Fellow BGLO Greeks...
 

My fellow BGLO greeks...I was thinking about some BGLO organizations that have auxillary or affiliate organization. I'm not talking sweethearts or mascots. I'm speaking of Sigma Gamma Rho's Philos. Do you think your organization could benefit from having person's who don't fit your orgs. membership requirments affiliated with it in some ways? One example are those who are at an institution not seeking a four-year degree. I have a friend who has expressed interest to me about joining a particular BGLO sorority. However, she only obtained a 2 year degree. It was a decision she made with careful thought. It's the degree she wanted and she now has a fufilling career. But now, she can't attempt to seek membership in that sorority cause she doesn't have a four year degree or not on the path to obtaining one. So in general how do you feel about situations like this one? Now I know some might aruge that their particualr organization has been around for umpteen years and they are doing fine on the strength of their active members. But wouldn't it be nice to have a network of sisterfriends or brothers who are committed to the particular orgs. principles providing assistance. I'm not arguing for or against this, I was just thinking and wanted to start a discussion on this topic. Remember, I just brought up the topic. I wanted to spark intelligent conversation on this. Peace Out and Much Divine Nine Love!!!

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KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC.
SPR 97
XI LAMBDA

Nupe4Life,

My organization does have a group for women who have the same ideals as Zeta Phi Beta but do not meet the membership requirements. That organization is called the Amicae. They were established in 1948. A group of Amicae is associated with a local chapter, and they assist the chapter with activites and they have their own activities. They are a great help to our sorority and especially to the chapters that have a group. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

ZetaAce

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FinerWomanhood: Learn it, Live it, Love it!

based on the principles that my sorority was founded upon, an affiliate organization of women who do not meet membership requirements would be inappropriate. we certainly invite these women to support the chapter events, but, could not have any formal relationship with them. additionally, i think any auxillary official attached to an organization can present a serious liability to the chapter.

[This message has been edited by dstbrat (edited December 13, 2000).]

Interesting topic...

My opinion is that each org should stand alone. I do not see a need for auxiliary organizations to assist with service projects. In my opinion, anyone affiliated with any org or individually can perform service.

I feel that if someone wants to join a particular org, then they must meet the membership requirements. I see the potential, only potential, for misuse and abuse of people in these groups by members. I would hope that the better side of human nature governs the relationship.

However, since I do not personally know of anyone in this arrangement, I am speaking theoretically.

I do have a question though. How is it handled, in general, when people who are/were members of these aux groups apply for membership? This would occur, of course, after they meet the minimum requirements for the sponsoring BGLO.

Just curious!





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MCCOYRED

Dynamic
Salient
Temperate

Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

Hey...Only speaking for the Amicae auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., we do encourage Amicae who meet the membership requirements, to apply for membership into Zeta Phi Beta. Amicae (Amica, singular) still must believe and follow many of the same principles as Zeta Sorors, therefore, they are well positioned to seek and receive membership into Zeta, if qualified. Amicae must apply and seek membership with the same process as any other prospect.

Zeta Amicae, while formed officially in 1948, had been organized informally longer than that under local chapters. The decision came in 1948 to formalize the relationship. As far as I am aware, we have had no additional legal issues stemming from having Amicae, or any of our other auxiliaries: Pearlettes (4-7 year olds), Amicettes (8-13), Archonettes (high school), some of which have been around since the 1950s. Our auxiliaries have been nothing but a source of support and an extended family since early in Zetadom, and I am proud of our history with our auxiliaries...especially since my grandmother is a proud Zeta Amicae! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Hope that helps.
Shela



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Finer Womanhood: the "Cat's Meow" Since 1920

Also,
As far as our Philo group, the only requirement they don't meet is that they aren't on their path to a 4 year degree. There are many extenuating circumstances in people's lives that wouldn't allow them to aim for a bachelors, money being a main reason. Many of us have to realize that we have been BLESSED to be able to attend a college or university. (whether we're on scholarship, financial aid, or paying out-of-pocket)But just because you can't attach your name to a 4 year program, that doesn't mean that you can't be good representatives of the PRINCIPLES of my organization: primarily sisterhood, service and scholarship. (Keep in mind that when I say scholarship, I mean a belief in its importance.) As our Zeta sisterfriend stated about their Amicae, our Philos are also encouraged to obtain their 4 year degree. And the sorority will help them with that in any conceivable way.
When and if the time comes that they enroll in a 4 year program, they would go about obtaining membership as any other interest would. The only thing is, that they already would know what a Sigma woman stands for, and what we expect.

SoloRHO
(Sorry for the long post!)

EEEYIIP that my Soror SoloRho. I would like to add that the Greek word "Philo" means friend. They are dedicated friends of our sorority. They elect their own officers and hold their own meetings. They assist us and are not a liability. I have known them to be some of the nicest ladies I have met and know of several who have since becoming Philos have obtained their degrees and are in the process of applying for membership.

