Launching New Dimensions of Service
Since 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated has implemented programs of service impacting countless lives.
The 2014-2018 International Program will focus on Launching New Dimensions of Serviceâ„ . Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, through its 265,000 members and 986 chapters, will have an opportunity to address community needs with programs in five target areas:
Educational Enrichment
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ASCENDâ„ : Achievement, Self-Awareness, Communication, Engagement, Networking and Developmental Skills. Students in the ASCENDâ„ Program will have an opportunity to receive academic enrichment and life skills training to support their journey to college or vocational employment.
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AKA One Million Backpacksâ„ : Members will donate and distribute one million backpacks and related school supplies to students over the four year period.
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Think HBCUâ„ : A campaign to highlight HBCUs and their contribution to the sorority and society. Through education, engagement and advocacy, HBCUs will be showcased as critical venue for moving students to and through college.
Health Promotion
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Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiver Support Program will generate awareness and support for Alzheimer's programming and research. Alzheimer's disease is one of the fastest growing health challenges among African Americans.
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Stroke and Heart Disease Awareness will remain a focus area as Alpha Kappa Alpha launches a major stroke prevention awareness campaign with emphasis on hypertension management, diet and exercise.
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Mental Health will be highlighted as members bring attention to the mental illness among diverse populations with low utilization of mental health services.
Family Strengthening
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Childhood Hunger Initiatives will be launched in partnership with local agencies, food banks and community pantries.
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The Family Seasonal Wrapsâ„ Program will be offered as the sorority sponsors a major initiative to collect and donate hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coats, sweaters and other seasonal wraps for families in need.
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Fiscal Responsibility Programs will be initiated as members work with partner organizations and families to help increase their understanding of budgeting, basic financial planning and benefits of home ownership.
Environmental Ownership
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The AKA 1908 Playground Projectâ„ will be launched to ensure children have safe and inviting places to play. Sorority members will restore and renew 1,908 existing community and school playgrounds with its Restore, Refresh and Renew Projectâ„ .
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Through its Acts of Green Programâ„ members will promote environmental sustainability by encouraging recycling, litter prevention and waste management through daily green efforts in local communities.
Global Impact
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Sorority members will implement the UNA-USA Global Classrooms Project to prepare today's youth for an increasingly global and complex society. Alpha Kappa Alpha members will work in partnership with the UNA-USA (United Nations Association) to expand understanding of the UN, its mission and focus. A biennial Intergenerational Model U.N. Conference will be convened.
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Through its renewed Africare partnership, Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapters will implement youth hunger initiatives on the continent of Africa.
Community Impact Days
Alpha Kappa Alpha members will implement International Community Service Days annually to highlight the organization’s collective impact in program target areas:
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (January)
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Pink Goes Red for Heart Health Day (February)
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1908 Playgrounds Mobilization Day (May)
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The Longest Day™ Alzheimer’s Support Activities (June)
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Mental Health Awareness Day (July)
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Childhood Hunger Awareness Day (October)
