Almost since the beginning, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., has
maintained a three-pronged action plan to carry out the Fraternity's
motto,
"Culture for Service and Service
for Humanity."
The components of our National Programs are:
3. Project S.A.T.A.P. (Sigmas Against Teenage Pregnancy) this program is a collaborative venture with the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation to address the alarming rise in teenage pregnancy. The Sigma Against Teen-Age Pregnancy project is geared towards reducing the incidence of teen-age pregnancies in predominantly African-American communities. The project is an educational outreach program for adolescent males, designed to increase awareness of the consequences of early childbearing and to provide information about healthy lifestyle behaviors, sexuality and parenthood.
4. PROJECT: S.A.D.A. (Sigmas Against Domestic Abuse)
The goal of Sigmas Against Domestic Abuse (S.A.D.A) is to reduce the
incidence of domestic abuse from a male prospective. At least once a year
every chapter is encouraged to conduct a workshop on domestic abuse.
Through the recruitment of appropriate city/state/government agencies,
along with other organizations, Phi Beta Sigma attempts to play a vital
role in educating males about their responsibility in appropriately
addressing and eliminating the problems of domestic abuse.
Phi Beta Sigma attempts to be an advocating group against domestic abuse
and a conduit for those individuals needing assistance related to domestic
abuse.
5. PROJECT S.A.S (Sigmas Assisting Seniors) Sigmas Assisting Seniors (S.A.S.) is to develop positive relationships with our elders. At least once a year every chapter, both collegiate and alumni, is asked to adopt a senior citizen center in their immediate area. Once adopting a center, the brothers along with the administrative staff of the senior center, will share their gift of love by developing a one-day project for them to conduct with the seniors. Involvement may include educational activities, field trips, participation in the center activities etc. S.A.S attempts to enhance the dignity and independence of seniors.
6. Project S.E.R (Sigmas Emergency Response) In a humanitarian way Phi Beta Sigma attempts to participate in activities that require action and to respond to circumstances that necessitate assistance. A major focus of this project is to respond in times where disaster relief is needed as a result of major storms, fires, accidents and disaster. Projects S.E.R. attempts to assist with restoring basic living requirements, dignity and self-reliance. Providing food, clothing, and financial contributions is a goal of this project. This project is also intended to see men of Sigma participate in major activities such as Sigmas outstanding involvement in the 1995 Million Man March.
7. Phi Beta Sigma - "A Fraternity that
Reads" Phi Beta Sigma - A Fraternity that Reads
is an annual project that all collegiate and alumni chapters are
encouraged to participate in. Each year chapters are to communicate with
their local public libraries. In cooperation with library, members will
read previously approved stories and books to the children. Local day-care
centers, elementary schools, churches, Head Start agencies and, of course,
Sigma Beta Clubs are considered as places where children may be obtained
from.
Phi Beta Sigma - A Fraternity that Reads attempts to convey to children
the impotence of reading while at the same time create some additional
positive black role models for our children.
8. Phi Beta Sigma's National Marrow Donor Program is
intended for both members of Sigma along with all African Americans. Each
member is encouraged to be listed as volunteer marrow donor on the
National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry so that they can be
contacted if ever matched with a patient in need. Additionally, every
chapter within Sigma is encouraged to annually participate with the
American Red Cross in their drives to increase the number of
African-American volunteer marrow donor registrants.
In January of each year, chapters are asked to call the NMDP at
1-800-MARROW-2 to obtain the telephone number and mailing address for
their specific donor center. Sigma attempts to address the need for more
African American volunteers by setting a positive example themselves.
9. Sigma I.D. Day April 15th of every year is Sigma I.D. Day. All brothers, officers and chapters are expected to exert special efforts at wearing and displaying Phi beta Sigma paraphernalia. Special programs and projects are encouraged to be facilitated on this day. It is hoped that on this day, every year, inactive brothers may be stimulated to get reactivated and non-Greek lettered men may be energized to ascertain information from brothers being "Proud To Wear & Display The Blue & White."
10. Phi Beta Sigma - "Buying Black and Giving Back" All brothers and chapters are strongly encouraged to physically assist and financially support minority business both in and surrounding their various neighborhoods. In an effort to significantly enhance this effort all Sigmas' in business are expected to have their business listed in the Phi Beta Sigma "Blue Pages" Business Directory. Furthermore, brothers are asked to exert special energies at supporting minority business, and publicize such, on their chapter meeting day.
Phi Beta Sigma's focus in past social issues included being instrumental in establishing National and State Anti-Lynching legislation in the 1930's and 40's, the elimination of racial discrimination and segregation in federal, state, municipal and county employment.
In the 50's and 60's along with the abolition of Jim Crow Laws. Brother A. Phillip Randolph was a key factor and the mind behind the march on Washington during the sixties civil right's movement, as was brother Huey P. Newton in awakening the minds of African-Americans to rise up out of the plight of mental slavery.
In the late 80's two revised methods of bringing members into the fraternity were approved by the National Conclave. Pledging was abolished and the new Membership Selection and Education Program came into being on August 1, 1985. In April, 1991, the new Membership Intake Program was implemented.
In the year of 1995, Phi Beta Sigma in cooperation with our lovely Sorors of Zeta, became the only African-American Fraternity and Sorority (Greek-lettered or not) to not only SUPPORT the Million Man March in Washington, DC, but to SPONSOR it as well, with Phi Beta Sigma's International Headquarters at 145 Kennedy St. NW in Washington, DC serving as the National Headquarters for the event. Our distinguished Bro. Chavis Mohammed (formerly known as Benjamin Chavis) was the coordinator behind the event.
Our focus for the Year 2000 and beyond, "Achieving Excellence Through Brotherhood." Our ultimate goal continues "To be the Leading Proactive Community Service Organization in the world." There is a great deal of work needed to restore faith and hope to many ailing communities across the nation. Phi Beta Sigma will play a part in the healing process. SIGMAS have the talent, energy, and desire to make a difference when others neglect their responsibilities.
The Brothers of Phi Beta Sigma are the Fraternity's most valuable resource and strength. They are the primary means by which Phi Beta Sigma objectives will be achieved. In order to accomplish the Fraternity's objectives, it is essential that systems are instituted that effectively embody "Culture for Service and Service for Humanity" and promote Brotherhood, Scholarship, Service. To optimize Phi Beta Sigma's effectiveness, The Fraternity will:
1. Strengthen and serve proactively the Brotherhood as a supportive resource that positive impacts the fraternity's growth and financial solvency. 2. Reaffirm and maintain a strong commitment to Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service. 3. Ensure that the Fraternity programs are focused and committed to serving the humanity. 4. Create an environment that respects the dignity and worth of each brother. 5. Exhibit integrity and ethical behavior in conducting the Fraternity's business, serving its members and the community at large. 6. Maintain and improve the Fraternity's technological literacy in order to better service its members and the community at large. 7. Foster and nurture our constitutional bond with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 8. Encourage a closer and mutually beneficial working relation with fellow Greek-Letter organizations, other community service organizations, businesses and government. 9. Select leaders who have a well-defined "vision" and accountable "action plan" for "making it happen." 10. Select leaders who are committed and have demonstrated the ability to "lead."