Lilith, that was one of the most reassuring and sweetest things I've read in a long time. Thank you for your wonderful advice!

Don't worry about Gamma Phi being upset that you're trying to bring another sorority onto campus. The only thing they have to be upset about is that they missed the opportunity to have such a motivated and dedicated person as yourself join their organization.

As an aside, your (ex) friend may not have had all that much say in the membership selection process and she might not know how to approach you after everything that has happened since you started rushing. She may genuinely like you and might be very happy to see that you are starting your own membership organization.

As for Gamma Phi, I wouldn't worry about them right now. I don't think they are going to perceive you as a threat yet -- that won't come until you are really established and are competition for them. For now, just keep your head high and don't let your (ex) friend get to you during that meeting tomorrow.

You're doing an amazing job! Good luck!

Corina,
Just wanted to tell you what an excellent job you are doing...Just look at the progress that you have made in the last two weeks! WOW! :D

You'll do amazingly tomorrow. I'm just proud, proud, proud! We are all sharing in your excitement. Let us know what happens!

Corina,

First off, good luck tomorrow! :)

If I were you, I'd start with a relatively small core group of women - such as the 18 women who want to join an NPC sorority but didn't get into Gamma Phi. I would not start postering all over campus until you know for sure that a sorority is interested in colonizing. Otherwise, you're likely to get a flood of women interested in joining the new sorority, and when you're at the stage of (1) picking the sorority that will come to campus and (2) getting approval from the administration to allow colonization, it's easier to deal with 18 women and their opinions than, say, 100.

18 is a good sized group - my local only had 10 members when we went national!

Once your core group and an NPC sorority have decided you're a good fit, *then* I would start postering and looking for additional new members. The NPC sorority might have you pledge and then hold rush for additional new members who would then be initiated with you.

Note that once your new chapter is established, your sorority and Gamma Phi will be working together and forming a campus Panhel. Just something to keep in mind - don't make enemies when you don't need to. :)

As for your Gamma Phi friend, in the membership selection process she only has one vote and probably not much say. She may just be upset that you weren't extended a bid, and she may not know how to talk to you. Just a thought. :)

Keeping copies of all of your correspondence w/ NPC, Gamma Phi, and the University is a great idea. It will come in handy throughout the process as well as may turn out to be a great peice of founding history for your new org. Now, as far as DG goes. To the extent of my limited knowledge, I believe an undergraduate interested in extension should not (cannot) contact any particular NPC group until her campus has been cleared for extension. It may be premature to start correspondence with them yet.

OH! I meant to ask if you were keeping a diary during all of this? It would be wonderful with regards to documenting the founding of your chapter in the years to come!

I haven't been keeping a diary, beyond what you all are reading here. As for the DG correspondence, I spoke with a couple people and basically I'm on the right track with them. So tonight I'm just trying to get all my paperwork together and ready for tomorrow. I can't help but be nervous though!

just do it
 

if you need to, tell the prof. that you have a personal matter to deal with...
no one will turn that down.
also, just take a breathe, you are doing the totally correct thing for you. you have a cause and a reason. go to the meeting, find out what you need to do and get it done.
you are a bright, talented woman. this is all quite possible.
do not get scared.
you may just surprise yourself.
good luck!!!
and bravo.
mmcat

:p :rolleyes: :D

I feel yucky. So I wrote to my exfriend and she was totally condesending. I can't spell. She told me that bringing new NPC sororities and national frats to campus was her job, but it was nice that I was "helping". So I'm just thinking, ok, well, it wasn't exactly difficult for me to do what I did, so what the hell have you been doing? I can understand maybe she feels like her position is threatened or something, but she definitely did not react in a very "sisterly" way. So I have a feeling tomorrow's meeting will be somewhat tense. I really hope all of this works. I just feel so dejected right now, I need to cheer up and bring back my confidence or else I will just suck horribly at this meeting. More later.

predicable response
 

you are on the right track. it sounds like she is on no track and feeling the pinch a bit. go in there with your rhetorical ducks in a row and find out what they have to say. there are still things you can do. don't let her response blow your confidence. you are a good lady and have the right idea. don't get scared. we are with you.
mmcat
:p :D :cool:

wishin,

You have come too far to let some girl get you down!! You are going to do this!! You are going to bring the opportunity of sisterhood to a group of women who really want it, and they are going to be so thankful that you helped in that effort!! Don't let anyone from Gamma Phi Beta intimidate you, because it is their loss that they don't have someone as motivated and dedicated to their cause as you are to yours! Keep your head high and go into that meeting with the attitude that you are bringing another NPC sorority to the campus, with or without Gamma Phi Beta's support.

