Sigma Psi Zeta observes two specific months to host philanthropy-focused events, though we aim to raise awareness and support against gender-based violence year-round.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
(DVAM - October)
DVAM is an annual campaign, typically observed in October, as a means to unite advocates, uplift survivors, and raise public awareness about relationship abuse and the different ways it may present itself.
Purple Thursday
Purple Thursday is held on the third Thursday of October as a national day of action. Everyone wears purple as a symbolic show of solidarity and support for survivors and to spark conversations and educational discourse on domestic violence.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
(SAAM - April)
SAAM is an annual campaign, typically observed in April, to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it and different ways to support survivors.
Take Back the Night
Take Back the Night is a global non-profit and grassroots movement dedicated to ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence. The organization operates through multiple annual events, campaigning for support for survivors, protesting harassment and assault, and empowering the community to enact change against harmful perpetuating norms.
Denim Day
Denim Day was founded in Italy in the 1990s as a result of a rape case where the verdict was turned in favor of the offender due to the victim wearing tight jeans, thus putting the idea of consent into question. Now we wear denim on the last Wednesday of April in solidarity and as a symbol of protest against sexual violence.
Other events
Some other events that Alpha Xi has hosted to fundraise, and collect resources to support our philanthropic partners as well as educate the greater SU community on gender-based violence, how to prevent it and how to support survivors.
Click here to check out more events!
Key to Knowledge - An insightful presentation on "I Support the Girls" while making keychains.
Kickin' It with Fight Like a Girl Foundation and Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity, Inc. - A Self-defense workshop teaching participants easy-to-remember moves to escape, deflect, and fight back.
Let's Get It On! - Another event with PPGN, while making friendship bracelets, we discussed common sex myths and debunked them.
Red Flags & Real Talk with PPGEN - In collaboration with Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Syracuse University (PPGEN), we hosted a presentation, followed by a Kahoot and a fruitful discussion about red flags signifying violence in relationships and ways to support others.
Letters of Strength - An event to write letters in support of sexual assault survivors that would be used in the Take Back the Night campaign.
Sparkle & Spine - In collaboration with Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc., this event paired the fun activity of bedazzling books with an educational presentation on the significance of literacy for children (Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc.'s philanthropy) and its impact on gender-based violence.
Organizations
Here are some specific organizations that Sigma Psi Zeta and the Alpha Xi Charter support and that offer resources, support, and services aligned with our philanthropy.
Vera House prevents, responds to, and partners to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse. With a vision of a world free of violence and abuse, Vera House offers a safe space with supportive staff and a multitude of resources to educate others and care for survivors.
Through an international network of Affiliates, I Support the Girls (ISTG) collects and distributes essential items, including bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products, allowing women and others experiencing homelessness, impoverishment, or distress to stand tall with dignity.
Resources
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
Domestic Violence Awareness Project
Salvation Army - Womxn's Shlters
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/homelessness/womens-shelters/