Why go Greek?
 

Interested in knowing what everyone considers the most benefical aspect of being Greek? I ask because people always ask "why go Greek?"

Me - I say the leadership experience I've gained. Not only through SGRho but NPHC as well. Great networks.

Or should I ask, what have you personally gained from being Greek?

I have met some very wonderful Sorors whom have become close friends of mine. I've met some wonderful people of other organizations. But most of all I have been able to serve my community through the name Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

"Greater Service, Greater Progress!"

The combination of being a part of a network and sisterhood. Though i may not know my ethnic tribe, i know my fraternal tribe: TRIBE SIGMA GAMMA RHO :-)

The opportunity to serve and to have a creative outlet, using resources to accomplish huge and small goals.

Development of professional and leadership skills.

Being a part of a legacy, believing in that mission, and carrying it out!!

For our sisterfriend, the Sorority Mission Statement

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority's aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization's programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically and economically.

Good question
 

I agree with everything that has been stated but I guess the thing that GDIs always say that you can get all of the above by joining NSBE/NABA or the NAACP. i.e. the leadership skills, networking, legacy of commitment to the community, and even brother and sisterhood. To make a long story short: is it easier to convince someone who is interested in Greek life that it's a positive thing than to convince someone who is totally against it?

Well, I think what makes being greek different from other organizations , is that when you become a part of a bglo, you not only represent yourself, you represent the organization. You take on the rituals, the rites, the name of greatness. It is something you ARE as opposed to just something you DO.

With those totally against it, i think , "seeing is believing". you have to put something out there for them to respect, they have to see us in action, breaking stereotypes, and actually BEING about what we say we are.

Just a brief question....
 

Re: Just a brief question....
 

Anyone can answer. :D

Sorhors and sisterfriends,

Why go greek? I'm gonna keep it really - I like the fact that Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the other BGLOs were designed to uplift the African American race and community. I know that I probably would never do 5 to 7 different national and local community service projects by myself. I love to fellowship with my sorhors; sharing the good, happy, fun times as well as the trying times.

Just a few of my responses that I give people when they ask why I decided to join a sorority.

Serioussigma22:cool:

Re: Good question
 

Good question. I honestly believe you can't make ANYONE understand something they simply don't want to! Some people opposed to Greek-life may never understand, no matter how much you try. It's basically them not wanting to understand. Sure I can be Greek, as well as, be a member of groups such as NSBE, NABA, or the NAACP. So why NOT be Greek! It's just another means of serving. And such as Knowledge1922 stated, being part of a Greek-lettered organization is not only something you are a part of, but a part of who you are! Not meaning that the organization makes you, because I am a firm believer that the person makes the organization. However, everywhere you go, especially as an undergrad people don't say that's a member of NABA, rather she's a ___ or he's a ___. It's an social assosiation to a civic organization. Only those open to understanding Greekdom understand. ;)

Beneifts of Being a Sigma Woman
 

· Belonging to an organization of women that share common ideals and goals on the local, national, and international levels

· Having the chance to present and implement your own ideas

· Leadership training through involvement

· A chance to build better and stronger relationships with your community on various levels

· Having the opportunity to observe and experience the functions and operations of professional organization

· Scholarship opportunities

· Networking with other professional women

· Lifetime friendships

· Local, national, and international recognition

· Knowing yourself and realizing your full potential to lead and excel

Why go Greek?
 

Being Greek to me means being apart of history! :)
Till the day you die, you represent your organization. There are many things you will learn during your journey as a Greek. You not only learn leadership skills, but you will learn more about yourself. The experience will humble you, but you will then be uplifted by your SORORS when it is all said and done. There are few things in life that can connect people who are initially strangers to becoming LIFE LONG SISTERS and FRIENDS! :) I can call anywhere in the country and say "Soror I need a place to stay I am Rho-Tripping, Soror will you help a sister out, and I know for a fact that my SORORS will be there for me!:) Being Greek is an experience and a choice I will always be glad I made and I always encourage others to make the same choice.