I hope that her attitude is just her own, and not that of the whole sorority. When I went to the colonization of our newest colony this past weekend in Indiana, I was so amazed at how supportive the NPC was! The presidents of each of the sororities came (ASA, Gamma Phi Beta, DZ), along with two of the fraternity presidents! The sororities brought gifts for the new colony and everyone was so supportive. It was truly great to see Panhellenic spirit like that.

So wishin, keep your chin up girl...you're doing a great thing, and nobody can change that!!! :D

Don't let this chick get you down!!! She obviously isn't doing her job. I think you should go armed with a list of names of girls who want to participate and help you and all the work YOU HAVE DONE in regards to getting a new organization on campus. Plus, you have one of the best assets of all right here. You have hundreds of girls from all NPC organizations who are willing to help you and lend a hand. She doesn't have that resource. So go in with your head up high, all your great information and show them how you have kicked butt in two weeks while she has done nothing. AND if you want to, and I am not sure how headstrong you are, you may ask the guy who you are meeting with that you would also like to be an intern in this process since you are already familiar with it and all the assets that you can bring to the table.
GOOD LUCK! WE ARE BEHIND YOU 100%
-Maggie

If she's condescending to you or turns you away, remember that she's not the last word. She's an undergrad, right? Who crowned her?

You should go right above her to her boss if she has the nerve to say no...if he says it's her job, go to his boss, armed with everything you have. Actually, a college that accepts federal money can't stop a Greek group from colonizing.

I can't add anything onto the wonderful words of advice already here. Just wanted to remind you that you've come way too far to be intimidated now! We are all thinking about you and we know good things will be coming your way! Good luck this afternoon. :)

Keep your chin up, wishinhopin!
 

Hey girl,

Just wanted to reiterate what EVERYONE else has said! Don't let anyone get you down or make you feel like you're doing the wrong thing by wanting to organize a new GLO on campus.

The only reason I can think of why your **friend** is being condescending is that perhaps she feels threatened. In addition to you basically doing the same job that she is suppose to be doing, she may also feel that a new group on campus will create strong competition for her sorority, and she may be having some trouble dealing with that fact.

Let me give you something to think about for the future, too... Other Gamma Phi sisters on campus may resent you a little once word gets out that you're planning a new group. After all, Gamma Phi has been the only sorority on campus for a while now, and they are used to having the pick of rushees without any competition at all. Naturally, the sisters may feel a little threatened by new competition. So, my advice is to try and see things from their point of view so that you can be diplomatic when dealing with them.

Please know that I'm not telling you all this to deter you from starting a new group. I personally think it's a wonderful idea, and I'm sure that many girls, Gamma Phis included, will welcome the new addition to the campus and will be glad to help in whatever way possible. But you may have to win over some others with your charm and diplomacy. :) So just be prepared!

Good luck, sweetie! :D

(By the way, in case anyone is wondering, I'm speaking from experience here. When I was a collegiate, a local sorority started up on my campus and it took a while for the other groups, mine included, to accept the new addition. It's human nature for people to fight change at times, but there are definitely ways to win their acceptance and, eventually, their aid! :) )

In the Greek Bond,
Carrie

Re: DZRose
 

I'm just reiterating what my sister Carrie said in the previous post. However, Carrie is much more ladylike and restrained than I am!

These girls are definitely going to be mildly unhappy that you want to bring another NPC group in. Up until now, they have no competition for boys, pledges or anything else. In other words, they now have free reign to be as obnoxious as they want to because they are the only show in town!

Sounds to me like they need a good dose of panhellenic reality; let them sweat a little during bid matching, ya know?

Wishinhopin, you're such a fantastic, brave young woman. I know how hard it is to bring about change! But what you're doing is a great thing that could have a lasting impression on your campus. Big burden on one little pair of shoulders, but I have a feeling that you're going to do just fine! Best of luck to you :)

Hey everyone,

There ended up being a peace rally on my campus (good old UC Santa Cruz for ya) so John had to cancel our meeting today. But that's ok because it gives me more time to get all my stuff together. I officially have all the paperwork I need, so I'm working on filling it out right now. Today has been soooo crazy recently so really this is a good thing. I'm totally over being concerned about my "friend". It's not my fault that she can't get things taken care of, and it really isn't her jurisdiction to decide whether or not I can bring another sorority on campus. The support I have gotten here continues to amaze me- I really couldn't have gotten this far without the help and love I've received from all of you. Thank you again for everything!

you go girl
 

don't blink, wink or draw back.
you are a bright, talented woman and you can succeed.
don't let the fools get to you.
we're proud.
mmcat
:D :) :p :rolleyes:

Just wanted to let you know how very impressed I am with all the actions you've taken thus far... I wish you nothing but the very best of luck with your new organization.

You gots kahunas.

:)

I feel a whole lot better! Again, thank you all for everything. I wrote back to my friend (I'll just call her Mary) and sort of let her know what all was going on. In her emails to me she made it very clear that it was nice what I was doing, and she would be glad to help me. So, in my email back to her, I made it very clear that I didn't actually need her help for anything. I emphasized that things are all under control, and what stage I'm at, and that I'm totally handling my shit on my own. Aside from that, I was super super nice, and I made sure to point out that she already obviously knew all about this process, blah blah blah. Basically stroking her ego so I don't have to deal with any resentment or hostility. Aside from that, my only problem is that of co-founders. Although I have this group of interested girls, only one of them wants to dedicate herself to all the work that comes with signing on as a founder. But, to offically become a new organization, I need four signers. But I'm sure that won't be too much of a problem. I'll keep you all posted!

I am so enthralled with this. I wish I could see you in action. There isn't a single thing I could add to what everyone is saying. I just have to stand up and be counted as backing you all the way. You remind me of myself in so many ways. Different battle, but similar obstacles. Dot your "i's" and cross your "t's". Work through John. The way you handled your friend was excellent.
You maintained control of YOUR process but coated it with a little sugar-excellent! By the end of this process you will be a changed person-formidable, confident, victorious! Don't you feel it already?
YEAH!!!!!

Perfecto
 

keep up the good work..
the response was perfect.
i'm sure finding the other two founders won't be hard at all.
but you keep a smile on.
we are all super prooud.
mmcat
:p ;) :D :cool:

wishinhopin,
Just get your four signers for now. Once things really begin to fall into place and the extension process becomes more and more of "a reality," your enthusiasm will be contagious! Girls will be falling all over themselves to join. And by then, YOU will be the one helping to pick who gets to be a member! ;)
Keep up the good work.

I am sure you can find four signers. Explain to them that WHEN this takes off, (not IF) that they will have a place in history that means so much to so many. And that if it weren't for them some girls will never have an opportunity to do this. And by not signing they are letting Gamma Phi have rule over the female greek population!

Hey sweetie, I just wanna let you know that I'm so proud of you! I've been reading since the beginning and I just wanna let you know that I totally support you and think you're doing a great job, keep up the good work! you're doing great so far :-)

Wow!
 

May I just say how thoroughly impressed I am with your progress, wishinhopin?

You are truly a young woman of determination, intelligence, and class.

Gosh, I hope you get an NPC chapter going.... NPC will thrive for years to come with women like you in its fold!

You go get 'em girl, and as mmc said, "Don't let the fools get you down."

You really do my heart good! I am rooting for you!!!!

With Panhellenic Love,
imsohappythatiama

Ok, I am totally blown away!!!! Corina, you are one of the few individuals I have seen who took a less-than-ideal situation and actually channeled the disappointment into something wonderful!!!! A lot of us get "inspired" by things that upset us at the moment, and then as we cool off we let it go. You have pushed forward with something that obviously means a great deal to you. Have you thought about what you are really doing? You aren't just creating a home for yourself and the other 18 girls....you are building a legacy for a virtually unlimited number of young women for years to come. If this works out as you wish, you are going to be one of the most dynamic leaders.....the Gamma Phi Betas better look out if any "friendly" competition gets going between the two chapters!!!! You would definitely have my vote for president of the new chapter.

One word of advice.....don't get too stuck on a particular chapter. DG is a fantastic sorority, but they are only one of many. It isn't always as easy to get a chapter on campus as you might think. Although I must say, if there are a lot of DG chapters nearby it would be extremely helpful should DG decide to colonize at your campus....the other chapters could help a lot with training, initiating, and recruitment. I have noticed that some of the "newer" chapters and some of the chapters that have smaller numbers nationally are often very eager to colonize and will go to extreme lengths to make a new colony "go."

BEST of luck and please keep us posted!!!!!!!!!!!

So many of you have written to tell ask me if I realize what an amazing person I am. To all of you, I pose the same question. I absolutely could not have done this without each and every one of you who has written here and encouraged me. When I began writing here I was so full of excitement and hope; I couldn't see anything beyond Gamma Phi in my future. And at that point when I realized that this wasn't going to happen for me, I was crushed beyond all belief. When I expressed all of these feelings to everyone here, I received nothing but support. Not only were you there to cheer me on when I was doing well, but you also were there to help pick me up when I was completely down. I expect that much from my friends, but not from perfect strangers. For you to offer that without even really knowing me means more than I can ever express. Now I'm at a new stage in my life, one that is scary and full of unknowns. But it's also a stage that's going to be on my terms, and one that I can use to make me happy and to make everyone else involved happy. With all of your support, friendly words, and encouragement, I have faith that I can do this. My self esteem was at a horrible low when I got cut from Gamma Phi, and I never would have comprehended that I could do anything like this. Hearing these words over and over on this forum have helped me to start to believe all of it. I don't think I'm really going to believe that any of this is happening until it actually does! Again, I want to thank everyone. Now, enough of the sentiment for now. As much as I'm hoping for DG, I'm hoping just as much for any organization. I strongly feel that things work out like they're supposed to, and I'm sure this will be the case also. I'm going to find a home among the sisters who are right for me. Thanks for the advice!

Right on!
 

You are definitely ready to take on the world and win.
We are all so proud of you.
Keep in touch so we can celebrate with you.
marianne
mmcat
:p :cool:

I've got my car keys ready
 

I've said it once and I'll say it again.....I am so excited for you! And, just to repeat everyone else for the hundreth time, we are all behind you.

You should DEFINITELY print out these posts and put them aside as a keepsake. Even if the whole thing ends up not working out, at least you'll still have some cool memories to look back on.

However, I don't think that this will fall through. As a matter of fact, I would love to show my support for "your" colony by attending the official presentation/installation when it finally arrives. Seriously. I live in L.A. and I will straight-up drive to UCSC. I bet other California-area GC members would too!

We're all waiting anxiously to hear news as if it were our own campus! You go girl! Go! Go! Go!
:):):)

......Kelly :)

You all are so sweet! I really hope this works out. I feel like it will but until I know for sure I'm going to be completely insecure about the whole thing. I think my last email to Mary was just the right approach, because this is what I just got back from her:

hey
this is so exciting! i will not be in the office during the time that you
meet with john but i am sure that whatever you tell him will be passed on to
me and i will be sent on some kind of errand! so good luck with dg. they
are a very reputable sorority, and gamma phi will totally help you guys get
started with stuff. i know a lot of little tips which would be helpful for
you guys once you start rush etc. our campus is very unique in terms of how
we have to do things, so we may want to get together just to brainstorm
ideas. (for example dg will give you lots of ideas for things to do, and
gamma phi will most likely have tried a lot of those ideas in the past. i
could give you a heads up on which ones are more successful on our campus,
and which ones are just kinda a waste of time/money, etc. ya know?)
its going to be so nice to have another NPC sorority on campus! with three
groups, we may actually get to do some panhellenic stuff!?
well anyway,
im excited!

So that's all for now! Thanks again for the encouragement, as soon as I know anything I'll let you know- and I'll especially be sure to post right after my meeting on Tuesday morning, 10 AM!

Sounds awesome! I'm glad to see that it seems Mary and Gamma Phi are prepared to help your new sorority get established. :) Good luck (again)!

Hey everyone,

I'm new to GreekChat (I just activated my account like 2 minutes ago), and have been reading this thread the whole way through. My sorority is local and we are doing the same thing ya'll are, Corina. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors and I look forward to hearing updates.

Leigh Ann

Hi Leigh Ann,

I just wanted to say that (although I am obviously not an expert or anything) if there's anything I can do to help you, please let me know. And, as I'm sure you can see, this is a great place to be if you're looking for people who will support and understand you! Good luck, and keep us posted!

<3, Corina

Hey!

Yeah we have been looking to go national since like 2 semesters and have really gotten going on it this semester. I'm not the president or anything. I'm just an active. We were founded in spring of 01'. All I really have done was buy some stuff for it, but I love my sorority and can't wait till we go national and I can call a group of ya'll on here my sisters.

Much love :) ,

Leigh Ann

Where are you at Heavens?? What school I mean :)

Northwestern State of Louisiana

Leigh Ann

That's where I want to go to grad school!

Cool what are you going in (like what program) and when are you coming if you come?

Leigh Ann