Why do multicultural GLOs/organizations exist?
 

We've seen many, many threads that ask this question and have it answered, but I wanted to see a thread that is easily searchable.

Why were multicultural organizations started? What is the purpose of multicultural organizations?

Feel free to offer your comments, positive or negative.

Multicultural GLOs did not start in an environment in which membership, in the current GLOs, was unavailable for "multicultural people." We recognize this. We have a different purpose altogether.

We are not here because we were rejected by our desired organizations, nor are we here to hurt other orgs - and we certainly do not exist because we believe that other organizations are not open to diverse membership!

How audacious it is to me for some to assume that we discourage people from checking out ALL GLOs to find their match, simply because we "think" that other GLOs are discriminatory. As a general rule, this is not the case.

We were started by and for multiculturally-minded people. If you want to join an org that caters to needs of all people and actively works toward equality across the board, you can find that in a multicultural organization.

Other organizations do offer those qualities, but multicultural orgs are set apart in that they exist with the primary function of promoting multiculturalism. In theory, even if a "multicultural" organization were all-white/black/latino/asian/etc. but the members worked toward equality of ALL people, the organization could potentially be considered multicultural.

If, however, the thrusts and foci of that organization were primarily directed at a particular interest, that organization by definition cannot be "multicultural." It can have multicultural membership but it cannot be a "multicultural organization."

This is what I don't understand. Many NPC philanthropies DO address the needs of all cultures. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes, illiteracy, etc all transend cultures.

While GLOs try to do the good for many that is not the question.

Maybe the reason that MCGLOS and LGLOS have come into being is that these people Men/Women do not feel comfortable with what is available.

So, if one doesnt, then why not start something that they feel good with?

Guess I am being Plain and Simple!

These are all noble and worthy causes. That is definitely not the question at hand. But, to respond, were NPCs started specifically to bring equality to all people? As I understand it, NPCs were mostly created to provide a place for women to come together and work under the tenets of each individual organization. In that case, the original mission of NPCs seems to be along the lines of feminism (let's not get all wild here - I mean the mission of feminism, not that all the women of the NPC are feminists, per se).

I agree that each of the philanthropies you mentioned cross cultural borders, but they do not necessarily bring equality to people. And, there is a difference between the mission of an organization and the philanthropy of an organization.

The philanthropies are reflective of member concerns but are not necessarily indicative of an organization's primary mission - though many times they are.

I considered historically African American, Latina AND Asian organizations when I first started out. And while the membership in many orgs is diverse, the primary concerns of these organizations was not broad enough for me, personally. For MANY people, the primary concerns of these orgs is precisely what they're looking for. That's why it's such a great fit!

Re: Why do multicultural GLOs/organizations exist?
 

So when's your book coming out?;)

I am all for organizations that serve the community and advocate honorable qualities in their members. I am also for education within the Greek system. Our organizations were not created in a vacuum. We are all responding to needs we feel other organizations either can't or don't provide. Or in some cases we aren't aware that these organizations actually do respond to the needs we claim no one is paying attention to. So there's an ongoing need for dialogue and collaboration.
:)

Re: Re: Why do multicultural GLOs/organizations exist?
 

Don't tempt me! :p

What exactly do multicultural GLOs do to promote diversity/multiculturalism? I'm not very familiar with them. I have, however, been involved with diversity/multicultural clubs in high school, but it wasn't exactly a good experience for me.

I hope some other folks will come in and help with this question. Theta Nu Xi chapters hold forums and other events to help educate people and promote appreciation, among attendees, for each other. We also have a very strong national objective toward Greek unity. In addition, internally, we have instituted certain programs and requirements to help each of our members familiarize herself with as many different cultures and opinions as possible. We also position ourselves to be able to take on opportunities that will allow us to be involved in cultures other than our own and to support members of that culture.

For example, I was recently approached by a young Muslim organization in NYC whose major goal is to provide school and teaching supplies for the betterment Afghani students here and abroad. They asked if I would join their Board of Directors to provide insight from a position that they are currently lacking. Because of time constraints, I will likely be unable to take on such a large responsibility, but I did offer to serve on their Advisory Board (which is very active also because of the young age of this particular organization).

Also, in my graduate program, I am supposed to fulfill an internship requirement to graduate. I am currently looking at three ministry opportunities that involve Native American youth.

While I could certainly have done all of these things without Theta Nu Xi in my life, membership in the sorority provides me with opportunities that I would have never known before and a place to discuss touchy issues that I would not be comfortable sharing elsewhere.

My school's campus is diverse, however there are cliques that exist between the races. It's not because people are rascist, it's more because many minorites feel more comfortable surrounded by members of their own culture.

