The Americus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. invites the public to participate in its 97th Founders Day observance (a program designed to give recognition to the sorority’s 22 founders and acknowledgements of the sorority’ role as a public service organization), at 6 p.m. March 6 at Sumter County Middle School. Joining the alumnae chapter will be Theta Sigma Chapter of Georgia Southwestern State University.

Programs that provide for community awareness of Delta’s role as a public service organization are presented each year during the months of January, February or March. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the nation’s largest black woman’s organization, was founded on the Howard University campus, Washington, D.C., in 1913. The private, nonprofit organization provides services and programs promoting human welfare. It currently has over 900 chapters in the United States, West Germany, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea, and has a membership of more than 200,000.

The program this year will honor the youth of the chapter’s service areas: Sumter, Dooly, Terrell, Webster counties, North Lee County-Smithville addresses, and South Macon County cities of Montezuma, Oglethorpe and Ideal.

Any individual, school, organization or church can nominate candidates between the ages of 14 to 19 at the time of the nomination and who live in the above named areas and meet the criteria listed in the information package. There is no charge to the candidates. Deadline for nominations is Wednesday.

All proceeds from the programs will goto support the sorority’s service to its communities. Through the Five-Point Program Thrust, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority strives to help meet the needs of people in its communities.

The chapter primrary service projects include:

• Annual scholarship to deserving high school students to further their education;

• Delta Academy for young females, ages 11 to 14, who have an interest in math, science and technology; and

• Gems for young females, ages 14 to 18, at-risk adolescent girls who desire assistance with life skills.

For more information or to receive an information packet, call Eloise Paschal at 924-2063 oe Marilyn William at 928-4338.