Philanthropy
In 1999, the sisters of Sigma Psi Zeta Sorority, Inc. formally adopted our national philanthropy, to Combat Violence Against Women. As one of the first Asian-Interest sororities to take on this very worthwhile cause, we hope to raise awareness of this issue to our universities and communities at large. We have organized 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.
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The National Philanthropy of Sigma Psi Zeta is to combat violence against women in its varied forms. 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.
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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.
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The sisters of Sigma Psi Zeta stand united behind our philanthropy, on both an organizational and individual level.
Our efforts
Purple Ribbon Week is held every October during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This week is comprised of a series of events aimed to promote the spread of domestic violence awareness on campus and in the community, show support for survivors, and actively contribute to victims in need. While our programming varies yearly, we have distributed literature on domestic violence, held documentary screenings and discussions on domestic violence in the past. We have also fundraised for Sarah's Circle, a local organization dedicated to serving women who are homeless or at risk, and Kan-Win, a local non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating violence of all forms.
More details concerning past Purple Ribbon Week programming can be found in the following links.
In the Spring, we hold our annual Clothesline Project, which is a part of a larger nationwide project. The purpose of this project is to address the issue of violence against women -- an issue that is often kept too quiet. Women previously affected by domestic violence are encouraged to decorate a t-shirt to express their emotions to others through art. These shirts are then displayed to the public as testimony to the issue of violence against women. The reception marks the beginning of the display of t-shirts, and it may accompanied by other events that spread awareness and show support for victims. Past Clothesline Projects are below.
2016 Clothesline Reception Photo Album
In addition, Sigma Psi Zeta one of the few Greek organizations to be an official partner of "It's On Us", a White House campaign started in 2014 to raise awareness and fight against sexual assault on college campuses. This movement advocates for both men and women, and is based on the premise that the public should take a more active role in fighting this problem that affects million of women.
Clothesline Project
Clothesline Project
Clothesline Project
Clothesline Project
Clothesline Project
Clothesline Project