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The history of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority dates from November 12, 1922, when the first Sigma Gamma Rho chapter was organized at Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, by seven young school teachers. The first three years of its existence were confined to organizing. In December, 1929, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was incorporated to provide permanence and a central office to serve all the chapters. More than 275 undergraduate and alumnae chapters have since been established throughout the country and abroad. Responsibility, stability, purpose and self-respect set the level of scholastic expectancy for the chapters, members, and pledges. Collective striving for these qualities of character was necessary for consistently good scholarship. A high standard in scholarship was, and is, directly related to our precepts of quality, of character. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., is a nonprofit, collegiate organization with foci on community service. Its purpose is expressed in its slogan "Greater Service, Greater Progress." The national organization is governed by the Grand Chapter which meets each even year. Officers and directors are elected biennially. In order to assure efficient administrative practices and to conduct education conferences, the National Board of Directors established operational levels which include Chapters, Areas (Neighborhoods), Regions, and the national headquarters in Chicago, Illinois; members are thus able to participate in leadership and training sessions beyond the chapter level. Communication is facilitated by THE AURORA, the organization's official organ which is published four times per college year. Undergraduate chapters and community youth groups have access to resources and guidance from National leaders. At the top, the members of the Board of Directors themselves set the pace in providing a healthy climate for the young people to grow in. Closely tied into this are enthusiastic Campus Chapter Coordinators and Youth Services Coordinators, one of each for each Region. Sigma Gamma Rho is strong in the area of giving its young people an identification with the community through activities that are natural and appealing to them as well as conducted in a setting that develops citizenship - "total environment organization," a concept as old as mission bells. It simply means everything you need in daily wholesome development. Community service, leadership training, and education of youth are the hallmark of the Sorority program and activities. The undergraduate member is included in all areas of the national program. Officers of the organization are elected from both the undergraduate and alumnae membership. In fact, by legislative requirement, the Second Grand Anti-Basileus and the five Youth Services Coordinator positions are from the undergraduate membership. Undergraduate decision-making strength equals one-fourth of the Board of Directors. Activities are encouraged that will further in every way possible the dignity and worth of the individual member. To this end the membership assumes the responsibility to: • encourage and promote high scholastic attainment. • develop leadership abilities and individual talents. • help to develop equal opportunity for its minority to channel the dynamic energies of its young people into creative outlets. • enhance in all members the sense of personal moral responsibility which each should have towards a task and towards leadership-followship responsibilities. • emphasize the value of poise and personal dignity. • provide an atmosphere in which friendship and social contacts may be developed. • maintain interests and attitudes in harmony with modern thoughts and educational outlook. • work with other agencies and organizations to provide additional community services. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., gives leadership, service, and resources towards removing barriers and inequalities so that all peoples of America may develop their potential and exercise full citizenship. Through support of human rights legislation, service to and support of grass roots individual and community development activity, and through active participation in the programs of affiliate organizations and other organizations, we are committed to working to improve the quality of our lives and the society we serve. We believe in Sigma Gamma Rho, symbolized by royal blue and gold which represent the true spirit of Sigma, a Sorority devoted to motivating youth to greater achievements, wholesome living, inspired actions, and exploring new horizons. We represent women bound together in thought and effort toward common purposes of self-improvement, uplifting young people, and rendering service wherever needed. We believe in service to one another, our Sorors, our youth, our families, and our country. We further believe that these things are possible through "Greater Service, Greater Progress." 185
