WHATS UP WITH AUXILIARY GROUPS?
 

I was wondering exactly what are all the Auxiliary groups? The only ones I have ever seen was Kappa Sweethearts. I did not any other exist until I ran into this girl who said she was "pledging" Que Pearls. The way she was telling it, it was the Ques that were pleding her. Then I ran across the Sigma Doves before in on of these forums. Do all the frats have one? Is it really legal for a group pf women to call themselves Kappa this or Que that? I jusr recently heard that the sororities have guys that are in this type of groups. Is that true? What are they called? When I saw those sweethearts they were head to toe in Krimson and Kream. Some even have nalia? How many are out there? What exactly is that they are supposed to be? Do they have websites and forums and actual pledge processes like greeks? Do they function like Greeks? Sorry so many questions Just curious about this though `

Hi prettygyrl,

These organizations were banned by the NPHC organizations back in 1990. (The exception for Iota Phi Theta's sweethearsts. They didn't join the NPHC until after the ban and their sweethearts are 'legal'.) In some places they still exist but they are not officially affiliated with the fraternity they 'represent'. There are soooo many I couldn't possibly name them all. Just a few are Alpha Angels, Sigma Doves, Kappa Kourts, and Que Pearls. Yes, there were even some that the sororities had, like Zeta Knights and Delta Beaus. (I don't know the names of the AKA and SGRho groups) A lot of them do have 'nalia and there are places you can buy stuff for them. I have never run across an 'official' site for any of these groups, but there are a lot of 'chapter' websites out there. If you want to see some more just do a search on Blackplanet and I bet you can find a lot of members of these auxilliaries, lol. (Anyone who's ever been on BP knows what I am talking about!!)

Originally these groups were formed to 'assist' the members of the organization they were affiliated with. I have heard that some of them 'pledge'. They are not supposed to function like greek organization, but some of them do. (For example, stepping, doing calls, calling each other soror, etc.)

I hope I answered some of your questions!
ZetaAce


[This message has been edited by ZetaAce (edited June 27, 2000).]

In a nutshell, these type of auxilary groups were founded by NPHC-member orgs (I'm trying not to use BGLO in light of the other forum, but in using only NPHC, that implies that other predominately "African" GLOs didn't also use auxilary groups) to assist "pledges" in their pledging activites. Additionally, these groups also assisted the fraternity (or sorority less often) with service events and fundraisers. All fratnities and sororities had one, but each indiviual chapter subsequently created the infrustructure around it, which is why some auxilaries looked more like fraternities/sororities than the helpers they were originally intended to be.

These groups were banned in 1990 when pledging was banned and MIP instituted. I do not believe these groups are formally recognized any longer by the individual organziations, although they seem to never completely die on collegiate campuses.

Everyone you will talk to will have a different opinion on these auxilary groups, from tolerance to dislike to genuine affection. From my perspective, I would not join one at this time because they ARE NOT recognized and if I'm going to dedicate my time and talent for an organziation, I want to be recognized for my accomplishemnts: therefore I joined a SORORITY. At any rate, I would NEVER be "pledged" by men (period) to earn one of THEIR letters, when I could "pledge" to earn three of my own.

Keep in mind, however, that most of these same organziations have youth and adult auxilaries that ARE legal. Zeta Phi Beta, for example has Zeta Amicae (adult women without college degrees since 1948), Zeta Archonettes, Amicettes and Pearlettes (young women and girls) and Zeta Male Network (men in the lives of Zetas)--all of which are legally sactioned.

2 more cents:

Some WGLOs used to have sweethearts groups too!

ZetaAce

I agree with you 100%!!

For Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, our auxillary group was the Sigma Rhomeo. And for the most part these were the boyfriends and husbands of sorority members--and their rolse was to assist us with projects, community service, and such.

But as stated before, our association with the group was dissolved in 1990. But if I am not mistaken, some (not all) of these auxillary groups have since become incorporated entities on there own...(The Fraternal Order of Sigma Rhomeo, Krimson Kourt, Inc...). Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!