The NPC sororities are mostly white. Only a small amount of minorities rush each year for these reasons. But to be fair, the minorites that do mostly end up with bids. Although the NPC is mostly white, some chapters here would like to see more diversity.

I and some other girls decided that we would like to colonize a chapter of a MCGLO on this campus because we have to try and break down those barriers. We also wanted to breathe new life into Greek Life here. Most people haven't the slightest clue about sororities here, and it sucks. Also, the MCGLO we are interested in is run differently from the NPC sororities. People here are interested in us simply for that reason. Sometimes a change is needed. This is why MCGLO's exist.

SDT and AEPhi (sororities) were established specifically for Jewish women. D Phi E has always been non-sectarian. Although on some campuses it is called a "Jewish sorority" this is not true. (Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

There are a number of reasons that MCGLOs exist, and I can appreciate their missions and goals even though I am not a member of an organization that is considered one. As of right now, my organization is considered an LGLO that is seeking to broaden and expand multicultural membership, which is why we refer to ourselves not as a Hispanic Sorority, but as a Historically Hispanic Sorority, meaning: we got our start there and our traditions from there, but this is a constantly growing and developing organization. I am impressed by the efforts and programs put forth by MCGLOs and can only hope that someday soon my organization can contribute to those goals. MCGLOs serve to bring about a new perspective on equality and unity and are committed through their MISSION to advancing those ideas and views. I am so proud of my greek ties to such amazing people. As long as they move forward with their efforts, we ALL benefit, so I say that MCGLOs deserve a thank you and a lot of support.

-Greek Love & Respect

I just want to point out that some of the newer ethnic greek-letter organizations WERE established in part due to the lack of acceptance in the NPC. Some of my own Founding Mothers, for example, were rejected when they tried to sign up for NPC recruitment (a very sad story of how it went down), and this was in the 1980s. This is one of the things that prompted them to establish a Latina sorority.

I think we are fortunate in that there are so many choices when it comes to greek life! I realize that there are tons of organizations with similiar missions, etc., but they are all needed. If a sorority or fraternity (no matter the focus) can be a home to someone, then I say more power to them! Even more if they provide service to their campus and community.

This post gave me a Seinfeld flashback. :D

I think this has to do with the fact that DPhiE was founded by Jewish women and their famous alumnae (at least the ones I know about) are Jewish as well, so people asssociate that with being a sorority for Jewish women. But my IRL sister is a Deepher and she tells me the sorority itself is not founded on Jewish ideals, but a lot of Jewish women choose to join that house- hence, its a "Jewish" house, at least on her campus.

if everyone thought like that...we'd all be IFC and NPC. there wouldn't be a need for anyone else.

Hey Jennis-I guess that helping out comment was aimed for me! Here is a list of events we had during the month of November that promote education about multiculturalism:
(I copy-pasted a lot from my xanga, sorry if it looks funny):

November 30th, 2004.
DREAM CATCHER WORKSHOP: A workshop to learn about and how to make this popular but misunderstood item. 311C in the union at 6 pm. Please RSVP so we can make sure to have enough supplies!

Sponsored by AISU and the Lambda Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.

Indigenous Experiences as Migrant Workers:
Mesoamerican Indigenous people will speak about reasons coming to the USA and the daily struggles they face as migrant workers. Cosponsored by AISU.
Monday, November 22nd, 101 A SLB at 6 p.m.

The Lambda Chapter of
Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc.,
presents:

A Taste of Russia

Russian Food Night! Monday, November 15th at 6:30 in the International Student Center, come one, come all! Join us in celebrating Russian culture by trying out foods typical to Russia, including borscht, pelmeni, blini, etc! Dance around to Russian pop music! Practice your Russian skills (da means yes, nyet means no-Russian classes at all levels are offerred at FSU)! Co-sponsored by the Russian Club at FSU, tickets are $5.

The Exquisite Ladies of the Lambda Chapter of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. present...

Upcoming Event:

ULALI and Red Hills Singers.
Ulali is a Native American singing trio known for their contemporary, Native American a capella music.

Performances held at Club Downunder. Monday November 8th. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.-Show starts at 7:01 p.m.

Co-hosted by American Indian Student Union,
FSU Women's Center and Ladies Misbehavior Society.


Hope this gives you all an idea of what we do...we try to host a variety of different events, from speakers to panel discussions to rallies, etc...

Multicultural Sorority Member
 

I cannot speak for other organizations, but I tell you a little about my sorority and how it came to be a Multicultural GLO. In 1988 at Rutgers University, there were many different greek organizations. There were mainstream organizations (predominantly white), historicall black organizations and latino organizations. (Even when I pledged over 9 years ago, Omega Phi Chi Sorority, Inc. was the only multicultural sorority at Rutgers University.)

