SORORITY WOMEN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. -- Edith Wharton, Vesalius in Zante

Each year, sorority women donate hours and dollars to support charitable causes. Last year alone we contributed 3,078,687 volunteer hours and $37,499,429 to benefit causes ranging from funding medical expenses and granting wishes for children with terminal or life-threatening medical conditions to supporting breast cancer research, serving as court advocates and promoting domestic violence awareness.

When sorority women work together toward a common cause, there are endless possibilities.

Sorority women -- collegians and alumnae alike -- actively address needs in our communities. Lessons learned in college through community-service engagement carry over to the post-graduate years, when alumnae band together to help others. Community service is an outgrowth of our sorority rituals, which inspire us to sacrifice for the greater welfare of others and extend a helping hand toward our fellow man. We are called to spread light.

Many of our College Panhellenics have chosen to coordinate their efforts to support Habitat for Humanity or Circle of Sisterhood, an organization that helps provide educational opportunities to girls and women around the world.

Some of our Alumnae Panhellenics raise funds for scholarships and donate money to support local community needs.

• Houston Alumnae Panhellenic members read to children and give more than 100 community service hours annually to the Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program at an elementary school.
• For nearly 40 years the Phoenix Alumnae Panhellenic has volunteered at the Phoenix Open to help raise funds for scholarships. In addition, these volunteers collect stuffed animals as part of the Phoenix Fire Department's Teddy Bear Drive to comfort children in emergency situations.
• Chicago Northwest Alumnae Panhellenic packaged meals to feed 56 children for an entire year as part of the Feed My Starving Children campaign.
• Central New Jersey Alumnae Panhellenic members work at a bone marrow registry.
• Jacksonville Alumnae Panhellenic raises funds to support local families in need.

All NPC member organizations have inter/national philanthropies, and these alliances help mobilize their membership to make a difference in the lives of others.  

On Oct. 25, NPC will join millions of volunteers around the world in improving the lives of others by participating in USA Weekend Make A Difference Day. This is the largest national day of community service. We are asking our inter/national leaders and delegations attending the NPC annual meeting in St. Louis to bring purses and professional apparel to donate to Connections to Success, a local organization that partners with Dress For Success and helps break the poverty cycle by providing a comprehensive network of services and support.

What can you do?

• Support your NPC member organization's philanthropy.
• Combine efforts in your College and Alumnae Panhellenics and volunteer to assist in community events -- benefit walks, house construction projects, relief efforts, organizational efforts at battered women shelters and food banks.
• Donate professional attire to organizations like Dress for Success and help promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women.
• Clear out closets and bring discarded household items to collection agencies for donation or resale. Offer to pick up items from neighbors.
• Make an online donation to your charity of choice.

We can all make a difference if we take a moment to seek ways to help others. This is something that can happen on Oct. 25 and throughout the year.

Our rituals encourage us to use our gifts for good and contribute in meaningful ways as citizens in our larger communities. Let's unify our efforts and spread light.