Launching New Dimensions of Service
Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has implemented programs of service impacting countless lives.
The 2014-2018 International Program will focus on Launching New Dimensions of Service℠. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, through its 265,000 members and 986 chapters, will have an opportunity to address community needs with programs in five target areas.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will also expand its community presence as a result of these initiatives, which include International Community Impact Days and our signature enrichment program, ASCEND℠.
Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has implemented programs of service impacting countless lives.
The 2014-2018 International Program will focus on Launching New Dimensions of Service℠. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, through its 265,000 members and 986 chapters, will have an opportunity to address community needs with programs in five target areas.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will also expand its community presence as a result of these initiatives, which include International Community Impact Days and our signature enrichment program, ASCEND℠.
TARGET I: Educational Enrichment
Members will engage in the sorority’s signature youth enrichment program, ASCEND℠ with efforts designed to motivate, engage and assist high school students in reaching their maximum potential. ASCEND℠ will focus onAchievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking and Developmental Skills. Students in the ASCEND℠ Program will have an opportunity to receive academic enrichment and life skills training to support their journey to college or vocational employment.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will promote the learning process by providing substantial support to students through AKAOne Million Backpacks℠. Members will donate and distribute one million backpacks and related school supplies to students over the four year period.
Support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will be a priority as Alpha Kappa Alpha launches a national campaign, Think HBCU℠ to highlight HBCUs and their contribution to the sorority and society. Through education, engagement and advocacy, HBCUs will be showcased as critical venue for moving students to and through college.
TARGET II: Health Promotion
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will promote health awareness in three areas: Alzheimer's Disease, Stroke and Mental Illness.
The Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiver Support Program will generate awareness and support for Alzheimer's programming and research. Alzheimer's disease is one of the fastest growing health challenges among African Americans.
Stroke and Heart Disease Awareness will remain a focus area as Alpha Kappa Alpha launches a major stroke prevention awareness campaign with emphasis on hypertension management, diet and exercise.
Mental Health will be highlighted as members bring attention to the mental illness among diverse populations with low utilization of mental health services.
TARGET III: Family Strengthening
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Family Strengthening Programs will target critical issues facing many families, including lack of food, shelter and financial means.
Community based Childhood Hunger Initiatives will be launched in partnership with local agencies, food banks and community pantries.
The Family Seasonal Wraps℠ Program will be offered as the sorority sponsors a major initiative to collect and donate hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coats, sweaters and other seasonal wraps for families in need.
Fiscal Responsibility Programs will be initiated as members work with partner organizations and families to help increase their understanding of budgeting, basic financial planning and benefits of home ownership.
TARGET IV: Environmental Ownership
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will implement high impact programs to provide healthy environments and improve the quality of life in the underserved communities.
The AKA 1908 Playground ProjectSM will be launched to ensure children have safe and inviting places to play. Sorority members will restore and renew 1,908 existing community and school playgrounds with its Restore, Refresh and Renew ProjectSM.
Through its Acts of Green ProgramSM members will promote environmental sustainability by encouraging recycling, litter prevention and waste management through daily green efforts in local communities.
TARGET V: Global Impact
Sorority members will implement the UNA-USA Global Classrooms Project to prepare today's youth for increasingly global and complex society. Alpha Kappa Alpha members will work in partnership with the UNA-USA (United Nations Association) to expand understanding of the U.N., its mission and focus. A biennial Intergenerational Model U.N. Conference will be convened.
Through its renewed Africare partnership, Alpha Kappa Kappa Chapters will implement youth hunger initiatives on the continent of Africa.
COMMUNITY IMPACT DAYS:
Alpha Kappa Alpha members will implement International Service Days annually to highlight the organization's collective impact in program target areas:
Members will engage in the sorority’s signature youth enrichment program, ASCEND℠ with efforts designed to motivate, engage and assist high school students in reaching their maximum potential. ASCEND℠ will focus onAchievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking and Developmental Skills. Students in the ASCEND℠ Program will have an opportunity to receive academic enrichment and life skills training to support their journey to college or vocational employment.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will promote the learning process by providing substantial support to students through AKAOne Million Backpacks℠. Members will donate and distribute one million backpacks and related school supplies to students over the four year period.
Support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) will be a priority as Alpha Kappa Alpha launches a national campaign, Think HBCU℠ to highlight HBCUs and their contribution to the sorority and society. Through education, engagement and advocacy, HBCUs will be showcased as critical venue for moving students to and through college.
TARGET II: Health Promotion
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will promote health awareness in three areas: Alzheimer's Disease, Stroke and Mental Illness.
The Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiver Support Program will generate awareness and support for Alzheimer's programming and research. Alzheimer's disease is one of the fastest growing health challenges among African Americans.
Stroke and Heart Disease Awareness will remain a focus area as Alpha Kappa Alpha launches a major stroke prevention awareness campaign with emphasis on hypertension management, diet and exercise.
Mental Health will be highlighted as members bring attention to the mental illness among diverse populations with low utilization of mental health services.
TARGET III: Family Strengthening
Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Family Strengthening Programs will target critical issues facing many families, including lack of food, shelter and financial means.
Community based Childhood Hunger Initiatives will be launched in partnership with local agencies, food banks and community pantries.
The Family Seasonal Wraps℠ Program will be offered as the sorority sponsors a major initiative to collect and donate hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coats, sweaters and other seasonal wraps for families in need.
Fiscal Responsibility Programs will be initiated as members work with partner organizations and families to help increase their understanding of budgeting, basic financial planning and benefits of home ownership.
TARGET IV: Environmental Ownership
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will implement high impact programs to provide healthy environments and improve the quality of life in the underserved communities.
The AKA 1908 Playground ProjectSM will be launched to ensure children have safe and inviting places to play. Sorority members will restore and renew 1,908 existing community and school playgrounds with its Restore, Refresh and Renew ProjectSM.
Through its Acts of Green ProgramSM members will promote environmental sustainability by encouraging recycling, litter prevention and waste management through daily green efforts in local communities.
TARGET V: Global Impact
Sorority members will implement the UNA-USA Global Classrooms Project to prepare today's youth for increasingly global and complex society. Alpha Kappa Alpha members will work in partnership with the UNA-USA (United Nations Association) to expand understanding of the U.N., its mission and focus. A biennial Intergenerational Model U.N. Conference will be convened.
Through its renewed Africare partnership, Alpha Kappa Kappa Chapters will implement youth hunger initiatives on the continent of Africa.
COMMUNITY IMPACT DAYS:
Alpha Kappa Alpha members will implement International Service Days annually to highlight the organization's collective impact in program target areas:
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day (January)
- Pink Goes Red for Heart Health Day (February)
- 1908 Playgrounds Mobilization Day (May)
- The Longest DayTM Alzheimer's Support Activities (June)
- Mental Health Awareness Day (July)
- Childhood Hunger Awareness Day (October)
