Senate Concurrent Resolution 567

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CIVIC DEDICATION OF DELTA SIGMA THETA PUBLIC SERVICE SORORITY AND RECOGNIZING MARCH 9, 2002, AS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an international public service sorority that has chosen the fight against HIV/AIDS in the African American Community as one of its national initiatives for the 2000-2002 biennium. Throughout its history, the sorority has initiated and promoted cutting edge community service programs and projects addressing critical needs in education, economic development and physical and mental health. The newly established International Day of Service spans the Health and International Awareness and Involvement components of our Five Point Program. It focuses the attention of the entire sorority on the spread of this epidemic disease that is devastating so many families and communities both in this country and on the African continent; and

WHEREAS, with the rampant spread of HIV and AIDS in this country and abroad, we face one of the most severe challenges to the stability and longevity of African and African-American families. Though advances in medical science have lengthened the average survival time by three years, not all have access to life preserving treatments. Though there is increased knowledge about the disease and individual approaches to prevention, far too many people still believe "It can't happen to me!"; and

WHEREAS, members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., have been called to help raise awareness of how each individual can contribute to preventing the spread of this disease by participating in an International Day of Service. On March 9, 2002, every Delta Chapter is asked to provide a service that supports the awareness of and eradication of this disease through activities that provide for those who are suffering from the ravages of HIV and AIDS; and

WHEREAS, currently, the Jackson (MS) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is working with Building Bridges and MS Black AIDS Network. The tentative scheduled events are a Run/Walk to benefit services to AIDS victims at the Pediatric HIV Clinic at University Medical Center, a panel discussion on the myths, half truths and truths of AIDS prevention and a concert. All of these events will be held at the Jackson Medical Mall; and

WHEREAS, Saturday, March 9, 2002, is the INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS locally, nationally and internationally. Every chapter of Delta Sigma Theta throughout the world is enjoined to launch or culminate a program or project dealing with awareness and education or support for diagnosed victims on that day. Deltas will be seen and heard on that day as advocates for total community support in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in all communities, but most particularly in the African American community; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the civic dedication of this service group whose energy is an inspiration to all citizens of the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the civic dedication of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Public Service Sorority and recognize March 9, 2002, as International Day of Service to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS locally, nationally and internationally.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be presented to the representatives of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.