other chapter members.” She added, “at
approximately 35 people and got 23 of them to the same time, we were able to support the mission of these organizations
actually test, yielding a nearly 67% success rate for and advance the Sorority’s
testing. Those who received the HIV testing commitment to strengthening these
expressed their gratitude for the free services. The strategic partnerships.”
committee will partner with Whitman-Walker next
spring to offer the testing once again. The next HIV The committee also helped support
screening date is scheduled for March 24, 2017, in Delta’s commitment to public
the same location, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. service by organizing the chapter’s
participation in additional
community-based events, including
the other projects described in the
“WDCAC in Action” section as well
as a final activity for this calendar
year—volunteering at DC’s Food and Friends, a local non-profit organization
that provides meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS,
cancer and other life-challenging illnesses.

While the committee is committed to helping those in our community who
face challenges, especially our most vulnerable populations, the committee
also is impacted by its own challenges. Those challenges are increasing the
number of chapter sorors who participate in outreach activities and
identifying and implementing programs that extend into underserved areas
of the city. The latter of the challenges, as reflected on by the co-chairs, is
also the committee’s “single-most opportunity, followed by the opportunity
to build collaboration with other committees and organizations to integrate
our resources and potentially increase our impact in the community.”

Clearly, the committee continues to be focused on mobilizing to make a
difference in12the community!

Note: The Community Mobilization Committee meets the first Thursday of each
month at 6:30 pm at Delta Towers. Mobilize and join the committee to make a
difference in our community!