[AGDZO Susan]

" New members aren't "obligated" to wear a pledge pin nor can we tell them so because it's considered "hazing now." I feel a pledge pin is what shows others that you are part of something and you should be proud of wearing it.

If your new members are proud of your organization, they'll want to wear their pledge pin. There's nothing wrong is letting them know that they can wear their pin whenever they like and that the members were their pin/badge on certain days and at certain occassions and why. If your new members aren't ever wearing their pledge pin then you have to ask yourself why - are they embarassed or not proud of the organization that they're in the process of joining? Then again, maybe they're taking the lead from the members - how often do your sisters wear their pin/badge?

It's even gotten so far that even not allowing them to wear our letters is considered hazing. To me wearing letters without knowing the meaning behind it is wrong.

Letters can be bought anywhere by anyone - what's the big deal in the new members wearing them? I'm sure your organization has shirts/sweatshirts that say "XYZ Mom", "XYZ Dad", or baby clothes that say "My mom's a/an XYZ". Don't discourage your new members in showing their excitement and pride in joining your group by not letting them wear your letters! If anything, it's a great public relations tool for your chapter - the more the campus sees people wearing your letters, the more they'll know exactly how big your group is, how involved they are in other organizations (gee, look at all the XYZ's that are on the newspaper staff/band/althetic team/etc.), and how proud your members are your chapter since they're wearing the letters!

I'm sure during your initiation service is when you impart to them what the meaning behind your greek letters and any other symbols, etc that your chapter has. Only after being initiated is when these young ladies can wear your organization's pin/badge and I'm sure there is only one place from which you can order that pin/badge and it takes a special form! Having that pin/badge is what makes an XYZ an XYZ and nothing else - not even fabric letters on a shirt!!!

I feel like this hazing issue has gotten to far to the point where we are just any club or organization. These things are what makes us, us.

What makes your chapter your chapter is what you believe in as an organization and how you live your life by your actions, not if you wear letters or bake cookies for your big sis. Shouldn't your new members be learning from your members what your group's creed/motto/whatever is and how one supports it by their daily actions? Isn't it learning how to be a contributing member to your chapter's success is what counts (being a committee member, officer, etc)? Isn't it learning the importance of paying dues and house bills on time and what happens to the chapter's overall financial stability is what counts? Isn't it treating each other, whether you're a member or a new member, with respect and love what counts?

Your chapter has invited these new members to join your sisterhood - what are the members doing to bring them into your group and making them feel a part of it? Are your big sis' taking the time to study with their little sis' (I'm sure your chapter has grade requirements)? Are your big sis' helping their little sis' meet more of your chapter members by going out for ice cream, watch tv together, shopping, etc? Do you have your new members on your chapter committees so they can start learning more about your chapter's philanthropic endeavours, planning social events, etc? All of those things are what makes your chapter unique and is what your new members should be learning and experiencing so that when they take their vows at Initiation, they will be ready to learn all those secret special things that makes an XYZ truly an XYZ!!!