so many obstacles...
 

Me, along with 3 other women, have laid the groundwork for a new sorority - from the constitution to the symbols and philanthropy, we have it all down. Next step (which will be done in the coming few months) is incorporation.

The first obstacle is that we are not officially affliated with the unviersity - we missed the deadline to join the multicultural greek council at the school. You MUST be under a greek counil to be a GLO at this university...

Second, we were told we could basically still do community service activities and gather a founding group of ladies, but couldn't do anything on campus.

Third, we have a LOT of competition ahead with other GLOs on this campus...there are many GLOs here. This may not be too much of a problem since the purpose of this sorority is unlike any other we know about on this campus or elsewhere.

Fourth is a question: if we aren't allowed to be noticeably present on campus right now, how do we recruit more ladies so that when next year comes and we are official with the school, we will have a healthy presence?

Fifth is also a question: should we try and affiliate with a fraternity (we have one in mind...) to get ourselves out? And if so, how do we approach them?

If someone can't answer any of the bove questions, any and all advice would be appreciated.

So what makes your organization different?

we're an African American Christian sorority dedicated to building sisterhood, scholarship, and empowerment of the African American community through serving Jesus Christ. Check us out - http://kappa-alpha-gamma.org

I know of NO other sorority like us. If you know of one, please let me know about it...I find it interesting to learn about the many GLOs that exist.

Oh, and I have some good news - we've become incorporated :) Now we are an official non-profit...that should make things easier, and should bring our legitimacy up a notch.

My first impression
 

Your organization seems as if it has great potential and I wish you the best. One comment though, one of your philanthropies "Finer Womanhood" is also one of the precepts of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Since you have designated yourself as starting an "African American" sorority, I think that you should be aware of this overlap. Congratulations on incorporation and I look forward from hearing great things from you all.

that's the reason this forum is great...we hadn't even noticed that overlap! Well, it'll be an easy name change, same philanthropy. Thanks :)

No problem . .
 

Glad I could help, and look forward to hearing what the new name of the philanthropy is :)

Please email me. I think I have alot of resourceful information that would be useful. I am the founder and President of Alpha Omega Christian Sorority, Inc. national_chapter@alphaomegasorority.com


Crystal

there are many many african american christian sororities..the one mentioned by crystalofvirtue as well as some others.

Alpha Nu Omega is an already existing sorority that may be a good choice if you are looking to affiliate with a fraternity because their brother fraternity is already in existance, and the relationship is there already. The fraternity is also called Alpha Nu Omega if you want to research.

Other than that, I'd really advise stopping and doing research before you continue. A quick google search will show you many, many sororities. Also, affiliating with a national group may make it easier for you to attract more people on your campus, because you'd have the help of a larger sisterhood.

saw this today on the memorial sidewalk to one of our campus buildings...

"obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal."

Good luck :).

While the advice is appreciated, we can't "stop"...the groundwork has been laid, the incorporation made final. Besides, I have yet to see another Black Christian sorority say that they are indeed a Black Christian sorority...just because the demographics point to the organization being predominantly Black, doesn't mean it is an organization whose aim is the betterment of the African American community. Meanwhile, we are the only one on my campus.

Can I ask a question (playing devil's advocate) because I'm sure someone else may ask you guys this too.

Why a "black" christian sorority and not just a christian sorority? As a believer, we should all be unified under the one accord of Christ and what He commands of us in our role as a believer.
With so many factors in today's society set up to keep us (Christians) divided, why the need to make a distinction?

I noticed above that you referenced the aim towards the betterment of the African American community - is the goal to have a group of black christian women serving in the black community?

Thanks in advance for the answer....

You might want to check out www.greekpages.com. They have several Black Christian sororities listed. Two off the top of my head are Gamma Phi Delta and Gamma Eta Psi.

Sounds like a GREAT idea to me! :D

I definitely understand why you asked this question, because we've already been confronted with this. By being a Black Christian sorority, we're not creating a division, but working within the divisions society has already established.

Note that we love all people and all races; ANY and ALL ethnicities are eligible for membership as long as their values and aims complement ours.

I don't know what ethnicity you are, but I can tell you the African American community is not united. We will not be united until we overcome the many adversities still facing us today (in the areas of health, education, economic advancement, and the Black family among others). Once unified, we can then work with others toward more common goals. KAG is going to help in the fight to overcome these adversities.

