Thank You 3. Excellence 4. Keystones 5. Brown & Gold Difference 6. Community 7. Academics & Scholarship 8. Service 9. National Structure 10

Transcription

1

2 Thank You 3 Excellence 4 Keystones 5 Brown & Gold Difference 6 Community 7 Academics & Scholarship 8 Service 9 National Structure 10 Expansion 11 Founders Testimonial 12

3 Hello and thank you for expressing interest in Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Incorporated. On behalf of the Phenomenal Women of DTL, I would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to give you an insight on the purpose and mission of our organization. We hope that the information in this packet is helpful in your journey of pursuing membership. Establishing a new chapter is an exciting venture. Women pursuing this endeavor are regarded with great admiration for their passion and dedication. Being the founder of a chapter comes with great responsibility and an expectation to continue the path set forth by the founders of the organization. Since our establishment in 1994, we have worked towards building strong communities of professional women dedicated to service and excellence. We have established chapters in Michigan, Illinois, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Oregon, California and Nevada. We can proudly say that each new chapter has exemplified what it means to be Phenomenal women of Brown and Gold with their endless work in the community and the empowerment of all women. As the organization expands, we hope to see more positive change in our communities. We have not only formed a support system for our members, but we have also created a sense of an extended family. Our members find a strong support of professional women that not only work towards the common goals of the sorority but also support each other s personal and professional goals. We hope that within this packet you find guiding tools and answers to your questions. If you should have any concerns or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the National Board. We are here to serve as a guide and support. Once again, thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Damaris Madrigal National President Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. vp.expansion@deltataulambda.org

4 HERSTORY On April 2, 1994 two women of strength and integrity united to develop the first and only Latina-based sorority founded at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. On this day Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Incorporated was born. Their mission was to build an organization that would bring about greatness to the communities in which the organization was a part of while working with women that strived for professionalism and leadership. The founders, Darilís García and Maria Victoria Ramos, focused their efforts on academic excellence, community service and professionalism. With that in mind in the summer of 1994 the women selected their charitable causes, and created their staple program the Salute to Latinas, Fuerza de la Mujer Latina. In 1995 Darilís and Maria founded the Lydia Cruz and Sandra Maria Ramos Scholarship. The events they sponsored always represented, and continue to represent, the diversity they embraced. Delta Tau Lambda has been recognized on campuses and communities across the U.S. as a strong organization. It has been the hard work, pride and dedication of its members that has helped bring about excellence to every endeavor the organization does. WHO WE ARE Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-based national sisterhood with a culturally diverse membership comprised of collegiate and professional women. Our sisterhood is a bond of women who come together for community service, academic excellence, community building, and professional development. Beyond higher education, we promote lifelong learning and personal advancement. The organization provides a support network that expands throughout the country and internationally. We have created, and continue to build, extensive partnerships with national and community organizations for the enhancement of women and youth. We have identified four charitable causes that we dedicate our efforts based on the impact they have on the Latino community and the lives of our members.

5 VISION Empower women by promoting self-development and investing in their lifelong success. Serve as innovative leaders and agents of change in our communities. Be an exemplary sisterhood with strong and committed members, chapters and national board. PURPOSE Delta Tau Lambda is a community-oriented sorority. Our main objectives are academic excellence, community service, and professional development. We strive to bring about change in the Latino community as well as in other communities of color. A great deal of our work involves the youth, for we believe that they are our future and we their role models. We believe that through our hard work, we will empower others to achieve for themselves and lead one another to greatness. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Incorporated is to build and strengthen Latinas position in society through community service, commitment and professionalism. Together we will unite to develop and empower Latinas, women of color and women in general through personal evolution and teamwork. We will continue to build a strong foundation of resources through networking and community connections. We will work in collaboration with diverse women to create opportunities for growth and change. What We Value Sisterhood as a lifelong support system of empowerment that uplifts and strengthens. Commitment to diversity as well as the dignity and worth of individuals. Self-identity as a catalyst for the growth and enrichment of the organization. The unlimited potential of youth and the impact the mentor-mentee relationship has in shaping futures. The power of community service, partnership and collaboration, supporting organizations and those they serve. The accomplishments of women, acknowledging and celebrating their successes. Education as an integral part of a person s success and work to award scholarship to aid access to higher learning. Commitment to charitable causes to continue to improve resources to provide for those in need. Being a responsible member of the communities we serve by actively participating in their development. Lifelong experiential learning to help women and youth achieve their personal and professional goals. Leadership through innovation, continuous improvement, efficiency and longevity. Personal reflection to evolve into stronger, more socially conscious individuals to serve not only our communities but our families and most importantly ourselves. Passion for who we are, what we can do and the accomplishments of all sisters.

