Iotas Saving, Healing, Improving, Empowering Lives Daily - I-SHIELD

BACKGROUND: Since 1978, Bro. Robert Clark, the 21st International Grand Polaris of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., has been addressing issues of sexual assault and domestic abuse in his personal life and professional life, as well as through his community service endeavors. Since 1981, his experiences living in Oakland, California, a ‘hot spot’ for human trafficking, brought to his attention the need to address this issue at home and abroad.

Starting with his campaign for Grand Polaris in 2012, Bro. Clark presented his ‘Vision’ for Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated to be recognized worldwide as an organization that addresses issues of human trafficking and sexual assault, both nationally and internationally.

In 2015, IGP Clark met Ms. Chan-Tresa Hester-Carr, a national spokesperson on issues of sexual assault and survivor of sexual assault in the military. Sis. Hester-Carr (also a member of Iota Sweethearts, Inc. and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.) suggested creating a program within Iota Phi Theta that would not only address sexual assault and human trafficking, but also issues of domestic violence, elder abuse and bullying. The result of their conversation was a 5-Point Program to address the issues they deemed significant and important for not only the African American community, but also the world: Human Trafficking, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Abuse, Elder Abuse, and Child Abuse/Bullying.

Finally, 1st Lady Felita Clark (also a member of Iota Sweethearts, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) suggested the acronym “I-S.H.I.E.L.D.” (Iotas Healing, Improving, Empowering Lives Daily): Hence, the creation of the I-S.H.I.E.L.D. Initiative. Currently, the I-S.H.I.E.L.D. Initiative is under the auspices of the Iota Phi Theta’s Director of Community Service, Bro. John Branch, Jr., with Sis. Hester-Carr serving as Program Coordinator.

On August 1, 2016, the I-S.H.I.E.L.D. Foundation, Inc. (a 501[c][3] non-profit agency) was officially incorporated in California and will continue to fight abuse, in collaboration with Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., Iota Sweethearts, Inc. and other anti-abuse organizations nationally and internationally. Now, supporters can make tax-deductible contributions to further the mission, goals and initiatives of I-S.H.I.E.L.D.