[PhoenixAzul]

I tend to think of it as let people go where they feel the bond. Obviously, my sorority was the best fit for me. But, I understand that it isn't for everyone. I probably wouldn't be a fit for some NPC's, probably wouldn't fit in the NPHC and probably wouldn't fit in a lot of other councils and groups. But there are women for whom those organizations are fabulous and fulfilling fits (wow, check out that alliteration!). And I think that every woman should have a chance to experience what I've experienced through my sorority. It sounds Pollyanna, but I'm alright with that.

Furthermore, I think organizations like my own need to be making an effort to reach out towards groups outside AND inside our systems. We can't keep waiting for others to reach towards us...no one ends up connecting that way. Taking the first steps towards bonds, and sometimes REextending the hand of friendship repeatedly, is sometimes what is needed to bring about real unity.

And while I'm at it, I think an effort needs to be made to diversify our membership. I'm not 100% talking racial, although that is a part of it, but I'm talking about in terms of background in all areas (socio-economic, geographic, physical, educational). I think that a house full of 100 blonde, thin, underwater basket weaving majors from Anytown, PA would be really, really boring. I think part of the point of sisterhood is to find that common bond in uncommon places. Part of what I liked about my own sorority is that people looked at them and went, "wow, they are nothing alike". But when you got down to it, we were alike in that we cherished the same ideals taught by our sorority, we cherished life in the same way, we cherished school and education and dialog. We didn't need to be the same coming into it, we gained common ground through our growth in the sisterhood.

I dunno, now I'm rambling.

Short version: Let people find sisters and brothers wherever they can.