Tenacious1922

RHOyal-Blue and Gold is the only way to Go!
EE-Yip

Re: Re: Just a brief question....
 

Sorhors and Sisterfriends,

Some other reasons to go greek!

Membership has a lot of perks and privileges!
It's a great way to network for opportunities (employment)
You know that there are other members that share a common bond with you.
It's a great way to make some real good friends for life!
I know that Sigma Gamma Rho does a lot of positive community service projects for the community! (Greater Service, Greater Progress!)

And the list goes on and on. . . etc.!

Serioussigma22:cool:

I LOVE IT!
 

I know Serious Sigma. I LOVE being an SGRho! I had always done service alone, but it's more exciting executing a project with those that share a common interest. Furthermore, I have gained life long friends and support systems both through undergrad and grad. One of my bestfriends now is one of my LS. She and I became tight initially through our interest in SGRho and we pursued the organization together. We knew each other before, but our interaction was merely class related. We grew so tight that when people saw one they looked for the other (we were as one..lol)... plus we even have the same first name! Our line was even tight, and though only two of us (out of 5) are currently in the same city, we always keep in touch, especially for birthdays and of course our Sigma birthday! I love it! Becoming Greek, especially a SGRho, is the best decision I ever made, despite what haters say! :) :D :p :cool:

I agree with you Sorhor Rhapsody1922, Becoming a member of THE illustrious Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Innnnncorporated has also been one THE best decisions I have ever made!

I share your joy and pride!!! The fact that we are strong women of Sigma whether we be one or many.

We are Phenomenal Women of Sigma. Phenomenally we are Sigma.


I LOOOOVE
my S
S
in front of my G
G
in front of my Rho
Rho
I LOVE MY SIGMA GAMMA RHO!!!!!!

Sorhor Knowledge1922,

I needed to her that girl! It once again reaffirms why I had to be a Sigma!


Serioussigma22;)

bump.....

For me, it wasn't why, it was when.... I always knew I would do it, the path was a little longer than I anticipated. I love the knowledge that anywhere I go if there's a Soror, there's someone I can have a meal with. I love that with a few emails and phone calls we can make an impact in our community by doing a project. I don't mind meeting Greek boys either :cool: . My chapter has put me in charge of "maintaining NPHC relationships".

I went greek because in high school I was so involved in the community. Everyday I was doing some form of service to the community, I mainly spoke out for drug prevention among younger childer and teen. But once I got to college I didn't do so much so I felt that my life was a little empty. But since I have become a Sophisticated, Sintulating, SoRHOr I have been able to get back my joy through volunteering which I do almost everyday. Not to mention The joy of have true rhoyal BLUE sisters and being apart of a tight greek community were also big bonus points!! Another reason was that since I come from a pretty educated family background being greek is a family tradition. And I am just pround that I am continuing and uplifting that tradition!!

For me, being Greek at my school is the way to get your voice heard. By becoming a member of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. I get to educate the campus and community about diversity, current events, hold seminars on controversial issues, etc. People who might not otherwise have known much on such matters leave having learned something new. It's somewhat of a shame that people won't attend events unless there are some Greek letters attached to it, but I feel that the end justifies the means.
Other reasons include, of course, community service, the opportunity to become a leader (a big change for me, since I used to view myself more as a follower), and wonderful sisters that I can count on for anything!

Sorors, Sister-Sorors, and friends,

While we may have our opinions about respective organizations (based on whatever information source), do not disrespect us. Any of us. Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Zeta Phi Beta Sororities, Inc. We all do the work.

Now..back to the topic.

ETA :)
Sister-Sorors ST, LG, TB2, and ID08, Sorors SD and TRS,

Just trying to keep it clean.;) ps Thanks

Re: Why go Greek?
 

I've been inspired by many civic and community leaders, artists. etc.. that are members of D9 orgs. The idea of being in a greek org felt right to me. There was never a question about that. My only issue was where and when.