I think I had asked this question on the Kappa forum, Nupe 4 Life. I have a friend who was interested in Kappa but only has an Associate degree. It would be nice if he could affiliate but I was told that Kappa Alpha Psi does not have such a group. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

I'm curious about something based on some of your responses to this interesting topic. Without getting into any one organization's "business" can someone help me out with a question? If someone pledges in undergrad but never finishes...yes they are a member of XYZ but they decided to get an associates degree and leave the 4 yr college can they actively/financially participate in a graduate/alumni/alumnae chapter? Has there ever been such an instance?

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Director #2
LMAC, Spr 99
Galveston Council of Greeks NPHC, President

I thought that this was a really interesting topic. But since I'm not in a BGLO, I'd greatly appreciate it if someone would take a moment to answer a few questions. (Of course I'd understand if answering any of them wouldn't be appropriate) http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Do auxiliary groups like Philos and Amicae act strictly as "helpers/supporters" of their respective groups? Or do they do their own philanthropies as well?

Also, just how similar to a sorority are these groups? Do they have their own rituals, intake, etc.?

Big thanks for any answers that ya'll can offer! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Hi SoCalGirl...

The primary role of Zeta Amicae (friend in Latin) is support the local area chapters with service projects and other activities. They are not a chapter, they are an auxiliary--they operate because Zeta operates. Zeta Amicae can have their own fundraisers and do often conduct their own service projects, if they desire, but it is with the assistance/overview of their sponsor chapters.

Zeta Amicae do have their own membership drives and processes, once again with the assistance and overview of their sponsor chapters. Zeta Amicae's colors are different than Zeta's colors, and they do not use any of the ritual materials of Zeta.

Hope this answers your question.

To my Delta Sisterfriend: Generally, membership in Zeta grad chapters requires a BA degree or higher.

Shouts to my Sisterfriends of SGRho and their Philos. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Best,
Shela


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Finer Womanhood: the "Cat's Meow" Since 1920

Thanks Shelacious!

I think everything Shelacious said about Zeta Amicae applies to our Philos also. They have intake, and philanthropies etc... at the advisement and supervision of SGRho.
As far as the situation our other sisterfriend brought up about extending grad membership to a soror who happened to not get a Bachelors, I think she can become an associate member of a grad chapter. But I'd have to consult my handbook to be sure. Sorors, anyone know offhand?

Hey Sisterfriends of SGRho...

What are the colors for Philos, and the official name?

Thanks,
Shela

You're welcome, SoCalGirl http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

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Finer Womanhood: the "Cat's Meow" Since 1920

NupeforLife,
Thanks for the interesting/stimulating topic.
SoloRHO, Thanks for the well elaborated answer. I AM PROUD OF YOU!!!! you are not guilty any more- HEHEHEHEH.
Now, to answer your question, I think these groups of sisterfriends do serve a purpose. I believe if they not only help our programs but do their own slice of community service (something I am big on) they are also adding their 22+20 cents to MY and OUR founder's dream of uplifting the community. And..... according to many of us, that is the or one of the main reasons why we PLEDGED; not to become so "elite" like some orgs.
Uno.
No Limit Soldier.
SIGMA GAMMA RHO Sorority, Inc.

Someone asked about members who did not complete a ba degree...
well i happen to know a few who are not finish but have to sit out for a while. they are associat members of the local grad chapter.

Sister Shela, the official name of our affiliates is Sigma Gamma Rho Philos. Their colors are white and gold. And to tell the truth I admire them greatly. They have the nicest social functions and participate with us with our community service. They do not have their own service projects, but support the goals and ideals of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and wherever we are -- they are! My grad chapter has two advisors who assist them with their meetings and programs. I think it is a wonderful organization for a lady to belong to who doesn't quite have the credentials for becoming a Sorhor but would love to be about what we are about -- GREATER SERVICE, GREATER PROGRESS.

Luv ya GhostFace,
a TRU No Limit Soldier!

SoloRHO, alais "Guilty" (now and 4ever)
PS: It's my birthday... what'd you get me? http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

Yeeep Out Sorors!
Peace Greeks and friends

You learn something new everyday...I never knew SGRhos had an adult auxiliary group similar to our Amicae...Latin for Friend.

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The Epitome of Beauty, Style, and Grace, Always Exemplifying Good Taste, A Zeta Woman, A Finer Woman, That's Me!

Would you care to elaborate?



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MCCOYRED

Dynamic
Salient
Temperate

Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

by definition, all of our organizations are exclusive and selective in our membership. if we were not, then anyone could join. so let's not throw stones when we all live in glass houses. there are a plethora of organizations that women can serve in if they do not meet the requirements for membership in Delta Sigma Theta and would still like to perform public service. that is not elitist at all, we are simply holding fast to the principles that our organization was founded upon-a sisterhood of african-american colleged-educated women providing service to our community.

