Ball State University's Delta Sigma Theta sorority is striving to promote diversity on campus as it continues its first week of events of the year.
Titled "Red Alert: An Urgent, Emergency Change from the Ordinary," the week will provide entertainment for Ball State students while raising awareness of important multicultural and health issues.
"Our major goal is to make students aware of what's going on on campus and to make them aware of things that are prevalent issues in our community," Bethany Peterson, chapter president, said.
Delta Sigma Theta will hold its Collection for Natural Disasters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Atrium and Scramble Light. The Black Student Association's weekly meeting will also be at 5 p.m. in Teachers College 101.
Following will be a Homecoming Royalty Fashion Show at 7 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom and a movie night at 9 p.m. in Student Center Cardinal Hall B.
A discussion titled "DST vs. STD's: Safe Sex and AIDS Awareness" will also take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Student Center Multipurpose Room.
On Thursday, "Diversity Dialogue" will be the theme of a Brown Bag discussion with President Jo Ann Gora in Student Center room 303 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Delta Sigma Theta's Variety Show will also be at 7:30 p.m in Pruis Hall. Tickets cost $1 in advance and $2 at the door.
Delta Sigma Theta will have its Delta Dungeon Friday, during which Spades and Playstation Tournaments, games and movies will be provided in the Multicultural Center at 10:30 p.m. Doors will close at 12:30 a.m. and will reopen at 7 a.m.
Delta Sigma Theta will then tailgate with BSA at the stadium at 5 p.m. Saturday, two hours before Ball State's night football game against Western Michigan. Delta Sigma Theta's "Red Alert" Official Afterparty will be at 11 p.m. in the Northside Lounge.
The organization will participate in Sunday's Alzheimer's Walk, a community walk sponsored by Alpha Phi Omega.
Lauren Carvalho, first vice president of Delta Sigma Theta, said each of this week's events are significant because they allow students to come together and increase awareness of issues that are often overlooked.
"It brings the African-American community and the community of the Ball State campus together," Carvalho said. "It shows that people are out there to make a difference. I really think the Brown Bag discussion and STD discussion focus on issues Americans need to know about."
Peterson said she enjoyed participating in Delta Sigma Theta events even before she became part of the organization and said students will enjoy them likewise.
"They're innovative. They're fun," Peterson said. "You learn a whole lot. That's what made me come out, and that's what makes everyone come out. We put on really good events."
Peterson said she encourages students of all races to participate in the activities so they will benefit from the unity and the multiculturalism Delta Sigma Theta strives to promote.
"Our events are open to the entire Ball State community," Peterson said. "We're targeting everyone so everyone can have the same experience. It's important for people outside of the African-American community to find out who we are and what we are all about and to know we all have the same goal."
Founded in 1913 on the campus of Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta boasts a membership of more than 250,000 women today, making it one of the largest African-American women's organizations in the world. It is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing services and programs to promote human welfare. The organization is founded on sisterhood, scholarship and service, Carvalho said.
Peterson said Delta Sigma Theta is looking forward to continuing its events this week and is glad the organization is making a difference in the Ball State and Muncie communities.
"Delta Sigma Theta is very excited," Peterson said. "We're excited about what we're bringing to the campus."
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