SR0325 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0325 LRB099 11916 GRL 34116 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a public service organization founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 young women with a vision on the campus of the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, Only weeks after its founding, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s first public act of service was participation in the women's suffrage movement demanding rights for women, particularly the right to vote; and

WHEREAS, More than 250,000 women have joined this illustrious organization, with 1,000 collegiate and alumnae chapters located in the United States and around the world, including chapters in England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Republic of Korea; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is composed of college-educated women committed to a lifetime of implementing the sorority's mission through its 5-point program thrust of educational development, economic development, political awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and international awareness and involvement; and

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is celebrating 102 years of exemplary service and dedication toward impacting communities, leading dialogues on national and global public policy, supporting quality education and removing barriers, stimulating current and future economic growth, and promoting quality of life overall; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, the National Social Action Commission instituted Delta Days in the nation's capital, an annual legislative conference to increase member involvement in the public policy-making process; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. became a Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Legislative briefings, issue forums, and advocacy skills development and meeting with key policy makers, members of the United States Congress staff members, and experts are all part of the sorority's established platform; and

WHEREAS, Delta Days at the Illinois State Capitol occur on an annual basis, with members from across the entire State of Illinois, and, in 2015, will embrace the theme of "Advocacy in Action - A Stronger Voice - A Stronger Presence"; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for its continued commitment to public service, recognize its collective contributions in helping to make the State of Illinois a better place to live, work, and play, and designate April 29, 2015 as Delta Day at the Illinois State Capitol; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as a symbol of our respect and esteem.