The Lambda Delta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. of Anne Arundel County has partnered with Georgetown East Elementary School in Annapolis to host a free youth symposium entitled “Building Partnerships to Support Our Youth” on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Boys and girls may attend the one-day youth symposium, although some topics will focus on girls, ages 13 to 17. The event will feature educational workshops and offer opportunities for attendees to learn more about community organizations that provide services for youth and families in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Parents may stay to hear a special presentation about human trafficking. Youth workshops will be linked to the sorority’s signature program, Project Reassurance, which was originally conceived to support teen mothers. The project now focuses on Healthy Choices, Healthy Living and Healthy Generations (H3) to help reduce teen pregnancy.
Deena Marshall, chair of the youth symposium, said that the chapter adopted Georgetown East Elementary School last year. This marks the second time that the event will be held there. Additionally, chapters nationwide will host the 19th annual symposium on March 12 as a unified effort to support youth. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. is a leading international, non-profit community service organization that was founded by seven educators in 1922 at Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind.
“We are very committed to giving back to our community,” Marshall said. “We really try to broaden our impact as an organization and as a chapter, too.”
Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor, the basileus of the sorority, explained that several programs have been designed to positively impact the lives of young people. However, she regards the youth symposium as a great example of a program designed to foster a stronger collaboration with young people, while addressing issues directly impacting them.
“Last year we provided workshops on Financial Literacy, Anti-Bullying, and Water Safety/SWIM 1922. This year, we will also showcase a session on RunJumpThrow (RJT)— a partnership with the USA Track & Field organization. We are asking young people to run, jump (and) throw with us— having fun and learning at the same time about the benefits of movement regardless of physical or athletic ability. As adults, we are stakeholders in the success of our youth— educationally, mentally and physically. Parents, in particular have a vested interest in these areas and also learning more about how we can more effectively support our youth,” Ellison-Taylor said.
“The Youth Symposium is a great program and we are sowing seeds for areas that will significantly benefit youth today and in the future. Parents have noted renewed interest from their young people in the areas (previously) discussed at the Youth Symposium, as well as ongoing friendships with other participating youth. I am delighted to be the president of Lambda Delta Sigma and leading programs that invest in our future leaders.”
For more information about the event, email info@sgr-lgs.org and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lambda-delta-sigma-19th-annual-youth-symposium-tickets-22001612415.