NATIONAL SERVICE PROGRAMS

Sigma Gamma Rho, in its quest to uplift, encourage, support and serve all humanity, actively participates in the sponsoring of national and international programs.

• Operation Big BookBag
  This is the sorority's newest project which was set up in conjunction
  with the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
  Incorporated. It was developed in 1996 by Past Grand Basileus
  Dr. LaRona J. Morris. It is a program to get supplies to needy school
  children. The program has already begun with each region participating
  at their Regional Conference in 1997.

• Mwanamugimu Essay Contest
  The primary goal is to increase the knowledge of young people about
  the historical and contemporary development of African nations.
  The secondary goal of the program seeks to improve the writing and
  research skills of students. Chapters sponsor local essay contests
  that usually include awards programs. Regional contests are also held,
  with winning essays announced at regional conferences.

• Project Africare
  This was a program to provide African women -who produce more than 75% of the
  food grown on the continent- with grain grinders. This project has changed foucs as the AIDS/HIV pandemic has swept across Africa. This program now focuses on providing resources to assist Africare with HIV/AIDS treatment, education and prevention throughout the continent of Africa.
  

• Project Reassurance
  A community action, public service project established in 1974 in conjunction
  with the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. This is a prenatal
  health education program designed to reach pregnant and parenting adolescents
  with health information, parenting education, referral services and
  supportive counseling. It also provides information on the prevention
  of teen pregnancy and birth defects.

• Rejesta V. Perry Birthright Program
  This program was established in memory of the former Grand Baseilus for which
  the project is named. The primary focus of this project is to provide
  support for children of mothers who have AIDS or are HIV positive.
  The program is dedicated to data collection, citizen education and
  action by the sorority to help these children.

Wee Savers
National project to educate young people about how to use their
personal finances. The program sponsors trips to finanicial insitutions,
seminars on finance and learning projects.