the right to choose
 

hello. there is something that concerning me quite a bit. i am a (and i say this hesitantly) black girl and i very much want to rush soon. but the thing is that i dont want to be apart of a black sorority. i dont like the idea of being apart of a group that is exclusive to one race. i am definitely not trying to degrade black sororities. i know that they are great groups. i know that the npc sororities are generally all white. i also know that black girls join these sororities probably for the same reasons i want to. but how often does this happen? i am suddenly scared that i wont be in a sorority because i am black. i dont know. i am just confused. help!

Have you ever thought of being part of a multicultural sorority, such as Mu Sigma Upsilon or Theta Nu Xi? These groups tend to have women of several different races in their chapters.

my school doesnt have multiracial sororities.
the ones that are on campus:

alpha chi omega
delta gamma
zeta tau alpha
alpha kappa alpha
delta sigma theta

The NPHC groups are not exclusively one race. Most, but not all, of their members are black. I'll let a member of an NPHC group tackle that one :)

As for NPC groups, many of the members are white, but by no means all. I can tell you that my chapter did not consider race at all when considering potential members. We have several different races represented, and we're talking about a small chapter! Besides, if a group is going to cut people for the color of their skin, would you really want to be a member?

I'll second RockChalk's suggestion of checking out multicultural sororities. And it can't hurt to go through NPC rush and see what your options are in that department.

Good luck :)

I say go through rush and let the chips fall where they may, just like any other rushee. Would you really want to call those people sisters if they could not get past your race?

I'm not sure where you go to school. I go to a notably undiverse school, the University of Nebraska, but I know most sororities have members who are not white. So it does happen even here in the middle of Nebraska (I think UNL is over 90% white) So if you go some place more diverse odds are probably pretty good that the chapters have minority members.

Do some research if you can. See if the chapters have minority members in pictures on their websites.

In the end you just have to be you and find where you were meant to be.
Good luck with rush!

Black women join NPCs more often than you'd think. At my school, it's not unusual for an NPC sorority to have a few black, Hispanic, or Asian members. Most of the women in NPCs are white, but that's to be expected since most of the student body is white.

I'm going to tell you what I'd tell any rushee: give it a try, and go in with a positive attitude. Good luck!

I have a feeling most people are going to repeat what I say, but......
My school has 14 sororities and 24 fraternities. I've heard a lot of ugly rush stories, but in my 3 years here I haven't heard of a house excluding a girl based on race. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but if you're a cool girl your chances are good that SOMEONE will want you as a sister, no matter what race you are.
Actually, being black might work in your favor, because many houses want to be diversified. They need some girls with good grades, some athletes, dancers, etc. You are right that the rush process is a lot of times mostly white, so imagine when you come to XYZ house and they're like wow! somebody different!
So actually you might have the upper hand over the rest of us ;)
Just be your fabulous self and rush should go fine.

I am a ZTA alumna from CA. In my chapter, there were a large number of ethnic groups represented, including asian (chinese, filipino etc), hispanic, black, middle eastern and white. I would say go through recruitment and check them out! More important than skin color is how well you get along with the women in each group. I hope that you are successful in finding a group where you fit in best!

My sister, my sister


First, you need to ask yourself why you want to join a sorority, what appeals to you about sorority life, what do you expect to get out of it and what do you expect to contribute to the group. If you are just looking at race, then you are not ready to be in one.

I asked myself those question before I joined. My answers:

1. why I joined a sorority: Many reasons, I have greeks in my family and they always had positive things to say about their experiences during their undergrad days. I met some young ladies right before my freshman year and they talked about joining and they were smart and intelligent. And lastly, it was kinda 'big' on my campus. All GLOs were founded on principles of high moral character, I liked the thought of trying to acheive that goal. Hey, I was 17 and philosophical at the time.

2. what appealed to me: The bonding that goes on. The togetherness. Working for a common cause. Acting 'silly' at times with your sisters. Since I joined a BGLO, what appealed to me about them was stepping. That WAS so unique to BGLOs at the time.

3. What I expected to get out of it: Learning how to be a leader in a supportive environment. Making a difference in the community, since we are a service organization. And yes, I will say the Black community in particular. A set agenda of expectations of its members. And yes, connections.

