How to Start a DSO Chapter

Page Contents

• DSO Purpose
• DSO Constitution and By-laws

DSO Purpose

According to Webster, a bridge is a structure designed to carry objects over an obstacle. In many ways, Delta Sigma Omicron may well be compared to a bridge. In this case, the bridge is psychological and social rather than physical. This bridge does not carry cars or trucks as does the physical counterpart. Rather, it serves man’s most important commodity – knowledge and understanding. DSO’s purpose is to carry its commodity over the fears and preconceptions that the general public entertain about individuals with disabilities to the goal of mutual understanding and finally, acceptance.

DSO is a many channeled bridge. First, as this is a group of students, it naturally aims at becoming better integrated into the campus as a whole. Through discussion groups, participation in activities and day to day living, the members of the groups spread the theories and ideals of DSO to other, able-bodied students. These able-bodied students, from their association with disabled on campus, go out from the University with a different outlook on the abilities of the disabled.

Secondly, DSO has as one of its main objectives pointing out to society as a whole what the person with a disability can and, in fact, is doing. Too often, these facts are not known. DSO also attempts to show persons with disabilities not attending the University what is being done here by persons much the same as themselves.

DSO, like any bridge, allows traffic to flow two ways. Not only does it send out information, it also receives it. DSO correlates, analyzes and learns by this information. This is done with an eye toward making the person with a disability an important and useful member of society – fulfilling his/her obligations and seeking the same enjoyments and goals as his/her contemporaries.

DSO does not attempt to be a refuge to which students with disabilities can run to seek shelter from society. Rather, DSO is a tool by which those with disabilities can find leverage to propel themselves and others like them into the whirling, frightening and often times seemingly impossible world on an equal level with everyone else. Just as they do not want to start with two strikes against them, they do not expect to start halfway up the proverbial ladder to success. They only want to start on an equal basis. DSO strives toward this concept of equal acceptance.

John Stuart Mill wrote that all men are created with equal rights. Should the fact that a person has a disability forfeit these rights? The people who compose DSO say “NO” and work to prove that those with disabilities can be equal in ability.

Mike Sachs

Modified by Karen Wold

DSO Constitution and By-laws

Download Sample DSO Constitution and By-laws (rtf format-opens in a word processor)

The sample copy of the by-laws of Delta Sigma Omicron (hereafter DSO) should be used as a guideline by any new chapter seeking membership in this organization. Chapters are encouraged to write their own. The seven purposes of DSO must be incorporated as part of the charter issued to and used by any chapter.

Any new chapter must have an appropriate slate of officers, i.e., President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition, a chapter must have a letter of authorization from proper school authorities with a designated technical or other official advisor approved by school authorities. A permanent address and telephone number must be available to DSO, Incorporated (hereafter DSO, Inc.).

Although DSO, Inc. is not primarily concerned with membership numbers, we feel a minimum number of ten members is necessary for a meaningful chapter function. Payment of dues is a chapter responsibility although we would suggest a figure in the $6.00 to $10.00 range. Money collected from dues will remain with the individual chapter.

To help offset the additional costs which will be evident in the operation of DSO, Inc., each chapter will be assessed an annual fee of $100.00. This fee will be subject to annual review by DSO, Inc. In addition, there will be an initial charter fee for a new chapter of $50.00.

Each chapter is responsible for providing to DSO, Inc. an annual report on or before April 1, including a breakdown of activities undertaken by the chapter, plus a breakdown of financial/accounting data in order that DSO, Inc. can meet reporting requirements to the Internal Revenue Service. Funds excluding dues donated to a chapter are considered as a tax deductible contribution for the company and/or individual making such a donation. DSO, Inc. is classified as a Private Foundation by the IRS. We are also considered as a General-Not-For-Profit-Corporation by the State of Illinois. Appropriate tax forms and/or corporation information must be filed with proper authorities. Form 990-PF is filed with the IRS.

DSO, Inc. will provide to a new chapter a certificate of charter plus chapter and individual registration forms. DSO will also provide all information regarding successful fund raising programs in existence at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In addition, we will provide additional information of a general nature which may be of benefit to a chapter.

SIGMA SIGNS is the current annual publication of Alpha Chapter at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In addition, Alpha Chapter prints a newsletter concerning campus and chapter happenings of interest to members and/or others.