Our Programs
Economic
Development
National economic trends, such as unstable employment, the threat to Social Security as we know it, and the widening gap between wealth and poverty are the basis for the development of the Financial Fortitude, the current Economic Development Program Initiative of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Financial Fortitude is a process that will help program participants to set and define goals, develop a plan to achieve them, and to put the plan into action. The process serves as a blueprint to address all aspects of personal finances. Some of RPAC's Economic Development programs include: Entrepreneurship Training Series, Financial Literacy Classes, Black Business Support Programs, Estate Planning Sessions, Donuts with Santa, and the regionally recognized LIFE After the Storm (Restoration after Natural Disasters) three-tiered program.
Educational
Development
Chapter activities engaging our youth include STEM Day with STEM field experts, self-esteem and etiquette workshops, Financial Management sessions, G.I.R.L.S. Talk Day of Engagement, and attendance at cultural events such as "Step Afrika". In partnership with the First Community Antioch Baptist Church in St. James Parish, RPAC works to expose our youth to Historically Black Colleges and Universities as post-secondary education options. HBCU’s from across the country are represented at this event. Scholarship and financial aid information is also provided. The River Parishes Alumnae Chapter has collected over 300 books to distribute amongst selected schools in our service areas (i.e. West St. John Elementary School) as well as NICU waiting areas through March of Dimes.
International Awareness & Involvement
Through International Awareness and Involvement, women of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. have been able to broaden their knowledge and understanding of nations other than their own, increase interest in international affairs, and aid in developing a greater appreciation for people of different backgrounds and cultures. RPAC strives to increase awareness of international affairs. Some of RPAC's International Awareness and Involvement projects include International Day of the Girl Child, Tutu's Desk Campaign, and the state recognized World AIDS project which included a webinar on HIV/AIDS Among Black Women, a testing initiative with local health units, and the Delta House/Vashti Village Campaign.
Physical &
Mental Health
As an organization of predominantly African American women, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is uniquely positioned to impact not only the well-being of its membership, but also the families and communities we serve. Locally, RPAC annually hosts a variety of regionally recognized programs, including Community Health Fairs, Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sister 2 Sister Mental Health Check-Ins, Healthy Cooking Classes, support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Gardening for Heart Health sessions.
Political Awareness &
Involvement
River Parishes Alumnae Chapter institutes our Social Action projects under the auspices of our National Social Action Commission. RPAC participated in “Stroll to the Poll” meetups in each parish of our service areas. These were organized to promote the importance of participating in the democratic process across our communities. RPAC strives to register all those in our community who are eligible to vote, and educate them by hosting seminars around better understanding the Amendments. RPAC has participated in the Texting Tuesdays Campaign with The Power Coalition and has advocated for issues such as Equity in Breast Cancer Research, Resources for Domestic Violence victims, and 24/7 Access to Mental Health Crisis services in partnership with NAMI. RPAC is nationally recognized for the Expungement Event partnership (with Representative Ken Brass, Southern University Law Center, and River Parishes Community College) helped over 200 St. John the Baptist residents in need of expungement services.