Let's sum this up in one word:

Discretion

Thanks! :D

You say this yet it's safe to say that you pursued them.

Thanks! I've been lurking for a bit and this made for a good read!

So, have you really put in a lot of effort on your own to change the local reputation of your org? Really? Have you thought for a moment that your being XYZ in your area has made other people rethink what they thought they knew about your org?

I'm not trying to attack you, but it sounds like you're failing to realize that your org is much bigger than your local chapter and the city you live in. Plus, something tells me you can't possibly live in a large city if people in your area are really that stuck on stereotypes in 2009. I don't know what org you're in (although anyone who keeps up with news might have good educated guesses), but there are people across the country and globe that know how sensational my beloved sorority is despite any localized stereotypes or what others think they know. It's called being well-traveled and well-versed. Learning the truth for yourself. I can empathize with you, humblerumble, but after 8 years in the game, I wish someone would say something negative about my beloved Sigma to my face. *scoffs at the idea* This level of attitude did not happen overnight. I just think you need some time to get to that point in your sisterhood.

I'll go against the grain (that's why I'm a Sigma) and say maybe you should do some serious soul-searching and consider if you've given your sisterhood 100% in all areas - including your heart. Granted, you might have missed some lessons on sisterhood with this vent of yours, but maybe you need to attend some state, regional, and/or national events so you can see how great your sisterhood is. Make sure you're careful before you remove yourself form the org and make an irreversible decision you could regret 10 or 20 years from now.

Good Luck.

:eek: Then what will those of us who aren't Sigmas do with the grains?! :p

People advised her to do some heart and sisterhood soul-searching beyond the chapter-level before deciding to give up her membership. At the end of the day, none of our organizations are hurting for members and no member is larger than the organization. If members can't grasp the greatness if our orgs then PEACE OUT. She may regret it 10 years later or 10 days later, but wishywashy members are not an asset. It makes more sense to become inactive and do some soul searching before deciding to depledge(?), but she should do whatever floats her boat and keeps her from "needing to vent" again. :rolleyes:

Am I the only one who does not truly know what Organization she is talking about? What are "unladylike" colors? I'm lost.

Eitherway, whether you are in an NPC, NPHC, etc. (because I have no clue what she is a member of)....You may eventually realize that your organization is so much bigger than yourself. It sounds stupid but, it really is true! I tell EVERYONE who even THINKS about going Greek....It may seem great to go for the "Biggest" "Brightest" or "Best" GLO out there but, reputations are different everywhere...go where you feel comfortable. If you are a member of a National Greek Letter Organization, there are more benefits than I could even list. No National GLO is bad. They all have their ups and downs.

Take today, for example. I did a community service project for the MDA/ Jerry's Kids. I only had a week or so to raise money (since I joined this event late in the game). I sent out a message to my sisters on our sisterhood listserv and even called a few. In about a week's time-I made nearly $500. I knew I could count on my sisters. That is just one example....I really hope you rethink this...Besides...if EVERYONE in a particular organization didn't care about bettering themselves or there appearance-the organization wouldn't thrive....Good Luck...I hope you find what you are looking for!:)

Posts like this crack me up! Unfortunately the internet allows people to cowardly hide behind computers and screen names. My thing is, if the ladies in your chapter were so old, sloppy, and unkept, why were you attracted to them at all in the first place and why would you even consider pursuing membership if that's what you saw? Ya see this is what happens when someone joins an org for all the wrong reasons or when it wasn't in their heart to begin with. Don't try to slam an organization because of your lack of judgement. It's not their fault; it's your fault. And it sounds to me like you don't even know your org beyond your own chapter and area. To network, you have to get out there and meet people and educate yourself. No matter what happens, you cannot join another org so just give that up and either find a way to love your entire org (not just a chapter) or move on. Simple.

iHollared! And touche, SisterGreek. :p

I'm just the hopeful once that hopes she really didn't go with the org not in her heart only because I know women in 3 of the 4 D9 sororities (sorry, I'm limited on friends in one sorority) who waffled and had second thoughts for a variety of reasons. Each of them did their soul searching and sticking with it, and now none of them can believe they ever doubted their sorority.

I know the OP is pretty suspect because it doesn't sound like she sought any other sorors anywhere that could help her through this. She even could've reached out online or though a sorority listserv since she decided to use technology to vent on a Greek message board full of strangers.

I can't help being full of hope that she'll make a better choice than just venting and not taking action one way or the other. *sigh*

In other news, I had a ball at the MAC counter tonight! :D ...iTried.