Do I have to join a black sorority if i'm black??
 

I would love to join a sorority and i'm black but don't really want to join a historically black sorority. Can i join a predominatly white sorority?? would it be a big deal? Thanks for your help!

Dearest Angie 711~ There is no reason on this earth why any person of any race creed or nationality should join a sorority based on profiling. You are probably a very bright and respectful lady and any sorority would benefit greatly to have you in their organization. By the way, there are also academic org's that you may want to look into as well if you are not for sure about making a move right away. Also, if you are having doubts check out the websites of the houses that most intrigue you and you may find a specific philanthropy that touches your heart. Most important....you have to feel completely at home and enjoy the company of the ladies that may turn out to be, not just your sisters, but your best friends. I will say this, on the last day of my rush week before I received my bid, I left my new home crying my eyes out, because i felt so overwhelmed with the warmth of friendship that complete strangers were willing to offer. Good luck sweetie!!!
Ericka

------------------
egulden@msn.com
Tri-Delt Alum

I have to agree with Ericka on this one. You should go wherever you feel most comfortable and at home. Not somewhere that you feel like you have to. That goes for race, religion, legacy status, etc. Do what makes you happy. I am in a predominately Caucasian sorority, but we had sisters of many different races, and many different religions. We all joined for the same reasons, so we all had a bond we shared...there were no boundaries.

I totally agree with the posts above. True sisterhood surpasses color, religion, politics, etc. Give recruitment a chance and I think you'll find a sorority that you can call home!

I am an African American woman in an NPC sorority. I say go for it!

Yeah, totally. We are in the 21st century and there is no reason on earth to segregate ourselves. In fact, we should make an effort to integrate ourselves and joining a fraternity or sorority of a predominantly different race is an excellent way to go! Go where you feel the most comfortable or better yet, the most popular house!!

Corbin, you have a valid point. I'm not angry at you.
The real concern I had is that I've just seen so much misinformation surrounding NPHC groups. IMO, it's not regulars. It's more newbies.

YES join whatever you want. Don't feel intimidated if you walk into a house that is predominantly white it doesn't mean they don't accept girls of different races. My school is mainly white which stinks.
(Please people do not give me a hard time if I am not PC and I don't mean anything when i say intimidation. I don't want anyone to misinterpret what I said)
Question: I heard that non Latinas can join Latina sororities. Is this true?

Yes, they can.

Yeah, that's understandable. I don't know which stereotypes are worse, those about NPC/NIC or NPHC. We both get a bad rap on race, alcohol, and hazing issues.

------------------
Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

Yes, you can join whatever sorority you'd like--trust me! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

There are a few threads on this topic on the Rush and Greek Life folders. Good luck!

We've been over this time and time again. NPHC groups don't discriminate.

Thanks so much to all of you who gave me advice. You've made me feel more comfortable about rushing.

I don't think anyone said they did, but aong those same lines, as it's been said, neither do NIC/NPC groups.

Of course, with all three umbrella organizations, there will be individual chapters that might. I don't think they realize it's the year 2001 yet!

------------------
Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

But you can't be a member of let's say Tri-delt and a latina sorority right?

Indeed they can...I am half Jamaican adn half white and I am in a Hispanic founded sorority and its all good...They acept me for who I am regaurdless of my race. Besides there are alot of Latina organizations that have all kinds of cultures, so if you are interested, go ahead and join whatever you want!

Sure you can! I am half Jamaican and half white and I am in a Latina sorority and they respect me for who I am regaurdless of my culture....Girl, I know alot of Black women who are in White or non-Black sororities.
Now I have had some ignorant people come my way saying that I am selling out my race, which is a load of bunk, but I tell them that I joined my organization b/c these girls are true and good women and I don't care what race they are...As long as you know who you are, thats all that matters...So more power to you!!!!!

Who can't be a member of those two sororities?

Just to clarify the above statement:

Delta Delta Delta is one of 26 NPC sororities.

You cannot be initiated into more than one NPC sorority.
(i.e. You CANNOT be a Delta Delta Delta AND a Chi Omega, or a Delta Delta Delta AND a Kappa Delta, etc., or any combination thereof)

Therefore, it is technically "permissible" to join ONE NPC sorority AND one non-NPC sorority (i.e. Latina sorority).

