(See more about us by clicking Acitivities and Chapter Recognition pages)
Our National Philanthropy
In 1999, Sigma Psi Zeta formally adopted its national philanthropy, to combat the violence against women in its varied forms. Any kind of physical, emotional or mental duress constitutes violence. 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.
The first Asian-interest sorority to take on this very worthwhile cause, SYZ hopes to bring awareness of this issue to our universities and to our communities at large. For over a decade, our sisters have campaigned to help those affected by this tragic violence through community education and active involvement:
- Volunteering at domestic violence shelters
- Sponsoring or attending conferences and meetings that empower women's rights
- Lending support to women that need this specific type support and seek help for them
- Helping to stop violations against female refugees and asylum-seekers
- Advocating for political causes that affect such demographics
- Attending and hosting self-defense workshops and classes
- Collaborating artistically and educationally with other women-of-color
- Donating proceeds of activities to organizations that support the cause
By adopting this philanthropic ethic within our sorority, we immediately become involved in a demographic that we seek to advocate for: 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. Unfortunately, attacks on the Asian female are not uncommon on campuses and in the workplace. We encourage and empower ourselves as undergraduates and alumnae of institutions of higher education.
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 organizational and individual levels.
|
 |
Beta Chapter’s Philanthropic Efforts
Committed to the goals of the national philanthropy, our Chapter strives to increase awareness through special programming for students and faculty. Every semester, our sisters host a week of events on the Binghamton campus to raise awareness of domestic violence as well as to promote women empowerment. In the fall during October, we host Domestic Violence Awareness Week to increase domestic violence prevention, raise funds for charity and learn self-defense. In the spring we host Women Empowerment Week to encourage Binghamton University’s female student body to rise above stereotypes, negative body images and harassment.
Our activities include:
- Volunteering in the local SOS Shelter for women and children
- Inviting speakers to talk about their experiences with domestic violence
- Fundraising for domestic violence shelters
- Hosting self-defense workshops
- Engaging students in positive discussion sessions regarding women's issues
- Providing free and fun physical exercise workshops that encourage women to maintain a healthy lifestyle
- Hosting an Art Gala that allows students to display creative interpretations of domestic violence and/or empowerment
- Distributing informative brochures on campus
- And much more!
Top of Page
|
