Sorority legacies
 

Many sororities consider an aunt as a legacy. Does this only apply to the Mom's related siblings? Does this include Dad's sisters? And what about in-laws? Aunts that married into the family.

For example. Ronda is going to State U. Mom is an ABC. Her sister is an DEF. Dad's sister is an GHI. Mom's sister-in-law (Mom's brother's wife and Ronda's aunt) is a UVW. And Dad's sister-in-law (Dad's brother's wife and Ronda's aunt) is an XYZ.

Thus...

ABC - Mom's GLO
DEF - Mom's sister's GLO
GHI - Dad's sister GLO
UVW - Mom's sister-in-law's GLO
XYZ - Dad's sister-in-law's GLO

Ronda is a legacy to ABC, but what about to the others GLOs?

From what I remember, technically to be a legacy it had to be mom, sister or grandmother. Anyone can correct me if I'm wrong. Obviously legacies receive special consideration, but I know in my chapter we even took into account any greek affiliation (even if it's from another chapter) because the family would be likely to be supportive of the PNM pledging a sorority. Of course this is on the west coast and I imagine it is VERY different elsewhere!

Ronda would only be a technical legacy to the mother's sorority, in our eyes, however, special consideration is also noted to the other GLOs.

I've got cousins getting ready to go through this in the fall. And in a few years, a niece will have a similar situation. Which is what prompted this question. One cousin was not sure if listing comes across as "trying too hard" or showing Greek support.

By the way, all of them will be attending schools in the South.

So should Ronda note these other GLOs?

From what I understand, my cousins and niece have checked out various NPC web sites with respect to legacies and those GLOs that acknowledge aunts as a legacy only state it as "aunt" and not mom's sister.

I've only seen two different sororities' rec sheets, and both have a place to state other family members who are members of a GLO and other GLO influences (ie: godmother, favorite teacher, etc).

So, yes, Ronda should list each one!

I went to school in the south and listing all your GLO affiliations is never a bad thing!

Thanks for all of the information and suggestions. Will pass on.

Listing the other "connections" certainly cannot hurt but I wouldn't assume that aunts/ cousins/ nieces will be considered legacies. Pi Beta Phi defines legacy as sister, mother, grandmother ONLY. Chapters may vote individually to include step-sister or step-mother but are not required to do so.

Having those individuals you mentioned write letters (with a recent picture and resume) will help those large Southern chapters get to know Ronda better which is always a good thing but she is only a legacy to her mother's group.

Chi Omega defines a legacy as a daughter or a sister of an initiated member in good standing.

I think most NPC sororities define a legacy as the sister, daughter, or grandddaughter of a member. Some recognize step-relationships, others don't. A few don't recognize granddaughters as legacies.

However, I suspect that most chapters would give a niece of a member almost the same consideration as they would give a legacy - not out of obligation but out of courtesy. I know mine would.

I'd list all the relationships, and if possible, have each relative write a letter of recommendation to her sorority if it's represented where Ronda is rushing.

If it was a chapter of AEPhi where they already had over quota of actual legacies going through recruitment, and over quota or actual legacies to that particular chapter going through recruitment, I doubt that chapter would. ;)

Definately get the letters and recommendations sent in. But don't assume (particularly in the south) that a niece will be treated exactly the same as a legacy.

And, to answer whether it's only the maternal side of the family.. no. If the paternal grandmother is an AGD, you are still a legacy. We count steps too.

Dee

So I was wrong! I knew if anyone had the correct info it would be you! ;)