Gamma Sigma Sigma

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ΓΣΣ - Gamma Sigma Sigma
Image:GSS-crest.gif
Motto	Unity in Service
Colors	maroon and white
Symbol	Staff, White Rose, Omicron
Flower	The white rose
Founded	October 12, 1952 at Beekman Towers
Fraternity type	Service
Scope	National
Headquarters	PO Box 248 Rindge, New Hampshire, USA
Chapters	40 active chapters, 13 alumnae chapters
Cardinal Principles	Service, Friendship and Equality
Homepage	http://www.gammasigmasigma.org

Gamma Sigma Sigma (ΓΣΣ) is a national service sorority. The motto of Gamma Sigma Sigma is Unity in Service.

[edit] Historical Background

In October of 1952, representatives from eight colleges and universities met at Beekman Towers in New York City to organize a nationally-based service organization.

Represented were Boston University, Brooklyn College, Drexel Institute of Technology, Los Angeles City College, New York University, Queens College, the University of Houston, and the University of Miami at Ohio.

The group drafted a constitution, which later became the bylaws (which are reviewed and revised at each National Convention), elected the first National Board of Directors (NBD), and adopted a name for their organization. “Girl’s Service Sorority”, or GSS, translated to the Greek, Gamma Sigma Sigma.

More than fifty years later, the Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority continues to make an enormous impact on campuses and communities nationwide, carrying on a tradition of Unity in Service. Each year, sorority members contribute thousands of hours to unlimited projects across the country, reporting millions of hours throughout its history.

Today, the organization is several thousand members strong with active collegiate and alumni chapters, colonies and interest groups in seven United States districts -- and growing. New pledge classes are held each semester on campuses everywhere, and new colonies and chapters appear annually.

After graduation, alumni members continue to serve in their communities as members-at-large, or as integrated in regional alumni chapters. Many alumni continue to serve the national organization as well, in roles on the National Board of Directors, National Staff, and as advisors to collegiate members.

The governing body of Gamma Sigma Sigma is the National Convention, held biennially in odd-numbered years.

The National Board of Directors, elected at each National Convention, coordinates sorority activities in accordance with organizational bylaws and policy. National staff members assist in administrative functions.

Notable members include Dr. Mae Jemison, Barbara Bush, and Jessye Norman, who was initiated in spring 1964 in a pledge class of sixteen women at the Alpha Eta Chapter at Howard University.

[edit] Organizational purpose

The purpose of Gamma Sigma Sigma shall be to assemble college and university students in the spirt of service to humanity and to develop friendship among students of all races and creed.

All chapters, collegiate and alumni, are required to perform a defined number of service hours during the year as set forth in national and chapter bylaws.

Projects range from nationally sponsored causes to individual dedications, and chapters/individuals may be awarded for their efforts. Each member of the organization brings individual talents, skills and ideas to the organization, uniting in the spirit of service.

At each National Convention, two special project areas are chosen by the delegation for special emphasis during the following biennium. These areas, known as Project IMPACT (Individuals Making Progress Across Communities Together), encourage participation by all members, and help to establish relations with other national charitable organizations.

In addition to Project IMPACT area suggestions and individual chapter projects, Gamma Sigma Sigma, as an organization, partners with charitable organizations to provide a combined, concentrated level of service to the nation. These affiliations are many, though the longest standing partnership is with the national March of Dimes.

Chapters/Members participating in special emphasis projects are given recognition for their service through award competitions and certificate presentations.