Let me start by saying that the NPHC does not and cannot legislate policy for any member organization. Not regarding intake, not regarding auxiliaries or anything else. That's not how the NPHC works.

In some instances, the NPHC groups will make collaborative decisions in the interest of unity and the greater good but each of the nine groups retains its own governance and autonomy regarding its business and operational affairs. The key point is that the NPHC is a collaborative organization -- not an umbrella organization. Sometimes that distinction is blurred or lost -- this seems an appropriate time to clear it up. Now, on to the issue at hand.

"Iota Sweethearts" are definitely recognized as a legitimate auxiliary to our Fraternity. This has its roots in the early days of the Fraternity. Before the present days of our being NPHC members, life on many campuses for Iota chapters was brutal. If not for our Hearts, we literally didn't have anyone who "had our backs." The Sweethearts have been there for us time after time after time.

We feel so strongly about our Sweethearts that we actually have a woman who holds the title "Eternal Sweetheart." Her name is Miss Audrey Brooks and she is in her late 80's (She will never tell us her exact age - when asked, she always tells us she is 99 years old! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif)

As background, Miss Brooks was an administrator at Morgan State University in the early 1960s and she did many "behind the scenes" things for Iota to protect us from those individuals in the power structure who were trying to do serious harm to the organization.

Miss Brooks actually attended our recent Conclave (Oakland, CA, August 1999) and participated in a workshop for Iota Wives and Sweethearts. She is revered by all Brothers and Sweethearts of Iota and has a special place in our history. (Her son was actually a member of the first pledge line of Iota Phi Theta in 1964!)

With that in mind, there is an important point that should be made here: Unlike Diamonds, Pearls, Angels, et al., Iota Sweethearts never "pledged." They were always there to help and support Brothers and Chapters of Iota Phi Theta. This was always a mainstay of the concept of Sweethearts ... men cannot and do not pledge women.

In the Sweetheart Workshop at Conclave, Miss Brooks made the statement, "The Purpose of Iota Sweethearts is to smile and be gracious on behalf of Iota. Anything else is inappropriate." I like that - I like it a lot. It goes to the heart of the matter and it sets the tone for our involvement with young women who choose to support us. Sweethearts are not Brothers, they are not members of a fraternal organization -- they are an auxiliary.



[This message has been edited by IotaNet (edited October 28, 2000).]

IotaNet- I was not trying to imply that the NPHC legislates the policy for any of our organizations, that's why I said that the NPHC organizations banned the sweetheart orgs. Just want to clarify.

ZetaAce

I already know that many people will disagree with me about the purpose of auxilliary organzations...but I felt it necessary to add my $.06...

Here goes...many argue that at inception of these groups in the early 1900's, that these groups operated as a training ground for future AKAs, DELTAs, KAPPAs and what not..They had there own community service, helped out with the affiliate BGLO. And were probably on the Royalty court of that org.

However, today many of these organizations (if still in existence) act like groupies.
I've seen it first-hand, I've talked to many and even know some...

I am NOT trying to say that they can't be supportive well running groups...but they can be especially detrimental to the reputations of young (naive) black women! I think that is a shame!

Many of these women (and men) get pimped out. Sometimes these organizations form out of rivalry (or lack of support)from the "counterpart" org. I assert that they sometimes get in the crossfire of BGLOs own issues...and end up getting hurt in the process. (such as barred from membership to some BGLO in the future)

Many of them because of their affiliation with that auxillary, will not be allowed to join sororities or fraternities because some of the practices can be questionable...

As an example, I was at a step show and I saw
XYZ Sweethearts come on stage, sit in chairs, while XYZ fraternity pretended to be performing cunnilingus under sheets with whipcream...After which, the frat. pulled out thongs panties from under the sheets...while the sweethearts through up their sign and acted like they had just done something spectacular...every sorority in the audience was appauled!!!!!
As I've heard since, many of these girls will not EVER be looked at as aspirants because their behavior was not ladylike!....I also question the intent of any chapter of XYZ fraternity that would oversexualize our sisters in that type of manner...

