Delta Phi Omega

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article or section needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications.
Primary sources and sources affiliated with the subject of the article are generally not sufficient for a Wikipedia article. Please include more appropriate citations from reliable sources, or discuss the issue on the talk page.
This article has been tagged since April 2008.
Delta Phi Omega
(∆ΦΩ)
Image:dpocrest.jpg
Founded December 6, 1998 (1998-12-06) (age 9)
University of Houston
Type Social
Motto “We Dreamt, We Saw, We Conquered”
Colors █ Red

█ Black █ Silver
Symbol Bengal Tiger
Flower The White Orchid
Philanthropy Children’s Education and Literacy
Chapters 8
Headquarters 2900 Oaktree Avenue Apt #8103
Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Homepage [1]

Delta Phi Omega commonly referred to as DPO, ∆ΦΩ, and DPhiO, is the largest and fastest-growing nationally based South Asian interest sorority in the United States with over 750 sisters in eight chapters and nineteen colonies. DPO surpasses the traditional concepts of a sorority as it emphasizes its social, service, and philanthropic aspects. Delta Phi Omega is both a social and community-based Greek organization that places a significant emphasis upon academic achievement.

Contents

[edit] Purpose

“The purpose of Delta Phi Omega is to foster unity among South Asian women, build community awareness, and gain a greater understanding of oneself and others. The sorority aspires to instill leadership traits, excel in all academic endeavors, to encourage an active relationship between the sorority and its respective university, and shall do so with the utmost compassion, dignity, and fortitude.”

[edit] Historical Origin

Established on December 6, 1998 at the University of Houston by seventeen South Asian women, Delta Phi Omega was envisioned as an organization that would focus on the diverse Indian culture through the participation in various community and service projects, promote the advancement of South Asian women, and unite women among the South Asian community. The basis of the sorority is the five pillars of Sisterhood, Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, and Friendship created by the founders.The vision of the founders has evolved into a reality through perseverance. Every year, Delta Phi Omega continues to expand and make its presence known throughout the college campuses and the surrounding communities.

The Founding Mothers:

  • Simran Bakshi
  • Heena Bhakta
  • Leena Cherian
  • Bonna Chaudhari
  • Rita Dhanani
  • Anita Jari
  • Monica Manghanani
  • Amitha Nikham
  • Avni Patel
  • Jesika Patel
  • Jolly Patel
  • Shevon Patel
  • Sonal Patel
  • Aarti Shah
  • Deepa Swamy
  • Manisha Vakharia
  • Sarika Wadhawan

[edit] Organization

In 2001, alumni sisters foresaw a rapid expansion of DPO and recognized the need for a central governing body. Therefore, these sisters 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 that the original purpose and mission and ideals of the National Founding Mothers are continued by existing and future chapters. 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, five new alumni sisters as well as area directors are elected to the National Council.


[edit] National Initiatives

  • Literacy Through Unity Week, Benefiting Pratham and Care, and Asha For Education
  • Bone Marrow Drives
  • "Be The Change" National Community Partner

[edit] Literacy through Unity Week

As one of the National Initiatives of Delta Phi Omega, the annual Literacy through Unity Week supports the philanthropy of children’s education and literacy by choosing a beneficiary each year to donate all of the fundraising proceeds to from every chapter and colony. Literacy Through Unity week dedicates itself to the goal of 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 Pratham and CARE
  • Movie Nights
  • Book Discussions

[edit] Community Service Events

Previous Community Service Events of Delta Phi Omega include, but are not limited to:

  • Miss India Texas Pageant
  • Houston Area Women's Center 5K Run
  • Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk
  • India Independence Day
  • Pratham Gala Nite
  • American Red Cross Disaster Flood Relief
  • Aga Khan Foundation Walk
  • Children's Museum
  • Girlstart
  • Ferguson Elementary School Discovery Program
  • 10 K Voices for Children Walk
  • Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Silent Auction-Miami
  • India Fest
  • HOST Program
  • Ridgemont Community Cleanup
  • Herman Hospital
  • Rosemont Assisted Living
  • Hilcroft South Asian Rally for the American Tragedy
  • Music Masala's "Dandia Raas"

[edit] List of Chapters and Colonies

[edit] References