Simply put, "Black folks need to help Black folks". If we can have the NAACP (which I'm a proud member of :) ), the Divine 9, the "Black church", the "Black" culture, why can't we have a Black Christian sorority? More specifically, one that acknowledges they aim to help the Black community? There are some predominantly Black Christian frats/sororities, but they either don't say it outright, or are not aiming for the betterment of the Black community.

I sincerely hope I answered all your questions, and didn't deviate from the topic at hand...I tend to do that at times :)

Ok, so here's a follow-up question: What makes your org unique? Do you only allow Christians (since you've already mentioned that your org will not discriminate based on race)? Since each of the NPHC sororities were founded on Christian principles and are "aiming for the betterment of the Black community", how are you going to differentiate yourself?

"national" is not an option...
 

Just so it's known, Kappa Alpha Gamma Sorority, Inc. cannot and willnot be absorbed by some larger "national" sorority...it wouldn't make sense because no other sorority is truly like us.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------well, I know it's been a VERY short while since this post was started, but the "obstacles" we face now are a bit different:

We're already incorporated. We've got sponsors, the tax-exempt status, all that good official stuff.

The only issues now are

1) Joining the Multicultural Greek Council at our universities (which will be a relatively pain-free process). But we can't do that until next fall semester when they do expansion...

2) Gaining membership. Being unofficial with the universities, we're not allowed to blatantly advertise on campus (i.e. post banners/flyers, put ads in the newspaper unless we pay for them...), but we can pass around flyers and invites.

We have many events planned, but need to find clever ways to advertise these events without breaking the rules too much...

If anyone has any clever ideas, feel free to share them :)

it doesn't matter if the candidate for membership is christian or not, black or not, just as long as they're willing to promote what we stand for, and work towards our goals.

And I know ALL about the Divine 9...after YEARS of researching which Divine 9 sorority we each wanted to join and reading "The Divine 9", we discovered we didn't want to be apart of it. See, what you're founded on, and what goes on today are two different stories. I have MANY examples of how far Divine 9 organizations have come from where they began...and I'm not talking about evolving in a good way.

And I don't see any Divine 9 frat or sorority promoting Christian values on any of our campuses, unless you want to count the prayer our Alphas say at the beginning of SOME of their events (not the parties...just the lecture type events).

Going off topic for a bit, I have some questions for anyone who's in a Divine 9 sorority or fraternity:

How do you feel about the evolution your organization has taken? Meaning, the course your founders set and the way your organization is viewed and represents itself today...

Also, what is the deal with the division among so many of the divine 9 organizations?
Why is it that at every frat party and step show I've been to, the Ques and Kappas have to fight (Ques and Kappas from all over this big ol' state of Texas, not just my campus lone)?
Do the AKAs and Deltas know why they've been in a rivalry all this time (I know...I just get the feeling they all don't know, and are just acting snooty and bitchy toward each other because that's they way it's always been)?
Why is it that on most campuses in my area, the Iotas and Sigmas are discounted...as are the Zetas (I've actually heard people from other Divine 9 organizations say "They ain't a real frat..." or "Zetas are rejects from other sororities")?
What happened to rites of passage? Why is it that when I was going to pledge a Divine 9 sorority (I'm not naming names), all I had to do was sign some papers and hand over $800...and yes, that was all there was to it.

Now, after all that can anyone see why my friends and I felt the need for a little something new??

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I know you don't have to answer squat, so again thanks. Also, if you're more comfortable taking it this to PM, pleae let me know.

You stated earlier...

If this is the case, how is your sorority any different than one founded upon Christian principles - as opposed to being a sorority of Christian women caring out the mission of Christ into the African American community? I ask because I checked out your website (:) ) and the Apostle's creed is listed as your statement of faith - but your members don't have to believe in it nor the fundamental elements of Christianity (ie Jesus as the Son of God, etc.) . I may be biased, but when someone says Christian sorority - I think of women of who believe in Christ and all the responsibilities it entails.

There is a major difference between Christian-inspired (ie D-9 sororities)and Christian-based. (ie Sigma Phi Lambda). Really focus on that which distingushes you from what's already there.

Just something to think about.

Speaking as the founder of a Black Christian Sorority, I would have to agree with KAG. There should be more Black Christian Sororities and Fraternities. Who says that there should not be united front. Alpha Omega stands on the principles of embracing Greek Life but remaining true to you Christian beliefs and not compromising your spiritual values. Alpha Omega is a sisterhood of "True Women of Virtue" and yes we are united. The division amongst most sorority is phenominal and our goal is to bridge the gap. You asked KAG what make them unique. I believe its the inclusion of God and the ability of making Him the foundation, which will make them stand above typical Sororities and Frats.