6 Since our founding in 1994 Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. has sought to promote community services, academic excellence, and professionalism. The organization provides support for its members and works endlessly for the empowerment of the Latino community. In order to meet our objectives and the needs of our community, we organize and participate in various community service activities such as Voter Registration Day, American Cancer Society s Relay for Life, Susan G. Komen s Race for a Cure, Violence & STD Prevention Programs, Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway, and Child Safety Fair, just to name a few. A great deal of our work revolves around our Latino youth and working in collaboration with other communities of color. We are unwavering in our efforts to promote higher education to youth and in aiding them in utilizing education as a tool to achieve their dreams. In working with diverse groups, we expand our cultural horizons while identifying common problems and defining collective solutions. We strongly believe in empowering our community and we do so, not only through service, but through programming. Our annual Salute to Latinas: Fuerza de la Mujer Latina event is hosted by each chapter. At this event, we take time to honor the accomplishments and strengths of all Latinas. We celebrate our history, cultures, and diversity with pride and recognize women who have made an impact in their community. The Salute to Latinas is a journey through our past, present, and a view of our dreams for the future. Delta Tau Lambda has a network of women across the U.S. that are as much empowered as they are empowering. More than a sisterhood we are a professional organization. We strive to continue our tradition of empowering our members by providing professional development opportunities and investing in one another's growth. We are: Women by chance, Sisters by choice, Phenomenal by Nature! The phenomenal women of Delta Tau Lambda are leaders in their communities and campuses. Their characters and willingness to give back is what impacted the lives of many and what has enhanced the organization. They are unapologetic for their strength. Instead they utilize their strength to support their fellow women. The caliber of the Delta Tau Lambda woman shows that there is a Brown and Gold difference.

7 Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. is committed to the education, research and support of Breast Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS and Mental Health. While we fundraise and educate our communities on these specific causes we do support many other areas of service. Anything that we can do, big or small, to improve our communities we are willing to assist. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. We believe that it takes that same village to support and strengthen itself to help bring about change. That is why we are such strong proponents of community service; it is our number one goal and driving purpose! ENDEAVORS To demonstrate our commitment, members of our organization volunteer an average of 500 hours a year and have raised thousands of dollars towards the awareness and research of our charitable causes: HIV/AIDS Awareness, Diabetes, Mental Health, and Breast Cancer. Aside from our national causes members across the United States support a variety of endeavors from nationwide projects such as the American Diabetes Walk to local projects such as collecting donations for women s shelters. TAU LAMBDAS For us part of giving back includes mentorship. We are very concerned about the dropout rate of Latinas in the United States. As a result we established Tau Lambdas. This mentorship group serves to support Latinas in high school to prevent them from permanently leaving school. In association with local high schools, members work with young Latinas and young women in structured activities to specifically address issues around Academics/ Career and Community Service. GOALS Community Service Promote higher learning in Latino Youth Convey in younger women through our wisdom, to reach for their dreams using education as their tool Promote unity in the Latino community by: identifying common problems, supporting each other, and defining collective solutions Expand our cultural horizons by working with other communities of color

8 ACADEMICS Delta Tau Lambda was established in part to support collegiate women navigate their scholastic careers. Often times Latinas need encouragement in order to persevere through their education. We support members in their personal academic quest and stand behind each other whether it is through study groups or by being lending emotional support. We recognize the important of education to achieve goals. We encourage women to utilize education as a tool to make their dreams a reality. We are very proud or all of our members accomplishments. Many have gone on to graduate studies where they continue a tradition of academic excellence. SCHOLARSHIP One of our greatest accomplishments is the establishment of the Lydia Cruz and Sandra Maria Ramos Scholarship Fund in March of The two women chosen to name this scholarship have greatly influenced the lives of the Delta Tau Lambda Founding Mothers. The scholarship goes to a graduating Latina high school student, or a first year collegiate student, from the state and/or county of all active chapters. Through this scholarship fund we have been able to annually award scholarships to Latinas attending a two or four-year colleges or universities. Lydia Cruz Lydia Cruz dropped out of school after the second grade. As Lydia was growing up she taught herself to read and write by tracing letters on old newspapers. She had two daughters and was a single mother. Lydia made a tough decision to leave her children in Puerto Rico with her mother while she moved to New York to work in order to support her family. At the time, she did all she could to provide a proper education for her daughters. Because of these qualities, and more she is an inspiration to Darilís García, her granddaughter. Sandra Maria Ramos Sandra Maria Ramos, by the standards of America, was not meant to succeed. Teachers and counselors told her she would never amount to anything. In spite of the lack of support and confidence from her educators, she followed her dreams. With her family, spirit, and strength she became a successful Latina in her continual achievements. Because of her drive and motivation she is an inspiration to Maria Victoria Ramos, her sister.

9 "Happiness cannot come from without. It must come from within. It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy; it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves." Helen Keller The definition of service is an act of helpful activity; to help; to aid. This desire to give back to our communities, to help people is what has brought many of the women within the sorority together. Giving our time and efforts make our relationship as sisters stronger and more meaningful. Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. is committed to the education, research and support of Breast Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and Mental Health. While we fundraise and educate our communities on these specific causes we do support many other areas of service. We are committed to the support of our communities both through services and by hosting educational programs. We have done: Thanksgiving Baskets for needy families Volunteering at soup kitchens Relay for Life Race for the Cure Voter registration Child Safety Fair Breaking the Silence Poetry Contest Blanket, coats, and toy drives for the holidays Violence & STD Prevention Programs Diabetes Walk And much more!

