Standing Proudly
 

Just to get a conversation started on the board. I would like to know what are you all's opinions as to "Why Sigma Gamma Rho stands out from other sororities?" I should make you aware that I am not a member of the sorority, but I have come into contact with members in various ways and researched and I just wanted to see if your point of views matched mine.

Well being a neo, I can say the things that made me personally choose SGRho.

First of all, I chose SGRho because I loved the ladies and what they were about. They always were deep in community service, supporting the other greeks' functions on campus, and always showing unconditional sisterhood among sorors.

When I first came to campus, I was generally turned off by the greek scene because I saw alot of pettiness and conceit. Having come from a family of non-greeks, I only initially knew about the negatives because that was primarily what I saw on campus, and I didn't know mush about greek life. However, as more and more time passed, I saw that Sigma Gamma Rho was consistently active, supportive, down to earth, and positive.

I guess the other aspect that really attracted me to SGRho was that it didn't attract any certain sterotype. With some of the other sororities, alot of prospies seemed to be interested in them initially because of alot of "image" factors, whereas with SGRho it seemed to attract people who really were into SGRho's principles and not their image or superficial things.

And before I end this message, I just want to point out that I realize all frat/sororities have their pros and cons, and that what i observed was on my campus, not nationwide.

I am an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, and I have been for three years. I chose Sigma because I felt comfortable around my then big sisters. I come from a huge family of nothing but strong women I have six sisters so I didn't join for sisterhood but gained more sisters than ever. Sigma is my heart and I help my sorors on all levels, emotional, financial, whatever. You name I got it and so do my sisters. We all joined for various reasons all I ask you to do is sit back and truly think about it, and whatever you choose make sure it is in your heart. You'll know that it's in your heart if it makes you smile,if you get anxious if you are around a memeber,if you imagine yourself in the colors, and if you can't wait to represent. I love my S in front of my G, I love my G in front of my RHO, I love my S G RHO, I love it, I love it, I love it.

A_RHOyal,

You're gettin' me all worked up over here, chanting and whatnot!!!

"S in front of my G in front of my RHO...SIGMA GAMMA RHO!"

Paragon 1922,

I must say that I have to agree with you. I come from a predominately non-greek family whereas the men are members of particular organizations, but sorority women are nonexistent. When I first came to my school I began to look at all the organizations. I had various reasons as to why I looked at each individually. On my campus we had a host of Zetas, an handful of AKA's, two Deltas, and no Sigma Gamma Rho.

I began to view the pros and cons of things I could agree to and those that made me shake my head. For instance, I noticed that the organization that had the fewest on campus never participated in any activities without the help of the second largest whom they happened to have historically broken off from. I wondered on that for a while as to how I'd come into contact of situations where there was only one Sigma Woman on a campus and she seemed to make her organization the most active against those with 30, 40 members.

Another thing was the number factors. It bothered me that when intake processes where over and the new members came out. I knew a lot of them before and they had more interest in other sororities, but when they found the members in those organizations where going to deny them of entrance they sought letter wearing elsewhere. I was also stunned by the amazing number to all of a sudden be intook whenever I know a few who did not substantially meet the requirements I'd read on the national website.

I say letter wearing because we have a few that only wear letters. I won't criticize that group as a whole because I know of the individuals that do there part. Those who do are always complaining about those who are at every party and club event but aren't paying dues and participating in the sorority activities, but soon as a road this comes up they are first in line. I'm not excluding Sigma women by saying none of them are letter wearers but I can say that all the ones I have met are fully active, whether it's in the spotlight or it has made a difference in hidden situations.

We have a small amount of any particular race on our campus. African Americans standing at less than 300 total. So when someone joins an organization and they are inactive everyone seems to know about it.

Other things are that I feel as a nongreek who may have been interested in one of our already on campus sororities I would of really be pushed away due to the things I heard from the members on mouths about the negativity in there sorority. For example,
the "I use to be a member of this organization" made me question why more and more I heard that line from members of that organization around the country. Or the fact that they'd gone to other campuses and was like they don't like there sorority sisters there-better yet those who don't like members that are in the same chapter. And even more the fact that they talk about there sorority issues around someone who they don't know that well.

I can tell you this I sought one organization and recieved so many snotty replies against other organizations that I realized those particular ladies were all about numbers and looks and the fact that they made NPHC history of being the beginning sorority. Who cares if you start something the question is can you stick to it, nearly a hundred years later?

The next was a little better, but I couldn't find common grounds with those individuals. They just all seemed to have this attitude that shunned me away from them. I felt like I would have to be a groupie (not saying that they are) and loose my identity to hang with them. That definately wasn't me. I felt like they had things about them that I couldn't be a true member to. I felt like I don't want that first letter to symbolize the changing of me into what someone else wants me to be. (That was not saying that's what I think it stands for, it was only a matter of saying-that's what I wouldn't have wanted it to stand for).

The third organization didn't have as many falls because in a lot of places they had the fewest of members on campus and seemed relatively active. But to me I felt like I'd be joining just be a sister to there constitutionally bound fraternity brothers. (That's strickly my opinion from personal experiences). I have a few friends in this organization and it is currently the most active of those on campus. But for various reasons I found they are not the organization for me.

I found the last created, Sigma Gamma Rho. And I was like these women really have it together. I figured it was a trail to them of the lacking that other sororities didn't have. (This is strickly my opinion, but I'm sure some will agree) Once you got through the fact that you are beautiful and you know it, no one has to tell you and you definately don't have to tell them cause they can see for themselves (everyone is beautiful regardless of physical features-true beauty lies within), you didn't have to change into someone else and act a certain way to fit in (you all accept individuality, what's the point of everyone acting the same-don't sames repel against each other), why do you need brothers-(I can understand the wanting to have a greek family but you all prove that you are able to stand alone). You have a true sisterhood bond that stands out like no other. With the members that I have come in contact with from Sigma I have found that I am treated like a little sister even though I'm not a member. To me I feel like a little sister too; meaning I haven't gone through process to be like you all, but I am accepted and the fact that I am interested is respected.

I chose outside of reputations cause education was the key not who was this, that, and the other. Although I will say reputations played a part because I don't pick friends who are known for bad ways, so why join a sorority of that matter-especially when I will be giving my time, money, and commitment to it.

I was like I hardly ran into members of Sigma before I sought interest, but that small package was geniune (an original).

I'm not trying to bash other organizations because that's not going to help me achieve anything. I only hope that this allows one to see that I have an abundance of love for Sigma it is may help them to relate and make a wise decision reguardless of what organization someone chooses. Because every organization isn't meant to have everyone in it. That is why I have not posted any offensive personal cons against any of the other organizations, if so I should hope that they are woman enough to accept constructive criticism because everyone is entitled to there on opinion-I'm on the outside looking in, they are on the inside looking out. So obviously we are seeing two completely different views and there comes a point where views clash.

As to those who are like why is this nongreek talking about other organizations when she's not even a member. I feel like this... I may not be a member and there's a slight chance I could be denied of membership but I know that I wouldn't choose any of the other organizations for membership. I feel like the points I expressed is the general information that many of you probably experienced. I have nothing against Zeta, AKA, and Delta I just have things that I don't agree with to the point that I couldn't seek membership with them. I know many of you have felt the same about those organizations in which you didn't choose.

I believe that individuality and able to stand strong says it all. And that is why I look at Sigma with that twinkle in my eye.

Well first of all, I want to commend you for your research and the work that you have put into this very important, sometimes hard to make desicion and then I would like to thank you for the compliments you have given the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho

I choose Sigma Gamma Rho because of many reasons.
First of all I admired the founders for the work they did and for starting a Black sorority in the middle of Indiana (home of the KKK) in the 1920's. I also admired their yearining for all African-Americans to be educated

At my school I found the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho to be very down-to-earth and approachable. They were constantly doing something and always cared, weather you were a Greek or not. They spoke to you and asked you about your day sincerely and I figured if this is how they treat strangers imagine how they would treat their sorhors.

I now feel like I have this never ending family that all are a part of me, because we all believe in the same thing. People can tell you how it feels all they want, but until you are in the middle of nowhere, with just a little SGRho pin and someone who you have never met comes up to you and hugs you and you immediately fill a bond with them that is undescribale you just couldn't comprehend.

