Serving Virtually: Local Delta Chapter finds creative ways to continue serving the community during the pandemic

The Coronavirus Pandemic has changed many things, including the way service organizations interact with the community.

As a result of the Grand Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. issuing a mandate indicating no face to face gatherings could be held, the Selma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. had to think outside of the box.

Eris Brooks- Beasley, Selma Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. President, said it was their goal to ensure the community work would still be done.

“We looked at all of our planned programs for the year and developed virtual experiences to continue our community service efforts,” Beasley said.

Contactless, but still productive, were the goals as the chapter thought of ways to serve while staying safe. The chapter sponsored contactless Get Out to Vote Caravans in Selma, Marion, and Uniontown encouraging voters to vote in the November 2020 presidential election.

“The community service hasn't changed only the manner of delivery to the City of Selma, Dallas, Lowndes and Perry Counties that we serve,” Beasley said. “The virtual aspect has also allowed us to even reach others across the state of Alabama and other states as well.”

Beasley said she is happy with the way the sorority has not missed a beat while working solely virtually.

“I am extremely proud of our transition from face to face to total virtual presentations,” she said. “The technology committee is adding new options, cross training all members of the committee, and providing excellent support for each committee program.”

The various virtual events included Get Out to Vote Pep Rally, A Think Pink Chat in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, Dollar Savings Tips 6 episode series, self Defense Class, Masked Up Numbers Go Down campaign, Celebrating The Excellence of Black Lives and Why They Matter Oratorical Contest, Supporting Small Business Saturday, STEAM Conference, 108th Founders Day Celebration, Candyland Christmas Showcase, Stop Aids Forum, and digital Women's History Billboards.

Beasley said the events have been hits with the community and the chapter’s online presence has increased.

“In reality, presenting the programs of the Selma Alumnae Chapter virtually has been extremely productive,” she said. “We have used various social media sites and programs like Zoom and Streamyard to feature all events.”

Beasley said having virtual events also helped level the playing and allow more people to attend events they otherwise might not have been able to in person.

“The benefit to the Selma Alumnae Chapter working virtual is a positive opportunity to provide additional virtual services to the community,” she said. “The power of the virtual experiences has no limits or ranges to help others and in some cases it is truly convenient to present virtually.”

Recently, the chapter hosted a virtual comedy show. Local chapters and members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Zeta Phi Beta and Sigma Gamma Rho Sororities were invited to join in celebration of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Sisterhood Month.

Beasley said she hopes the event is a start for the service organizations to work together in their efforts for the community.

“I hope that this event will be the beginning of a united collaboration to provide additional community service opportunities in the Selma and surrounding areas,” she said.

Although one day being able to gather and continue community work is the goal, Beasley is happy the chapter found a way to continue the organization’s work virtually for now.

“As much as we would like to meet face to face, virtually allows us to meet but also keeps us safe,” she said. “We will maintain social distancing until further notice from the CDC and of course our Grand Chapter.”