[Strive]

Believing something and knowing something are completely two different things. So before you make that big step just read this.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Pan-Hellenic Council Black Greek Letter Organizations (PHC-BGLOs) are not a college clubs. It is a lifetime commitment. If you are interested in a PHC-BGLO, because
They have the best parties,
All your friends are in it,
And you fit the stereotype

Then you are in for a rude awakening. The average age of a member is not 20 years old, but 40-50 years old. Most members are family and career-oriented people who work toward the principles or goals of their PHC-BGLO.

Before joining, do the following.
Read about the organization; do not let your emotions choose for you. Becoming a part of a PHC-BGLO just because all of your friends are in it. It is not wise reason for joining. Ask yourself objectively, can I work for these principles or goals for the rest of my life. Do I believe in these principles? Do the principles fit into my lifestyle? It is best to join a PHC-BGLO because you believe you can work toward the principles of the PHC-BGLO.
Friends abandoned you because you pledge another PHC-BGLO. They were never your friends in the first place. True friendships do not end because friends joined different sororities and fraternities. There are plenty of family members who are Zetas, SGRhos, AKAs, Deltas, Sigmas, Kappas, Iotas, Alphas, and Ques. They are still close and love one another.

Why should you not use your emotions?
The reason, why you should not let your emotions choose for you, is because you will be choosing the PHC-BGLO based on your current emotional state. When you are young, it is fun to live in the moment and be spontaneous. But living in the moment is not desirable when choosing a PHC-BGLO. First you must be objective before you are subjective. Before you make your choice. Look at the PHC-BGLO as an object and ask yourself why has this PHC-BGLO existed for so long. Some of you might have heard that you should learn about the PHC-BGLO PHC-BGLO before you "join" them. This is a faulty reason to do research. For one reason, it gives you false hope. It is possible that you may be denied membership. Learn about the PHC-BGLO simply because you are curious about the historical perspective, not because you want to be apart of one. How has the PHC-BGLO benefited its communities? The answer will be part of your research. Also, do not be afraid to call Nationals. When you called Nationals, let them know why you are calling. The individual on the phone may be very busy, but do not let this discourage you. Just call again. Remember when calling put a smile in your voice. Once you can answer these questions. Then you need to ask yourself how can I spread the principles and goals of this PHC-BGLO. Am I ready to be apart of PHC-BGLO? What can I offer to this PHC-BGLO?
A sad drawback for letting your emotions chooses for you. All chapters are not the same. All sorors on one campus may not be as friendly as the next campus. If you choose PHC-BGLO because all the sorors were friendly, nice, and warm, then transfer to another chapter and enter a different atmosphere. You will be disappointed.

All my friends are in XYZ PHC-BGLO
Unfortunately, some people joined a PHC-BGLO because all their friends are in it. If your friends were not in XYZ PHC-BGLO would you be interested in that PHC-BGLO. I had to answer this question my self. Most of the friends were not Zetas. My answer to the question was NO! So that is why I say it is best to become a part of a PHC-BGLO based on its principles and goals.
A sad drawback to this is if two soror or frats disagree on a subject. Emotions can be so strong that the one who simply joined the PHC-BGLO because all his/her friends are apart of the PHC-BGLO will be most likely to become inactive and non-financial.
Another sad drawback is you are paying for friendship. The cost to stay active is more than $100.00. It is really sad when someone must pay for friends.

Choose the PHC-BGLO based on Nationals, not local chapter
When you do your research make sure you based your decisions on what is happening on the National level. Because where ever you go you are guaranteed that the chapter will be using the principles and goals of Nationals. When you choose a PHC-BGLO based on local chapter, you are limiting your viewpoint. Your viewpoint will be distorted. If the chapter you are interested does a book load of activities, after graduation or you transfer to another chapter. The next chapter may not do half as much. You will be disappointed because you created a delusion that all chapters are like your home chapter. To save yourself disappointment, use the Nationals principles and goals as your source of inspiration. All chapters are not the same, but at least you are guaranteed that all chapters will abide by the principles and standards of the National Chapter.
By Zeta Soror Jacqueline Barbour