4. what did I contribute: My organizational skills, willingness to go the distance to see a project through. Representing my chapter and organization at school functions where greek presence and Black greek presence, was not anticiapted or expected.


Lastly, do alot of reserach on all organizations. Talk to some members. Just because you see one thing on the outside, it may be totally different once you get to know the groups.

Hope this helps

While the history of some NPC groups regarding integration has been storied, things have changed and are changing. There are quite a few African Americans on GreekChat who are members of NPC sororities and NIC/IFC fraternities, as well as multi-cultural GLOs.

Also, as sigmadiva said, you really need to think about what you want out of sorority life. If you want to be in the more "social" aspect of things, go NPC. If you want to join a more service oriented sorority, then NPHC might be more your speed. That's not to say that NPC groups don't do service, and NPHC groups don't party and have a good time, but the two systems are vastly different.

I think that openness to your pursuit might also depend on your geographic area, but I say GO FOR IT. You never know until you try, and who knows? If you find yourself more comfortable among women who are members of NPC sororities, then by all means, choose where your heart leads you.

Good luck! :)

PS - I sent you a private message!

What's your location? It matters.

it doesnt have to be about race. i was just worried i would not get a chance to show who i really am.

:confused:

Can you be a little more specific?

i was just referring to sigmadiva. she made it sound like i just cared about race. thats not it all. look guys i didnt mean to start something. i just needed some feedback.

It comes down to this
 

If you wanna party hearty go NPC.

If you're into deeper stuff go NPHC.

Re: It comes down to this
 

I'm not quite sure how fair of a statement that is....

Re: Re: It comes down to this
 

I would agree that is an completely unfair statement! If you think NPC == party hearty - come to my campus! I mean, we have socials and enjoy them, but KKG has plenty of the "deeper stuff" too!

I suppose I'm luckly that race is not an issue in my sorority - I'm in Kappa and even though I keep hearing it refered to as a "traditionally-white" sorority - at my school the girls are as diverse as the campus ....

I agree with those who said before me - if all they care about is race - then do YOU really want to be linked to them? Rush, have fun, and see how the cards play... you might be surprised how people treat you... for the better...

Simley,
If it makes you feel any more secure...I am a black female who received a bid from an NPC sorority here in South Carolina. All I had to do was be myself. The girls made it really clear that they liked me for who I was, not necessarily what color my skin happened to be. In turn, I felt like the organization was a wonderful fit for me. I was very comfortable around all the girls, and I would've been proud to wear their letters. Basically what it comes down to is (as others have said) be yourself, and go into recruitment with an open mind. You'll never know until you try! :)

Re: Re: It comes down to this
 

I say pretty fair.

If you like to party join NPC.

If you enjoy deeper stuff join NPHC.

Both are good.

The only memory that sticks out of my mind when I was in a NPC organization was partying at *** house until 8 in the morning. I say it's all good.

Unfortunately, I don't know that much about NPHC organizations, but what I do gather is that it is pretty different from NPC orgs...in my opinion...what IIIII call deeper. For example, being active in your GLO AFTER you graduate.

Re: Re: Re: It comes down to this
 

Your experience and personal choices during your experience in your former GLO are not representative of all NPC members. If that was your only memory, obvious you weren't putting much into it and didn't care all that much.

You are also extremelly misinformed. Actually, I know that you know better from being a member of GC for quite awhile. Many NPC members are active in their GLO after graduation. Look around at the GC board. Tons of us are alum and we're still active. I for one am President of our area alumnae association.

Please don't pass on misinformation. Especially to GC newbies who don't know better than to believe you.

Dionysus, I don't want to start an arguement or anything, but your experience is not everyone's. Just because you "partied until 8 AM" doesn't mean the rest of us do. Also, since you haven't experienced a NPHC sorority, how do you know that they're actually deeper. Alpha Phi has been a very spiritual experience for me. I'm not there for the parties, I'm there for the sisterhood and the spiritual part.

smiley, I'm probably just repeating people in here, but I'd advise you to check out all the girls. Just find where you fit in best, but don't feel that you have to limit yourself to two groups just because you're african-american. I actually saw a girl who wants to join a sorority but all her options are NPHC sororities, so she didn't know if she could join. I think that any and all groups would welcome you with open arms, it's just a matter of where you think you fit in best. If you do run into a group that won't accept you just because you're african-american, they aren't worth your while anyway. Just let the NPC chapters know that you're interested in expanding your horizons and just because you're african-american it doesn't mean you have to join a BGLO.