At the same time, while this may be "permissible", I would say that this practice is frowned upon.
Perhaps it is viewed as divided loyalties, or something like that.

Even though this is often true, why is not looked upon very well if someone joins a NPC GLO and a latina (or any other multi-cultural GLO), but no one even blinks if you join a NPC GLO and a service GLO. Most multi-cultural GLOs are service based within their community anyway?

LeslieEMU,
You make some excellent points, and I'm not sure of the answer.....

I only had NPC groups on my campus, so I can't really respond to the question that you have posed from a stance of experience.

I made my statement based on what I've learned from being on this board and reading what non-NPC women have posted (whether they be NPHC, Latina, Multi-Cultural or Service organizations).

Although most, if not all, Asian, Black, Latino, Native American or Multicultural GLO's provide service to a specific community, they are not SERVICE** organizations, per se. Therefore, you can not be in an NPC sorority and a Latina based sorority at the same time.

**With the exception of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. However, the same rule applies as far as joining other non-service organizations.

While it may be "permissible" as far as NPC guidelines, it may not be permissible on the other end. Speaking only for SLU, you will not be extended membership if you are in another GLO. The only exceptions are greek lettered honor societies and service or professional GLO's.

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



[This message has been edited by Serenity (edited August 16, 2001).]

I always assumed it was the same for all social GLO's. We can't join any local or national social fraternity. We can join service and honoraries though.

------------------
Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha
Theta Kappa Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Tech.

CutiePie2000-I know that NPC and NPHC are different, but I didn't know if there was an unwritten rule. I probably would feel out of place being the only white girl in a latina sorority. I am in a sorority now so it would be hard to do 2. I just like asking questions so I can learn.

Absolutely! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif You have come to the right place to learn! I have learned a lot from NPHC members and Multi-Cultural members.

From what I know or have learned from being on Greek Chat:
- If you are initiated into one NPC, you cannot be initiated into another NPC.
This is a Rule of the National Panhellenic Conference.

- If you join one NPHC, you cannot join another NPHC.

As far as belonging to an NPC and trying to join another group that is non-NPC, it might not be written down anywhere that it is not allowed, but again, I would say that this is frowned upon. What's more, is what Serenity said....the 2nd non-NPC group might not allow you in, as you've already been initiated into the NPC one, since you've declared your loyalty/allegiance/commitment to the 1st group.

And from a practical point of view, it would be tough to devote equal time and attention to 2 sororities! Better to be a good member with time to devote to one sorority, than a not-so-good member with no time to devote to either of the 2, right? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by CutiePie2000 (edited August 16, 2001).]

I totally understand this is a tough decision, I been down that road. And really the only thing you can do as any other person would , is go where you feel comfortable and do what you want. As someone mentioned before don't let others intimidate you because you like one particular Org over another. Joining Greek life has nothing to do with race, although sadly to say some do think that. But it is year 2001 and people still think that way. Forget them, your choice and no one elses but yours!
I am in an MC org and I love every minute of it. I went where I felt comfortable and liked the concepts http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif
So do what you feel as right~
~Wishing you the best of Luck~
DGPhoney~

I too was kind of apprehensive about going through rush, because I was pretty sure that i wouldn't be rushing an NPHC (mainly due to lack of information). Granted its pretty much been all i've "known" (areas i've lived and whatnot) to be in predominantly white settings, and i have no trouble with it and I'm comfortable no matter what; The apprehensiveness came from worrying about dealing with looks that i knew i'd probably get, because going to a private school, in the south no less hahaha, it was a bunch of wealthy caucasians, but of course i didn't let it bother me (why stress over ignorance?) and proceeded to get a bid to one of the best sororities..no i'm not biased or anything hahahaha. I guess another "funny" thing is that my sorority had jewish founders and therefore is predominately of jewish faith another reason why i would be "odd person out" lol, but i wouldn't trade my sisters or the experiences i've had so far for anything in the world.. Love in SDT http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

------------------
The trouble with trouble, is that it all starts out as fun.