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The Tacoma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was chartered April 30, 1972. Soror Williams, Past Farwest Regional Director officiated. Seattle's Chapter Sorors Mona Bailey, Alice Dawson, Alice Smith, and Dorothy Baker, assisted with the Chapters installation ceremonies. Soror Bertha Pitts Campbell, Alpha Omicron Chapter, one of the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., highlighted the ceremonies.
With an energetic slate of officers, it did not take this new chapter long to get started on Delta's Five Point Program. The purpose of the Tacoma Alumnae Chapter is to establish, maintain,
and encourage high cultural, intellectual and moral standards among its members and the community. The Chapter members constantly seek ways to bring growth and strength to the Chapter by dedicating time and effort through various projects and programs designed to render public service, foster the well being of its community, and promote human relations among all people.
The first of many projects was the Voter Education Drive from May through
In between voter registration and the senior party project, sorors found time to make crafts for the Pacific University Lutheran (PUL) Yule Boutique. The Yule Boutique is an annual event given by PUL wives who invite outside participation for fundraising purposes.
In 1973, the Chapter undertook the task of hosting the Founders Day workshop. The celebration took place February, 1973 at the Colored Women's Clubhouse in Tacoma. Workshop concerns were prison reform and women's rights. Alpha Omicron, Seattle, and Portland participated in this endeavor.
Long lines at the gas pumps because of the Arab oil curtailment did not dim the spirits or stifle the leadership abilities of the Chapter. The Chapter involved itself in a career planning workshop. At this workshop, 35 speakers from various professions presented teenagers with information on pre-requisites and the availability of employment.
Hard working sorors published a political action handbook, Political Action Handbook for the Greater Tacoma Area. This book was published to acquaint the public with the requirements for voting in the community, locations of voting sites, elected officials in office and means for contacting these officials, along with emergency numbers and pertinent information for this locale.
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September. Deltas served in advisory capacities, campaigned for Black officials, had political workshops to educate the community on local initiatives, and conducted seminars on elections and voting. Programs were established to broaden the educational and cultural experiences for Black youths. Their goal was to heighten the awareness of the youth of a new and better economic status and enhance the possibilities of improving their own living. A Teen Lift program was established at Lincoln High School in Tacoma, Washington, with the major emphasis placed on increasing self-confidence, communication skills and strengthening leadership qualities. Teens were also instructed in self-esteem building, poise, and charm. Career opportunities were stressed and college program information was made available by sorors.
Expo '74, Washington's Worlds Fair opened in Spokane as the Tacoma Alumnae Chapter continued to involve itself in a much needed fair of its own, a health fair. The Sickle Cell Anemia Project was launched by collecting food and monetary donations from organizations. The monetary donations were placed in the Puget Sound National Bank and distributed by the Charles Drew board of Directors. The money was used to assist in the education of the public as to the nature of sickle cell anemia, to assist in testing for sickle cell anemia and the trait, and to defray medical expense for children and adults with the disease. Food contributions were given to families with this disease who were in need.