Delta Phi Omega

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Delta Phi Omega
∆ΦΩ
File:Dpocrest.jpg
Founded December 6, 1998; 25 years ago (1998-12-06)
University of Houston
Type Academic, social, and service
Motto “We Dreamt, We Saw, We Conquered”
Colors █ Red █ black █ silver
Flower White orchid
Mascot Bengal tiger
Philanthropy Children’s education and literacy
Chapters 22
Colonies 26

Delta Phi Omega (commonly referred to as DPO, or ΔΦΩ) is a nationally based [South Asian]-interest, multicultural sorority in the United States, with over 2200 sisters in twenty chapters and twenty-six colonies across the nation. It is categorized as a social, service and philanthropic based Greek letter organization whose main focus is to empower women and promote cultural awareness through involvement with their universities and communities. While remaining well-rounded with not only the university but also neighboring communities, Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc. has managed to become the largest, strongest, and fastest-growing South Asian interest based sorority in the nation.

Origin

Established on December 6, 1998 at the University of Houston by sixteen South Asian women, Delta Phi Omega was envisioned as an organization that would focus on the diverse Indian culture through participation in various community and service projects, promote the advancement of South Asian women, and unite women among the South Asian community. Its pillars are Sisterhood, Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, and Friendship. Every year, Delta Phi Omega continues to expand and make its presence known throughout the college campuses and the surrounding communities.

The Honorable National Founding Mothers:

  • Simran Bakshi-Gutierrez
  • Heena Bhakta-Palmer
  • Leena Cherian-Joseph
  • Bonna Choudhari
  • Rita Dhanani-Rauniyar
  • Anita Jari-Kharbanda
  • Amitha Nikam-Verma
  • Avni Patel
  • Jesika Patel
  • Jolly Patel
  • Shevon Patel
  • Sonal Patel
  • Arati Shah
  • Deepa Swamy-Kurian
  • Manisha Vakharia
  • Sarika Wadhawan

Organization

In 2001, sisters foresaw a rapid expansion of DPO and recognized the need for a central governing body that would keep the sorority running smoothly from a national perspective. Therefore they founded the first National Council of Delta Phi Omega on February 1, 2002, which became the administrative entity of the sorority. The National Council ensures the continuity of the original purpose, mission, and ideals of the National Founding Mothers. Its functions also include handling matters of controversy, coordinating national-level programs, and overseeing chapter compliance with the national policies. Each year at the National Conference women are elected to the National Council, Board, and Regional Director positions.

After National Council the next tier is National Board, which Is made up of positions that are more geared towards expansion and maintaining the sorority on an organizational level, keeping records and ensuring everything continues to run smoothly and professionally.

Following National Board, we have Regional Directors. Delta Phi Omega is currently divided into 9 regions, with each region consisting of about four to nine schools. In order to make sure that National Council is able to run smoothly, Regional Directors are put in to place as proxies to ensure that all schools remain functioning properly. Monthly reports and other paperwork are sent to the appropriate Regional Director from every school. This allows the Director to review the paperwork and plans of a particular chapter/colony, and advise the school appropriately on how they could improve. The Director may also refer a specific chapter or colony to National Council if the chapter/colony is starting to show signs of an oncoming issue. Regional Directors are easy people to reach when a school does have a problem regarding small situations, and are even the first link in the chain of command for major issues. They provide direction, guidance, solutions, and leadership to the schools within the region until National interference is needed.

The final tier is an Alumna Advisor, which each chapter and colony has. These are usually members that have attended the school that the chapter or colony resides within. This position plays an important role to ensure that the colony runs smoothly and that all the members within it feel comfortable in the sorority, allowing each member to always have someone to confide in when conflict may arise.

National initiatives

  • Literacy Through Unity Week, benefiting Pratham, CARE, and Asha for Education
  • Bone Marrow Drives
  • "Be The Change" National Community Partner

Literacy through Unity Week

The annual Literacy through Unity Week supports children’s education and literacy by choosing a beneficiary each year for donation of its fundraising proceeds from every chapter and colony. Literacy Through Unity week is dedicated to raising awareness concerning children’s education and literacy, along with fundraising at the respective universities and cities.

Events associated with Literacy through Unity Week include:

  • Community service projects
  • Informationals by organizations, such as Asha for Education, Pratham, and CARE
  • Movie nights
  • Book discussions
  • Panel discussions
  • Fundraising percentage nights

List of chapters and colonies

See also

References

References and Notes

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