ACHIEVING
GOALS
Since the creation of Sigma Omega Nu, the founding mothers have struggled
to provide an outlet for women. Together, members work hard to inform
the community of the importance of Latina/o issues. The sisters participate
in various youth related programs in addition to other community service
programs. Sigma Omega Nu sorority members strive to obtain the support
of fellow colleagues by being positive role models. As an organization,
we aim to create supportive and lasting relationships with each other
and our community. The sisters of Sigma Omega Nu continue to stress
commitment, professionalism, social ethics, and dedication in building
a strong sisterhood.
ACADEMICS,
CULTURA AND SISTERHOOD
There
are three objectives set forth by Sigma Omega Nu members; Academics,
Cultura, and Sisterhood. These objectives are what guide the sisters
in their endeavors within the University, the community, and their
own families.
Academics
is the first objective for good reason; academics is what
brings us together as a knowledgeable unit. Women at the University
level are very special indeed. To aid sisters in their academic careers,
Sigma Omega Nu has established a list of scholastic guidelines that
all sisters and prospective members must abide by. Officers assist
members in seeking assistance through the use of educational workshops.
To commend sisters for outstanding academic achievement, Sigma Omega
Nu presents several reward programs including certificates, plaques,
and scholarships on an annual basis.
Cultura
is the second objective of Sigma Omega Nu. Being that the sorority
is a Latina Interest sorority, many of our community service projects
and annual events revolve around the promotion of Latino/a issues,
peoples, and values. This does not mean, however, that only Latina
women can become a part of our organization or that we do not assist
our community as a whole. Sigma Omega Nu prides itself on the fact
that we are creating our own cultura with the mix of ethnicities reflected
in Sigma Omega Nu membership. Since the establishment of the organization,
our membership has grown to include sisters of Mexican, Salvadorian,
Caucasian, African-American, Peruvian, Middle Eastern, and Portuguese
descent (to name a few). Because of this, Sigma Omega Nu has been
able to get involved in several different aspects of university life
and attract an extraordinary group of young women to our organization.
Sigma Omega Nu will continue to strive for diversity, growth, and
awareness within our organization, the university, and our community.
To do this, each chapter of Sigma Omega Nu has established its own
traditions such as Founding Chapter’s annual Multi-Cultural
Talent Show, Reina Del Sol and Beta Chapter’s Festival De La
Familia. Overall, cultura is an objective that all Sigma Omega Nu
sisters hold dear to their heart and continue to reaffirm.
Sisterhood
is the last, but certainly not the least important objective. It is
difficult to describe the kind of sisterhood that exists within Sigma
Omega Nu. The sisterhood at each chapter is more than just a group
of girls who get together to hold meetings, plan events, and complete
community service work. Most of our members describe Sigma Omega Nu
as an extension to their own ‘familia’. Sisters of Sigma
Omega Nu can count on each other in the same way they would depend
on their own family. If a sister is hungry, there is always someone
willing to share their meal. If a sister needs a place to sleep, someone
is willing to leave the light on for her. If a sister needs help in
any way, she has a whole network of sisters throughout the state of
California and beyond who are more than willing to lend an ear, a
dollar, or a hand. Sigma Omega Nu is in a unique position right now
because we are a relatively young organization. With only a handful
of chapters, it is easy for members to travel and visit sisters at
other chapters. This leads to an intimate sisterhood that is unparalleled
with that of any other larger, national sorority. Although Sigma Omega
Nu strives for national recognition, our goal is to maintain the intimate
and familial feeling throughout the entire sorority.
Community Service/Philanthropy
When our founders established Sigma Omega Nu, they purposefully did
not choose a philanthropy or a focus for community service work. Because
of this, each chapter is able to focus their attention in their respective
community. Our chapters are evolving in very different regions; for
that reason, Sigma Omega Nu is able to serve a diverse group of people
across the state of California. We have found that many organizations
welcome a group of our sisters to help at events and look forward
to this collaboration each year. Sisters also have the liberty of
choosing their own community service projects that coincide with their
own interests. Past community service projects that Sigma Omega Nu
has undertaken include Founding Chapter’s work with the California
Adopt-a-Highway program, Beta Chapter’s involvement with the
Sacramento area Safe Rides program, and Delta Chapter’s work
with the local Boys and Girls Club. Overall, Sigma Omega Nu is proud
of our commitment to community service and any work that promotes
the Latino/a community.
Professional
Development
All sisters gain an immense professional experience from Sigma Omega
Nu. Members are strongly encouraged to obtain a position within the
organization where she may develop her leadership skills through the
planning of events and managing of team members. Overall, all members
will gain valuable experience by working as a team to create successful
events and fundraisers. In addition to the experience gained, members
attend professional development events throughout their involvement
with our organization. These activities include study skills seminars,
guest lectures, resume building workshops, and job fairs. Lastly,
all members can benefit from our growing alumni network which assists
sisters with internships, resumes, careers, and cooperatives. The
Sigma Omega Nu National Board maintains ties with alumni to ensure
that all alumni are readily accessible if a possible business opportunity
should present itself. It is the hope of all sisters that our alumni
network will continue to thrive and continu to contribute to the organization's
growth and professional development.
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