As such, my suggestion...is not to join em until you find out exactly how they function and how they will effect your reputation on campus or in life.

I don't want my daughter joining (pledging) A SWEETS even though I'm an ALPHA...it just may not benefit her the way it might have 90 years ago...Further, those organizations are not supposed to exist and are not sanctioned in most BGLOs.

In the spirit of ALPHA,

I am,

The Ice Cold Kreator...

Small Note: Usually the counterparts of the particular BGLO does not look upon sweethearts favorably!

Are these auxillary groups only affiliated with BGLO's? I noticed Sigma Doves in some of these postings. I am a Sigma Kappa and the Dove is one of our symbols...is there a relation?

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif Talk about your bad judgement calls...

------------------
Sigma Lambda Upsilon: Sincerity, Loyalty, Unity http://www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org

No, the Sigma Doves being referred to here are 'affiliated' with another group, Phi Beta Sigma Fratenity, Inc.

ZetaAce

Thanks Zetace...

i think it is very telling that the alpha gentleman would not want his daughter to be an alpha angel and my daddy would pass out if i ever mentioned being a kappa sweetheart and he is an old head kappa 'sp 62. when i dated a kappa, he did not speak very highly of the diamonds either.

Delta Beaus are in NO WAY affliated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc!

------------------
Director #2
LMAC
Spr 99

Peace & Blessings

Greetings all.
FYI-The Sigma Doves were founded in order to show young ladies the light to Zeta.
Needless to say, that noble intention went haywire...but, the thought was well meant.
---------------------------------------------
SapphireSensation
RoyalBlueDivaDivine
The Epitome of Finerwomanhood

Wow, I never knew that, that is an interesting bit of historical data there.

Hello,

I will just give my opinion based on my college experience and my perceptions.


To keep it real, at my school Kappa Sweethearts were seen as "Kappa Groupies". That's it. They were there for "set outs", but they also were active with the Kappas as far as campus programming.

We also had Omega Gems, and their image was not seen as negative or "those are nobodies".

Speaking from a chapter that had an auxiliary group. I believe that they can be a positive. Our Alpha Angels were a good group of girls who eventually became part of a sorority. Why? That was our goal as a fraternity, to mentor and prepare them for Greek Life or any mainstream organization. They assisted in community service, had their own fundraisers, implemented Parliamentarian workshops, and yes they had a call, sign, and strutted at parties.

Although sororities seemed to hate on them, EVERY Black sorority accepted them into their organizations. Why? Because they were genuinely good individuals.

*Point- as long as you carry yourself as a respectable young woman, it doesn't matter.

Just wondering why most auxilary group were banned. I know ours was banned because they national office was afraid that ladies in auxilary groups would sue our organization to be admitted as a full member. Plus the NPC was getting pissed off about it. This was back in the early eighties or mid eighties. Not really sure. Anyone herd anything else?

Hi, all.....I know that this is an old thread, but this comment just caught me off gaurd.

The Women of Omega Service Organization, Inc. is not an auxillary organization. It is a service org based in New Jersey. There are quite a few NJ members who are not members of any auxillary organization. As a matter of fact most women who show intrest in new Jersey don't even know what auxillary organizations are. There isn't much Greek life in my town.
There are chapters of WOOSO, Inc in MI and NY as well.

Just wanted to clear that up. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks NicoleRay for that clarification. I am National VP of WOO. There are chapters in FL, GA, & TX as well.
Wynna,
Thanks for your response.
To Uh-huh,
Get registered!!
To Supafly,
I agree 100000000%
I have many friends, associates, etc. who are Greek. When I see them, I see them as individuals "not so and so the XYZ". So what, what's the big deal. We are all supposed to be about uplifting our people and community. I suggest this tread be closed. This topic is getting tired real QUICK.