The Founding Mothers of my sorority are Latina, African-American and Asian, therefore they did not feel like the current organizations available were for them. Being that they are all minorities, they tended to affiliate more with the minority organizations, but wanted to be open to women of all backgrounds, not just minorities.

If you are familiar with mainstream and minority organizations, you know there is a huge difference in how their organizations are run and how new members are initiated. They even have separate National Councils, due to these differences. Therefore, these women were faced with a situation to which they felt the best way to rectify was to create a new organizations.

These women created a process and organization that brought together their diverse backgrounds and celebrated their differences. All of our chapters continue this tradition by working within their schools and communities to reach out to people of all backgrounds.

They hold educational programs, social functions and co-sponser events with all different kinds of cultural and non-cultural organizations. I have been a sister of Omega Phi Chi Sorority, Inc. for over 9 years now and am still involved with our undergraduate and alumnae sisters. I love our ever-expanding sisterhood and love learning about and getting to know my diverse sisters.

Omega Phi Chi Sorority, Inc.
Founded on Diversity!!!

WELCOME to Greek Chat! I've seen Omega Phi Chi online but haven't had the opportunity to meet anyone. I don't know if any other members are on Greek Chat (correct me if I'm wrong) so I encourage you to bring your sisters!!!

By the way, that Omega Phi Chi website is awesome from a design point of view.

Since nobody has posted from the Asian GLO point of view, I thought I'd throw in my $0.02.

My sorority was founded in 1930 during a time when there were still many discriminatory laws against Asians and many hate crimes committed against Asians. Our founders were double minorities...they were women and they were Asian. They banded together to provide support for one another, to promote education, and to assist those in need.

While our philanthropies are broad and not specific to one race, we do have events that specifically promote Asian-American awareness.

We have had a conference on Asian-American history. At the conference, we had an Asian-American professor speak about the difficulties she had to face as a student, a sociology professor lead a discussion about why Asian-interest organizations are still needed today, and a presentation about the statistics of poverty and illiteracy amongst Asian in the US and how false the stereotypes of Asians are.

We had students sign a petition that there is a need and an interest for Asian-American courses. There are African-American and Hispanic-American literature and history classes. There are Asian literature and history classes. However, there were no classes about the racism and discriminatory laws Asian-American faced, the protests to get those laws off the books, the accomplishments of Asian-American activists and innovators, or the authors who write about the Asian-American experience. We took our petition to the dean and got an Asian-American literature class approved. We're still trying to get an Asian-American history class approved.

So I don't feel like MCGLO's, LGLO's, and AGLO's don't serve a purpose. Obviously, some people want something more broad. But I wanted something where I could learn more about my Asian heritage. And that's why I think all these organizations are important. Everyone is looking for something different. When someone comes on GC asking which GLO they should join, everyone always says to find the one that fits best. For some of us, that fit may be a MCGLO, LGLO, or AGLO.

ETA: If anyone is interested in learning more about the history of Asian-Americans, here's a good site. If you scroll down, they have timelines for different eras. http://us_asians.tripod.com/timeline.html

Thanks PhoenixAzul!
 

Thank you, PhoenixAzul! The site could use a little updating, but we greatly appreciate your kind words!!!

If there are multicultural/historically minority organizations on campus as well as NPC/NIC, do you think the latter two would less likely become diverse? Would you think that it is an issue? Is there a way to encourage minorities to go through recruitment at historically white organizations (HWOs)? I'm just asking because many HWOs want to diversify themselves, but often find it difficult.

My advice is always to encourage all Greeks on campus to get together and show the campus that each organization is wonderful in its own way AND that each organization supports the others. When Greeks are not united, you run into the "us against them" mentality. There will always be "minorities" who want the kinds of experiences and resources that only NPCs can provide. And there will always be "minorities" who are more attracted to the way mcglos/hlglos/haglos/hbglos/etc. present themselves and function.

It is not the responsibility of multicultural/historically minority organizations to assist NPC/NICs in recruitment or vice versa. But these orgs do have a responsibility to promote the entire Greek system for the sake of the positive future of the system.

Actually at my school the "Multi-cultuarl" GLOs,(we don't have any national MGLOs like TNX) but we do have locals that are multi cultural, and they are the least diverse orgs on campus.
I pledged one and 90% of my would-be sisters were Philipino. They practically begged me to join so I could help diversify them. hehe. The only caucasion person I met was an alum from 4 years earlier, and I met one African American Alum. It is the same with the other two local Multicultural chapters I can think of, they are mostly comprised of one race.
After that chapter didn't work out for me (for other reasons other than the lack of diversity.) I joined Phi Sig, and we are definitely diverse, as are the other two NPC chapters on my campus.
I think the problem is when people see a group of all one type of people they think "oh it's JUST for them." You have to find a way to let them know it's not just for that group or race, make sure they know they are welcome and can join.

I have to admit it is an interesting thread... at least in trying to understand the emotions and pressures that led to the founding of some ethnic (or religious) GLOs... particularlly looking from a school & greek culture that is pretty embracing.

In the case of Fraternities here at UofT it is debatable whether the appearance of AEPi and APhiA made the other houses more or less diverse than if they hadn't appeared... however I am of the opinion that they have helped, as they have raised awareness of GLOs within communities that haven't had that great of a greek pressence before.

From the time when they both started up at my college, I have seen a greater awareness amongst both the student community and the faculty too... mainly because of the educational and community events that both orgs. have organized or hosted. While a minority of community feedback was negative the vast majority was positive and encouraging.

I have seen debates about whether either org. was "needed" on campus, considering the already diverse nature of the greeks as it was (and is). But both groups had some persuasive arguements for coming (or back) to UofT:

- in APhiA's case UofT was their Gamma Jewel (chapter) way back in 1908, so there was a historical imperative to restarting the chapter; other than the cultural arguement that black students didn't feel that they had ample options available to them in the greek culture (could be argued).
- in AEPi's case it could be easily argued that the existing GLO's didn't present a comfortable religious enviroment for Jewish students, being that most if not all GLOs are based on the Christian tradition; so there was a need goinging unfullfilled at UofT and AEPi filled it.. and rather well judging by the fact that their posted strength is about twice that of the Fraternity average here.

Rob,

Do you think that girls (at U of T, anyway) are less likely to feel uncomfortable being a minority? I'm asking this, since there are no longer any sororities that are historically "non white" or "non Christian" (I don't really think AOII counts as being "non-Christian" the same way as historically Jewish GLOs do)

???
 

???

Re: ???
 

Ummm, wasn't AOII founded because one girl wasn't given a bid because of her religious background?

Re: Re: ???
 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that was Phi Sigma Sigma.

Phi Sigma Sigma was founded because there was no one sorority on the campus of Hunter College that would accept all ten founders due to religious and economic reasons. The founders created the first non-sectarian sorority so membership was open to any woman, regardless of their religion or status.

Re: Re: Re: ???
 

yes, one of the founders of Phi Sigma Sigma was not given a bid by another organization because of her background. and thus Phi Sigma Sigma was founded as a nonsectarian sorority because the founders were of different backgrounds and they wanted to belong to the same organization - where the other orgs on campus did not offer that at that point in time.

Hey Beth, it's funny how fast Phi Sigs reply!!

:D

I don't really know... mostly because I haven't thought about that particular context of recruitment before... whether or not one sex feels more uncomfortable because of any minorit status...

At UofT I'd say that the vast majority of recruitment is through friends or acquaintances, so the comfort level is based more upon the comfort level of groups of friends or acquaintances around the campus... and it also gives some insight into how chapters can evolve over time with regards to "minorities". As the campus community becomes more accepting and diverse, then recruitment will reflect that trend... a trend you can see played out over even the past two years.

Slight Hijack...Don't Phi Sigma Sigma chapters have a committee that handles multiculturalism? I can't remember exactly what it's called, but I thought I remembered that.

I don't know about all chapters, but my chapter has one. Our chapter is one of the most diverse among the whole organization, so we like to have events where each sister can share their culture with the others.

yes, that is one of the committees that all of the Phi Sigma Sigma chapters should have. each chapter may call it different things, but i believe most are called multicultural/diversity committees.

/slight hijack (hehe)

See now, I'm feeling that!! That's what I'm talking about. And, it made me think of something. Imagine that committee taking over the chapter. Everything that is done goes through that committee before it can be approved, until the entire chapter is that committee. That's what I think of when I think of the multicultural Greek movement.

I'm really concerned that in the future - if it hasn't yet happened - people will start using "multicultural" to bring attention to their growing organizations. But, they won't really be multicultural or multiculturally-minded. They will abuse the title until multicultural Greeks are a laughing stock. There's no way to avoid it except for us multicultural Greeks to continue to be as solid and committed to our ideals as we possibly can.

If you were to look at my chapter, you'd think that we were a multi-cultural GLO even though we're NPC. We're just extremely diverse & that's how the chapters are in my school. When I say diverse, I don't mean a few girls of other ethnicities. I mean that more than half of our girls are of non-Caucasion backgrounds.

I joined my GLO b/c I loved the message it spreads & I felt truly welcomed. It's different for everyone & while some people feel comfortable in an NPC group, others feel better in a different organization altogether. Nothing wrong with that. Different strokes for different folks.