I have a serious question about the incorporation of auxilary groups. I heard this before that they are separate but "official." How can they be considered incorporated if they have different names- (i.e.- kappa sweethearts, diamonds or kourts, omega gems or pearls) If someone knows if these groups have a national headquarters somewhere, please let me know.

Thanks everyone for all your responses! i really appreciate it.

C&C: some orgs Do have headquarters.

Women of Omega, for one, is headquartered in FL.

As a former Alpha Angel, I feel I have to lend my two cents to this topic. When I "pledged" (or whatever) the group, they were still legal and there was a rather large number of auxillaries out there. On my campus there were two, Kappa Diamonds and Alpha Angels. I was selected to join the group during a summer program held on campus for incoming freshman. Unfortunately we were too "naive" to really see what this (particular) group was all about. Basically, we were around to boost the Alphas egos and run errands for them while they pledged. After 3 months, I walked!

Many auxillaries claim they are viable alternatives to sororities! While they might be for some, they aren't for women who seek true sisterhood and want to be involved in community service. They are mostly for women who: 1) have (bad) reasons for not joining a sorority or 2) love being used by frat boys!

My chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha used to have a group called the Crescent Club, from our symbol, the Cross and Crescent. I'm not sure how this worked, but in our formal, with all of our composites, are a few Crescent Club composites. I'm pretty sure it hasn't been around for 10 years or so. I don't have the composites handy though. I'm not sure if or when the Fraternity stopped recognizing, or ever did recognize these groups though.

Steve Corbin
Lambda Chi Alpha International Fraternity
Theta Kappa Zeta Chapter
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Technology

Prettygyrl, At one time, we had MIAKAs (pronounced meeahhkas) on our yard --- Men Interested In AKAs. Our campus also had Delta Gents, Kappa Diamonds, Alpha Sweethearts, Que Pearls, & Sigma Doves.

Out of the Blue, sorry you had such an awful experience. I was a Kappa Diamond (I suppose you could call me a Silhouette now) and we assisted in fund raising for the chapter.
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>>>"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised... Proverbs 31:29-30



[This message has been edited by tickledpink (edited June 29, 2000).]

just to add my 22 cents, I know that the Sigma Rhomeos are now the Fraternal Order of Classy Gentleman and they actually have their own little sister group. All the Rhomeos I have met have contacted me a sister and I have much love for them.

This is something I took from a Rhomeo page


"The Classy Gentlemen of Sigma Rhomeo, was established on the campus of
Prairie View A&M University, in the year 1980, in efforts to fulfill the
accomplishments of the Greek lettered Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Inc.
The purpose of the Elite young men was to enhance brotherhood, social
awareness, participation, and development, through social programs. This
was prepared to strengthen the University's educational and cultural
objectives. In the fall of 1990, all Greek organizations disbanded their
affiliates. As a result our name was changed to The Fraternal Order of
Classy Gentlemen, in order to continue functioning as a social and cultural
vehicle at universities.
The Fraternal Order of Classy Gentlemen has marked well in changing the
University's atmosphere and controversial nature of the fraternal system.
The Classy Gents have realized the necessity for responsible behavior and
sincere contributions for combined objectives of public image and personal
growth. The Classy Gents established itself as an instrument of intellectual
attainment, creativity, and academic excellence. The social function of the
Classy Gents provides a variety of social situations to prepare its members
for social awareness and maturity, which in return provides the vehicle
whereby lasting friendships are built through fraternity life."


