BGLOs DO NOT DEPLEDGE!!!
 

Just so folks will know...you can't depledge a Black Greek Letter Organization.

Once you become a member, YOU ARE A MEMBER FOR LIFE!

Some of our organizations will expel you for inappropriate actions and common expressions about that include..."my letters maybe slipping off my chest."

However, this very very rare.

For our organizations, its very important that you know what you want to be before you join...and most importantly be chosen!

While this is a difference, it shouldnt discourage those from joining.

When members of our organizations graduate they (should) transfer into graduate/alumni chapters. Also, it is possible to pledge a BGLO after college graduation. We really stress a life time of service through the organization....and in many cases the Grad Chapters monetarily support the infrastructure and leadership of the organization.

Our organizations in order are:
ALPHA PHI ALPHA Fraternity, Inc. -- 1906
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA Sorority, Inc. -- 1908
KAPPA ALPHA PSI Fraternity, Inc. -- 1911
OMEGA PSI PHI Fraternity, Inc. -- 1911
DELTA SIGMA THEATA Sorority, Inc. -- 1913
PHI BETA SIGMA Fraternity, Inc. -- 1914
ZETA PHI BETA Sorority, Inc. -- 1920
SIGMA GAMMA RHO Sorority, Inc. -- 1922
IOTA PHI THETA Fraternity, Inc. -- 1963

I hope this shed some light on this area of concern so that you can find a match for your interests.

By the way, I am brother of ALPHA PHI ALPHA -- The First of ALL BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS.

While everyone can't be first...there is much love for my bruhz and sisters throughout the BGLOs...continue to work (on another level)

In the spirit of ALPHA,

I am,

The Ice Cold Kreator

No disrespect intended, but Alpha Phi Alpha was NOT the first BGLO. It is just the oldest to date. The first was actually Sigma Pi Phi, which began in Pennsylvania.

No disrespect either. BGLOs may not call it depledging but I have known a couple of guys to "drop line". Even after all the research and getting "on line" (I know that term isn't really used any more), they found that the individual chapter didn't live up to their personal expectations.

Being an "ABC" on the national level said something, but the individual chapter was something left to be desired.

While Sigma Pi Phi did begin in 1902 (I think), commonly known as the Boule', it is not a member of the BGLO...as well, it was not started by students in college...It was started by Professionals, Graduates of College fully ensconced into thier careers...

This remains a highly selective and worthy institutions of Black America (and America at large) but hardly can it be considered a member of the same league of organizations that we are referring to.

Not because it's better are worse...its different...

It would be a Black Greek Organizations...but can not be considered as the start of it all...

That's just my opinion...but I do thank you for your insight Sweetie Pie

In the Spirit of ALPHA,

I am,

Ice Cold Kreator...

I completely agree with you. I really wish that Fraternity (and Sorority) members would stay on each others cases about how they represent their organization. So many bad apples make the bunch seem atrocious - which in their purest form are supposed to be wonderful and vehicles for unity and service.

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"Know your TRUE history"

Ice Cold ....you are admirable. It is nice to see a courteous receptor of information rather than a defensive fool. You are A true Alpha MAN I see!!!!!! Its obvious that you know your history and are comfortable with your choice to join.

Just to clarify the terms I'm using:

Depledge = to quit pledging BEFORE YOU ARE INITIATED.

Terminate, disaffiliate, deactivate = to surrender your membership (or be expelled) after you have been initiated. (I think the term you use depends on the org &/or school)

Inactive = still a member but not participating for a number of reasons.

So Ice Cold Kreator, are we talking about the same thing? Does MIP have anything to do with this? (Slap me with a wet noodle if I'm not supposed to know.)

And just to toss in my $.01...

Sigma Pi Phi, was the first BGLO (1902), but no they are not members of the NPHC. Alpha Phi Alpha is the first collegiate BGLO.

People DO disaffiliate from the BGLO they are members of.

ZetaAce

I didn't know that you could turn your pin in!

Is that common place in Zeta...cause I've never heard of that happening in any of the others....

If this is a little much...just e-mail what you can...

Alright

No, it's not common by any means. But it does happen in ALL of the NPHC organizations. For example, there is a guy that used to post on here by the name of Fred Hatchett, he was an Omega, and no longer associates himself with Omega. He believes that being in a GLO is contrary to the preachings of the bible, and thus chose to 'disaffiliate'.

ZetaAce

Disclaimer: The word disaffiliate, is my choice of words and not those of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. or of the NPHC!

