I think we need to do a better job of being "seen" in the community. I must really commend members of BGLO's for ALWAYS being proud to display their greek affiliation! Everyday I see several members of different BGLO's with license plates, tote bags, umbrellas, buttons, etc, even though I am an alum! (i.e., I'm not seeing these people in class, but rather at the library, at work, at the park, etc.).
I do, however, live in a college town (mostly GLO's) and I see a lot of people looking like they just stepped out of bed (or even many times see them in public drinking or using obscene language quite loudly) with their letters or other paraphanellia on . If you don't have pride in yourself, how can you reflect pride in your organization? I know that this doesn't pertain to everybody...I'm just trying to make the point that when you choose to display your greek affiliation, you are, in a way, representing the greek system as a whole.
When I wear my letters (or buttons or carry my satchel w/ AXO on it) I'll often have someone ask about it. Instead of saying how much partying I did in school, I mention that we are involved with domestic violence awareness programs, children's programs, etc. Things people can relate to and step back and see how positive greek organization's can be in helping the community. When we sponsor fundraisers for philanthropy we always have our letters on. When a sister in another organization lost her house in a fire, all GLO's on campus worked together to raise funds for her. It was even in the newspaper (something positive for a change)! Anyway, sorry to ramble...I hope that TOGETHER we can keep working to change the image of greeks!
(Also see the thread "Kristin's Story")!
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