If I am wrong about anything, just let me know

Since many of the people who posted to you are NOT a member of an auxillary group, I will try to answer your questions. I "pledged" Que Pearl some time ago. We were NOT pledged by men nor are we anyone's errand runners, etc. Yes we did/do assist the bruh's in community service projects as well as do community service projects of our own. We are NOT a sorority nor should we be considered as such. Calls, sign, colors, etc. doNOT make our organization. Please check out Black Planet. I have a site there as well as some of my sisters. You will see that we are highly educated (BS, Masters, & Doctorates), community leaders, successful business women (lawyers, doctors, CEOs, music executives, teachers), wives, and mothers. Just because we chose to join an auxillary organization dosen't make us any less of strong, beautiful, black women. Many of us have officially incorporated, thus Women of Omega Social Service Organization, Inc. We are a social service organization, NOT a sorority. I have accomplished more than many people will in their entire lives, though I am not the type who has to be "recognized" for my accomplishments, I did it all with ONE letter on my chest.

Much Black Peace & Love,
Church Lady

P.S. Job offer still stands

I did it all with ONE letter on my chest.


So are you saying that there is something wrong with those of us who wear THREE letters on our chests? If not, then why did you end your post with this statement?

To get to your site Church lady do I just go to Black Planet.com? Is it under the name of church lady? I was just wondering about the auxiliary groups. i hope you did not take my question negatively. i just never really knew much about them.

Why is there someone out there who must always see the negative in someone's statement? She was simply defending her role in an auxiliary group. She realized that many people on this board may not know all that goes along with being a member of an auxiliary group (many people obviously have the wrong impression of members of these groups). She wanted to inform everyone that her group was involved in volunteer and community service activities as well, so we should not think negatively about her organization.

Sorry, Church Lady for responding on this topic, but I see so much of this on this board and I had to say something.

Church lady, I ama amember of Black planet and would like to stop by your page, what is your handle on Blackplanet.

Pretty girl i ddon't know if you are a member or not of Blackplanet, but I think that if you are not, you would really enjoy it. I have seen many of your posts and though we do disagree sometimes, We agree a lot of times too. On BlackPlanet there are an abundance of BGLO members and there are also very interesting message boards there too. If you would like to join just go to http://www.blackplanet.com

im just a little confused about the comment made by selacious in her/his reply that said pledging was "banned" in 1990... what exactly are you talking about because i have never heard of such a ban. also, blog's are not the only ones that had auxiliary groups.... i know for a fact that the sigma chi's on my campus had a group in the 1980s that was called the little sisters of sigma chi that actually pledged and had pledging activities in order to get in. some of the founding sisters of my chapter were once in this group.

i meant bglo not blog in my last reply... sorry http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Theta Phi Alpha- She is only refferring to the NPHC groups. They were officially banned back in 1990. (I don't know if/when they were banned in the other groups.)

ZetaAce

Hey . i just want to respond a lil bit. Even though I am MePhiMe, I was never able to understand why women just didn't pledge if they wanted to be apart of something? On blackplanet the Kappa sweethearts have soooo many sites on there its funny. And they be dead serious. They have there line name, line sistas, chapter and they wear nalia. whats the point? I have yet to find out. If u wanted to become there sister why not join the sorority ..Aka/Alpha,Delta/Omega etc..I just don't get it.Can someone help me to understand..
ps My name on bp is MsC-Dlite so all blackplanet users hit me up and i'll do the same.

<<Just because we chose to join an auxillary organization dosen't make us any less of strong, beautiful, black women.>>
--I agree with this! There seems to be so much disrespect for auxilary organizations, without the realization that in many cases, they do serve an actual purpose. For example, what about a woman, who didn't go to college, but has a husband who's in a fraternity, and she and other women in her situation want to help out with community service projects on behalf of their husbands' fraternities? I think in cases such as these, there's nothing wrong with auxilary organizations. There's no reason to disrespect someone based on circumstances. Oh, and some women have perfectly viable reasons for not joining a sorority...the reasons don't have to be "bad".

[This message has been edited by AlphaChiGirl (edited July 03, 2000).]

Just my opinion here-

A woman should never, ever join an organization because she wants to be the 'soror' of a male frat. She should join a sorority based on the merits of the organization not so she can 'be down with' the frat. If a woman told me that she wanted to be a Zeta because she want to be the Sigma's soror, you better believe she is getting a no vote from me!

ZetaAce

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AlphaChiGirl:
There seems to be so much disrespect for auxilary organizations, without the realization that in many cases, they do serve an actual purpose. For example, what about a woman, who didn't go to college, but has a husband who's in a fraternity, and she and other women in her situation want to help out with community service projects on behalf of their husbands' fraternities?

((smile)). It certainly was not my intent to sound like I was disrespecting auxliaries. I got the impression the question was about collegiate auxiliaries within the NPHC, which are now illegal, and have been since 1990 in that particular form. And in reviewing the thread, I didn't see anyone actually disrespect these groups or the women who've joined (since all sororities have former auxilary members within them, it would be a bit hypocrtical to condem the women who've joined auxilaries, eh)? All I've seen are folks' personal opinions about the groups as a whole today. In fact, this thread was tame compared to many thread's I've seen on this topic in the past!

As I'd pointed out, there ARE legally sanctioned auxilaries within Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and I'm sure most other GLOs, that help spouses and others become involved in the service of said organziation. Zeta's adult auxilaries are Zeta Amicae and Zeta Male Network. It sounds like the Women of Omega Social Service Organziation is another. This, though is a different issue than if a woman joined "Que Pearls" or a man "Zeta Knights" in Y2K, I think, thus my opinion on the topic. Hope this clarifies my post.

I'm uneducated here, so someone help me out?

Do you have to be a college student to be in an auxillary group? I thought you did, but maybe I'm wrong.

Help?

blu_theatrics:

I think the original post was indeed speaking about college auxilliary groups. Like sorority and fraternity affiliated ones (banned) and you usually do have to be in college. Someone added a post about other types of auxilliary groups that are actually sanctioned. Her/his example was about a woman who doesn't go to coolege but has a husband in a frat and joins the auxilliary of that group. That's different.

I have heard of such groups and they do serve a great purpose (not that the college affiliated ones don't). I have always been too headstrong to join a group based on the affiliation of my significant other. For example, there is a woman who is trying to start a Western chapter of the "Wives of Morehouse Men Auxilliary" (not the actual name). Then again her husband is the President of this regions Morehoue Alumni Association so maybe she feels like she needs to do that. But why? If they raise funds, that's one thing. But they intend to hold meetings when the husbands do, in a different room of the house. Why? I just can't see me doing that. My boyfriend said that if I were to become the wife of a Morehouse man http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif I would be "dying" to join the "club." I looked at him like he was crazy http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

I wonder what he meant by that anyways...hmmm
http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif

I just have to respond after reading all these responses on the purpose of being in a auxilliary group. Please don't take this in a offensive way but I just had to add my opinion.

I decided to be a Kappa Sweetheart when I was a sophomore in college. It wasn't a matter of trying to be a "soror" to a fraternity or trying to clean up after any of the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. And I REFUSE to BELIEVE that any of my other Diamond sisters chose to join for that purpose. I get SOOOOO TIRED of people thinking that people who join auxilliary groups do so because they are weak minded or not strong enough to join a "real sorority". If I wanted to join a sorority, I would've done so. I am a strong black woman, and I don't search for a group to make me or define who I am. I found a group of women who had similar interest as me and who were down to earth and I chose to become a part of their organization. I can join any organization that I wish to join. Just because it is not "recognized" as a part of the NPHC...I DON'T CARE!! I don't have to be recognized by ANYONE in order to serve the community. Okay, so we are not recognized by the NPHC - we will still continue to exist. As a matter of fact, some schools are changing the names of the organization so they are not automatically affiliated with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. I mean, sometimes the attitudes of people are "if you don't have these 3 letters on your chest, you CAN'T be incorporated, you can't exist, why would you even want to JOIN an organization with just ONE LETTER..." At the time, it was what I wanted for myself and I don't regret any of it.