With all the talk about aux groups and who is affiliated and whose not.

Why is it that I see sweethearts flashing the hand sign of the respective fraternity they are sweethearts of if they are not officially recognized.

Is having affiliates who do not have a bachelors degree any different from extending honorary membership to those who may or may not have a bachelors degree?

If there is a difference, please explain.

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"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." ~Harry S. Truman~

Nupe4Life, i don't have a problem with sororities that need support groups. As for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. they would not serve a purpose as we have enough qualified sorors in our sisterhood pledged to service and do not require their assistance.

MidwestDiva,
In essence... they are 2 different things. An honorary Member is still a soror... an affiliate is an affiliate.

Sisterfriend PositivelyAKA
If I didnt know any better, I'd think that your comment about certain orgs "needing" support was an insult. But I know that's not that case. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif
Philos arent NEEDED for support. We may use them as a resource, but in reality, WE are their support. We encourage them to obtain their degrees. We serve as examples for them. Sigma Gamma Rho's existence does not rest upon our Affiliates.

Much love to the Philo and Rhoer Clubs of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Anyone would be lucky to have you... but we were bold enought to create you.

Until the Dawn...
SoloRHO

Maybe I should clarify further. My question was really directed to the Deltas. I understand that honorary members are in fact-members. I think dstbrat stated that an affiliate organization of women who do not meet Delta's membership requirements would be innapropriate. My question is, wouldn't it be just as innapropriate to offer honorary membership to a woman that does not meet Delta's membership requirements? Maybe DST's honorary members DO meet the membership requirements. I don't know. That's why I'm asking. I hope the Deltas aren't offended by the question, I'm just curious.

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"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." ~Harry S. Truman~

I didn't start this topic in advocation of these type of groups. But one of the replys to this post really stuck out. It was from dstbrat when she said that her organization was created as an outlet for college educated women to provide public service for the community.

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KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY, INC.
SPR 97
XI LAMBDA

To answer your question, DST has 3 categories of membership--collegiate, alumnae and honorary. Each category has it's own requirements and every member made through each category is a FULLY INITIATED MEMBER.



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MCCOYRED

Dynamic
Salient
Temperate

Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

I just wanted to say to N4L thanks for initiating a thought-provoking topic as this one; we needed a topic such as this.

I tip my hat to SGRho and Zeta for having the foresight to address such membership issues by forming such auxillaries as Philos and Amicae.

But to the others, lemme ask you something. Irrespective of what your current membership policies may state, how do you feel about situations such as the one N4L mentioned? Do you feel that your membership polices should be modified to accomodate junior college graduates (Remember, community colleges have only been in existence for the last 25-30 years or so), or do you think the membership policies are fine as is? Should sucessful junior college graduates be "penalized" from membership because of a stigma that a 2-year degree does not carry the weight of a 4-year degree?

I ask this not only as a Bachelor degree recipient, but also as an Associate degree recipient.

Lemme know what you think.

Rain Man

We need to keep in mind that NOONE IS ENTITLED TO MEMBERSHIP. I do acknowledge that over time orgs need to change to keep up and not to become obsolete. However, I beleive that I can speak for both DST and AKA when I say "EVEN AFTER 87 AND 92 YEARS, RESPECTIVELY, PEOPLE ARE STILL BEATING DOWN OUR DOORS TO GET IN". Personally, I don't see a need at this time to change these policies in regards to Associates degree holders who do not wish to pursue a four-year degree.



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MCCOYRED

Dynamic
Salient
Temperate

Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

WELL SAID, MY SISTER IN GREEKDOM!

Why don't you see that need regarding Associate degree recipients seeking membership? I am curious.

While I am not arguing your initial point, I think your reply begs my original question, and for that matter, N4L's initial question that sparked this discussion.

I don't mean to be persistent in my inquiries on aspects of BGLO lifestyle, but all too often, when I ask a thought-provoking question to that regard, I get responses that do everything except answer my question(s)asked.

Not to sound rude to any BGLO members who respond to my questions, which BTW, I thank you all for doing, but I strongly ask that you please do not beg my questions, but to answer them as directly and as honestly as you can, and if you can give reasons to support your responses, that would help a lot.

Peace and luv this holiday season

Rain Man

I don't feel our membership policies should be modified in that regard. MEMBERSHIP is PRIVILEGED! NOT FOR EVERYONE!

The only thing one has to do who is matriculating at a CC/JC is apply/transfer to a 4-year institution and go from there.


Do you feel the Bible should be modified?