I wholeheartedly agree with your statement. However, the guys that I know wanted to be apart of this particular national because of everything that it represents. There are other chapters in the state that are very strong and do the national justice.

On the other hand, the chapter in question was weaker (less than 10 actives). The two guys wanted to pledge (not the PC word any more) and become active to turn things around. That didn't happen. While on line (slang term for the new member period before initiation), the majority of the actives were "frivolous" but things got worse as time progressed. It was all about the next party and no service, which was the main thing that the guys wanted to change. It got to be too much and the guys quit before initiation. The chapter lost its national recognition the following semester.

It was a shame.

Thanx Sweetiepie...I try

Zeta Ace...I'm not familiar of any process in which you can disaffiliate...and I have friends across all BGLOs.

I can for sure say that doesn't happen in ALPHA...while you can go inactive you can't choose to be not a brother or a soror...

In fact, one of my friends would like to give up membership to her sorority b/c of various reasons...but there is no way to do that....except to get thrown out...

to 33 girl -- yes you can "drop line"...but I was under the impression that depleding occurs after one has been ininitiated in to the NPHC or NPC. MIP is the process in which you go through to become a member

Meme...While every organization has its problems, all people should be judged individualy regardless of rep....Members are just as good as the chapter that they serve in...I'll say it again as I've said before..."if your organization projects frivality..then the people that will want to join will be frivolous!!"

That's Kind of an open Issue...

In the spirit of ALPHA,

I am,

Ice Cold Kreator

When I say disaffiliate, I mean you turn in your pin to Nationals and you no longer claim membership in the organization. (I'm not saying that is the official term in anyone's org, just using it as a means of description.)

ZetaAce

[This message has been edited by ZetaAce (edited August 03, 2000).]

I completely appreciate your pride in Alpha Phi Alpha. A close friend of mine is one of your Frat.

However, I think that is important that you realize that sororities and fraternities that are not historically black take just as much pride and consideration in who they invite into their sisterhood/brotherhood.

I'm not saying that all houses feel or act in this way, but the same can be said of any black sorority or fraternity. Though all chapters of Greek organizations share similar beliefs and practices, each chapter differs from another. So, it is completely feasible that any particular chapter of a national may be less picky or concerned about potential or pledging members.

Thanks

Kim

No, depledging (at least in the NPC sense) means dropping out after pledging, but BEFORE being initiated into full-fledged membership.

I have also heard of this "depledging". There is a girl on my campus who "turned in" her letters when she started dating a guy who considered sororities high class gangs. He really must have changed her views.

You can't renounce your membership once you join? That sounds like on Seinfeld when George was trying to break up with Susan. She wouldn't let him. Personally, if there is someone who joins my fraternity and then down the road decides he doesn't want to be affiliated with it, he can quit. I don't want a brother who doesn't want to be my brother. I'll do everything in my power to find out why, and try to reason with him not to, but if it comes down to it, he can quit.

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

Hello all,
I find this discussion quite intriguing!
I know of some members of BGLO's in Arkansas who actually denounced their letters.
They actually burned their letters because their pastor strictly forbad it. There were Alphas, AKA's, Zetas, Sigmas, and Deltas. I actually talked to one who considered himself a "former" member of Alpha Phi Alpha. He told me that he denounced the organization and burned his letters.
The thought of that was just repulsive. I literally had to retain my physical being to act rational with this guy! These are people who know everything about your organization....secrets, rituals etc, and they don't hesitate on giving non-members any/all information!
I have never heard of an official process where people turn their pin in though.

I've also heard of BGLO members renoucing their organizations and turning in their letters. On my campus, several women did it for religious reasons. But they wrote letters to Nationals relinquishing their memberships, turning in their pin, and sending back their letters. They also burned their paraphanelia!

Hey all:

I have a question that (for the sake of my Beloved Sorority) doesn't sound ignint (ignorant).

When I wrote an earlier post and referred to the woman who "burned her letters" I meant that she actually burned her paraphernalia that obviously had her sorority letters emblazoned across the front/side/wherever.

However, I am interested to know what "letters" people are referring to when they say that he/she "burned his/her "letters."

Is it the actual "letter" that is received from Nationals or some other "letters" that are being referred to? Or are people using "letters" meaning 'nalia' with "letters" interchangeably?

Just asking. I think that the term "letters" has different meaning for different organizations (especially between NPHC/IFC/NPC).

Just let a sistah know whatcha sayin'...

[This message has been edited by DELTABRAT (edited August 08, 2000).]

