Who We Are

Epsilon Sigma Alpha International (ESA) is a powerful network that brings good people together to accomplish good things—locally, nationally, and internationally. ESA programs and projects help members make a positive difference in the lives of others and in their own lives, both personally and professionally. Since 1929, ESA has created a powerful network of more than 1,000 chapters to excel in community education, service and philanthropy. “Hands-on” philanthropic endeavors provide more than 650,000 hours of direct service to those in need. Each year, ESA’s 15,000 members also help to raise over $10 million for charitable causes. ESA’s unique programs provide each member with the training, education, and support they need to promote successful public service, while developing personal and professional skills in management, public relations, and overall leadership. ESA has long been known as an organization on the cutting edge. Always ahead of its time, ESA continues to blaze new trails for enhancing volunteerism.

The International Philanthropic Projects of ESA are St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and Easter Seals. But unlike many other organizations, ESA encourages each local chapter to support its own benevolent, charitable or civic enterprises. Together, the chapters have created an impressive record of service. Each year, our members help raise millions of dollars for philanthropic projects and give more than 650,000 hours of personal service. Through our philanthropic endeavors, our organization is an instrument for service. Someone who wants to help others joins ESA because it provides a means to satisfy this need in daily living. Our ritual says, "The only right we have is the right to be of service." And how better can we fill a void or need than by helping others and thus ourselves?

ESA Goes International

ESA became an international organization in 1948 when a chapter was organized in Voorburg, Holland. At the same time, the name of the National Advisory Council was changed to the International Advisory Council. Since then, ESA chapters have been organized in Germany, Guam, Denmark, Peru, Australia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Scotland.

In 1953, delegates at the International Convention voted to change the name of the International Advisory Council to its present name, the International Council.

In the 1960s, a series of exciting award programs were introduced, including the First Pear and the Pallas Athene. The late '60s saw the addition of the Outstanding Youth Award and the DIANA Award to honor young people and women outside ESA who have made significant contributions to humanity. The Ambassador and Founders programs, designed to recognize those members who are ensuring the life of the organization by promoting its growth, are a step toward continued greatness in the future.

ESA International Motto

“All for one and one for all”

ESA Indiana Motto

"When You Wish Upon A Star"

Our Watch Words

Epsilon Sigma Alpha Translated Freely means, Pursuit of Learning

The ESA Crest

The crest of ESA is a flat-topped shield enhanced above by a lamp and below by a streamer featuring the letters ESA. The shield is divided through the middle by a wide chevron containing six candles. The apex of the chevron is joined to the top of the shield by a bar dividing the upper half into sections. In the upper right corner is a jonquil; the upper left corner features an open book; and in the lower part of the shield, below the chevron, appears the clasped hands of friendship.

The ESA Flower

“Rich in color, perfect in form, carrying the golden promise of spring, emblematic of noble thought.” The flower of ESA is the yellow jonquil, a member of the narcissus family. The jonquil with its tiny, perfect, yellow trumpets is the most fragrant of the narcissus family. The Greeks loved them. It was in ancient Greece that the narcissus was first associated with the coming of spring and was referred to as “Persephone’s flower.”

ESA Color

The ESA colors are blue, which signifies fidelity to purpose and loyalty to ideas; and gold, which is symbolic of achievement and reflects the everlasting life of our vows. Throughout the ages, fire has been a token of knowledge. As you stand beholding fire (a candle), look deeply into the flames and there you will see the glowing colors of Epsilon Sigma Alpha.

What ESA Stands For

Education: ESA provides educational materials, seminars, and training opportunities that help members develop skills that enhance self-esteem and make significant personal accomplishments possible. This includes the opportunity to become a Certified Volunteer of America.

Service: ESA has two international projects, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Easter Seals. Each state and local chapters often support additional local charities as well. The sum of their efforts results in more than $10 million raised on an annual basis. ESA also supports “hands-on” service, providing personal service to those in need on an individual and chapter basis. Special ESA hands-on projects include such programs as “Hats for Hope”, “Warm Welcome” and the “ABC’s of ESA”.  These projects assist the homeless, at-risk infants, and the illiterate. ESA’s “Care Connection” provides direct support for members who need assistance for themselves or for family members. Service and support are provided on a personal “member-to-member” basis, using ESA’s internationally connected computer network.  

Association: Within an atmosphere of mutual support and companionship, membership in ESA provides a variety of fun, educational, and exciting social opportunities. Parties, conventions, travel, and even cultural outings extend the ESA circle of friendship that you can count on. Often ESA can involve and strengthen the whole family. ESA embraces people of all ages and backgrounds, and encourages them to enjoy an active role in programs, projects, and fun.

Outstanding women from many different backgrounds composed the Founder's Chapter. The first to sign the chapter was Mary Plummer, an acknowledged authority on parliamentary law at Northwestern University. However, to a large extent, the credit for founding ESA is due to Adelia Prichard, a National President of Business and Professional Women's Clubs. She designed the jewel pin, chose the jonquil as the official flower, and selected the colors of blue and gold. As the first National Director, she spearheaded ESA's early growth. Years of experience in the business world, followed by the rare opportunity for service in women's organizations, gave Adelia Prichard the vision of a definite educational program for the busy woman; a program that would lift her from the drudgery of everyday life to the heights of vision, faith, and understanding.

Other members of the Founder's Chapter included Pearl Kinman, second to sign the charter; Althea Terry, State President of the Business and Professional Clubs; Susan B. Rebhan, a State Supreme Court Judge; Florence Sterling, writer, editor, and speaker; Phoebe Kerrick Warner, author and National Chairman of the Rural Women?s Clubs; Florence Crawfor, prominent businesswoman; Daisy Birchfield, teacher; and Clara Leach, who was instrumental in building ESA's reputation for program excellence.