So I bid you good luck on your search for Greekdom, and if God leads you to the dorrs of Sigma Gamma Rho then I will be blessed to call you my Sorhor

Thanks for your response blu_theatrics. I researched the same thing about the KKK in Indiana. I was thinking of the triumph that those seven ladies had to have gone through to even think of forming an African American organization on a predominately white campus. And to look at Sigma Gamma Rho today it's like, WOW. I know if the founders were able to see you all today (with the exception of the one living founder-Vivian Marbury) they'd be so proud at the success the sorority has upkept. I can somehow relate to your mentioning of the fact that you mentioned the love you recieve. I don't recieve that member to member love, but when I make it known to members that I am interested in your sorority I get that open greeting and respect and it is very rare that I don't create a new friendship with that particular lady.

CodeBlue--I appreciate the time and effort you have put into deciding which sorority is best for you (I wish more women would do the same!)

The reason Sigma Gamma Rho stands out for me is 3 fold....

1-Many of the members are not legacy. Meaning that most of my sorors did their research and made a CONSCIOUS decision to seek membership based on the sorority's foundation, principles, and teachings, -- not because their mom is one too. (not to say that is a negative thing, but sometimes people can lose sight of the whole picture when their vision is blurred).

2-Attitude. Sigma women rarely have the "I'm better than you" or "You want to be me" syndrome. When I was an interest, the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho never talked condescending to me or made me feel inferior because I wasnt one of them. In fact they came at me and interacted with me as a friend-not as someone they wanted to persuade to join.

3-Sigma always does work, whether theres 100 sorors around or 1. I have a soror who at the time was the ONLY SGRho in all the schools throughout the state! But by her lonesome, she started a strong Rhoer club, did her community service, put on programs like clockwork, and in turn has proudly given Sigma a presence in her area.

All in all, I love my SGRho and wouldnt trade her for anything in the world! I have GIVEN a lot because of her, and GAINED so much through her!

All I can say is AMEN soror PrettyPoodle. AMEN!

Amen to above as well! Ms. Code Blue I would like you to know why I joined Sigma Gamma Rho as well. I did my research and have had some pretty "close encounters" with other sororities as well -- as an interested person and as a friend. Personally I think all of the great 4 are wonderful!!! While I appreciate your research regarding other sororities I have to tell you to please don't say anything negative about them on this forum. I have much love for all Greeks and what we do in our communities.

I chose SGRho because I fell in love with our history. I could elaborate more but I think I will let my other sorors on this forum respond as well. But please, if you are interested in being a member, keep what you feel about other sororities in the positive and elaborate on what you love about SGRho openly!!!

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BE POSITIVE!!!

Thank's blue reign for your response, I hope that I did not say anything to down the other organizations because I have love for all of them. Everyone has the opinion of this, that, and the other. My mentioning of the acute lackings of the other organizations on my campus wasn't to make one's organization look bad, it was only to stress my point of why I looked more at Sigma Gamma Rho.

To make matters a little better I'd leave a compliment about each of the sororities:
I like AKA because they are the beginning of the NPHC sororities, they were the first, and they set out some firsts that much of the African American population can follow. Delta's are okay because they saw that change was needed and went so forth with that change. Zeta is cool also because they exhibit finer womanhood as part of there roles. And I believe that should be something important to all of us.

And as you know I have much love for Sigma Gamma Rho for the many reasons I've posted previously and those that I hold inside.

I'd like to formally apologize to anyone who I may have stirred up feelings in regarding this issue, I do not believe in sinking to the levels of others (anyone in general) to uplift myself. If you believe that I have done so then that was an apology to you.

One Love-CODEBLUE_R3

i wanted to add in my $1922. i was never into the greek life until i was invited to a christmas party by the grad chapter in my community. once there, i saw what true sisterhood really was. i started paying closer attention to RHOS on my campus and i noticed they were something that i did not see at the time in other sororities: these sisters were REAL. they had a bond that other sororities on my campus only dreamed of. when i became a lovely SIGMA, i realized that there could not have been a better choice for me. this sorority has enabled me to grow into a better person without me having to put on any fronts to other people. that is what captured my heart about the RHOyal Blue and Gold family

Silence,

I just wanted to say that I noticed the same things. And that was a lovely response you brought back some memories of my first accounts with Sigma Women. I'd like to thank all of you who are my friends that I know on a more personal level and give a shout out to those who are "keeping it real" because I know that's the way an organization should be. When you are born into a family your mother doesn't make all her children act the same way nor should she expect them too. Each is accepted for there own looks, habits, dress styles, skin tone, etc. And that's how I see that the women of Sigma look at things. Everyone is accepted for there individuality and for being themselves.