Our Community Initiatives, Partnerships, and Programs
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is an international organization comprised of 150,000 college-educated men, and built primarily on the ideology of promoting Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service. Over its one hundred plus years of existence, the Fraternity has focused on improving the global community through dedicated service. This focus has compelled the development of the organization’s four main programs: Bigger and Better Business, Education, Social Action and Sigma Beta Clubs that embrace these objectives:
- To support Sigma’s vision of ensuring programs are focused and committed to serving our communities and serving young males through mentoring and scholarships;
- To ensure symmetry among all organizational and community initiatives;
- To develop a sense of pride and commitment in the community toward healthy living that will reduce the incidences of health conditions that adversely affect men of color.
Through the lens of these programs, members determine how best they can serve their respective communities. For example, our national mentoring program for males ages 8-18 provides for the development of young men as they prepare for college and the workforce. The organization’s partnerships with the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Boy Scouts of America and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund are examples of its efforts to address societal ills including health disparities and educational and developmental challenges for people of all backgrounds.
Bigger and Better Business
Bigger and Better Business became the first national program of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. It was first introduced at the Tenth Anniversary Conclave, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (December 1924). When Bigger and Better Business was adopted as a national program, special emphasis was placed on encouraging and promoting Negro businesses. At its inception, the program sought to encourage Negro businesses to improve their business acumen, efficiency and service to the public, to be competitive with other businesses.
Education
The Education program developed from the Fraternity’s traditional emphasis on education academic achievement as an ingredient for success. During the 1945 Conclave in St. Louis, Missouri, the Fraternity engaged in a restructuring of its programming, leading to the birth of Education as an International program. The program focuses on providing a variety of services to alumni and collegiate members of the Fraternity, which in turn translates to services to local communities. In-house programs include providing scholarships, conferences, college fairs, mentoring and tutoring at local, regional and national levels.
Social Action
Formed in 1934, the Social Action program was conceived by Bro. Elmo M. Anderson to focus on improving the general wellbeing of disenfranchised people. The mission of the International Social Action Program is to encourage social, political and philanthropic leadership which strengthens our respective communities and our membership by:
- Educating fraternity members on health issues affecting them and their families
- Increasing visibility and sense of self-worth by/through serving in the community
- Providing education/information about political and community issues, and increasing awareness of the legislative process
- Involving the membership in fund raising activities that support organizations sharing our vision
- Promoting health awareness to encourage prevention of health challenges and promote health maintenance
Sigma Beta Club
Sigma Beta Clubs also provide services to youths in their communities. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.’s interest in fostering the development of youth into effective leaders has been realized in the establishment of strong and productive Sigma Beta Clubs all across the country.