In 1955, a National Projects Committee, chaired by Dr. Jeanne L. Noble, Twelfth National President, authorized and completed a study of Delta Sigma Theta’s existing program activities in order to determine its effectiveness. The study’s results were used to develop the Five-Point Program–the sorority’s public service long-term plan.
The original five points or public service thrusts were Library Service, Job Opportunities, and Delta Volunteers for Community Service, the International Project, and Mental Health. The intent of the Five-Point Program was to narrow Delta’s outreach, to concentrate the Sorority’s efforts in those areas where her contributions would be most meaningful, and not to waste her efforts in feverish and fruitless scattering of her energies. (Source: Vroman, M. E. (1965) Shaped to Its Purpose: Delta Sigma Theta: The First Fifty Years.)
The Five-Point Programmatic Thrust
Educational Development
Programs and projects designed to address the need for excellence in education and to confront the problems of African American/Black women in all age groups.
Economic Development
In an effort to encourage economic independence within African American/Black communities, programs and projects centered on financial planning, money management, consumer education, investments, and employment opportunities, just to name a few, are opportunities for economic empowerment.
Physical and Mental Health
Prevention and “wellness” translates into health education programs, health fairs and provisions of health care services that impact African American/Black communities as well as the nation’s population.
Political Awareness and Involvement
Understanding the need for informing the public and the accountability of elected officials, public service programs—non-partisan in nature and purpose—focus on issues that greatly impact African American/Black communities both domestic and foreign.
International Awareness and Involvement
Programs and projects developed to broaden knowledge and understanding of nations other than our own, to increase interest in international affairs, and to aid in developing a greater appreciation for people of different backgrounds and cultures.