Interesting point, AKA2D

But lemme ask you this. If the sole intent of the prospective going from a CC/JC to a 4-year school, or a JC/CC graduate enrolling in a 4-year school was just to pledge, wouldn't that raise up red flags with you and your chapter sorors? I know that BGLO members strongly discourage students transferring schools solely to pledge. One BGLO website said that should a student do such a thing, they have a lot of soul-searching to do b/c at best they are unsure of the real reason why they are in college.

What does that tell a JC/CC grad who already got it together that does not need a 4-year degree? That it's okay to circumvent the purpose to attend college just to meet a membership criteria? That a 2-year degree is a trivial achievement in the eyes of your fellow frat/sorors, and your founders? Or more to the point, that a 2-year degree just isn't good enough to join?

Hey, I'm just, as these young folx say, "keepin' it real".

Again, please do not beg my questions, but answer them as honestly as you can.

Rain Man

I apologize, AKA for not responding to your second question.

I will just say this as far as should the Bible be modified:

I will not dignify that with an answer, simply because comparing the Bible to a BGLO's membership policies IMHO is comparing apples to oranges.

'Nuff said.

Rain Man

Rain Man in all fairness to Nupe4Life's orginial question, which has been answered adequately i might add by various sorors, i think you are taking this conversation to another level with your constant questioning of our national/historic policies (AKA and DST). we are being most gracious in even answering as we do not have to. As has been stated before, Membership is Selective in all 4 organizations, period. There are other groups like the Sigma Gamma Rhos and the Zetas that offer women who do not desire/or can not afford etc etc. to attend a 4 year program the opportunity to join their aux groups to do service etc., in addition there are many women organizations that have requirements these women can meet, many many 4 year college trained women still do not make the cut into AKA or DST, so why should we lower the standards for non 4 year students, who by choice choose to pursue other avenues that do not qualify them for membership in our sorority. that is not our promblem. that's life Rain Man, for jobs, loans, scholarships, etc. if you don't qualify you don't get it, unless you're Bush http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif

ROFLMAO!!

'Nuff Said.



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MCCOYRED

Dynamic
Salient
Temperate

Mu Psi '86
BaltCo Alumnae

In a way, the Bible has been modified, as there are many different translations:
1. The King James Version
2. The New International Version
3. The New Living Translation

If you read them side by side, the idea is the same, but expressed quite differently.

Also, the Bible was translated from Latin, so I'm certain that all the different language translations (be it French, German, Italian, Polish, Hindi or Urdu) would have slightly different 'nuances' due to the language in the way that the idea is expressed.

I know of the MANY versions, like you said, they are basically saying the SAME thing!
BUT THE CONTEXT HAS NOT BEEN CHANGED (MODIFIED)! IT'S STILL THE SAME STORY!

In this case, RAINMAN wants our orgs to CHANGE because someone chose NOT to work towards a BACHELORS degree.

THE BIBLE, whatever VERSION you live by HAS the SAME thing going on. Within these versions, words have been substituted/synonyms used, but it still is SAYING THE SAME THING....

So, the Bible has been TRANSLATED DIFFERENTLY, BUT NOT CHANGED, NOR MODIFIED!

That's why I asked, would one (he) modify the Bible because of the CHANGING TIMES, etc?

NO!

[This message has been edited by AKA2D '91 (edited December 21, 2000).]

All right, AKA2d, I will answer your question:

Would I modify the Bible? NO, I wouldn't. But I would not dare compare the Bible to any secular document, not even the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence. Hope that answers your 1st question. I still see no relevance in that question.

Why did I feel the need to get my Bachelor's? This is a true story. Back in '94 I announced to my church congregation that I would not be pursuing a 4-year degree. Well, after service, a little girl no more than 9 years old (and didn't know me from Adam) pulled me aside and told me that I should go get my 4-year degree because her grandfather dropped out of school and regretted it for the rest of his life. It broke my heart hearing this from a young child. It took me 5 1/2 years to fulfill her wish. While I never saw the girl again, if I ever see her, I will give her my degree as a thank-you gift for reaching out to me.

Again, AKA2D, you are not answering my question, you are using rhetoric and canned responses; I see very little original thought.

BTW, do you havta shout at me? In the words of Bill Murray in Scrooged when the Ghost of Christmas Present (Carol Kane) shouted at him:

"I may be invisible, but I am NOT DEAF!!"

Rain Man

I DON'T KNOW, NOR CARE WHAT OR WHO YOU ARE...

IF I USE CAPS, THAT DOES NOT MEAN I AM SHOUTING! DUH! I CAN AND WILL USE THEM AS LONG AS THIS PC ALLOWS.

IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE RESPONSES, SINCE THEY CONTAIN SO MUCH RHETORIC, YOU SHOULD BE FINISHED WITH THIS THREAD.

THAT WAY YOU WON'T HAVE TO RESPOND TO MY "CANNED" RESPONSES. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif