[wrussell]

Originally posted by preciousjeni
Here is where my concern lies. I would leave my organization if, one day, the membership somehow became relatively uniform (culturally) and all the programs were geared toward that one culture...AND THEN the National Organization decided to change its focus to that one culture. I don't know if that makes sense...

Example: In 75 years, the membership of Theta Nu Xi is 85% Latina, so at that time, it is decided that Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. will now be Theta Nu Xi Latin Sorority, Inc. - but still maintaining the dedication to multicultural membership.

This is unlikely, but it seems that some older organizations are coming to a point now that they are, in effect, cloaking their original foundations in an effort to embrace the newer multicultural movement - the reverse of what I was describing.

I don't see the bad in a member proudly claiming that his/her organization is Latin/Asian/Black/etc. with a firm commitment to multicultural membership (especially since multiculturalism DOES exist within each of the broader cultures - Latin/Asian/Black/ etc.)

What I observe, with sororities in particular, is members of culturally-specific organizations being OFFENDED when a non-member refers to the org as Latin/Asian/Black/etc. and correcting to say "We are a multicultural organization."

To me, it's like saying, "I'm ashamed that I joined a culturally-specific organization and I want to change the org's entire image to reflect the push for diversity and multiculturalism."

I know that most orgs these days are thrilled to have multicultural membership and many are highly diverse (from what you describe, SLB is one such organization that is quickly becoming very diverse.)

But I would be embarassed to try to say that a multicultural org is any more desirable than a culturally-specific org. And, that is what I'm seeing from too many members of culturally-specific orgs.

Last thing - on the other hand, we have NPHC orgs that are very clear that while they openly welcome diverse membership, they will not be changing their focus, mission, programming or anything to suit the non-Black members. If you join, you know that you will be almost exclusively serving one broad culture.

I completely agree. I am proud of our diverse membership and we will always (because we are mostly latino) in the Hispanic world, but I am also proud that we diversify to other programming and try to be come involved in other programming.