Gamma Sigma Sigma

On October 10–12, 1952, representatives from eight colleges and universities met at Beekman Tower in New York City.

Represented were groups from Boston University, Brooklyn College, Drexel University, Los Angeles City College, University of Miami, New York University, Queens College, and University of Houston. During the weekend, the representatives from these groups decided on the name Gamma Sigma Sigma, the colors of Maroon and White and charters were given to these groups.[1][2] As the group from University of Miami did not commit to membership at the founding meeting, they are not counted as a founding group.

a. ^{^} Sigma Lambda Phi from University of Miami did not attend the final day of convention. Eta Chapter was reserved for this group. They later joined as Upsilon Chapter in 1958.[4]

All chapters, collegiate and alumni, are required to perform a defined number of service hours during the year as set forth in national and chapter bylaws.

Projects range from nationally sponsored causes to individual dedications, and chapters/individuals may be awarded for their efforts. Each member of the organization brings individual talents, skills and ideas to the organization, uniting in the spirit of service.

Each individual University chapter is led by an executive board. The officers of the chapters hold the offices of President, Service Vice President, Membership Vice President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Financial Secretary, Public Relations Coordinator, National Representative, and Alumni Liaison, all of whom, except the Parliamentarian, shall be elected by membership. The President shall appoint the Parliamentarian.

At each National Convention, two special project areas are chosen by the delegation for special emphasis during the following biennium. These areas, known as Project I.M.P.A.C.T. (Individuals Making Progress Across Communities Together), encourage participation by all members, and help to establish relations with other national charitable organizations. The current I.M.P.A.C.T. areas are Anti-bullying and Suicide Prevention and Invisible Disabilities and Diseases.

In addition to Project I.M.P.A.C.T. area suggestions and individual chapter projects, Gamma Sigma Sigma, as an organization, partners with charitable organizations to provide a combined, concentrated level of service to the nation. These affiliations are many, though the longest standing partnership is with the national March of Dimes. The sorority's national service partners include: March of Dimes, National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, American Cancer Society, and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.[5]

Chapters/Members participating in special emphasis projects are given recognition for their service through award competitions and certificate presentations.[6]

The governing body of Gamma Sigma Sigma is the National Convention, held biennially in odd-numbered years. The National Board of Directors, elected at each National Convention, coordinates sorority activities in accordance with organizational bylaws and policy. National staff members assist in administrative functions.[1]

Gamma Sigma Sigma is not selective. The sorority does not discriminate based on race, sex, or gender nor do they tolerate hazing in any form. Membership is determined by guidelines set by each chapter, within guidelines set by the national organization and academic institution. These tasks are in direct relationship to both chapter and national service programs. Members-in-training are not required to perform personal services for members, or any activity that can be construed as hazing. Gamma Sigma Sigma also accepts individuals who are members of other organizations, including social sororities, into its membership.

• The Woman of the Year also receives National Honorary membership.

The currently Active Chapters and Colonies (both Collegiate and Alumni) as of July 21, 2018[20]

• Dr. Janette Hoston Harris - Alpha Delta - civil rights activist, DC Government Official
• Jessye Norman - Alpha Eta - opera singer

National Honorary Members

• Barbara Bush - National Honorary Member (1987)- first lady
• Mae Jemison M.D. - National Honorary Member - first African-American woman to travel to space
• P. Buckley Moss - National Honorary Member (1991)[7] - Artist
• Pat Mitchell - National Honorary Member (1993)[7] - "Auntie Litter"
• Ellen Ahlgren - National Honorary Member (1995)[7] - Founder of ABC Quilts
• Patricia Wetterling - National Honorary Member (1997)[7] - Founder of the Jacob Wetterling Foundation
• Karolyn Nunnallee -National Honorary Member (1999)[7] - President of MADD
• Beatrice Gaddy - National Honorary Member (2001)[7] - Founder of Bea Gaddy's Family Center
• Amy Callahan -National Honorary Member (2003)[7] - Founder and President of the Better Days Foundation
• Barbara Irvine - National Honorary Member (2005) - Founder of Alice Paul's Institute/Women's Rights
• Liz Scott - National Honorary Member (2007) - Founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand
• Ann McGee - National Honorary Member (2009) - Founder and National President of Miracle Flights for Kids
• Enitan Doherty-Mason - National Honorary Member (2011) - Founder of Eduwatch
• Paula Goldberg - National Honorary Member (2013) - Founder of the PACER Center
• Carrie Newcomer - National Honorary Member (2015) - Singer

• Official Gamma Sigma Sigma Website