For immediate release: April 13, 2015
Contact: Ashley Martin, Delta Sigma Phi, Director of Communications
FRATERNITIES AND SORORITIES JOIN FORCES TO PREVENT SEXUAL ASSAULT
Delta Sigma Phi and other interfraternal organizations are taking a stand against sexual assault and relational aggression with the development of a new educational program for college students. Recognizing that everyone plays a role in preventing sexual assault violence and creating a safer social culture, 10 fraternities and sororities have already signed on to roll out the program nationwide, led by Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and Sigma Nu fraternity.
| Inter/national Sororities:Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Zeta Pi Beta Phi Zeta Tau Alpha
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Inter/national Fraternities:Alpha Tau Omega
Delta Sigma Phi Kappa Alpha Order Phi Gamma Delta Phi Kappa Tau Sigma Nu |
To develop a comprehensive approach to prevention, the groups worked with Aaron Boe, the founder of Prevention Culture, which specializes in non-stranger sexual assault and relational violence prevention, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. The program aims to equip collegians with the tools necessary to create safe and supportive chapter cultures. It covers topics including healthy standards for personal relationships, misconceptions about non-stranger sexual assault, intervention techniques for complicated social situations and ways to support a victim/survivor. Each group has worked with Boe to customize the program and implementation options to meet its organizational needs.
In the spring and summer of 2015, Delta Sigma Phi will work to tailor the program workshops to the Fraternity, creating ties to Delta Sig’s organizational values and mission. This summer, key staff and alumni volunteers will be trained to facilitate the program, and a comprehensive rollout to all chapters will begin in fall 2015.
“Delta Sigma Phi is dedicated to creating men who lead with courage, act with passion and commit to excellence.” said Patrick F. Jessee, Delta Sigma Phi Executive Director & CEO. “Prevention education is a critical first step in creating cultural change on college campuses, and with a unified message, our organizations will have an even greater impact to improve the well-being and development of young men and women.”
Delta Sigma Phi’s mission is Building Better Men. In addition to sexual assault awareness programming, the Fraternity utilizes the Alcohol Skills Training Program and other tailored harm reduction workshops within its educational framework. Annual Regional Leadership Academies, Leadership Institute, Bruce J. Loewenberg Summit and Presidents’ Academy are also vital educational programs for the Fraternity.
Delta Sigma Phi was founded on Dec. 10, 1899 at the City College of New York. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Delta Sig has initiated more than 115,000 men since its founding.
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