Delta Phi Omega

Established on December 6, 1998 at the University of Houston by sixteen South Asian women, Delta Phi Omega was envisioned as an organization that would focus on the diverse Indian culture through participation in various community and service projects, promote the advancement of South Asian women, and unite women among the South Asian community. Its pillars are Sisterhood, Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, and Friendship.

The Honorable National Founding Mothers:

• Simran Bakshi-Guiterrez
• Heena Bhakta-Palmer
• Leena Cherian-Joseph
• Bonna Choudhari
• Rita Dhanani-Rauniyar
• Anita Jari-Kharbanda
• Amitha Nikam-Verma
• Avni Patel
• Jesika Patel
• Jolly Patel
• Shevon Patel
• Sonal Amit Patel
• Arati Shah
• Deepa Swamy-Kurian
• Manisha Vakharia-Patel
• Sarika Wadhawan[2]

In 2001, sisters foresaw a rapid expansion of Delta Phi Omega and recognized the need for a central governing body that would keep the sorority running smoothly from a national perspective. Therefore they founded the first National Council of Delta Phi Omega on February 1, 2002, which became the administrative entity of the sorority. The National Council ensures the continuity of the original purpose, mission, and ideals of the National Founding Mothers. Its functions also include handling matters of controversy, coordinating national-level programs, and overseeing chapter compliance with the national policies. Each year at the National Conference women are elected to the National Council, Board, and Regional Director positions.[3]

After National Council the next tier is National Board, which is made up of positions that are more geared towards expansion and maintaining the sorority on an organizational level, keeping records and ensuring everything continues to run smoothly and professionally.

Following National Board are Regional Directors. Delta Phi Omega is currently divided into nine regions, with each region consisting of about four to nine schools. In order to make sure that National Council is able to run smoothly, Regional Directors are put into place as proxies to ensure that all schools remain functioning properly. Monthly reports and other paperwork are sent to the appropriate Regional Director from every school. This allows the Director to review the paperwork and plans of a particular charter, and advise the school appropriately on how they could improve. The Director may also refer a specific charter to National Council if the charter is starting to show signs of an oncoming issue. Regional Directors are easy people to reach when a school does have a problem regarding small situations, and are even the first link in the chain of command for major issues. They provide direction, guidance, solutions, and leadership to the schools within the region until National interference is needed.

The final tier is an Alumna Advisor, which each charter has. These are usually members that have attended the school the charter resides within. This position plays an important role to ensure that the colony runs smoothly and that all the members within it feel comfortable in the sorority, allowing each member to always have someone to confide in when conflict may arise.

• Literacy Through Unity Week, benefiting Pratham, CARE, and Asha for Education
• "Be The Change" National Community Partner

The annual Literacy through Unity Week supports children’s education and literacy by choosing a beneficiary each year for donation of its fundraising proceeds from every charter. Literacy Through Unity week is dedicated to raising awareness concerning children’s education and literacy, along with fundraising at the respective universities and cities.

Events associated with Literacy through Unity Week include:

• Community service projects
• Informationals by organizations, such as Asha for Education, Pratham, and CARE
• Movie nights
• Book discussions
• Panel discussions
• Fundraising percentage nights

• List of social fraternities and sororities