THRUST Initiatives Flashcards
What is the 5-Point Programmatic Thrust?
- Economic Development
- Educational Development
- International Awareness and Involvement
- Physical and Mental Health
- Political Awareness and Involvement.
Economic Development Initiatives
Adopt a Black Business- Assists Black entrepreneurs in achieving a product “self-sufficiency level” in business by supporting and promoting businesses through sponsorship.
Delta Habitat for Humanity- DST became affiliated with Habitat for Humanity in 1992. It’s a nondenominational ministry seeking to eliminate poverty housing worldwide.
Financial Fortitude- Helps people develop a plan to achieve their financial goals.
Delta H.O.M.E (Home Ownership Maintenance and Education)- Members, family, and friends of the community are trained on the phases of home ownership. Information is provided on buying, living in, and keeping a home.
Educational Development Initiatives
National Library Project- Its DST’s first national program, was established in 1937 but wasn’t implemented until 1945 in Franklin County, NC. The initiative transported and disseminated free donated books on a bus across communities in the rural areas of the South, promoting literacy.
Dr. Betty Shabazz Delta Academy & Delta G.E.M.S (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully)- Both aim to improve education and opportunities for young black girls. The Delta Academy (established in 1996) is an educational program for young black women between the ages of 11 and 14. The program offers mentoring, educational activities, service learning opportunities, and educational activities to the participants. Delta G.E.M.S (established in 2004) is a continuation of the Delta Academy, helping girls between the ages of 14-18 achieve academic success, set goals, and future planning for college.
EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence)- A program that supports young black boys to reach their full potential educationally, socially, and emotionally.
May Week
One of DST national programs that wa sestablished in 1921 to highlight academic and professional achievements that emphasize the importance of higher education in the community, particularly for Black women.
International Awareness and Involvement Initiatives
Mary Help of the Sick Mission Hospital (formerly Thika Memorial Hospital)- Provides affordable prenatal and postnatal care, nutritional education, child immunization, and family planning. More than 200 women are examined daily. The facility has a special care nursery for babies after delivery. The hospital also serves as an educational institution for nurses and midwives. Over 66 students are trained there each year.
The Adelaide Tambo School for the Physically Disabled (South Africa)- The school was established to create an environment conducive to learning and mental development and to provide comprehensive services to children who are physically challenged. The school was adopted by Delta in 2001. Support is ongoing for the school.
The TREE (Training Resources in Early Education) Project- A non-governmental organization that promotes and sustains holistic early childhood education centers (ECE) in disadvantaged communities by providing access to quality training in early childhood education, and child care and development for adults who impact the lives of young children.
Physical and Mental Health Initiatives
Healthy Lifestyle: The Total Woman: Mind, Body, and Spirit- An initiative to address health issues disparately impacting the African-American family. The primary goal of the initiative is to encourage behavioral lifestyle change for the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of families.
Political Awareness and Involvement Initiatives
Delta Days in the Nation’s Capital was established in 1989. Its an annual legislative conference held in Washington D.C. where members are given a platform for the sorority to actively influence national policy-making.
Delta Day at the United Nations- Established 1989, its an annual conference that advocates for women and children worldwide. It takes place during the UN Commission on the Status of Women’s (CSW) annual session. The purpose is to raise awareness of women and children’s issues, promote advocacy for women and children, and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The conference’s goal was to increase members’ involvement in the national public policy-making process.
