Circle of Sisterhood: educate to emancipate
Photo courtesy of kupanhellenic.org
By Kayla Britt, News Editor
The Panhellenic Council is welcoming a new philanthropy, the Circle of Sisterhood, to the Gettysburg campus. Circle of Sisterhood’s philanthropic mission is to “end oppressive brutality against women internationally by uplifting them from poverty through education.”
It supports other organizations which work directly with women in need across the world.
The new philanthropy provides an opportunity for women of all sororities to come together through community engagement and volunteering to work towards ending global and domestic discrimination and inequality against women.
The Greek community is celebrating and recognizing the addition of the Circle of Sisterhood by hosting the Circle of Sisterhood week, which takes place from Nov. 2 through Nov. 6.
“I am really looking forward to the Circle of Sisterhood philanthropy coming to campus as a way to get all of the different sororities at Gettysburg to work together to further a common cause,” said Alex Richmond ‘17, a Panhellenic representative and a sister of the sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma. “Our Panhellenic community has always been really great at working to help each other with our own individual philanthropies, so it is really exciting to see all the Greek women coming together for a cause we can all share.”
On Nov. 2, there was an all-Panhellenic screening of a documentary detailing discrimination and civil rights abuses against women across the globe.
The film features several women and girls who had endured horrific abuse, forced prostitution and extreme poverty and sheds light on the importance of addressing these issues and supporting the Circle philanthropic cause.
“As I have done research on my own about the issues surrounding women’s oppression it was a cause I really became passionate about. I was somewhat familiar with the topic prior to my introduction to this organization, but when I was introduced to Circle of Sisterhood, I knew this was something that we have to be a part of,” said Samantha Evangelista ’16, Panhellenic Council President and member of Delta Gamma sorority.
From Nov. 3 through to Nov. 5 tables were set up in the College Union Building during the lunchtime hour to sell T-shirts and raffle tickets for an iPod mini and gift cards to the popular eatery Chipotle.
A friendly competition between the different Panhellenic organizations will encourage students to donate in hopes of winning the $500 prize for their organization.
The proceeds for the competition will all go towards the Circle of Sisterhood philanthropy.
“This is truly a collaborative effort, and it gives us an opportunity to bond and put our heads together to raise money for the cause,” said Casey Butrico ’16, a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority.
More information on the philanthropy can be found at www.circleofsisterhood.org.