At my school, I have a sister from Pakistan and one from Honduras. The other NPC sorority on campus has an african-american girl another another girl from the Caribbean. I have learned a lot from having sisters from different cultures and backgrounds.

Good luck! I hope you get a bid from a great house!

Re: Re: Re: Re: It comes down to this
 

You're right, my experiences and personal choices are a tiny fraction of the reality. I came to that conclusion not from my personal experiences but from my observations both in real life (even at different schools) and from reading many many posts on GC.

Sure there's MANY active alums in NPC sororities, but not as many as there are in NPHC organizations.

Maybe "party" wasn't the right word.

There's a fundamental difference between the two types of organizations.

If GC newbies believe me, they believed right...as in everything else. :p

True.

I don't want anyone to get the wrong impression, just because you join a NPC sorority it doesn't mean they'll force you to party until 8 in the morning, THAT would be hazing....just like scavenger hunts, prank phone calls, interviews.

I think no matter which way you choose, you will find great girls who will become your friends for life. Joining a sorority will be a positive experience for you! Don't fret.

Exactly, some girls are just shady, some are actually nice. Pick who's the nicest.

Re: Re: It comes down to this
 

it's not a fair statement, AT ALL.

first off, smiley21, good luck with recruitment, don't be swayed by narrow-minded statements that would stereotype and generalize like this that most likely don't apply at your campus. i truly hope you go to a school on a campus like mine where there is no discrimination by any of the sororities about this kinda stuff... i wouldn't be a part of greek life here if there was.

i certainly didn't join my sorority to party hearty, i joined because i liked what i had found out about the organization's structure, the fact that new members were equals within the chapter with initiated members, but MOST importantly the amazing feeling of friendship and loyalty that i felt before i was even a member.

my advice to you is to find out as much info about the organizations on your campus as you can, see how you feel going through recruitment, be yourself, and feel for where you would fit in best -- and listen to uofil axo :D
you'll be fine!

Smiley21, at the risk of being redundant, explore all of your options and choose what's right for you!! Don't be swayed by the prejudices of others.

Above all, enjoy your time of recruitment, and be sure to let us know how everything is going for you! GreekChat is nothing if not the most supportive group to run your opinions by, so please know that we are here for you!

Good luck - may you choose the house you love, and love the house you choose!

honeychile

smiley:) 21,

You have some of the best people in the world giving you advice on this site!

I have no clue what race, religion, or color they are by the signatures. Really I do not care less as these are all Great People! Yes we have our differneces, but hell that is what a family is all about! Yes we are a big family!!!

I am a member of a NIC Fraternity and I have Brothers from all of the above!

I suggest that you look and see if any fit with the type of personalaties that you would feel good with!

You will know when you meet the Ladies of the Soroitys!

The very best for you and dont worry, you will find the niche for you to be in! I am sure you will do well!

:cool:

As honeychile said screw them and do the best for you! You are the most important part of the of the formula!:)

Re: Re: Re: It comes down to this
 

I just wish you knew....because you don't know...and if you think you know...then you certainly didn't know....because you thought you knew....

I honestly don't see how it would matter. I know my sorority is based on Christian Ideals and I'm Jewish. When I went through rush I fell in love with the girls and they inturn with me. I do know of one PNM who when going through rush asked a girl (of another sorority) about the diverseness of the girls her reply was, "well we have girls with brown hair, blond hair, strait hair,curly hair...". She told me this story during recruitment, all I could do was smile and nod. All I can say is every school and every sorority is different but I know for a fact that most NPC sororities would love to have more diverseness, it spices up life.

Good Luck in watever your decision is.

Re: Re: Re: Re: It comes down to this
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Tibi
[B]Ohhh...welcome back, lol.