When I say "Letters" I mean the shirt I was given when I joined my fraternity. It's a football type jersey, made of heavy cotton, with nothing but our letters across the front, about 8 inches high. Any time I speak of anything else with symbols or letters on it, a hat, party t-shirt, dress shirt, etc. i just call it my Lambda Chi hat, Pig Roast shirt, or Around the World shirt, or whatever the theme happened to be.

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

Thanks for the input. That's what I thought in the first place but thatnks for confirming.

Anyone have a different idea or I'll just assume it's what we all meant.

Hey all:

Interesting topic.

I have never heard of anyone de-pledging their organization.

I have hears of one member of a sorority burning her letters (similar to what icytre referred to). She simply denounced her organization. Similarly, my best friend (from high school) is in another organization and she recently told me that someone at work found out she was an XYZ and she knew another lady there was too. She basically hoped no one would find out. She said when people give her the "call" she doesn't return it and says "I am not into that anymore."

I have a problem with that. She even stated that when she pledged that she really thought it would be a lifetime thing. She is now saved and doesn't feel that the lifestyle coincides with that of Christianity. I remember when she first crossed her parties were off the hinges like WHOA!!!

In that case I can understand why she would feel that way BUT everyone who pledges DOES NOT become a party animal so I don't see a reason to denounce on GP.

I will never do this. I don't feel my lifestyle as a DELTA is contradictory to my lifestyle as a Christian woman (it never has been)while some of the other things I was doing prior to DELTA may have been http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif...if that were the case, I would be denouncing a whole lotta stuff http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif...

Peace out!!!

This entire discussion is starting to sound cult-like.People can leave these organizations at any time. Why would you want someone to belong to your group when they dont really want to be there anymore? Thats so counterproductive. Before anyone gets too high and mighty, let me just say that part of being human is learning whats good for you and who you are as you go along. It doesnt end at 21 or when you join whatever, its a life long journey. Alot of the girls in my house stray or outright leave by senior year. I hate to say this but some of you are sounding like the gangs on Montel Williams who dont "let people leave."

[A high school teacher of mine "was" a member of a BGLO and renounced her membership when she was saved as well. She said, as I have seen here a few times, that it was contrary to her Christian beliefs....I am not a member of a BGLO, but my understanding was that hey were built upon Christian Principles by God-fearing men and women. (Please correct me if I am wrong)

I suppose it is up to the person to decide what is contrary to thier beliefs. I know people who, after being saved, stoped listning to secular (sp?) music, playing cards, dancing, etc...You have to make those decisions. Although I can't see where working in th ecommunity could possibly go against any Christion philoshophy. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif

But BURNING letters? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/eek.gif I am a member of OES and while our "letters" might be diferent than those of BGLOs, I say with some bit of confidence that they are both SACRED. I don't even put my T-SHIRTS with OES on them on the floor unless it's laundry day! (And I'm pretty messy.. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif)
The thought of BURNING letters makes me cringe! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/mad.gif

Okay...I've rambled enough. And may have gotten away from the thread. SORRY :0

Peace

[This message has been edited by NicoleRey (edited August 17, 2000).]

Is anyone else concerned about the fanatacism here? I encourage a healthy appreciation for your house but the way some of you speak about it with such religious fervor, (again the whole cult theme comes to mind) I can understand why outsiders might think you see it as a religion. When its time to do the laundry my letters get tossed about like anything else. Nor do I think that our groups want to be worshipped as they appear to be by several of the BGLO members Ive seen post on this forum. All in all, I must say reading all this has taught me several things about other GLOs that I didnt know before

I see your point about burning your letters, that would not be my number one choice for "disposal." I think option number one should have been giving any and all 'nalia to a "former" soror/brother or sent it to HQ to be placed in the archives/museum. But after that, what else would someone who denounced do? They don't want to have anything to do with the org, so I think the "proper" way to "dispose" of 'naila you cannot give away is to burn it. We have enough issues with folks wearing letters that aren't theirs to begin with, why make it worse?

"none can leave" that is a strong statement. But consider this. If we are born into a family or adopted into a family as a child, no matter our actions we will always BE part of that family. We can legally remove affliation and distance ourselves physically and emotionally. But we are still part of the family no matter what.

Many apply this same concept to thier GO [Greek Organization]. Once you have initiated you are considered brother/sister by the organization, you are privilaged to "family" secrets and you are called to uphold responsiblites. Now, You can "leave" the organization (i.e. refuse to affliate, terminate communication and participation, cease to uphold your responsiblites). But you are part of the family and know about the family. Just like anything, people's participation within an organization will wax and wane. Some may find their pin after 20 years and realize what they had abandoned and return to the family.