When I started Alpha Omega I experienced this same controversy so I can't say I am surprised at the negative and constant patronization.

I'm not arguing whether they should or shouldn't exist.

I am asking what makes it moreso "christian" than any other sorority besides the fact that the word christian was in the sorority's name - especially now since learning that members do not have to be Christian, nor profess a belief in Christ (or the Apostle's creed which is the sorority's statement of faith), or anything.

I'm sure this is nothing 1beauty hasn't heard before and probably will hear again from potential members seeking to know the difference as well.

To answer your question, I will say this:

We're required to have a non-discrimination policy. That is why I MUST say that we don't discriminate on the basis of race or religion, or else our universities would definitely not support letting us into the multicultural Greek council. It's as simple as that, but we are Christian-based.

But I LOVE these types of discussions...they only reinforce in my mind that helping found KAG was a good thing to do :)

I couldn't have said it better. But all Christian BGLOs will prevail...the more questions we are able to answer sincerely and to completion, knowing that what we've set out to do it something that will benefit not only ourselves, but our communities and our aim to live Christian lives, the stronger we will be :)

I see :confused:

Even though I firmly believe that the body of Christ is divided enough as it is, good luck nonetheless.

Like I've said before, we're just working within the divisions society created long before either you or myself existed.

Thank you for answering the question. I think that any organization, whether fraternal, religious, civic, etc will have an evolution throughout the years. Nothing in this world remains static, everything changes or it dies. With that said, I sense that you have had some negative experiences with NPHC orgs. You shouldn't let the experiences you've had with a few people influence your judgement of the entire NPHC, which has thousands of members. Every organization has had to adapt and grow as the years went by, and some changes were better than others. But I look at how much these orgs are doing for the community, and the fact that they have survived for almost 100 years. To me that is a testament to the fact that these organizations are needed, and there is still a segment of the community that sees a value in being a member of these orgs.

As for the orgs promoting Christian ideals, I know many NPHC members who aren't Christian. For example, none of my line sisters or I are Christian. Yet we still saw a value in joining this organization.

Based on your other responses, I have another question: How will you be incorporating your Christian-base into your programming? Bible study? Prayer groups?

KAG has a lot of great things in the works...we are still quite new, but our first activity will likely be commmunity service at a local children's hospital in the coming weeks.

We are working on a Women's Bible Study group, seminar/luncheon entitled "Essence of a Lady", and an exercise group for any woman on our campus that wishes to join us (these 3 are all part of our "Christian Womanhood" philanthropy). Also, we have the Onyx Man Show (more like a pageant or competition, with a scholarship prize), a praise dance step show, and gospel concert (these will be done in collaboration with other groups on campus). We're also developing our "The Couple That Prays Together, Stays Together" presentation that's part of our Building Better Families philanthropy.

Re: "national" is not an option...
 

I understand the passion you have about what you've started and your sorority. But from what you've shared, I don't understand what makes you stand out from other african-american christian sororities. I'm not trying to stop anything..I think people spreading the word of God is excellent..in sorority form or as individuals. But I really think you haven't done enough research on what's out there based on your responses.

Not to start an argument..but isn't it our duty as Christians to work to eliminate the divisions in society and unite under one cause...not to emphasize and segrate even further?

Re: Re: "national" is not an option...
 

Thank you rocketgirl for taking the words right out of my mouth. I can totally understand that there is no other organizations like yours on my campus, but to say there is not other organization period like yours is wrong. I think that is what most people are trying to understand. What makes your organization TOTALLY different than any other black christian-based organizations?

Re: Re: Re: "national" is not an option...
 

Being one who answers questions thoroughly, I thought I said there is no other like us on my campus. If not, there it is...

And have you read all that I've said, because I've answered a LOT of questions? If you've read everything in this thread, and (a step further) our website, then I'm sure you'll see what we feel distinguishes us.

And to sum up how I feel: KAG is here because there is a need.
We had a need for Black fraternal organizations, thus the Divine 9 came to be.
Did anyone stop at just having Alphas and AKAs? No, we created seven more Black frats and sororities.
There is a need for a Christian organization that comes from the standpoint of the Black culture and the Black church. Thus we have KAG - whatever other GLOs that TOTALLY match our goals and aims, we fully support. In fact, we support ALL Christian organizations. This is all just a mission to spread the word of God, concentrating in our own Black community, because that is where the Lord and unity are desperately needed.

The only research we need comes from the Word.