Now you know there's actually a more vivid memory...at initiation. But I won't go there. ;):p

Delta Gamma looks for women of all races, religions, and cultures! When going through recruitment, we don't even notice skin color, we are looking for personality, heart, desire, academics, etc...not for one cookie cutter person. Don't hesitate to go through rush. I can't even imagine how intimidating it must seem, to be one of the few minorities brave enough to go for it - but hold you head up high, be proud of who you are and that is when you'll truly find the place you belong!! As each group is keeping an open mind, you do the same and you'll do great! :D

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: It comes down to this
 

You are a female college student. Do what other female college students do when they want to go thru recruitment---DO IT! The mutual selection process is the same for everyone. Go with an open mind, look over the different groups and choose the place you feel is right for you.
Good Luck!

Smiley,
Welcome to GC. The vast majority of GC-ers are very happy active members of their respective organizations or people who are otherwise interested in GLO's. Please don't let the negativity of some people get in the way of your ultimate goal.

My recommendation is to go through recruitment and get a feel for what each chapter is like. In my experience, the majority of my chapter is made up of minority members and all of the other NPC sororities on my campus are extremely diverse. Please do not be apprehensive about going through recruitment or even pledging because you don't look exactly like the women in your chapter. As a woman and as a college student you have the ability to share in sisterhood regardless of your race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual preference, etc.

Good luck!

thank you guys. this helps alot.

If we are all urging smiley21 to keep an open mind, why don't we do the same?

There are misguided sororities of any type out there, and it's important to realize that just because they are NPC/NPHC/MCGLO, that does not necessarily mean they are perfect and what is best. Dionysus's opinions (however hotly disputed) are evidence of this. Whatever kind of sorority, look for what is best for you!! Keep your eyes and ears open for things that you like-strong sisterhood, good philanthropy, active social schedules-and things that could lead to trouble-hazing, excessive drinking, weak sisterhood.

Good luck with your search and be sure to post your recruitment story! :)

hey
 

hey smiley21 check your pm box...

I am a young black woman that is in a NPC sorority. I have been very active within my sorority for the past 2 years. I feel that I need to share some things with you.

I went through rush just for fun not really wanting to join a sorority, but to see what it was like. I really love all the sororities on my campus, but I absouletly (sp?) fell in love with Sigma Kappa the frist time that I stepped in that door. They saw me for me personality, academics, sports, and leadership. But when I went through rush there were 2 other minorities going through rush, and you know where they ended up? They are my sisters of Sigma Kappa sorority. We never met until the first night of rush :)

But there are some people who will look at your skin color first. There was one sorority in particular that did that to me. I knew right off the bat that they did not want me because I was black. They treated me so different from the other people in my group. Just be aware of that, because it does happend.

Also do your homework about NPHC sororities. I did mine before I went through rush. But my campus only has one NPHC and they are not the right sorority for me. But do not exclude NPHC out because they are only for black people. There was an article in Ebony magazine about a year and half ago about white members in NPHC fraternities and sororities.

I hope that helps you out.

One heart, One way
Sigma Kappa

touchy subject

i'm black and because the nphc sorority that i wanted wasn't on my campus but i soooo badly wanted to be greek. i rushed npc.

i went through rush with this preconceived notion that no one was going to want me. . .because i was the oddball and everyone else was blonde with the exception of a brunette. the brunette and i ended up hanging out all during rush. we didn't think we'd get in anything.

i thought that i was going to get cut after the first night. however, i ended up getting invited back to all of the sororities including the 'it' sorority. on into the week, i got cut from one sorority because of GPA but then again, so did half of the rush group. anyway, by the last night, i was torn between the 'it' sorority and phi sigma sigma. i cried for an hour because i didn't want to cut someone in the event that i didn't get either sorority. however, after talking to my rho chi, i made the heartfelt decision and put phi sigma sigma as my choice.

the greatest feeling was on bid day, i was so nervous that i waited as long as possible to go get my bid card. but when i went down to get it and walked out with my rush class. . .the phi sigs tackled me to the ground. i swear i wanted to start crying there.

so, if you go through rush(and unless you feel like they are blatantly not wanting you because of race), you'll end up with a group.

i am now vice archon of my chapter. . .and the brunette. . .well, she's my archon.


'We ain't going nowhere. . .we can't be stopped.. .because we're Phi Sigs for life. . .' (P. Diddy version by dj Mo B)

Smiley21, just be sure to come back and let us know what you've decided! :cool: