Good afternoon all! I speak as a member of my grad chapter’s step team who was initiated at the grad level. Our step team is comprised of twelve sorors, ten were initiated grad and two were initiated as undergrads. We stepped in the South East Regional step show on March 16, 2001, where we won second place - an undergraduate chapter won first place. My chapter has had a step team entered in the regional step show for two years. Last year our step team won first place. When I became a member, I was very happy to learn that I could have this opportunity. It was hard work, but I enjoyed every minute of it. Yes, it gave me a chance to do something that I had always wanted to do. But more importantly, it gave me the chance to bond with the other eleven sorors on our team and with the two sorors (both initiated undergrad) who taught us the steps. We practiced at least three times per week for two months. As McCoyRed stated, that was bonding time. We learned things about each other that I don’t believe we would have had the opportunity to learn working on a service project or serving on a committee together. We helped each other, they especially had to help me because I am sometimes a member of the rhythm less nation http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif . But they helped and I learned and it was all good. AKA2D stated that “Many feel that stepping in Graduate/Alumnae chapters is primarily seen as an outlet for those who did not come through a undergraduate chapter.” With my chapter and I am sure with others as well, our step team is comprised of sorors who were initiated at both levels. It was made clear that ALL sorors were welcome to participate. However, even if a team consists of sorors all initiated at the grad level, why would that be seen as a problem? It shouldn't be, not if we are all truly seen as sorors. I don’t think that stepping should end once a person graduates - why should undergraduates have all the fun? Grads wanna have fun, too! But, it is not all for fun. It is also about service. My step team has been asked to step at an AIDS awareness festival to be held next month. The team will step using chants specific for the event. So you see, stepping is not always for fun or for fund-raising, it can also be used to help others.

AKA2D '91 ...

I didn't mean for my post to sound attitudinal - I apologize if it came off as flip.

My point was simply that we sometimes get way more bogged down in the issues that seperate us rather than the ties that bind.

I happen to think that Grad Brothers/Chapters stepping is a GOOD thing - I was the stepmaster for the Eta Omega Graduate Chapter stepteam that won the 1996 Iota National Championship. I also think it's a good thing for Undergraduate members to see Grads stepping sometimes. This helps to combat the notion that "all grads are stuffy" and that they have lost touch with the "fun part" of membership. In my experience, the undergrads get a BIG KICK out of seeing the old heads kick up their heels.

Don't get me wrong - as others have stated here, stepping is a very small slice of what we as BGLO members are about. Grad members also have a responsibility to teach and mentor younger members as well as carry out the service goals of the organization.

That said, IMHO, ain't nothing wrong with a "Funky Step Show" put on by Grad Brothers/Sorors. The camaraderie and teamwork that prepping for a show creates can go a long way toward forging the kind of group dynamics that are extremely useful in other areas of Frat business.

Just my $19.63

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IotaNet
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Eta Chapter, Spring, 1980

Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity
Zeta Nu Chapter, Spring, 1979