Sigma Iota Sigma Multicultural Sorority, Incorporated

In October of 1994, a group of culturally opened-minded individuals established two separate organizations with the premise that people from different backgrounds and cultures can work together for common goals. After having established the two organizations’ commons goal, we chose the greek letters, Epsilon Nu Omega and Sigma Iota Sigma, to represent their unifying goals forming the word UNION.

In March of 1995, Katsuko Arima, Rebecca Cassar, Jill Mauragis, and Jennifer Muller brought their organizations to the attention of the United Council of Cultural Fraternity and Sororities at the University of Buffalo.

On April 5, 1995, the United Council of Cultural Fraternities and Sororities at the University of Buffalo temporarily recognized Sigma Iota Sigma.

In March of 1996, the Alpha Pledge Class started. Finally, in October of 1997, Sigma Iota Sigma Multicultural Sorority Inc. was awarded full term recognition by the University of Buffalo.

Multiculturalism
The key to creating a better future for ourselves, and for all people is the understanding and acceptance of our similarities and differences. Sigma Iota Sigma Multicultural Sorority Inc. takes pride in fighting against hatred and prejudice through educational programming and community service. The issues of prejudice and stereotypes often stem from the fact that people view other cultures from their own cultural perspectives.
Education about diversity forces us to examine ourselves and our communities - offering to us a different perspective on life and the things which we value most.

Only through the education and understanding of other cultures can we being to alleviate those prejudices, which have been plaguing our societies for centuries. As the SISters of Sigma Iota Sigma Multicultural Sorority, Inc., we feel it is our responsibility to pave the way for cultural appreciation by informing ourselves and our communities about the value of different lifestyles and cultures.

Sisterhood and Unification of Women to Achieve Individual Goals
Sisterhood is a special bond between women who are striving to achieve their individual and common goals. The SISters are there to offer a shoulder to cry on and to provide the support system needed to accomplish the goals we each set. As a diverse group of young women, we support our SISters in their efforts to achieve their personal goals. Rather than living with the idea of what a woman is supposed to represent, we encourage our SISters to add their visions and voice to society. Each woman has special and unique qualities all her own, allowing her to contribute her ideas and experiences to the organization. It is in this way that each SISter has helped to build the foundation of Sigma Iota Sigma Multicultural Sorority, Inc. We value the uniqueness of each and every SISter and appreciate and take advantage of our cultural and social differences.

Education
Both academic education and the education of experience are elements which enable women to obtain positions of power in society. It is through these positions that women are able to influence change in the community. We, the SISters of Sigma Iota Sigma Multicultural Sorority Inc., encourage each other to pursue our individual academic interests while maintaining academic excellence. It is our goal to also place an emphasis on educating our peers about multiculturalism to foster awareness and dispel stereotypical beliefs..

Community Service
One of the best ways to increase multicultural attitudes is through service to our community. Through our service - whether it is helping the homeless and victims of abuse or investing in the future of education, our SISters set an example of how people from various backgrounds can work together to achieve common goals for a better community.

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