[greekdee]

Hi Kelly-- so glad you joined us! I am a sorority alum who initiated many years ago and am now mom to a college student. There are many alumnae out here who are still involved with sorority life, perhaps as a chapter adviser or as someone who just helps out behind the scenes during the busy recruitment season. My sorority has played different roles in different seasons of life, but it is always a facet of who I am -- and I still have reunions with many women who were in my pledge class back in the late 1970's! The connection is strong and far-reaching. I am a firm believer of, and witness to, sororities building strong women, equipping them for many challenges and opportunities in life and allowing them to be part of something that is much bigger than themselves.

An article said that you were intrigued after seeing such large numbers of young women pursue sorority recruitment at UGA. Their interest begs the questions: What do they hope to find? Why is this important to them? Who are the women behind the letters on those houses? What has contributed to the strength and longevity of these organizations? What is it about the experience that keeps alumnae interested and involved even decades later? Why do they hope their own daughters and granddaughters will pursue it?

There is an expression about Greek Life that says" "From the outside looking in, you can't understand it; from the inside looking out, you can't explain it." There is some truth to that, but I think I would take photos that try to offer insight into the above questions. IrishLake's suggestion of capturing everyday life is excellent. I would love to see photos of sisters studying together, sharing a meal, expressing emotional support, engaging in conversation, helping with tasks and just relaxing together.

On another note, sororities have causes they support and many raise thousands of dollars annually for charitable organizations. It would be lovely to see photos that express this important element of sorority life. As for events that are strictly social, those also represent part of the experience, so I would include photos of that nature too.

As for the individual sorority woman -- who is she? She is the one hurrying to class with multitudes of other students. She may be studying to become an educator, physician, journalist, social worker or stock broker. She might be in love, dream of travelling abroad, pray for a better world, worry about failing finals, miss her dog back home, work part-time to help pay her dues, enjoy debating politics and social problems and choke up during Hallmark commercials...despite the stereotypes placed on her, she is like so many other young women in her age bracket.

In addition to their own organizations, sorority women are also part of the Panhellenic community. The vision of the National Panhellenic Conference is "Advancing the sorority experience together." Perhaps some photos of different sororities interacting and supporting each other's causes? It would also be neat to see a photo of current undergraduate members interacting with alumnae, showing that women of different generations still wear the same pin -- a shot of different age groups admiring a photo of the founders would be cool.

Well, this is rambling, but just some thoughts. I love your concept and think it's a great opportunity to show the different elements that sorority life embraces. Again, glad you joined us!