Formally adopted in 1999, the National Philanthropy of Sigma Psi Zeta is to
Combat Violence Against Women in its varied forms. Among the first Asian
Interest sorority to take on this very worthwhile cause, SYZ hopes to bring
awareness to our universities and communities at large of this issue.
For over nine years, Sigma sisters have built a campaign to help those
affected by this tragic violence, to educate the community about the nature
of this problem, and to empower our sisters to make a lasting commitment to
the issue of violence against women. This includes, but is not
by any means, limited to the following: rape, incest, domestic violence,
sexual assault, stalking, exploitation, the trafficking of women and
children, the abuse of migrant workers, intimidation at work, child abuse,
harassment, and spousal abuse. Any kind of physical, emotional or mental
duress constitutes violence.
SYZ Domestic Violence Quilt
To accomplish this, sisters:
» Volunteer at domestic violence shelters
» Volunteer at local womens' centers
» Sponsor or attend conferences and meetings that empower women's rights
» Lend support to women that need this specific type support and seek help
» for them
» Help to stop violations against female refugees and asylum-seekers
» Advocate for political causes that affect such demographics
» Attend and host self-defense workshops and classes
» Collaborate artistically and educationally with other women-of-color
» Donate proceeds of activities to organizations that support this same cause
» Organize collection drives and secure in-kind donations for local charities
» and DV shelters
By adopting this ethic within our sorority, we immediately become involved
in a demographic that we seek to advocate for...one of the Asian Female.
Historically oppressed by tradition and objectified in the eyes of the
contemporary media to be physically powerless, emotionally isolated, and
mentally voiceless. We encourage and empower ourselves as undergraduates
and alumnae of institutions of higher education. Attacks are likely to
happen at universities and colleges all across the nation.
Violence affects the lives of millions of women worldwide, in all
socio-economic and educational classes. It cuts across cultural and
religious barriers, impeding the right of women to participate fully in
society. Violence against women takes a dismaying variety of forms, and
constitutes a violation of basic human rights.
The sisters of Sigma Psi Zeta stand united behind our philanthropy, on both
an organizational and individual level. To uphold this pledge, SYZ National
partners with our undergraduate chapters to coordinate a concerted effort to
raise awareness and money for this worthwhile cause.
Every October, the undergraduate sisterships take part in Domestic Violence
Awareness month. They take part in the Purple Ribbon Campaign, in which they
distribute purple ribbons and literature to their campuses to raise awareness
of this widespread phenomenon. They also work with their local charity to
raise money, and hold at least one other community service event with
regard to our National Philanthropy.
Every spring, the sisterships take part in the "Take Back the Night" rally.
Often, Sigma sorors will work with other campus groups to support this event.
The National Governance and our Alpha Chapter work together to present the
Spring Gala on our founding date, in which sisters and friends celebrate
the year's accomplishments and raise funds for the NYAWC.
Sigma Psi Zeta National takes a proactive approach towards Domestic Violence
and other acts of violence against women. We have spearheaded an on-going
drive to collect cell phones that can be reprogrammed for use by victims of
domestic violence, so that they might call for help should need be. We also
have an on-going collection drive of self-help books to help build a
resource library for the clients of the NYAWC.
If you or your organization would like work to with our sorority, or if you
would like to find out more about our National Philanthropy program, please
email philanthropy@sigmapsizeta.org.