Dear Omega Phi Alpha Siblings,
As National President, it is both an honor and a deeply personal privilege to announce this year’s President’s Project. Each year, this initiative reflects not just a call to action, but a piece of the heart — and this year, that piece is rooted in something foundational to us all: family.
When I considered the causes that have shaped me, I kept returning to the people who shaped my life — my parents, my brother, my husband, and my children. As a first-generation American, I’ve witnessed the power of compassion. My parents arrived in this country with very little, but were met with kindness that helped them, and ultimately, helped me. It’s because of those individuals that I believe in our responsibility — and a beautiful opportunity — to uplift others as they build, nurture, or sustain their families.
But “family” isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s diverse, evolving, and deeply personal, and family looks different for every person. My own family was formed in nontraditional ways: our daughter Madeleine came to us through IVF, and our son Elijah joined our family through adoption from India. My brother and sister-in-law have four children, all adopted from foster care. These are not unusual stories — they are real, valid, and worthy of support.
That’s why I’m honored to announce the 2025–2026 President’s Project: Strengthening Families.
What This Means for Our Members
This year, I invite every chapter — and every member, active or alum — to explore ways to support families in all their forms. Whether it’s a parent struggling to make ends meet, a foster youth seeking stability, someone navigating infertility, or an individual choosing not to grow a family at all — every story matters.
Ways to Get Involved
Below are service project ideas and partner organizations to inspire your efforts:
1. Foster Care & Adoption Support
- Volunteer with organizations like Together We Rise, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, or your local foster agency.
- Create welcome kits or birthday boxes for children in foster care.
- Host drives for clothing, backpacks, or school supplies.
2. Infertility & Family Planning Advocacy
- Support groups like RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association through awareness events or fundraisers.
- Partner with clinics to provide comfort kits or educational resources for families undergoing treatment.
3. Support for Expecting Parents & New Families
- Volunteer with parenting nonprofits or local pregnancy centers.
- Host diaper drives or assemble baby bundles for families in need.
4. Reproductive Health & Justice
- Collaborate with Planned Parenthood or local clinics to support access to reproductive care and education.
- Raise awareness about healthcare access and reproductive choice.
5. Family-Centered Community Engagement
- Serve with family shelters, youth centers, or family courts.
- Host a Community Resource Drive to collect essential items, such as nonperishable food, personal hygiene products, or school supplies, for local food banks or shelters.
A Final Word of Thanks
To our dedicated sisterhood: thank you. Your commitment to friendship, leadership, and service is what makes Omega Phi Alpha so powerful. Whether you’re coordinating chapter events or cheering us on from afar, you are making a tangible impact — one act of service at a time.
Let’s move forward together to uplift, honor, and strengthen families — because when families thrive, so do our communities.
In Service and Sisterhood,
Nanda Jayaseelan
National President, Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority