[preciousjeni]

Revisiting this thread after a while...

There seem to be a number of definitions of multicultural.

1) Organizations devoted primarily to one culture do have members of and welcome the inclusion of different cultures and sub-cultures (i.e. a Latina sorority with members from various Latin cultures as well as non-Latina women). So, these orgs are still Latina/Black/Asian, etc but they make a point to be inclusive and supportive of all.

-Example: Sigma Lambda Gamma

*Specific culture; multicultural membership

2) Organizations that began either as a group devoted to one culture or as a group that did not specify any specific culture (but were not specifically bringing attention to cultural issues.) Perhaps a more recent push to diversify has been incorporated and members are excited to bring in members with different backgrounds and experiences.

-Example: most NPC sororities

*Not originally intended to be specifically multicultural; current diverse membership

3) Organizations founded on multiculturalism. Specific chapters are often representative of cultures in the particular region. Programs are designed to bring education and sensitivity to the understanding of any number of cultures.

-Example: Theta Nu Xi, Zeta Sigma Chi

*Originally and intended to be multicultural


Thoughts? Are there more categories? How would an organization like Mu Sigma Upsilon** be best defined?

**MSU is the "first multicultural sorority in the nation" but they are bound to a Latino fraternity.

And, think about an organization like Phi Beta Sigma that is very diverse. PBS is certainly still considered a BGLO.

This all is why I really think we should be careful to say "historically" or "predominantly."