Unforunitly, some memebers do completely turn their backs on their family and remove all possible connection with them in the future. And so do GO members...

I don't think any organization is a MEMBER of the BLGO..BLGO is not an organization. Perhaps you meant to say that Sigma Pi Phi is not a member of the NPHC.

I don't think he was referring to BGLO's as a governing body. Sigma Pi Phi is not considered a BGLO because it was a fraternal organization with its roots firmly planted in the professional world of African Americans. BGLO's tend to refer to collegiate students.

Sweetheart, I was simply referring to what was typed/posted. BGLO, FYI, means BLACK GREEK LETTER ORGANIZATIONS.

BTW, are you a member of a sorority in the NPHC?

One more correction, Shadytail, BGLO's not only refers to collegiates but to any organization primarily that is a part of the NPHC....that includes alumni chapters.

fIRST, i WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IT'S NICE WHEN WE CAN REFER TO ONE ANOTHER BY NAME (OR HANDLE). aND SINCE THIS IS A "FRIENDLY FORUM" mAY i ASK WHY YOU CHOOSE TO STAY UNREGISTERED. iF THAT IS OVERSTEPPING MY BOUNDRIES, i DIGRESS. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/frown.gif Pardon my SHOUTING. I didn't realize my Caps lock was on.

Anyway, you refer to "houses" and "our organizations"....Is my belief correct that you belong to the Masonic Brotherhood?
If it is and you are well versed, then you would know that my "letters" ARE sacred, not thought to be...They are. I take my Order seriously. And I think that "fanatisim and idolatry" are a bit much. We (those who have expressed themselves here) LOVE our respective organizations and hold them and the people in them in High regard. This is why I, personaly am appaled at some of the instances mentioned. Also, I do not portray my organization to be a religion, but an aid on the path that hopefully leads to the LORD. I do not attest to be the Perfect Christian, Muslim, Jew, etc..I simply believe that doing good things, having a good heart, and helping other will make you feel wonderful and (hopefully) put you in the good graces of Whomever you choose to call GOD. Cult thinking it is not. It is communial thinking. Thinking that assists not only one individual, but communites and societies. This is the thinking that is directly AND indirectly encouraged in the said orgs.

DISCLAIMER.........
The opinion stated above is mine alone and (may not be)the opinions of the others who vist, post or belong to said orgs. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif

As Always,
PEACE

NicoleRey:

I fully agree. I think people who may have been leading a sinful life "in the name of XYZ) may feel it necessary to denounce membership. I stated on another board (I think, it gets so confusing) that a friend of mine has denounced her sorority. But when she pledged it was on and crackin'. Her house was the spizot. She dated several of the men in her brother org. etc., etc. So to her, they life she lead as a "active' member of XYZ may be against her renewed Christianity.

I agree also that the thought of burning my letters makes me cringe as well.

I say your wedding page, too....NICE http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

PEACE

DELTABRAT-

Your post made me think of one of my sisters. I guess for some people it's easier to say "XYZ made me do it" than "I made me do it."

Brothers can leave the chapter, but, they never leave the bond. There are different ways of looking at this. From a "legal" perspective - anyone in LXA can go "inactive" - however, this means they no longer associate with the chapter, i.e. attend meetings, functions, initiations etc....Brothers can also be expelled for academic or financial reasons - which requires the chapter to gather their membership card, certificate, pin, etc....

When members of their own accord go "inactive" for whatever reason (finances, personal problems, etc....) the brotherhood will always be ready to welcome them back, and, we need to ensure we make those members aware of this. When their personal situation has been corrected, they are welcome back, with open arms.

If they have been expelled, they are only welcome back in specific situations, such as paying back unpaid dues, expenses, etc...and confessing their faults, and sincerely trying to mend their ways...this is the hallmark of LXA, and a very Christian ideal to live by.

Fred's case is different - He was an Omega, and says he depledged - to me that sounds like he was never initiated, yet he claims that he will "expose" the secrets of Omega to anyone with an open ear...however, there hasn't been any evidence that he really did squeal out the secrets, and I sincerely hopes he remembers the oath he took (as a gentleman) to hold those sacred. He did publish a book about how non-Christian most GLO's supposedly are (give me a break!)

...it's too bad when a supposed "brother" threatens to expose what they know, especially in this case, where it sounds to me it is for revenge, not for his supposed "calling" from God......

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Don't be your brother's keeper; rather, be your brother's Brother.