New York, NY - March 30, 2008 – During Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.'s (SIA) National Convention in February 2008, the National Executive Board launched SIA’s latest community initiative. They designated Saturday, March 8, 2008 as SIA’s National Day of Service. As such, on this day, hermanas from across the nation volunteered their time in an effort to make an impact on their respective communities. Hermanas across the country united to complete more than 150 hours of community service.

Whether it was gathering with sisters from their region or getting their family members together to participate, hermanas nationwide came together on March 8th, 2008 to serve our community. Community projects ranged from soup kitchens, to outreach programs and even polar plunges! Many sisters combined their day of service with this year’s Gold Ribbon Campaign supporting the Special Olympics. This was definitely a historical day for SIA members.

Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. would like to thank the many sponsors and participants that contributed to their fundraising efforts. Additional credit card donations can be collected through the AIDS Walk website, www.awny.org. Checks, cash, and matching gift forms can be mailed or brought to: AIDS Walk New York, 119 West 24th Street 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011.

We never quite realize how much power we have to influence, change and inspire our community. As an organization that promotes community service, we sought to stand for more than words and promises of giving back, we decided to take a step further and make it our goal to make a difference. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to those organizations and individuals that supported us in our national efforts!

If you would like to join SIA in helping our community, please contact our Director of Community Affairs, Joanne Ramirez at community@hermandad-sia.org.

About Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. (SIA):
SIA was founded in New York on September 29, 1990 by thirteen Latina women with the purpose of creating an organization that would help their communities, unite women, promote the Latino culture and uphold a set of distinct goals. Our dedication to scholarship, service and professional development within the Latino community has grown beyond New York, with chapters in several states including: New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida.

We are more than a sorority; we are a family and network of professional, strong and dedicated women leaders. We are also a 501(c)7 tax-exempt organization and we work in conjunction with the Solidaridad Inspiracion Amistad Community Foundation, Inc.- a 501(c)3 Community Foundation committed to scholarship, service and professional development within Latino communities nationally. Together, we administer a national scholarship fund for incoming college freshmen who demonstrate academic merit, service to communities in need and exemplary leadership capabilities. For more information, please visit www.hermandad-sia.org.

Contact: Wendy Toribio
Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc.
marketing@hermandad-sia.org
www.hermandad-sia.org