Networking has been a plus for me also not only with SGRho but also other orgs.

I have to say that I've gained some wonderful relationships that I would not have made had the Sorority not been our existing bond. The relationships are, in a word, "rare." I love my sorors. :)

Soror, I feel the same way. And so many others have echoed how I feel about being greek as well.

Unlike some of you, I'm a first-generation college grad. My grandparents had only a 6th grade education, and my mom and her brothers and sisters didn't have the opportunity to go to college - but they sure drilled in my head that I was going to go! Now of course, it was a while before I knew what an AKA, Delta, Zeta or Sigma Gamma Rho was, but I noticed what these organizations did around our school and community.

I have to admit, initially what I wanted out of the organization at first was superficial (recognition) but what I've gained while being a part of the Sorority is a stronger sense of Sisterhood, bonding, and being welcomed back in with open arms (I took a 9-year hiatus). And I wouldn't trade my Sorors for all the tea in China.

NP, as you said about all of us having our opinions about our organizations, it really gave me the warm fuzzies when during our biennial Boulé this summer, all the presidents of the D9 were there (except one organization, but they sent a representative) and the Sorority presidents did not call each other Sister Greek or Sister Soror as we do here, but they called each other Soror! We all wear different colors, but we are unified under the NPHC umbrella, basically serving the same purpose, just called by different names.

(Sorry for rambling - I don't know how to keep anything short!)

I have found that to be true the more I interact with sophisticated, mature members of the sororities. The first time I was called "soror" by another sorority member was at an NPHC event by an AKA with a "Fall '68" on her sweater.

I would've liked to have been there to see that.

I understand that a person can do community service alone, but as they are say, there is strength in numbers and a group of people working together for a cause can produce an even greater effect! I am glad that I have not rushed into greek life and I have tried to take time to learn the available history and combine it with the impressions that I have recieved from members I know from the community as well as chapters at my undergraduate and graduate school. My interest in this sorority has been growing since I was younger because my cousin's grandmother is a member. She was a phenomenal woman, teacher and carried herself in a way that always spoke of class and dignity. One thing that I can say is that every woman that I have come into contact with that is a member, has always treated me not only kind, but not with the suspicious overtone of trying to "feel" out my interest in her sorority. I truly feel that every organization has something positive to bring to the community and are wonderful, but when you feel something in you that makes you get a feeling of excitement, you know it is the one for you. I recently got my Masters in Social Work in December, so now I am ready to pursue my interests! Wish me luck!!! :) Also, I noticed that the chapter at my graduate alma mater, recently won the Campus Life Chapter Spotlight! Kudos!

Re: Why go Greek?
 

The most beneficial aspect of being Greek to me has been the things I learned early on about the mechanics of NPHC organizations (which can be applied to most non-profit entities) and the networking. Not just business contacts, which can be attained just about anywhere (as long as you're talented and social), but being on the other side of the country and not knowing a soul and having sorors embrace you simply because you are a member of their organization.

I would say that having a second family is the most beneficial aspect of being a member of Sigma Gamma Rho to me. I have also met a lot of great NPHC people, too.

My interest in going Greek was initially peaked while in high school when I learned about the existence of BGLOs. However, I had lots of family resistance which caused me to postpone me making a firm decision about going Greek until I could say without a doubt this was something I wanted to do.

Now that I'm older, more mature, and able to articulate why this is important to me, my reasons for going Greek, particularly through an NPHC organization is threefold: (1) I value the idea of aligning myself with African American women who are about making personal, professional and community progress. In other words, I want to surround myself with like-minded individuals focused on individual and community uplift. (2) I think that Black folks have long been kept out of the "professional loop" because we were not connected to the right networks - BGLO's provide that opportunity to develop those types of contacts and (3) I firmly believe that no person is an island and by connecting with people who share similar values and interests this provides the opportunity to develop life-long friendships which are just as important as life-long learning.

PhDiva