Delta Theta Tau Sorority

Delta Theta Tau Sorority (ΔΘΤ) is a non-collegiate, non-sectarian, service sorority founded on October 16, 1903, in Muncie, Indiana. It was the first non-sectarian sorority and requires its members to believe in a higher power. The organization is dedicated to philanthropy, charity, and promoting welfare for all, fostering good fellowship.

History

Delta Theta Tau was established by five high school girls: Nora Spurgeon Charman, Olive Spurgeon Gage, Ethel Busch Lesh, Betsy Gordon Gibert, and Charline Prutzman Rector. Initially known as the Tyrolean Club, the group transformed into a sorority that night, selecting Ethel Busch as its first leader. They also chose the colors olive green and white and established a constitution. The first pledges included Bess Staigers, Charline Knapp Murray, Anna Hilling, Della Ault, and Florence Jackson.

The Beta chapter was installed on February 9, 1905, in Elwood, Indiana. The member badge was designed by Winnie Hartley of Muncie, Indiana, in 1905. The first convention took place in 1906, and by 1913, there were eleven active chapters. The sorority's newsletter, Grit, was first published in 1917 (though another source suggests 1916), and by 1920, Delta Theta Tau had eighteen chapters.

Symbols and Philanthropy

• Colors: Olive Green and White
• Symbol: Vertical Diamond
• Flower: White Rose
• Jewels: Diamond and Emerald
• Motto: "Grit Wins"

Delta Theta Tau is a community-based organization with a strong focus on service and charity. It supports various philanthropies, including the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED). Ectodermal dysplasias are a group of disorders affecting the outer layer of tissue in developing babies, impacting skin, hair, teeth, and other body parts.

Organizational Structure

Delta Theta Tau operates through a network of chapters across the United States and Canada. It has 72 active chapters and over 50 alumnae chapters. The organization is structured with a National Council and Board of Trustees, provinces, chapters, and alumnae associations.

Membership

Membership in Delta Theta Tau begins at the age of 18 and includes women of all ages and backgrounds. The organization emphasizes community service and philanthropy, with local chapters supporting projects that benefit their immediate areas. Additionally, Delta Theta Tau offers assistance to members in their golden years through the Delta Home program.

Honorary Members

Notable honorary members have included celebrities like Shirley Temple Black and Mary Pickford.

Publications

The sorority publishes Grit, a quarterly magazine that documents national and local chapter activities, member updates, and more. It has evolved over the years to become a glossy, color publication distributed to members nationwide.