Oh, and one more point - why is everyone so questionable about an organization promoting faith in the Lord? Whether black, non-black, purple, whatever....
I'm just betting that no one would question another fraternal organization that just popped up if it were (for lack of a better example) "guys that liked to get wasted while jetskiing"....But people spreading the word of God get questioned...I guess it's all just part of society.

But anyway, I never mind inquiries...ask away

This statement that I'm about to say might make me sound like a big "hater" but I question every new organization that pops on greekchat. Sometimes I will post and question them. Other times I just think to myself. I personally don't understand why most organizations pop up these days that think they are unique when there are really 50 other organizations that have the same purpose. People on here just want to make sure that you have done your research before you jump into something. I can't count how many times I have seen people come on greekchat and they are shocked that their idea truly isn't "unique." I don't understand what is wrong with the questions that we are asking you.

It just seems like there are a lot of people out there that have founderitis and don't truly look into other organizations with similiar beliefs as their own.

Very well said.

While it's admirable to have the energy and dedication to join a new group, there's only so many times you can re-invent the wheel before there's just too many groups that it's bound to fail.

Maintaining and running a GLO takes a LOT of volunteers, people to guide you, money to finance you, etc. Joining an existing GLO is a way to be able to do that quickly and easily so that you can sooner starting functioning.

I believe the OP when they say there's nothing like this on her campus. But it doesn't seem that the OP looked outside the campus to see what else is out there. Nothing that I read on the webpage really strikes me as all that extraordinary that makes this organization THAT unique. Checking out what else is out there gives you a better chance of success.

Also, just looking at the webpage, it seems that the group is getting a little ahead of itself. Talking about expansion to other campuses before the group is even up and running is pretty premature. You can't teach others to do something before you know what you're doing yourself.

We're not trying to rain on your parade, but we have seen tons and tons and tons of posts of people wanting to reinvent the Greek wheel, when in reality what they want to do may very likely fit perfectly with an already existing organization.

Re: Re: Re: Re: "national" is not an option...
 

I don't have a problem with people promoting the Lord, but if that what you are - then be it. For example, if there are no Chrisitan faith requirments, then how can you expect an agnostic or Muslim to promote "faith in the Lord" - or to even believe your creed/statement of faith? I wouldn't attend a Christian bible study lead by someone that wasn't Christian - no different than a muslim would attend mosque lead by a baptist preacher. Yeah, I know what your university's says, but there are legitimate ways around that. If there weren't, then there would be no social GLOs on campus that have exclusionary clauses. Why risk your testimony by trying to "play around the rules"?

Anyone on GC (especially black folks) knows that I am the LAST person to criticize new BGLOs - I don't have a problem with them either. But when you call it a Christian-based sorority but yet leave out the fundamental basics of the Christian faith that would actually distinguish you from other sororities (I've read the website) then something doesn't add up. I also don't understand why being Christian inspired (like many other black sororities) is such a negative thing. There's nothing wrong with that.

I was going to bow out of this discussion until I was accused of being a "hater" of the Lord's work. LOL Watch ya mouth there.:D Just because my feedback isn't super positive doesn't have nothing to do with Him.

I am not certain what are the requirements for other Christian Sororities, but for AO you must be a confirmed Christian as a requirement.

This lets me know you haven't been truly paying attention to my words...If you have, you would know that I WELCOME all inquiries, criticisms, scrutiny...I take it all in, and am able to justify my belief that this organization is needed.

And on that little "founderitis" comment, that seems to have been around for centuries, if not then there wouldn't be so many GLOs in existence.

My last piece on this topic is this: KAG is here, it will thrive, if you don't like it then hey...I don't know what to tell you.

Now if anyone would like to actually answer the questions I put out before about the division problem with NPHC organizations and how my organization can discreetly advertise events, then hit me on a PM.

I am getting in on this a bit late but first off I just wanted commend you, the1beauty, for having a heart and desire to begin such an organization. At the same time, I do agree with those who suggest that you do as much research as possible to help you to decipher what your focus will be and what will distinguish you from the many other Christian BGLOs and GLOs.

Although I am sure that, crystalofvirtue, was able to provide you with great insight, another good place to visit is http://www.s2.excoboard.com/exco/ind...7cc98f4c9025d. It is a Christian Sorority and Fraternity message board.

I wish you much success as you proceed!!:)

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: "national" is not an option...
 

I know I said my last post was my final word, but I have some major problems with the comments beings said:

1) Nobody is paying attention to what I've been saying. I CLEARLY EXPLAINED that whole non-discrimination policy. I don't know any other way to state it more plainly.

