Should a sorority be used for networking?
 

I was reading this book,Success Runs in Our Race by George Fraser,and he mentioned in one chapter,which escapes me at the moment,that one of the best ways to establish a network is to join a black organization. Do you think that it's wrong to join an organization for that purpose?

This is a good question.

The strongest networkers are those who don't *have* to spend the time or energy into becoming a member of a BGLO, but choose to for the brotherhood or sisterhood.

Networking is inevitable in GLOs and even more opportunities should exist for the purposes of fun, fellowship, and service.

What I do detest is social climbers. Trust me, I know plenty of dudes who pledged Alpha, became Masons, and joined 100 Black Men all just to eventually be noticed for Sigma Pi Phi/The Boule. I even know a dude on facebook RIGHT NOW who publicly announced that he was dating a sorority woman, but then quit her just two weeks later because she wasn't as "pure" as he had hoped. I'm like wow, trophy girlfriend much? (This is the same guy who thought he was better than other black people because he supported Hillary Clinton.)

My point.... true networking happens organically through doing things you already enjoy. Social climbing and "fake" networking happen when people don't know how to make friends with strangers.

Are you serious? This dude was probably gonna use her to fuel his own social ambitions,which is so dishonorable in my opinion. By the way..I love that sig...it's from Kill Bill Vol. 1. Love that movie!

should it be used for networking? yes, yes, and YES........lol.

I think networking through a fraternity or sorority can be compared to the appetizer or dessert of a meal. It should not be your only reason for joining, but simply serve as an option should you choose to.

my thoughts exactly. I didn't join my sorority, or any other organization thus far, just for the professional connections i could make. But if they are there, why not use them? why struggle when you dont have to? work smarter not harder lol

When I saw the thread title, I thought OF COURSE. What an odd question. But, now I understand the issue.

My thoughts are summed up here:

As a member of an organization should you network within your organization, for sure. Should you decide to join JUST so you can network, nope. I feel like the networking opportunity is a privilege but not a reason to join. The missions and purposes of your organization, IMO come first. You join to serve the org, and consequently it will serve you. I can't stand when people "walk through the door" and their first question is "What can you do for me?" I'll tell a chick to kick rocks in half a second.

lmao. i wanna be there when u do that.

THIS. i say this to interests all the time, and even to members who need to hear it every so often - "your membership should be complimentary to everything else in your life, not supplementary."

I would hope my sorors have other things going on in life.

I think people forget that everything can be a network, outside formal establishments like greek life, the church. you can network at work, school, or wherever you fit into a community of like-minded individuals. If you se your next opportunity through the chick you see at the laundromat every other Saturday, go forth!