Non Traditional Greek Alliances for Party Purposes
 

Y'all.. I'm still trippin'... a phenomenon like I NEVER thought I
would see is going on at my Alma Mater UAB. The Sigma's, who
traditionally have their week with the Zeta's (last week was Zeta
Week) have somehow talked the Alpha's (who've never shared a week
with ANYBODY) into having BLUE-ICE WEEK at UAB.

I haven't stopped laughing since I saw the poster last night. Now,
I know some are gonna be like,"It's showing Greek U.N.I.T.Y." AND
all that B.s. so be it... But, the Sigmas are already united with
the Zeta's.. so, you know something is up between those two
entities on the yard.

I called my old head UAB Alpha friends last night.. AND THEY'RE IN
DISBELIEF & UPSET...

Is this a sign of things to come? I can't call it.. but if the UAB
QUES and Kappas ever decide to have PRETTY NASTY WEEK.., you're
gonna see a old Head QUe named Swamp Thang beat er'QUE neo and
undergrad responsible in public...

Personally speaking.. I don't care what others do.. It's not gonna kill anybody..... to each his own..

Crimson Ivy week (can't see it).. Poodle Dove Week (can't see it) [put together whatever other combos you'd like]

IMHO, what is sooo surprising about black men in different frats coming together? Because it hasn't been done that way in the past? Although it might be "untraditional", so what? The thought of having BGLO was probably "so funny and unheard of" to many black people in the early 1900's, but look at all the good things that "being untraditional" lead too.

We've taken U.N.I.T.Y. out of context
 

My thing is.. we're already unified.. it's called the NPHC

Rivalry was always a part of Greek life. A part that is often taken too far, but it is a part of its existence. If we all thought alike and wanted to be alike, there would only be one FRAT (Omega of course). :-)

What's makes this seem so strange to me is that it's Two Frats instead of a frat and Sorortity + it's not a one night fundraiser BUT A WHOLE WEEK.

But once again.. To each his own.... Oil and water don't mix.. Gangstaz don't dance, they BOOGIE.. and the QUES need not *chris tucker* evah-eva-eva-eva have a JAM with another Male NPHC org.

now.. that just goes for the Bruhs.. any other NPHC frats that want to Collabo like Ja Rule and (the R&B Singer of the month).. It's all gravy.. TO EACH HIS OWN

Re: Non Traditional Greek Alliances for Party Purposes
 

LMAO at PRETTY NASTY WEEK!

*old man* All right naaa
 

Allrightnaa Sexy mocha.. it ain't that funny :)

Re: *old man* All right naaa
 

Yes it is Mr. Swamp Thang :p

I can't even much fade it either, Swamp Thing....:o :eek:
But, ya never know what the "chil'ren" will do these days. :rolleyes:

I've seen some of the unity weeks. Here, at FAMU, the most active frats and sororities generally always have a unity week during the school year.

Last year, the Alpha's and Ques had ApocQUElypse week. And, the AKAs and Delta's had Beta Alpha Unity week (both of the chapters are named Beta Alpha). The Alpha's and Delta's have also co-sponsored some events here.

Where is the love?
 

I have no problems with my Sorors or my Frat having parties with whomever they want. We have no regulations banning such activity. Swamp Thang,why assume the worse?

Now some of you may not know it...but Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was introduced to the campus of Howard University by the ladies of both Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta in addition to my fraternity brothers. Thats factual history. Why would that be considered odd? They( dst and akawere there first, and thats just the way you do things...etiquette in presenting was actually very important at one time.

The akas and deltas here in NY had a party last summer...it was called "OOOWeee" :eek: (Cute concept) From what my Kappa friend told me interaction between the 2 was BAD. So maybe they will try again next year. Again, if we want to look at the historical significance, was it really a bad idea? The 2 organizations share a bond in Sisterhood from the beginning...why should aka and dst not embrace it today?

On the fraternity note...
The Black Man better get his house in order and stop sweating the BGLO affiliations...
Y'all still very much an endangered group. Anything you can do to behave in a more unified manner consistent with cultural enlightenment, service, achievement, friendship, not resting on tradition through fellowship is only going to be positive in the movement.

Why does one have to be on a rivalry of the past, only because one does not agree with organizations forming an "alliance"?

If one supports it, good, if another does not, then that's all good, too.

As an undergraduate, it was unheard on both sides, basically, because there were no other sororities on campus until I was about to graduate (TMI). Therefore, sorors didn't have any rivals. And when organizations did "come back on campus", we still didn't have any rivals. WE did our thing, they did their thing. (still TMI)

Like I said before, the younger folks are doing alot of things and I do not have to agree with any of it, especially what Swamp Thing posted.

Re: Where is the love?
 

I heard that! That is oh so true. I already posted on this topic in the APhiA room so I won't be elobarte. But I too noticed how frats didn't do much collaboration on my undergrad campus. But I will say, they did get along much better than the sororities. Men aren't petty like women can be! :eek: And no I'm not saying ALL women in sororities are petty!

let's stick to the script..
 

this is a good subject.. basically.. I've already stated my stance... We're not: OmegaPsiPhiBetaSigmaAlphaPhiAlphaKappaAlphaPsiIota PhiTheta.. We've always done social projects together..

I've stated this before.. and either peeps aren't reading all the way through before they start posting or it's just not registering...

"To each... his own"......

now.. let's continue chatting...

Let's not be so defensive people.. let's keep taum bout it...

I brought the subject up because it's new to me. So I wanted to see what er'body elses experience is/was with the joint Frat/Sorority Social Functions...

Let's keep chatting

al·li·ance
Pronunciation: &-'lI-&n(t)s
Function: noun
Date: 13th century
1 a : the state of being allied : the action of allying b : a bond or connection between families, states, parties, or individuals <a closer alliance between government and industry>
2 : an association to further the common interests of the members; specifically : a confederation of nations by treaty
3 : union by relationship in qualities : AFFINITY
4 : a treaty of alliance

Interesting. So aka2d'91 do you think the NPHC serves ANY purpose? And if so, I am curious to know what purpsose do you perceive the NPHC serving?

.................................................. .................................................. .......

Re: let's stick to the script..
 

Peace ST,
In the interest of moving forward, and certainly relative to your initial post ... I am posing the same question I asked aka2d91--what if any purpose do you see in having a governing body called the National Panhellenice Council?


[QUOTE]Originally posted by Swamp Thang
this is a good subject.. basically.. I've already stated my stance... We're not: OmegaPsiPhiBetaSigmaAlphaPhiAlphaKappaAlphaPsiIota PhiTheta.. We've always done social projects together..

I've stated this before.. and either peeps aren't reading all the way through before they start posting or it's just not registering...

"To each... his own"......

now.. let's continue chatting...

Let's not be so defensive people.. let's keep taum bout it...

I brought the subject up because it's new to me. So I wanted to see what er'body elses experience is/was with the joint Frat/Sorority Social Functions...

Let's keep chatting [/QUOTE

The Alphas and Sigmas hadd a party out here in the Pyramids on Campus called the Blue and Gold Jam. The ALphas and Ques out in Jersey had a party a couple of weeks ago. I personally think chapters are doing this because the demands to perform events are so high and you have only 2 or 3 people in your chapter you need to work with other to get things off the ground. My chapter performed a mentorship program with Zetas in the Past. There is nothing wrong in practice.....sure it may make us feel uncomfortable but we are in an era where our unity is our greatest strength because when we are divided we fall easier.

Sphinxpoet

Who cares???????
 

I mean, really, who really cares? If we NEVER do anything with another org, who cares? If we do EVERYTHING as NPHC, who cares? ARE WE SERVING THE COMMUNITY? I swear, we can get so wrapped up in the silliest things. I think that OOOOWee is cute, that's just cute. Now, can I IMAGINE it? Nope, can't say that I can. I'm not saying that we shouldn't cooperatively work together, I'm just saying I don't see what the big deal is. I do think that we should share best practices, but that's with anything (nonprofits, corporations, community org, etc.). I've never seen McDonald's and Burger King do a joint effort in anything. So what? :confused:

In response to the question about what good is the NPHC (my paraphrase), since I'm young in AKA years, I can't say I see a purpose as of yet. But that's cuz I honestly don't know what the purpose of the NPHC is. Unfortunately, I can't say that I care. Whether or not it's good for something is unimportant to me, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will still exist, and we will STILL be SUPREME in service to all mankind. Now, if someone would like to enlighten me, I'm all ears. And I mean that.

SwampThing, you got me rollin' over here. LMAO! And yes, Pretty Nasty was FUNNY!!! :D

LMAO!

I agree with my Soror!

As the NPHC rep for my chapter, I am trying to comprehend exactly what the purpose is. :confused:

So far, all I've seen are a FEW people ONLY gathering...:confused:



LMAO@ WHO cares, but you're right!

Re: Who cares???????
 

My sentiments exactly Soror!

I mean if you're all for different orgs. co-sponsoring programs then more power to you. If not......then more power to you.

What's funny to me is the creative names people are coming up with.

Also, the Burger King/McDonald comparison is right on point. We would all be trippin' if we saw Grimace and Ronald hanging out at the Big Kid's Club doing a commercial for the new McWhopper.

Opinions are like @ssholes...everybody has one

here it is!!!!
 

Usually when two orgs get together, its for monetary or convenience purposes only. Most of us know that.

I would not throw a party with the AKAs or Ques..why because we usually kept our money in house meaning..ZETA AND SIGMA. So, if those chapters want to throw parties with other BGLOs then its their perogative.

Also, the purpose of the NPHC is to prevent stupid threads like this one and to acknowledge that we all have the same purpose yet different letters and colors.

STILL WHO CARES!
 

On paper, yes, the NPHC is about unifying the organizations, but in practice what REALLY is going on? :confused: From where I sit, not a doggone thing. The trickle down effect has not trickled down to the masses.

Therefore, my one and only concern is fulfilling and exceeding my requirements as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated. One requirement is to meet monthly with the NPHC and report to my chapter. The sad thing is, I have NOTHING to report.


:eek:

true Zeta
 

why does the thread have to be 'stupid'?

This is Greek Chat correct... i put the thread, "Non Traditional Greek Alliances for party/Week purposes".. out there becaue I wanted to see if these DUAL FRAT/SORORITY parties have been going on elsewhere and to get some CHAT going on about them.

There have been some interesting points made.. I appreiciate them all.

I GUESS THESE JAWNT PARTIES HAVE BEEN GOING ON AROUND DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY FOR A MINUTE AND NOW, WE ARE JUST SEEING IT IN THE FORM OF "BLUE ICE WEEK" IN BIRMINGHAM.

From the responces, I take it that these joint parties have been going on around different parts of the country for a minute and now, we are just seeing it in the form of "Blue Ice Week" in Birmingham..

we as ORGS can DO WHATEVER WE want to do... together.. or separately.. We've, as Groups, have ALWAYS done community service TOGETHER... But Man... It's trivial in a way.. but not trivial in a way that when it comes to the things/traits that distinguish each org... that we keep certain things SEPARATE... (just one MiD School QUES opinions).. I mean.. if we all want to be one.. then why not become: OMEGAPSIPHIBETASIGMAGAMMARHO--- (you get the rest)

>_O_< The QUES... the Frat that just keeps on appearing on ya USPS Heritage Stamps.. currently showing "Langston Hughes".. who replaced "Roy Wilkens"..
THE QUES... simply the best.. Y'all MUSSUH FORGOT !!!

It's not that serious people.....
 

I find a nice hug to be very therapeutic during rough times...so this buds for anyone who finds themselves getting a bit *tight because of this thread.........

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/pftroest.gif

It's going to be alright...


*tight: angry, upset, annoyed, agitated

A party maybe......
 

I see nothing wrong with two organizations sponsoring a party or other fundraisers together. However when it comes to programs, I don't see the need for commingling. The point in having a (whatever org) week is to carryout the objectives/national goals of that organization. Now if I've got 5 areas that I want to stress, I want all five days to present each one and not three days for my org and the other two days for the next org. There are so many weeks during the school year in which everyone can have their own week (if they are scheduling right) by themselves. If orgs want to get together and do something collectively then get together and do a NPHC Greek Week. Come up with programs/events as one body under NPHC. This is where the unity concept comes into play. I don't think the idea-“doing your own thing”-equates to not being unified, but equates to using that time to showcase what your organization stands for and why it stands apart from the next one.

My line was drawn when several deltas disrespected a beautiful golden soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. My dear golden soror was asking for them to assist her in obtaining some punch. She did make it known that she has been a member of AKA for over 50 years in the manner that an AKA would. Only to be told that she needed to find her sorors to assist her followed by laughter. I was so upset!! Upon overhearing this, I ended my conversation and assisted my golden soror. She was alone at our alumni convention. Personally, I would assist anyone in needed. Not to mention an older lady. I say this because must we be so divided to this extreme? It has never been my experience to do any sorority activities with other sororities. Yet my best friend is a Delta and she was upset when I discussed what I hope is an isolated incident. We are separate yet we must all be mindful that we must be kind to our fellow man. I have to be old school because I have only recently (last couple of months) heard of events occurring united with the non-traditional greek frats/sororities. I saw a probate show with my sorors showing support of all the frats...I asked my soror if I was seeing the tape right...and I DID...... but it seemed very strange....

:eek:

Okay, I'm very much a neo, and I thought this was common behavior. We've had a "Diamonds & Pearls" party with the Kappas, Deltas & Alphas commonly have a "Jungle Jam" (elephants and apes), the SGRhos and Sigmas had a "Blue Beatdown" or something like that. And of course we've had an "Ivies & Ice" formal with frat.

Now to my knowledge, with the exception of the traditional connections, these events are planned because of scheduling conflicts. Each chapter has 2 NPHC delegates. Say AKAs want a party on this coming Friday and the Sigmas do too, it's easier (and more profitable) to just throw it together. We have a pretty good relationship with all the fraternities on campus, so it's never a big deal. And our relationship with the other sororities is decent as well, so it's no big thing if the Deltas and Alphas have a party together.. we'll still be there in full effect. ;)

Now a whole WEEK together??? That's a whole 'nother story. I ain't NEVA heard of/seen that and I think it's ridiculous. When Skee-Week comes around, that's OUR time, and I'll be doggone if we're about to share it with somebody else! :eek: We might have a co-sponsored event (for instance, church on Sunday with the Deltas or SGRhos, etc), but never EVERY SINGLE DAY. I think that's a bit much.

See, this is what I'm sayin...
 

Can we talk or can we talk? Thanks for telling me that tidbit of history about my org. :rolleyes: But you have YET to tell the purpose of the NPHC. Yeah, your NPHC chapter is active, cool. What's the purpose? Now, I can find it myself, but I thought that was the purpose of this board. If we can't even cooperatively TEACH one another on a chat board, without throwing around history (somehow, I didn't take that in a positive light), how exactly can we co-sponsor an event?? And for the record, I'm not upset, so please don't misread my tone. I'm just sayin. If we gon' talk, let's talk.

Re: See, this is what I'm sayin...
 

If we spent this much time working on the embetterment of the black community then perhaps we would be somewhere as a people :rolleyes: Honestly, I started to post to tell you that you should have learned that during your process, but then I realized, maybe you didn't...maybe the NPHC wasn't stressed for you when you became an AKA...but hey I am just guessing. I realized that shortly thereafter my PLEDGE process that some other greeks did not learn as much about the NPHC or other organizations. I believe it is through knowledge comes understanding and sometimes respect. If you don't understand or respect each other, how can you respect the NPHC? How can you want to do anything joint with anyone else if it's always all about your organization or chapter? This is not just about one individual organization or two...this is about Black people's lack of respect for each other(and sometimes self) in general.

Yes, this is the first time I have heard of organizations purposely sharing a whole week together...but hey, I am not going to knock them. If they have found a good method of unity and mutual respect for each other than so be it. I say that it is a good thing.

We can still be different and share things together. I am nothing like my blood brother(we have fought and argued on many occasions), but when push comes to shove, when we need each other, we are there for one another, and we work together positively, not to mention we don't look a whole lot different from one another.

Maybe it is through perceived differences and divisions that gives some people strength and power, but imo you can celebrate diversity and be individual while joining forces for a common goal.....the betterment of our community. You can't tell me that 2 million people working together is better than 100,000 or 170,000, or 190,000.....b/c I did the math.

It is unfortunate that so many feel like the NPHC serves no purpose...but then why not roll up your sleeves and make it serve a purpose for you. In the words of a Que friend of mind, "Make it Happen!" Why continue to complain about what it hasn't done? If you (all) don't make it happen, who will?

Well stated Soror Pretty Kitty!
 

About the NPHC
 

For those who were ignorant, as I was, as to the purpose of the NPHC, here is the information that I got from their website.

National Pan-Hellenic Council Mission Statement

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is an organization, which facilitates the collaborative agenda of its affiliate organizations.

Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the NPHC shall be to foster cooperative actions of its members in dealing with matters of mutual concern. To this end, the NPHC promotes the well-being of its affiliate fraternities and sororities, facilitates the establishment and development of local councils of the NPHC and provides leadership training for its constituents.


National Pan-Hellenic Council Objectives

In the furtherance of the Mission Statement, NPHC recognizes the following objectives. NPHC:

Assists in establishing and facilitating local councils on campuses and within communities wherein chapters of member fraternities and sororities are located.

Serves as the communication link between/among these constituent fraternities and sororities, especially in matters such as scheduling workshops and national meetings.

Conducts periodic workshops or training sessions with the officers of the local councils to ensure a clear understanding of common operational procedures.

Conducts regional conferences on a biennial basis as a means of developing operational efficiency and promoting programs effectiveness.

Conducts a NPHC National Convention/Undergraduate Leadership Conference of the active membership, including officers and delegates of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the constituent local councils.

Works cooperatively with and contributes to other community groups: These include such agencies as the National Black Leadership Roundtable, the National Coalition of Black Voter Participation, NAACP, The Urban League, the National Council of Negro Women, United Negro College Fund, National Interfraternity Conference, National Panhellenic Conference, National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations, Association of Fraternity Advisors, Fraternity Executives Association, Congressional Black Caucus among others.

Provides unity and economic empowerment through and by the member organizations.

Performs such other coordinating functions as set forth within the Constitution and Bylaws of the National Pan-Hellenic Council or as determined by the Executive Board of the NPHC, Inc.

Thanks, Soror Ideal, for your last post. Some people aren't aware just how "young" in AKA years you really are. That's ok because you learn from the "older" sorors and members of the greek community who are willing to share the knowledge.

For those who seem to want to know, NPHC history is not stressed during our process. We have more important Alpha Kappa Alpha history lessons to learn. If your organizations chooses to fill time with NPHC lessons, then so be it. I did my own research.

As for the real issue here, I don't see anything wrong with joint events. My undergrad chapter hosted an "OopSkee" party before I became a member. We also participated in joint activities and co-sponsored events with the Alphas and Kappas. In my opinion, it's all about serving our community and sharing common goals.

Re: See, this is what I'm sayin...
 

NPHC has no purpose if you don't want it to. Now I must admit, when I first crossed NPHC was not instilled in me. I was attended meetings b/c I was a chapter rep. I continued to go b/c the meetings were often quit comicial, like a bashing party! But I was young, and unfortunately didn't understand much. :( As time progressed I took a serious look at the council and saw hope. Serfing the NPHC website and talking to the campus greek advisor. I understood the purpose was to show us that we are the same. When affliated to groups (any group, informal such as a clique of friends or a formal group such as sorors or frat) human nature causes us to separate. As an undergrad I studied the effects of group relations (my major was psych) and I often thought about the conflict amongst Greeks. We have a come bond by virtue of being Black and affliliated with organizations that serve the same purpose. Often we are so blinded by our own letters to see that we do the same thing, we just go about it a different way.
My senior year in college I became the VP of my university's NPHC. It was often frustrating getting everyone to work together b/c the had the same idea "what's the purpose." It's hard to do anything in the mist of negativey! The purpose is having a governing body that provides more support to us as individuals organizations. Whether it be through leader conferences, joint collaborations, etc. NPHC will only be positive when you choice for it to be so. Such as your individual organizations wouldn't be positive if everyone expressed negativity towards it. Don't talk about the problem, change it. It's that why you b/c Greek, to make a difference?
Regardless, I gained a lot through NPHC as VP of my council. We did infact have Greek Week every year which consisted of social activities, seminars, and of course a stepshow. We even participated in Greek Retreats. Our council was only strong when people decided to put aside negativity and work together. There are councils that are very strong. But everything in life is only as good as you make it! :D

Re: Who cares???????
 

In response to the Burger King/McDonalds commit, numerous companies do joint efforts for finanical reasons. As I stated before, our organizations are a business. And sometimes it is in the best finianical interest to host events together. :rolleyes: Companies even merge for those reasons! (Example Firstar Bank just changed to US Bank a couple of weeks ago!) By no means am I saying our org should be, but in my opinion that's not a very good example! And I say that very nicely! :D :cool:

Why is this becoming such an issue for people? It is really NOT that deep.

I, like my Sorors, pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, not NPHC. The NPHC is nice and it can sponsor some nice events but if you are honest you know that it is really NOT THAT SERIOUS.

Ultimately the NPHC does little to foster unity. It is PEOPLE and the ATTITUDES that they present. The Deltas on our campus were cool with us because they were cool people who realised that we were BLACK WOMEN and SISTERS before we were Sister Sorors. The NPHC had not a THING to do with that. We did not have any Zetas or SGRhos so I can not speak for relations with those two orgs.

I am BLOWN AWAY by some of what I am seeing on this board. Some of the SAME PEOPLE who seem so quick to talk about NPHC unity are sure as heck NOT SHOWING it. And need to CHECK THEMSELVES.

Really, all sorts of underlying assumptions and bitter insults are right underneath the surface of this conversation. If some of you have something to say about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. then you should come straight out and say it. If you DON'T have anything to share then maybe you should.....let it go.

Re: Re: See, this is what I'm sayin...
 

How long have you been active with your NPHC chapter? Are you still an undergrad? Does each city have a separate grad and undergrad chapter of NPHC, or is it just one chapter for both? This thread and a couple outside convo's ;) have really sparked my interest in this. Thank you, rhapsody1922 for sharing!! Others, please share your NPHC experiences, too!! :)

Soror lovelyivy, I disagree. If you have anything negative to say about Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, PLEASE keep it to yourself. That includes the vague and ambiguous, lol. ;) If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say nothin' at all. We have enough drama on the board as it is. That would start an all out war against orgs, and I'm completely against that. What would it solve? Nothing. We would still harbor ill feelings and stereotypes against each other. If people wanna act a fool, let them do it somewhere else. Up in here, you will get deleted, cuz I'm just not in the mood anymore. It was all cute and fun and games at first, but now people done got skeerious and it's out of hand. Sorors, I love you, but I will delete you, too!!! Ain't no favortism (SP??? how the hell do you spell that??) up in here, lol. :) Let it go, let it go, LET IT GO.

But we can keep talkin about the NPHC and what purpose it serves or is supposed to serve and doesn't, or whatever. I think this is an interesting topic, and I'm surprised we haven't touched on it before. Or maybe we have, I didn't do a search. LOL! :)

We've discussed ALOT of stuff, but not the NPHC...
 

We only discussed the NPHC with regards to their "boycott" of BET.

Well to comment on the combining of non traditional greeks. My chapter participates with all the fraternities. For the last 2 years we have had "Nasty and Classy" Week with the Ques and it has been a huge success. We had a party with the Sigma's and called it "A Pretty Country Thang" everybody had a great time. For the last 2 years we have had a formal ball with the Kappas calling it "Diamonds and Pearls." The only group we can't seem to come together with is the Alphas. We are in the process of holding a Skee-Phi event. We are not the only school down South doing this. We attend a lot of events all over the state where the AKAs are usually the hostess along with another group other than the Alphas.

REGULATORSSSSSSS TAKE OUT THE BIG GUNS! lol:D :D