Becoming National
 

My sorority is having a problem with becoming recognized. We started our own sorority a few year ago but were recently told our university does not support local greeks. To be able to continue meeting as our own sorority, we need to become national recognized. Does anyone know how we would go about doing this when we cannot become recognized as a greek organization by the university?

If you search the "Locals" threads, you'll find lots of information there. If you are interested in affiliating with an NPC sorority, you can find info at www.npcwomen.org. You may want to clarify what "national" means to your university before continuing.

What was stated above is correct on this issue. You must seek out your college's Greek Life officials to determine what they consider National. Here are some standard benchmarks on becoming a National Organization:

1. General Liability Insurance (Refer to Kirklin, Admiral, or even your local insurance companies) You need insurance in order to operate; most schools will not accept your organization on campus without this.

2. Expansion - In order to be considered a National Organization, some believe that you must have at least more than 5 active chapters. Others believe that you must have chapters extended within your local state and abroad from that state. I agree with the latter, to be a National Organization, you must have some type of diversity across states.

3. National Council - Council's make it easier for your organization to evolve. Through training, networking, and much more, Council's assist organizations in various ways. Being on a Council means that your organization has someone who assists you as well as serving as a higher council for you to report to and follow guidelines from. School's generally look at this.

4. Financial Stability- Ensure that your org, is financially stable enough to start doing this. Expansion packets, insurance, media and advertisements, various projects, fundraisers, and events; these are all vital aspects that you must adhere to.

These are just four benchmarks that you should definitely look over. Hope this helped a little more. AND CHECK THE LOCALS FORUM.

While NPHC, NPC and NIC certainly do offer training, networking, general assistance and a set of guidelines to follow, not all do. I can't say for certain what NALFO does, but the councils currently available to multicultural organizations (NMGC and NAGC) are primarily networking associations. They don't have resolutions or judicial councils that schools can look to for consistency. Perhaps in the future they will, but it's important to really consider what council membership will do for you. And, be careful not to get caught up in one of the start-ups out there that are really just for show!

Thank you all for your advice. We did meet with the Greek Life officials, but the only thing they really suggested was becoming a colony of another national sorority. They have never dealt with a situation like this before and do not really know how to handle it.

Any updates? I hope everthing is going better with the university.