And not ONCE, EVER during my process of becoming a Kappa Diamond did I subject myself to behavior that was not indicative of a lady. I DID NOT clean up after ANY member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc...I DID NOT run errands and do things that I thought I should not do...basically, I don't take any sh*t, from anyone, Greek or otherwise...

...now on another, lighter note, I do respect all that Greek organizations stand for and do. My intentions when choosing an auxialiary group was not to step on the toes of ANY member of a 3 lettered greek organization. Actually, that was the last thing on my mind. A matter of fact, I do want to join a sorority in the future. And I feel that the experience I've had in being in an auxiallary organization has helped me understand what being in a organization is all about. It takes a lot of time, effort, planning and heart. So much props to 3 lettered organizations and just please try to understand why people become sweethearts. It's not to try to be greek, at least not for me.

I have read all of the above posts and just have to add my 22 cents. I became an Alpha Sweetheart a long time ago. I did it because I was just young and trying to be cute and fit in with the black greeks on campus at that time. I was also honored that they would ask me to do this. I was not pledged and didn't do anything degrading but I was there for them because the brothers on line at that time were my friends before they pledged and I wanted to help them.
I was told by another Alpha sweet at Howard that the Alpha Angels do pledge and that was a step towards getting into a sorority. I see nothing wrong with being in an auxiliary group. When I meet Alpha men now they tell me I am a sweetheart for life even though I am now very busy with my sorority. I think these organizations are good and positive because they do help each other. I just don't think anyone should be "pledged" in order to become a member. So anyone who reads this and is being pledged or intends to be -- I don't think they should do it!! JUST MY OPINION.

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BE POSITIVE!!!

Hey everybody,
I have been on several sites and this issue somehow always manages to come up. I was a member of an auxillary group and am now a member of a BGLO and my experiences taught me that, "The way that you carry yourself, is the way you will be treated."

Auxillary groups were basically in existence for fun and fellowship. Since most people can't join a sorority or fraternity when they are freshmen in college, some choose to join auxillary groups. It doesn't take the place of a sorority or fraternity, but it's done or supposed to be done all in fun.

I think that some of us need to lighten up. Meaning, it's just a group, nothing to feel threatened by and nothing to get ****y about.

In no way do intend to offend anyone by this post, I suppose I just needed to vent a little.

Supafly



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Let me start by saying that the NPHC does not and cannot legislate policy for any member organization. Not regarding intake, not regarding auxiliaries or anything else. That's not how the NPHC works.

In some instances, the NPHC groups will make collaborative decisions in the interest of unity and the greater good but each of the nine groups retains its own governance and autonomy regarding its business and operational affairs. The key point is that the NPHC is a collaborative organization -- not an umbrella organization. Sometimes that distinction is blurred or lost -- this seems an appropriate time to clear it up. Now, on to the issue at hand.

"Iota Sweethearts" are definitely recognized as a legitimate auxiliary to our Fraternity. This has its roots in the early days of the Fraternity. Before the present days of our being NPHC members, life on many campuses for Iota chapters was brutal. If not for our Hearts, we literally didn't have anyone who "had our backs." The Sweethearts have been there for us time after time after time.

We feel so strongly about our Sweethearts that we actually have a woman who holds the title "Eternal Sweetheart." Her name is Miss Audrey Brooks and she is in her late 80's (She will never tell us her exact age - when asked, she always tells us she is 99 years old! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif)

As background, Miss Brooks was an administrator at Morgan State University in the early 1960s and she did many "behind the scenes" things for Iota to protect us from those individuals in the power structure who were trying to do serious harm to the organization.

Miss Brooks actually attended our recent Conclave (Oakland, CA, August 1999) and participated in a workshop for Iota Wives and Sweethearts. She is revered by all Brothers and Sweethearts of Iota and has a special place in our history. (Her son was actually a member of the first pledge line of Iota Phi Theta in 1964!)

