About dorothy "sissy" Byrd

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Volunteerism is a needed value in our community. Being among the people in the community is important so that I can have their voice and my own, because we are in this together. 

Aristotle (born: 384 BC) who once said: “the essence of life is to serve others and do good.”

During a time in my life as a single parent, I decided that there are people and families worse off than me so I started volunteering more. And I must say that it have been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I have been a blessing to someone else but it has been a blessing to me just as much.  Through my commitment with others and myself, I have volunteered from cooking and serving meals for the homeless, helped at UTEP events, endured the weather conditions helping with the parades, help at food distribution centers and once pulled up carpet so that it will not close, volunteered at senior and veterans homes, helping the disadvantaged, to helping at a home with 15 disabled and mentally challenging children for many years.   

Because of my dedication, below are some awards and achievements that I have received and accomplished. Through out the years I have been honored for volunteering in our community from “Daughter of the Year”, induction into 3 “Hall of Fames ” to being selected for various Boards as I represent my community.  Listed are some of these honors. 

March 31, 2001, “Daughter of the Year Award” from Oro Court #20 Daughters of the Imperial Court, an Auxiliary of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc. ”   This organization is the female version of the Shrines.

2007 “Melvin Jones Fellow Award “.   This is the highest award a Lion or Non Lion in the World can receive.  Selected by the Sun City Lions Club to represent Lions International Clubs. For this club, I was the 8th person and the 1st Woman to receive this high honor since the club was chartered in 1969.

2010 elected as El Paso Democratic Party Precinct #45 Chair. I am still in this position. 

2014 approved to be on the El Paso County Sheriff’s Advisory Board. I worked with the board  as an active member until 2018. 

2015 elected as the 1st Woman Chair for the Black El Paso Democrats.  Now serving my 4th two year term since the organization was chartered in 1982.  Also, became the 1st Woman Vice Chair when I was elected in 2007. 

October 17, 2014, “Legacy Award” presented  by the Paso Del Norte Tejano Democrats El Paso Chapter. 

In 2019 I had the honor of being selected to be inducted into 3 Hall of Fames.

April 25,2019,  inducted into the City of El Paso Senior Corps Older El Paso (RSVP) Hall of Fame. 

March 30, 2019,  inducted into the El Paso Commission  for Women Hall of Fame. 

November 2019 inducted into the El Paso County Democratic Party Hall of Fame and the event was held on January 25, 2020.

2019 awarded  from Holy Royal Arch Chapter #90 Masons “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award”.  This award is special because, I am not a member. This organization is the male version of the Eastern Stars. This worldwide organization gives many free events for the Northeast and El Paso community at the Northgate Optimist Club including the Halloween Candy giveaway at the fire-station, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that feed 450-500 meals for free and Santa Claus does come with toys. 

February 22, 2020, awarded  the “Twymeni Purchase Member of the Year Award” from the Black El Paso Democrats.                

March 2021 selected as a Board member to the City of El Paso Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority Board. Served as the Secretary for 2 one year terms. Currently the Secretary/Treasurer to include Chair of the Finance Committee.                                                    

February 2023 selected to be on the Veterans at Breakfast Board.    This is a monthly meeting for Veterans to have breakfast and learn about changes that affect their lives from the Veterans Administration to include events and activities in the community.  Have volunteered for about 2 years. 

May 2023 selected by the El Paso County Commissioner’s Court to be on the newly formed Women’s Commission Board as a Charter Commissioner.   This will be a 1 year term for me for Precinct 4 due to between our precincts.  

July 19,2023 elected as the Charter Vice Chair of the El Paso County  Women's Commission 

as Commissioner Dorothy "Sissy" M. Byrd

August 1, 2023 Nominated for "3rd Quarter Volunteer of Year for Fort Bliss.

August 5, 2023 Received thw "2023 Outstanding Civilian of the Year Award. This is the 1st civilian award given since it started in 2010.

On the Texas District 16 Seniors Leaders Task Force for Congresswomen Veronica Escobar

representing AARP since 2022.

Disclaimer:  Organizations are only listed as myself being a member and/or receiving an award and is not an endorsement.