As part of her universal theme, "Transforming Lives and Impacting Communities", the 24th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Cynthia Butler-McIntyre has issued a socially urgent call for all chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to address the barriers confronting African-American males. Phase I of this new initiative, Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence (EMBODI), kicked off during the 2009 Regional Conferences, this past summer.

EMBODI is an initiative designed to uplift African-American males educationally, socially, and emotionally. Delta Sigma Theta will partner with other organizations to address the plight of these young men through dialogue and recommended strategies, programs, and activities. Not since the early 1990's has the Sorority called for action for this vulnerable group.

The Baltimore County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. held a Town Hall meeting to bring critical issues to the attention of our local politicians, teachers, parents, and other interested groups. Following the Town Hall meeting, we continued by collaborating with other groups to establish mentoring, tutoring, and life skills development programs for young males in grades 3 through 7 residing in Baltimore County.

Our first Town Hall Meeting was held on January 23, 2010 with the theme - African-American Males: Targeted for Failure, but Destined for Success. We had approximately 85 people in attendance, including 3 elected officials or their representatives. During the remainder of the Sorority Year (February 2010 - June 2010), we continued to provide programming focusing on the following:

• Special Education - Dispelling the Myths (geared towards the parents)
• Anger Management/Conflict Resolution
• Literacy
• Career Planning - What is Your Plan 'B'?
• Field Day - promoting physical wellness and good work ethics

Our next Town Hall Meeting and Resource Fair will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Randallstown Community Center. Our theme is African-American Males: Targeted for Failure, but Destined for Success, Part II where we plan to focus more on the "Destined for Success" portion. This program will include performances by the Boys Choir of Powhatan and a panel discussion once again, focusing on the educational, social and emotional needs of African-American Males. Following the Town Hall Meeting, we are planning several educational, thought-provoking, yet fun-filled workshops for our target group of young men. The topics include, but are not limited to:

• Life Skills
• Anger Management/Conflict Ressolution
• Literacy
• Interpersonal Relationships
• Just Say No - drugs, alcohol, gangs, etc.
• Rites Of Passage

If you are interested in participating in this program, please complete and submit the participant package. To send your application electronically, please download, complete the application in Microsoft Word by clicking *** HERE ***, and email to embodi@bcacdeltas.org. If you cannot open the Microsoft Word application, please download the PDF version by clicking *** HERE *** and either send via postal mail to Baltimore Country Alumnae Chapter - EMBODI, P.O. Box 240, Randallstown, MD 21133 or drop off at the Winfield PAL Center, 8304 Carlson Lane, Baltimore, MD 21244.

For more information regarding the EMBODI program, please send an email embodi@bcacdeltas.org