2) While everyone is still holding KAG under scrutiny, why couldn't anyone answer my questions about the problems with NPHC organizations? Yeah, I saw the Zeta and the SGRho on here didn't attempt to provide an answer...it's all good though.

3) Who left out the Christian principles? KAG?! Never that... How are we were risking our testimony? Who said that if someone that was non-Christian tried to pledge, they would become a soror? No one said that. I said that if you're eligible, you can seek membership. Am I not clearly stating things? Somebody tell me what's really going on...

4) Who said anyone was a hater of the Lord's work? Because I pointed out how our society is critical of organized religion? An observation is an observation, reality is reality, and that's what that is.

5) Who said I asked for positive remarks? I asked for answers to the questions I presented.

Ok, I've said ALL I'm going to say on this thread, not because of the questions/criticisms, I welcome all that. But because no one could entertain my simple question of how to discreetly advertise.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: "national" is not an option...
 

I think if you look inside yourself and organization, you will see that answering and thinking honestly about the questions posed to you WILL help you gain interest. The question about what makes you different and special - well that's what you need to get out there that will make people want to be in your organization. The question about going national - it will help your organization to advertise because you will have more sisters to help you. The advise on researching other organizations - you asked about brother fraternities and clearly the first place to look is to research what is existing. Basically, you have to realize that a LOT of women do a LOT of research on Greek organizations before choosing one. And if they are looking to join or expand, then they may research others and wonder the same things we are. Or maybe they read GreekChat and are wondering why you are answering or not answering questions a certain way.

The "founderitis" is a valid comment. There a about a zillion local African-American based sororities, but the ones everyone can quote are Delta, AKA, SGRho, and Zeta. There are multicultural sororities popping up faster than reality TV shows yet only a few have more than 5 chapters. A lot of these locals are absorbed by larger organizations...any of the NPC women on here can write you a book on that. Reality is that it's hard for organizations to grow and expand and stand on their own, especially when they present themselves to be very similar to a larger existing organization, so joining an existing national organization will help you do that. Obviously you are looking to expand - it's on your website - so you are not trying to stay a local. While you may have nothing like your sorority at your school, when it comes to expansion, all the questions and things we are asking you to consider come into play and question.

All in all - nobody is out to stop you or stop the mission you are driven to fufill. We are just asking you to consider some new ideas that you haven't before that may help you. Maybe if you come back to this thread in a day or so and you're not so "in the moment" you'll see how all the questions relate to your original post. Or maybe not. Either way, I hope you recognize that the questions posed here will be asked to you in some way shape or form by some women looking to join your sisterhood.

Good luck and God Bless with your endeavors.

edited because i cannot type after midnight..

People are holding your group under scrutiny because it is new and unproven. NPHC groups are under constant scrutiny, I don't know where you're getting that from. Any large group is. No one here can speak for those groups- one person speaking for a group of tens of thousands of members isn't appropriate- but you can speak for yours as you are a founder.

I'm sorry that you didn't see it fit to address my post.

You came here asking questions and looking for advice. When given it, you get defensive. :confused: You seem to have some tunnel vision going on, with a dose of stubbornness. If you want to succeed, you're going to need the advice and assistance of many people. The advice and information you're getting here is worth its weight in gold. If you don't realize that, i'm sorry, but you're doing your group a great disservice.

More questions:

Why did you seek to be incorporated before you even have your chapter up and running? It is my understanding that when the Divine 9 orgs became incorporated, it really meant something. However, for an organization founded today, becoming incorporated is only a matter of having the money to pay a lawyer to set it up for you.

How is your corporate structure organized? How about your articles of incorporation- what do they say, particularly about your group's purpose? Who sits on the board of directors? Do you have an active body of adults (by adults I mean past college, with real world experience, etc.) on that board? Who paid for the attorney to set this all up? Who's going to continue to pay the attorney to make sure the corporation is running as it should and taking care of any business that comes up with it being a corporation?

Doing the paperwork to become a corporation isn't all that tough, particularly with an attorney. However, running and maintaining a corporation, particularly with so few people, is very tough.

PLEASE remember that this chapter is the building block for all other potential chapters and for new members that join later. By worrying so much about incorporating, expanding, etc. you're putting the cart before the horse. This first chapter needs to be STRONG. Get it strong, get strong women, and then worry about the other stuff. If not, you're only setting yourself up to fail.

Also curious as to how you can say (on your website) that your group does this, this and this, but you haven't done anything yet? Don't be saying you do something when you haven't even done it yet. And if you have, how about some pictures?