Helping Others

Each day, Tri Sigmas are empowered to change the world. Alongside the Tri Sigma Foundation, the time, talent and financial contributions of our members help us fulfill our commitment to support causes greater than ourselves.

PHILANTHROPY
The Foundation provides funding for innovative leadership training, graduate and undergraduate scholarships, and supports our philanthropic focus of Sigma Serves Children through grants and support for the March of Dimes and other life-enhancing programs at medical facilities around the country. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly $1,500,000 for scholarships and leadership programs, as well as $3,000,000 in therapeutic play/child life programs. For information about our impact, please view our Foundation annual report.

On the local level, each chapter holds at least one signature philanthropic event to raise money and bring awareness to the many ways that Sigma Serves Children.

Did you know there is a difference between service and philanthropy? Click here to read more!

DAY OF GIVING
Held the second Saturday each March, Tri Sigma’s Day of Service brings collegiate and alumnae together across the miles in service to actively demonstrate our commitment to citizenship and giving back to our communities.

Day of service is about taking time out of our busy lives one day a year to purposefully spread compassion and good to our communities. It’s the power of one multiplied by many. Participate with your collegiate or chapter—or participate individually. No act of service is too small! Here’s how you can participate:

1 - Plan

Tri Sigma’s Day of Service should be focused on just that—service. While philanthropic giving and striving to be a philanthropist is extremely worthwhile, this day we ask you to engage yourself or your chapter in a service opportunity within your community – maybe even something that is focused on children. Draw on your talents and resources to spread joy in a meaningful way!

Individuals can use VolunteerMatch as a resource to find virtual or on-location opportunities that intersect with causes important to you.

Chapters can begin with this list of safe, limited-contact ideas:

Clean up trash in your neighborhood.
Plant a community garden or do yardwork for a neighbor.
Complete essential errands for a neighbor, like a grocery pick up.
Deliver doorstep meals to a homebound neighbor.
Host a virtual musical performance with a nursing home.
Assist with cleanup, feeding, or walking at a local animal shelter.

2 - Promote

Sharing your photos for the Tri Sigma Day of Service and help us tell the story of how Tri Sigma is impacting the community. Use the sample messages below and be sure to tag the national Tri Sigma account on the platform you post. Remember, the people and organization that you are serving should always be represented with dignity and respect.

Sample Social Media Message

Chapter Message

[Insert Chapter name] chapter is proud to be participating in Tri Sigma’s Day of Service! On this day, Sigmas all over the country will be spending the day serving our communities. Today our chapter lives our mission of developing women of character by being good citizens and giving back to our community by [insert information and details about your event]. #SigmaService

Individual Message

I am proud to be participating in Tri Sigma’s Day of Service! On this day, Sigmas all over the country will be spending the day serving our communities. Today I live our mission of developing women of character by being a good citizen and giving back to my community by [insert information and details about your event]. #SigmaService

3 - Reflect

Reflection is an essential part of community service. It offers participants an opportunity to look back on what they experienced, process what they learned, and consider the impact, if anything, now that the experience is over. Use the questions below to process your experience.

Why is service a key element of sisterhood?

What is the difference between serving and helping?
Describe your reaction to your service experience in three words.
How did this experience affect you?
How did this experience affect your community?
How did this experience connect to our shared Tri Sigma values?
What part of the service today had the greatest impact on you?
What did you learn about yourself through your service experience?
Has your definition of service changed?