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BETA SIGMA PHI in Victoria BC CANADA
The following information was compiled in the year 2002.
The membership total and chapter numbers vary from year to year,
due to different activities.
Since its founding in 1931, Beta Sigma Phi has grown to be an International organization. It was created for young women in search of cultural and social activities, and it provides its members the opportunity to develop inspiring friendship. It offers an enriching experience in the appreciation and enjoyment of the liberal arts.
Since it’s beginning Beta Sigma Phi has grown to over 275,000 active members in more than 12,500 chapters throughout the world.
In 1935 the first Canadian chapter of BETA SIGMA PHI was established in Vancouver, BC. October 1941 marked the beginning of Beta Sigma Phi in Victoria, BC.
The number of chapters in the Victoria and surrounding area has grown to 25 in 2005/2006, with a membership of more then 350. Chapters are located in Colwood, Langford, Saanich, Sidney and Victoria.
All of the chapters elect officers and committee workers. Most chapters meet twice a month for a business meeting followed by a cultural program given by a member or a guest speaker for approximately 30 minutes. The other meeting could be a business meeting or a cultural program or outing organized by one or more members. However, a few chapters meet once a month year round. Following each meeting refreshments are served during the social period.
This year marks the 64th Anniversary of our sorority in Victoria BC, and Beta Sigma Phi's 75th Anniversary.
Beta Sigma Phi City Council
Its purpose is to promote inter-chapter harmony, and provide a way for the members of chapters to correlate their planning and activity for citywide events. Its purpose is not to legislate but to recommend, to guide, and to foster cooperation and harmony in keeping with the ideals of Beta Sigma Phi.
City Council meets once a month and consists of two elected representatives from each chapter. Committee members are appointed from City Council membership or the general membership.
CITYWIDE EVENTS
During its initial years in Victoria, sorority members spent hours doing service work for the War Effort. In December 1941, sisters participated in the production of the Gracie Fields Concert and donated 75% of its profits to the Navy League for War Service. Between 1943—1945 members sponsored Spring Musicals with proceeds in aid of the Blood Plasma Fund.
For our 50th Anniversary in Victoria the membership of Beta Sigma Phi in Victoria BC presented 18 yellow rose bushes to mark the 18 chapters in the City. In conjunction with the city of Victoria a granite engraved stone plus the rose bushes are still at Cridge Park.
Elizabeth Forbes was an honorary member of Beta Sigma Phi for many years. A bursary was established in her name to enable a deserving student to further her studies at the University of Victoria.
Every December, Youth Parliament delegates enjoy a lunch buffet organized, provided and presented by our members. For 24 years it was handled by City Council. Recently this event is coordinated and sponsored by one chapter with assistance and some funds coming from the other chapters.
Each year we honour an outstanding Woman of the Year in our community.
ANNUAL LEGACY TEA
The Legacy members, whose ages range between a few months old to 18 years are daughters, grand-daughters or nieces of Beta Sigma Phi members. They are honoured at a tea the week prior to Mothers Day.
PARTICIPATION IN VICTORIA BC'S ANNUAL WOMEN'S SHOW
The Beta Sigma Phi booth with yellow roses and balloons was a great success in 2005. Many of the participants expressed their interest in sorority. The members in the booth were all wearing their unit dress, a vest with garden colours and flowers.
DEGREES
Beta Sigma Phi has 6 degrees through which members progress. The first being Nu Phi Mu followed by Ritual of Jewels then Exemplar, Preceptor, Laureate and Master. During this progression the members experience ever-increasing cultural and social opportunities.
Although Beta Sigma Phi is not a service organization, its members also experience the joy of helping others.
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