Quote:
Originally posted by theXgirl:
I have a couple of questions for you No Longer Greek.
1. Are you a first year member?
2. For the problems that your chapter apparently has, have you tried to create some solutions rather than just throwing in the towel? Maybe you can be a leader and take the initiative to make positive changes with the help of national officers, local alumnae, etc..
If you love the greek system as much as you say you do, just remember, all it takes is ONE person to make a difference.
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I figured one of my first posts would ask some questions, so here goes.
In response to your first question, I have been a member for three semesters.
In response to your second question, I have tried all summer to come up with some solutions for the problems. Like I said, I have written and called everyone I can think of, including our local alumnae, my sisters in the house, my big sis in the house, the regional advisors, even the president of our executive board. The response from each person is the same. "It's in our bylaws that...." I have tried to reason with them, I have tried to argue, I have even tried begging them to re-think the policies that have been in place for over a century with no changes. It's like the entire organization turned its back on me, and I'm trying to reason with a brick wall. I guess this one person just wasn't meant to change this particular organization's bylaws...
It seemed to me, in the end, that the organization was encouraging me to be an independant woman and to think for myself, but the moment I started doing so they told me I couldn't be a member of their organization if I continued to do what I was doing.
To clarify, there is only one main problem I am having with the organization. The bylaws state that unless the house is at capacity (and our house is 3 short of capacity), active members must live in the house, and if they do not their membership will be terminated. They want me to move into the house, and I would rather live in an apartment for a year before moving into the house because of personal problems I've had recently. Exceptions have been made before when the house was not at capacity (both for financial & personal reasons), and there are two other women living out of the house next year for financial reasons. Well, I'm in a year-long lease now, and I can't just up and move in three days.
In addition to this, the women in my house have been... let's just say less than sisterly. Nearly everyone I've e-mailed or called about this situation has had something downright MEAN to say to me when I questioned their bylaws, with few exceptions (such as the president of executive board, who is wonderful). I feel like even if things did change, why would I want to be a part of this house anyway?
I want to say again, though, that I am a huge advocate of the Greek system. I have made so many wonderful friends through the system and I have had some great opportunities I would not have had if I did not join a sorority. I would, and DO every day, recommend that women and men go through rush and find a house that suits them. I would never wish the pain I've had from this situation on anyone else, but I want to believe that my experience is isolated.
Hope this answered some questions, and I won't have to answer them again... :crossing fingers: