# Beta Sigma Phi

Beta Sigma Phi International (ΒΣΦ) is an international noncollegiate sorority with 200,000 members. Founded in Abilene, Kansas, in 1931 by Walter W. Ross "for the social, cultural, and civic enrichment of its members", the organization is now present throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.

## History

The organization started under the name The National What to Read Club. Walter W. Ross, the founder of Beta Sigma Phi, visited Vinita, Oklahoma, where librarian Leona Schroers agreed to help establish a chapter in the town. The original group consisted of seven members in Abilene Kansas.
Schroers introduced Ross to Sally Rogers McSpadden, sister of the humorist Will Rogers. McSpadden was active in the Oklahoma Federation of Women's Clubs, as well as other women's organizations, and advised Ross to change the organization from an association to its present form, along with changing the name. A new framework for the organization was developed.
Beta Sigma Phi was established in 1931. In April 1932, Beta Sigma Phi was incorporated under a charter granted by the state of Missouri. Its focus was community service, the development of cultural appreciation, fostering an appreciation for the liberal arts, and fellowship. Its members consisted of women who were unable to attend college. Members presented and attended concerts, exhibitions, lectures, and plays. They also help dance and music recitals.
Today, Beta Sigma Phi is a nonprofit corporation which maintains a contract with Walter W. Ross & Company for business management of its affairs. In addition to the international constitution, each chapter composes its bylaws. By 1966, the sorority had more than 8,000 chapters and 185,000 members in fifteen countries. In 1975, it had more than 10,000 chapters and over 250,000 members.
The organization initiated its millionth member, Denise Emerson, in 1995, to the Gamma Alpha Iota chapter in Ontario, California. It currently has 200,000 active members. Its headquarters are in Kansas City, Missouri.

## Symbols

The sorority's Greek letter name derived from its motto; the letters Beta Sigma and Phi were the first letters of the Greek words for "Life, Learning, and Friendship". Its colors are black and gold. Its flower is the yellow rose. Its symbol is the torch.
The sorority has four books for the Ritual of Jewels chapters, covering Beauty, Happiness, Pathes to Loveliness, and Conduct, Expression, Purpose.

## Activities

Beta Sigma Phi is primarily social. At its regular meetings, its members take turns presenting cultural programs. Chapter also coordinate theater parties, tour museums, and attend concerts.
The sorority organizes annual state conventions and celebrates its Founders Day. Chapter also holds annual Valentine Balls where chapters select a Queen, Sweetheart, or Princess, depending on the type of chapter the international sorority then selects an overall winner. The candidates are selected for their representation of the ideals of Beta Sigma Phi.
The Torch is the magazine of Beta Sigma Phi, publishing stories and poems by members, personality sketches of International Honorary Members and others, and short story and poetry contests.

## Philanthropy

* International Endowment Fund – Health research groups & charities
* Disaster Relief Fund – Aids members who are victims of natural disasters
* Breast Cancer Research Fund – Supports research organizations
* Scholarship Fund – Awards scholarships to members, their children and grandchildren

## Membership

Beta Sigma Phi is a non-political, non-sectarian organization. Its membership is open to women of all ages and backgrounds. The sorority also awards honorary memberships to women who have achieved worldwide recognition in their field.

## Chapters

Most Beta Sigma Phi chapters are community-based, but the sorority also has chapters on college campuses and several online chapters. As of 2024, it has 5,078 chapters. Chapters are located in the United States, Australia, Germany, Canada, and Zimbabwe. Chapters are classified as Ritual of Jewels, Exemplar, Preceptar, or Nu Phi Mu.

## Notable members

* Ginger Beebe, first lady of Arkansas
* Betty Boyd, Oklahoma State House of Representatives
* Valda Cooper (Farmington), journalist and reporter
* Suzanne Deuchler, Illinois House of Representatives
* Alice Henson Ernst, dramatist
* Maie Bartlett Heard, collector and philanthropist
* Alene Holt, first female alderman and first female mayor of Peterborough, Ontario
* Alvy Moore, actor
* Pat Nixon (honorary), First Lady of the United States
* Tina Louise Thomas (honorary), former Miss Pennsylvania