Programs - Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Southwestern Region)

***3 NATIONAL PROGRAMS***

*SOCIAL ACTION*

Phi Beta Sigma has from its very beginning concerned itself with improving the general well-being of minority groups. In 1934, a well-defined program of Social Action was formulated and put into action. Some of our current social action projects have focused on:

1. Sigmas Against Teen-Age Pregnancy, (S.A.T.A.P) - is to reduce the incidence of teen-age pregnancies in our communities.

2. Sigma Against Domestic Abuse, (S.A.D.A) - is a program designed to eliminate domestic abuse in our homes and communities.

3. Project Vote 2001 - is designed to increase the participation of African-Americans in the political arena though the voting process.

4. Sigma's Waging War Against Cancer (S.W.W.A.C) - a fund raising program for the American Cancer Society, and to increase awareness, with strong emphasis on early detection and prevention of prostate and colorectal cancer.

**BIGGER AND BETTER BUSINESS**

Bigger and Better Business became a principal concern of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 1924. The purposes of the program are:

1. The make surveys of business conditions on a community basis and to provide for the wide dissemination of the findings through printed reports, forums and lectures.

2. To assist with small business with there move to e-business in order to compete in today market place.

3. Continue growth of assets within our Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union. This Credit Union is a saving and banking institutions for our members and family.

**EDUCATION**

The genesis of the Education program lies in the traditional emphasis which the Fraternity places on education and the fundamental reorganization of the Fraternity that took place in the period of 1945-46.

1. Sigma Beta Clubs - These clubs provide mentoring, guidance, educational tutorial assistance and advise to young men between ages 6 to 18.

2. Project S.E.T. (Sigma Education Time) - Project S.E.T. 's goals are to increase grade point averages and graduation rates of collegiates throughout the nation; serve as role models to the campus community that education must come first for success and empowerment in the new millennium; and dispel prejudices and negative stereotypes of African American men by establishing education as our top priority.

3. Sigma Scholars: A Resource Guide to Better Scholarship - The study was researched and designed at the request of our Sigma Beta Clubs and collegiate members. Sigma Scholars covers a variety of topics encompassing essay examinations, studying for Math and Science, tutoring sessions and note taking.

4. Phi Beta Sigma Book-A-Bration For Our Youth - The objective of this program is to collect 20,000 books nationwide to donate to local schools and churches.

5. Phi Beta Sigma Educational Foundation (PBSEF) - 501 (c) 3 - This tax-exempt program enables educational achievement via scholarships and grants for our youth and to fund leadership development.

***REGIONAL PROGRAMS***

Educational Programming Activities for Fall ’07 and Spring’08

Brothers the programs listed below are national initiatives designated for a specific month by the Southwestern Region, Director of Education:

September: Literacy Day
October: Project S.E.T.: Sigma Education Time
November: Phi Beta Sigma Book-A-Bration For Our Youth
February: Sigma Read-In
March: Essay Contests

Programmatic Ideas for Literacy Day
(http://www.reading.org/meetings/ild/)

Develop a short-term campaign for when children need extra incentive to read, such as summer. To reach adults, target times when people need information most: tax season, before an election, planning vacation, etc. Offer resources and reminders, and reinforce the importance of lifelong learning.

Have older students make books that can be shared with younger students at their school.

Conduct a readathon and have children raise sponsor money for a community literacy program by reading.

Ask a manufacturer in your region to help heighten awareness about a reading or literacy topic.

See if a local bookstore will donate books for disadvantaged children or for use as prizes for reading awards at schools.

Programmatic Ideas for Project S.E.T.:

Time Management Seminar
Study Skills Seminar
Utilize On Campus Educational Support Programs
Chapter Tutorial and/or Study Sessions
Mandatory Library Time for Chapter Members
Programmatic Ideas for Book-A-Bration For Our Youth

Ask libraries to donate old books to a local school/church
Ask businesses to make monetary donations toward the purchase of new books for a local school/church
Have a book drive in your residence hall
Have a book drive party (i.e. a dollar off the admission price for those who bring a book)

If you have questions or concerns contact:
Milton Washington, Regional Director of Education
801 Northgate Dr
Osceola, AR 72370

Home: 870-563-3665 or Office: 870-563-2561
Email: washingtonm@seminoles.k12.ar.us