OUR PHILANTHROPY


BACKGROUND

In 1999, the sisters of Sigma Psi Zeta formally adopted our National Philanthropy: To Combat Violence Against Women. The first Asian Interest sorority to take on this very worthwhile cause, SYZ hopes to bring awareness to our universities and communities at large of this issue. For over eight years, SYZ sisters have built a campaign to help those affected by this tragic violence, to educate the community about the nature of this problem, and to empower our sisters to make a lasting commitment to the issue of violence against women.

The National Philanthropy of Sigma Psi Zeta is to combat violence against women in its varied forms. This includes, but is not by any means, limited to the following: rape, incest, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, exploitation, the trafficking of women and children, the abuse of migrant workers, intimidation at work, child abuse, harassment, and spousal abuse. Any kind of physical, emotional or mental duress constitutes violence.

To accomplish this, sisters:
· Volunteer at domestic violence shelters and local womens’ centers
· Sponsor or attend conferences and meetings that empower women’s rights
· Lend support to women that need this specific type support and seek help for them
· Help to stop violations against female refugees and asylum-seekers
· Advocate for political causes that affect such demographics
· Attend and host self-defense workshops and classes
· Collaborate artistically and educationally with other women-of-color
· Donate proceeds of activities to organizations that support this same cause
· Organize collection drives and secure in-kind donations for local charities and DV shelters

By adopting this ethic within our sorority, we immediately become involved in a demographic that we seek to advocate for…one of the Asian Female. Historically oppressed by tradition and objectified in the eyes of the contemporary media to be physically powerless, emotionally isolated, and mentally voiceless. We encourage and empower ourselves as undergraduates and alumnae of institutions of higher education. Attacks are likely to happen at universities and colleges all across the nation.

Violence affects the lives of millions of women worldwide, in all socio-economic and educational classes. It cuts across cultural and religious barriers, impeding the right of women to participate fully in society. Violence against women takes a dismaying variety of forms, and constitutes a violation of basic human rights.

The sisters of Sigma Psi Zeta stand united behind our philanthropy, on both an organizational and individual level.


GET INVOLVED


One of the best ways to get involved is to inform yourself about the issues facing women today - read about the history of women's rights and violence against women, watch films and documentaries, keep up with the news, attend lectures and events at your college or in your community, and simply get talking about the issue to spread awareness. Below is a short list of educational resources, but it is by no means comprehensive.

We encourage you to learn and explore on your own, and look for volunteer opportunities if you have time. Our chapter sisters have worked with the Women's Daytime Drop-In Center, Courageous Women Association, and the Family Violence Law Center. Thank you for joining us in raising awareness and in the fight to end violence against women.

· World Health Organization - Violence Against Women
· Wikipedia on Violence Against Women
· UN Women - the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
· International Center for Research on Women
· Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
· Amnesty International - Violence Against Women
· Wikipedia on Women's Rights
· American Civil Liberties Union - Women's Rights

CAMPUS GROUPS 

Check out these student organizations that are all about empowering women and girls! 

· Girl Up
· Women & Youth Supporting Each Other (WYSE)
· 100 Strong
· V-Day at Berkeley
· Women Empowerment at UC Berkeley
· UC Berkeley Women of Color Initiative 

TAKE THE "IT'S ON US" PLEDGE

​Sigma Psi Zeta is an official partner of the White House initiative It's On Us.

It's On Us was launched on September 19, 2014 as an awareness campaign to help put an end to sexual assault on college campuses.

It's On Us asks everyone -- men and women across America -- to make a personal commitment to step off the sidelines and be part of the solution to campus sexual assault. It is a promise to take an active role in bystander intervention and in creating a safe environment for everyone.

Join us and take the pledge today!
​http://itsonus.org/#pledge

its on us


UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY | ALPHA IOTA CHARTER

We are a student group acting independently of the University of California. We take full responsibility for our organization and this web site.