10 The National Board of Delta Tau Lambda is in place to drive the organization forward while maintaining the traditions that has maintained the integrity of the organization for 15 years. Board members have over 70 years of membership and service combined. They are dedicated to members and helping the women achieve their personal goals while positively impacting the organization. President Damaris Madrigal Board Secretary Liz Melero VP Collegiate Ops. VP Prof/Alumni Ops Sandra Arias Shirley Reyes Collegiate Prof/Alumni Chapters Chapters VP Finance Rocio Rodriguez VP Expansion Vacant VP Risk Management Kristal Morales VP Public Relations Paula Vinales VP Sorority Dev. VP Fund Dev. Collegiate Rep. Collegiate Rep. Darilis Garcia- McMillian Yashira Santiago Wendy Cortes Alejandra Zarate

11 Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. is a Latina-based sorority. While a predominately Latina organization our membership embodies, and our community service projects support, a diverse group of ethnicities. Our multicultural membership is a rich bond we share as sisters. If you are interested in pursuing membership with Delta Tau Lambda please review the requirements below for starting collegiate and professional chapters. When women set out to establish a new chapter, Delta Tau Lambda members are there, guiding and supporting the interested women as they take their journey down the path of the Brown and Gold. Below you will find guidelines for our process; however, they do not guarantee membership into the organization. Establishing a New Chapter We pride ourselves in selecting women based on quality not quantity, therefore, we do not have a minimum number of women required to establish a chapter. Once you have decided that Delta Tau Lambda is the best fit for you and you have shared your interest with other women in your college/university or city/county the steps for establishing a chapter are as follows: Submit letters of interest to the National Board: one from each candidate sharing why you are interested in Delta Tau Lambda and a group letter addressing why you want to expand the organization to your campus. The National Board will set up an informational meeting. Collegiate women, must contact their college/university s Greek Life or Student Organization office to learn of the institution s requirements for starting a new organization. Meet requirements outlined below for either collegiate or professional chapter. Application and fee Collegiate Chapters To be considered for collegiate membership a candidate must: Be at least a second semester first year woman having completed one full term in college. Have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Have a general interest in community service and networking. Professional/Alumni Chapters To be considered for PA membership a candidate must: Be a professional with a bachelor s degree; or Be pursuing a graduate degree; or Be a professional completing a bachelor s degree. Have a general interest in community services and networking. To start a new chapter, contact Damaris Madrigal at vp.expansion@deltataulambda.org.

12 I decided to be a founder of the Eta Chapter at Michigan State University because I wanted to be a part of an organization that felt as strong as I did about higher education for Latina's as well as other women of color. I know that there is a lack of role models in young Latina's lives and coming from a rough background like the one I come from I knew that Delta Tau Lambda Sorority, Inc. would help me be a more effective role model to young woman. I wanted to create the change I want to see in the Latino community as well as other communities of color with Phenomenal Woman like myself and fight the for the cause alongside those Phenomenal Women! Together we can create a bigger impact than trying to do so alone and that is why I became a founder of six at MSU. Micaela Flores To start our own DTL Beta Chapter in Chicago at Roosevelt University was a dream come true - a moment for Latinas to shine. Being extremely passionate about life, my roots as a Latina and education, I needed to connect with others like myself. When DTL and I found each other, the sisters were very empowering to me, which uplifted my soul in my time of need. I believe it was my destiny to become a phenomenal sister of brown and gold to carry and pass on the gift of strength, wisdom and love. Michelle Carrillo Growing up in the Latino community I was always secretly told to be modest and silent, to agree to stand up for what I believe but only internally, because leadership belongs to the male figure. But after realizing that being a follower was not a choice I decided to never let anybody tell me how bright I have to shine, how fast I have to walk, or who can lead! I choose my own path, I choose to be happy or sad everyday and that is the beauty of being a Phenomenal Woman, I choose to empower other women and serve as an example for those to follow, I chose to take on the challenges that for many will just be wishes granted. I choose to speak up for those that are ashamed, I choose to be a leader every day of my life and this way help myself, my sisters and the community. For these and many reasons I became a Chapter Founder. Sandra Arias I was honored to start a new chapter in the state of Florida at the University of South Florida, and by all means I did not hesitate. I began the recruitment process with 5 other amazing and strong women, and we were all able to strengthen our weaknesses that had not been uplifted. From that moment, I was dedicated to showcase the new me which was achieved by the closeness with my line sisters and we began to work for the Latino community from then on. I was so empowered and motivated, that I took on the task of implementing the Tau Lambda Mentoring Program. The Epsilon Chapter of DTL is now one of the few organizations at USF who share their knowledge and wisdom with other Latinas in order to decrease the high school Latina dropout rate. Starting this chapter has not only made me feel empowered, but a respected Latina in my community. The Epsilon chapter has been recognized as a strong and committed Greek organization in the USF community, and I am extremely proud that I have built the foundation that brought this recognition. Without any regrets, finding this organization was a pathway in my destiny which I am happy I was bound. Natalie Donn