National Philanthropy
Domestic Violence Awareness
We, the sisters of Sigma Alpha Zeta, believe that
"Love Shouldn't Hurt."
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS
Our national philanthropy is Domestic Violence Awareness (DVA). Sigma Alpha Zeta adopted DVA in 2000 and has since then been committed to speaking, teaching, and working against the various forms of domestic violence.
The work we do
Host fundraisers to raise money for The Jenesse Center and build awareness
Spread awareness by tabling
Educating members, students, and the community by hosting various events.
DVA Week
In the month of October, we host our Domestic Violence Awareness Week. We host fundraisers, workshops, and events like Pie a Sigma, writing letters to victims and survivors, and hosting a candlelight vigil in their honor. We dedicate an entire week to educating students and different sectors of our community on the issue of domestic violence. We have also teamed up with the Jenesse Center, a nonprofit domestic violence intervention and prevention organization, to host workshops to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, comprehensive services to survivors, and to advance prevention modalities to sustain healthy and safe communities free of violence. Year after year we try to bring as much awareness as we can and also allocate funds to donate to the Jenesse Center.
Love Shouldn't Hurt Week
In February, we hold a Domestic Violence Awareness Week, where we host various impactful events, including a fundraiser, workshops, and a site visit to the Jenesse Center, an organization we closely collaborate with. Throughout this week, we emphasize that violence has no place in love. With Valentine's Day falling in February, it serves as a powerful reminder that Love Shouldn't Hurt. By bringing attention to this important issue, we strive to raise awareness about healthy relationships and provide resources for those who need them. In addition to on-campus activities, we've also seen the power of our sisters sharing information and resources online, helping us extend our reach and support to a wider community. Together, we continue to foster an environment where love is safe, respectful, and kind.
Denim Day
Denim Day Campaign was created in response to a 1992 Italian Court case and the activism around it. An 18-year-old girl was raped by a 45-year-old driving instructor. Her perpetrator was arrested but later appealed his sentence. The Italian Supreme Court overturned the conviction claiming that they had consensual sex. The court claimed that the victim must have helped the perpetrator remove her jeans as they were "too tight" to be removed without her help, thus implying she must have given consent. Women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. This protest inspired the California Senate and Assembly to do the same on the steps of the capitol in Sacramento. As a result, the First Denim Day in LA was held in April of 1999.
Now, Denim Day takes place every year on the last Wednesday of April. Denim is worn in support of survivors, to bring awareness of victim blaming, and to protest against myths of sexual violence. Our sisters wear denim in solidarity with survivors, to raise awareness and educate on consent. Sisters spend the day tabling on Bruinwalk and spend days prior hosting consent workshops for members, students, and the community. We host a Denim Day Run on Denim Day to not only fundraise for Domestic Violence Shelters but to also honor the victims and survivors.
