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Okay, so I had decided, like a few others, that I would stay out of the bantering of this thread, as it seemed to be getting a little off topic and heated... However, one thing that came up is a hot spot with me. NPC/NIC members do stay active and involved with their organizations. A post from page 2 (maybe 3) stated that most of the Alumni members of these groups didn't wear paraphernalia, SO WHAT. Wearing letters or other symbols of an organization doesn't make you active, it's what you do. On the other hand, how do you know how often someone wears a symbol of the organization. I have a necklace with a lion pendant that I wear at least twice a week (the lion is our mascot). Would everyone know that it represents my sorority, absolutely not. Does that mean I should tell everyone so they know I am proud of my continued involvement? Someone else pointed out that it NPC/NIC organizations where not service oriented. While we are defined as "Social" organizations, service is key component to most of the groups. As far as service projects outside of college, most Alumni members I know are very service-oriented. We participate in event with a variety of other organizations, most of the time without identifying ourselves as members of XYZ sorority/fraternity. Does that make our participation in those events any less important? I don't think so. Doing a good deed is doing a good deed - recognition isn't the reason to do it. I would say that most of the organizations represented in GC have a strong support of members who make lifetime commitments to them. I think that how we choose to display/act out our commitments is more of an individual decision than any thing else. I am proud to wear my letters, my badge, my symbols when helping the community (or even just hanging out). I am also proud to help the community while not wearing them. I am also proud to say I am an active Alumna of Alpha Delta Pi. Would you know that if you saw me on the street, probably not. But then again, what would it matter? Why should it affect you if I have made a lifetime commitment to my sorority, that is, unless I am wearing my letters? Come on, we all love our groups and we all show it in our own way. If you want to wear your organization’s symbols, please do. If not, then don't. It doesn't matter. What matters is what you bring to the organization in ways of action.
I hope I didn't offend anyone. This comment was not directed at any individual group or person. I have heard people from all groups at all levels (from Collegiates to Alumni from NPC to Locals and everyone in between) say that Alumni should be proud of the organization and wear things that show their affiliation. Again, for me, I like wearing my sorority things. I have sisters that feel pressure at their work and with other friends to not wear them. I don't think they are bad people for not wearing them. They are still proud of the group and are involved in Alumnae activities. I just needed to vent and this seemed like the thing that set me off... today.
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