With that in mind, there is an important point that should be made here: Unlike Diamonds, Pearls, Angels, et al., Iota Sweethearts never "pledged." They were always there to help and support Brothers and Chapters of Iota Phi Theta. This was always a mainstay of the concept of Sweethearts ... men cannot and do not pledge women.

In the Sweetheart Workshop at Conclave, Miss Brooks made the statement, "The Purpose of Iota Sweethearts is to smile and be gracious on behalf of Iota. Anything else is inappropriate." I like that - I like it a lot. It goes to the heart of the matter and it sets the tone for our involvement with young women who choose to support us. Sweethearts are not Brothers, they are not members of a fraternal organization -- they are an auxiliary.



[This message has been edited by IotaNet (edited October 28, 2000).]

IotaNet- I was not trying to imply that the NPHC legislates the policy for any of our organizations, that's why I said that the NPHC organizations banned the sweetheart orgs. Just want to clarify.

ZetaAce

I already know that many people will disagree with me about the purpose of auxilliary organzations...but I felt it necessary to add my $.06...

Here goes...many argue that at inception of these groups in the early 1900's, that these groups operated as a training ground for future AKAs, DELTAs, KAPPAs and what not..They had there own community service, helped out with the affiliate BGLO. And were probably on the Royalty court of that org.

However, today many of these organizations (if still in existence) act like groupies.
I've seen it first-hand, I've talked to many and even know some...

I am NOT trying to say that they can't be supportive well running groups...but they can be especially detrimental to the reputations of young (naive) black women! I think that is a shame!

Many of these women (and men) get pimped out. Sometimes these organizations form out of rivalry (or lack of support)from the "counterpart" org. I assert that they sometimes get in the crossfire of BGLOs own issues...and end up getting hurt in the process. (such as barred from membership to some BGLO in the future)

Many of them because of their affiliation with that auxillary, will not be allowed to join sororities or fraternities because some of the practices can be questionable...

As an example, I was at a step show and I saw
XYZ Sweethearts come on stage, sit in chairs, while XYZ fraternity pretended to be performing cunnilingus under sheets with whipcream...After which, the frat. pulled out thongs panties from under the sheets...while the sweethearts through up their sign and acted like they had just done something spectacular...every sorority in the audience was appauled!!!!!
As I've heard since, many of these girls will not EVER be looked at as aspirants because their behavior was not ladylike!....I also question the intent of any chapter of XYZ fraternity that would oversexualize our sisters in that type of manner...

As such, my suggestion...is not to join em until you find out exactly how they function and how they will effect your reputation on campus or in life.

I don't want my daughter joining (pledging) A SWEETS even though I'm an ALPHA...it just may not benefit her the way it might have 90 years ago...Further, those organizations are not supposed to exist and are not sanctioned in most BGLOs.

In the spirit of ALPHA,

I am,

The Ice Cold Kreator...

Small Note: Usually the counterparts of the particular BGLO does not look upon sweethearts favorably!

Are these auxillary groups only affiliated with BGLO's? I noticed Sigma Doves in some of these postings. I am a Sigma Kappa and the Dove is one of our symbols...is there a relation?

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif Talk about your bad judgement calls...

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

No, the Sigma Doves being referred to here are 'affiliated' with another group, Phi Beta Sigma Fratenity, Inc.

ZetaAce

Thanks Zetace...

i think it is very telling that the alpha gentleman would not want his daughter to be an alpha angel and my daddy would pass out if i ever mentioned being a kappa sweetheart and he is an old head kappa 'sp 62. when i dated a kappa, he did not speak very highly of the diamonds either.

Delta Beaus are in NO WAY affliated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc!

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Director #2
LMAC
Spr 99

Peace & Blessings

Greetings all.
FYI-The Sigma Doves were founded in order to show young ladies the light to Zeta.
Needless to say, that noble intention went haywire...but, the thought was well meant.
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SapphireSensation
RoyalBlueDivaDivine
The Epitome of Finerwomanhood