National Programs
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is committed to assisting those in need and improving the quality of life in communities around the globe. Guided by its motto, “Greater Service, Greater Progress,” the organization advances its mission through collaboration with leading organizations and community partners, including the following:
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP),
- National Council of Negro Women (NCNW),
- National Urban League,
- United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and
- National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
Through robust programming focused on education, health, leadership, social action, and community empowerment, strengthened by valued partnerships, the sorority continues to make a meaningful difference in communities around the world.
Project Reassurance
Project Reassurance is the signature national program of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The initiative promotes long-term wellness through three guiding pillars: Healthy Choices, Healthy Living, and Healthy Generations, which are reflected in the initiative’s official slogan, “H3: It’s All About Me!”
Operation BigBookBag
Operation Big Book Bag is a national initiative designed to support school-aged children who are at risk of educational inequity, including those in homeless shelters, extended-care facilities, schools, and youth centers. Through this program, chapters and members collect and donate educational materials, school supplies, and learning tools to help ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
The initiative focuses on improving academic outcomes by increasing access to reference materials and study aids, supporting the completion of homework assignments, and assisting partner facilities in meeting the needs of the children and young adults they serve. Established in 1996 by the late Dr. LaRona J. Morris, 18th International Grand Basileus, in partnership with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order, Nobles Mystic Shrine, Inc. (Prince Hall Shriners), the program has since expanded to include exposure to STEM education, as well as tutoring and mentoring support.
Activities are conducted year-round, with signature back-to-school supply drives held each August and January.
Women’s Wellness
The Women’s Wellness Initiative unifies chapter efforts focused on health issues impacting women, with an emphasis on women of color. The initiative was developed following the Sorority’s participation in the United Nations/March of Dimes Prematurity Awareness panel in New York.
The initiative may be conducted throughout the sorority year and supports educational and programmatic efforts addressing a range of health topics, including breast cancer awareness, intimate and domestic violence, heart health, diabetes, and mental health.
The initiative strives to encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce health risks, empower informed decision-making regarding physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and promote greater representation of African American women in health research and studies.
Swim 1922
Swim 1922 is a national initiative created to address disparities in water safety and swimming proficiency in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 10 people drown every day in the U.S., with a disproportionate impact on communities of color. CDC data further highlights that 70% of African American children and 60% of Hispanic children in the United States do not know how to swim. In addition, African American children are three times more likely to drown than Caucasian children.
In partnership with USA Swimming, the Swim 1922 campaign seeks to close this gap by promoting water safety education and swimming instruction. Members of Sigma Gamma Rho and Olympians engage communities in learning essential swimming and safety skills. The initiative has reached nearly 20,000 individuals and continues to drive generational impact.
It also advances USA Swimming’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by expanding access, increasing community engagement, and helping to reduce drowning rates. Programs are conducted annually from May through August.
Project CRADLE Care
The Project CRADLE Care initiative is designed to address inequities in maternal and infant health outcomes affecting Black women and their children. Through community outreach, advocacy, education, and implicit bias training, the initiative works to raise awareness and reduce disparities in health outcomes across the life course.
In collaboration with March of Dimes, Project CRADLE Care addresses the complex factors contributing to poor maternal health outcomes, including chronic stress, underlying health conditions, structural inequities, and implicit bias within the healthcare system.
Black women in the United States are significantly more likely to experience pregnancy-related complications and mortality, even when controlling for factors such as education, income, insurance status, and access to care. These disparities underscore a critical public health concern that impacts families and communities nationwide.
Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, Project CRADLE Care seeks to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and advance equity in healthcare systems.
Youth Symposium
The Youth Symposium is a nationwide program held annually on the second Saturday of March during Sigma Week. Hosted by alumnae chapters and supported by undergraduate chapters and affiliates, the symposium addresses issues affecting today’s youth, including substance abuse, violence, low self-esteem, suicide prevention, teen pregnancy, and human trafficking.
Established by the late Dr. LaRona J. Morris, Past Grand Basileus, the program empowers young people through interactive leadership activities centered on an annual theme. Implemented nationwide using a standardized program framework, the Youth Symposium seeks to remain relevant in the lives of youth while promoting personal growth and positive decision-making.
Program benefits include:
- Supporting improved educational outcomes
- Encouraging positive behavioral outcomes
- Engaging youth and communities through a highly anticipated annual event
Greater Service, Greater Progress
Our Sorority
Steeped in sisterhood, scholarship, and service, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. was founded on November 12, 1922, at Butler University by seven pioneering educators.
Today, it is an international organization that celebrates achievement and advances meaningful change through leadership and community engagement—cultivating women of purpose who lead with excellence and compassion.
Greater Service, Greater Progress
Our Chapter
Established on November 3, 1990, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, the Eta Iota Sigma Alumnae Chapter is anchored in the principles of sisterhood, scholarship, and service.
Today, those values continue to guide our commitment to leadership, meaningful service, and lifelong sisterhood.
Eta Iota Sigma, Where Excellence Is the Standard.