Establishing Greek Relations

[ZChi4Life]

What are some good ways to start building good relationships w/ orgs that already well established? My org and I are somewhat struggling in this department. Whereas we have gotten to know many of the fraternities on campus very well, it's been kinda hard getting to know the other sororities. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Serenity]

Hey ZChi4Life!

I would try approaching them about a joint community service project or educational workshop. I'm sure we all share the similar goals when it comes community service and educating our community.

We did a lot of joint projects with other sororities. Most of the time, each org was planning on doing participating in the event anyways. Why not a joint effort!?!

Joint sorority functions work really well during Women's History Month. You can join forces to get really good speakers to come to campus and hold workshops, programs, panel discussions, poetry readings, etc.

Another surefire way: support them at their programs. Make sure a ZChi is there to represent and show Greek Unity. Believe me, they will reciprocate.

Having a party is another idea. However, I would hold off on a joint party until you have established some rapport with them. So, first work, then play!

Hope this helps!

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Sigma Lambda Upsilon: Sincerity, Loyalty, Unity http://www.sigmalambdaupsilon.org

[SilverTurtle]

Hey ZChi-

I think this is a good topic for any GLO, established or not!

Serenity's advice was right on! I know that my chapter wasn't very involved w/ other chapters on our campus. At one of our goal-setting sessions, we established as one of our year-long goals getting more involved in Greek life.

We participated in any and all All-Greek events (Greek Sing, Greek Week, etc.) and made sure that there were lots of us there (wearing our letters) supporting our org and others.

The joint service project ideas are great. (I really liked the Women's History Month one!! ) It can make things run smoother (more people helping out) and you will be surprised how much you can accomplish together.

Have fun, and good luck!!


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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com
Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter

[ZChi4Life]

Thanks everyone for the ideas! A community service project is something that we have been thinking of doing. We are also planning on doing a program this Fall w/ one of the latina sororities on my campus. It's a program that will introduce the ethnic greeks on campus. Our BGLOs have been doing this since I've been in school. But now, the ethnic greeks have been on the rise (5 latino orgs, 2 asian orgs, 1 indian frat, and then my org) So we thought it would be good to have something where we can let incoming freshmen know that they have more options outside of going IFC/NPC. I hope it works out well!

[ZChi4Life]

Ok
I have another situation: As I said before, my sorority has been having somewhat of a hard time w/ some of the sororities on campus (for clarity, I'm speaking of the ethnic ones--not that that really matters, but we have a lot of NPC sororities so we don't really interact w/ them all as of yet)
Anyway, so we are only really cool w/ 2 of the 3 latina sororities. By cool I mean, when we see them, we hug, greet, talk, etc, etc.

Now, w/ the other sororities, some of them will barely even smile at us or look our way--even if they see us w/ our letters on (many of them know who we are w/ out our letters unless they are new). Granted my org just got established in Nov 99, but the 2 latina sororities that we speak to welcomed us as SOON as we got established. So this is kinda frustrating for us b/c we try to be nice and whatever and we've gotten nothing but unkind looks from some of these orgs. A good friend of mine in a frat told me that one of the orgs sees us a "major competition"--those were his words. Um, whatever! I think that's silly if that's true. Most of these orgs have been on campus for years (like 15+).

Anyway, the question: if you were in this situation, what would you do? Would you try to make them see that they have nothing to worry about? Or would you ignore the situation and just worry about your org and what you have to do? Any suggestions are welcomed! Thanks ahead of time Oh and if this is worded weird or whatever, feel free to ask for clarity.

[SilverTurtle]

I'm sorry to hear about your unfortunate situation. You can't really control those women's actions or feelings.

Your friend was probably right when he said that these women view as "competition" (although they should be happy to have more Greeks regardless).

I definately wouldn't reciprocate w/ the attitude and unfriendliness. Don't go out of your way to be super-nice-best-friends with these girls (you know what I mean), but do continue to smile, approach, etc. the women. They may just need to adjust to your presence on campus. And if you continue being friendly and showing love to ALL of the Greeks, they will hopefully begin to accept you there.

Also, when/if you implement any of the service projects or such that were mentioned previously in this thread, make sure to include them when you're inviting the other orgs. I wouldn't be surprised if they chose not to participate, but continue to be inclusive.

Also, maybe when they realize that the other Latina (and other) orgs are showing you love, they'll relax a bit.

Good luck, but don't stress about what you can't control

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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com
Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter

[ZChi4Life]

Thanks for your words of wisdom SilverTurtle and Serenity! We have definitely been trying to just continue to be ourselves and not worry about what the others think or say. I believe that they just need to get used to us being on campus and what not. Hopefully once we have our program w/ the one Latina org, that will maybe open up the flood gates to the others Right now, my sorority is trying to prepare for Rush and get that finalized! So much to do, so little time!!

Serenity, that's funny you should tell that story b/c that is exactly what happened on my campus and why we now have 3 Latina sororities. There was a local Latina sorority on campus for a long # of years. Then this past year, 2 more National orgs popped up. A lot of my friends and sorors didn't understand why the need for 3 b/c the latina population is quite small (I think total there are like 1700 Latino/as on campus). They are smaller in numbers than the Af. Am on campus which is at about 2100 and there are 8 of the 9 Divine Nine orgs representing. But that's interesting to say the least. I was thinking that maybe the 2 new orgs wanted to belong to National orgs or something of that nature. <shrugs>

Once again, thank you both for your responses! We are definitely working on trying to improve Greek relations on our campus b/c there isn't much unity at all to be honest. Hence, why my sisters and I started the chapter of my sorority. It's gonna take time but one day, it'll get better

[Serenity]

ZChi4Life, I sent you an email.

[equeen]

Out of curiosity, ZChi, is the Indian fraternity Iota Nu Delta, by any chance?

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equeen
A Lioness has her Pride!
@>--;--
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies

[This message has been edited by equeen (edited August 15, 2000).]

[Serenity]

ZChi4Life, we had a similar experience but for totally different reasons. For two years, we were the only Latina sorority on campus. We had a lot of girls express interest during this time. Some pledged, some were denied membership and others decided they we not ready to pledge for one reason or another.

Anyway, during the third year we were on campus, several young ladies that had once expressed interest in my organization began pledging/chartering their own colony of another Latina sorority. These were really great girls. We were happy for them and there were no ill feelings between us. Although, a lot of outsiders tried to pit us against eachother.

That same year, several other ladies that were denied membership to my sorority in the past, began to pledge and charter a chapter of another Latina sorority. These ladies had "bad-mouthed" us in the past. Because of that, most people on campus knew they had been denied membership by us. Well, let's just say other greeks had a field day with them. We overcame this by approaching them about doing some joint community service projects after they were initiated. It wasn't easy because they had been pretty much giving us the "cold shoulder" act. But,it worked! We worked together many, many times. Especially during Hispanic Heritage Month and Women's History Month.

We still heard comments from the peanut gallery. But we didn't let that stop us. I'm not saying we were the best of friends with these ladies. However, we felt that it was necessary for us to show that we supported them. If we didn't have a problem with them, then really no one else should. That's what Greek Unity is all about.

There will always be some "drama" between organzations. That's just the way it is. I would just work with the organizations that you have established a relationship with. As far as the other sorority, I would still attend and support their programs. Let them see that the ill-will is solely on their side. One day they will come to understand the concept of "Greek Unity".

Don't let it get you down. Keep striving to fulfill the goals and ideals of your organization!



[This message has been edited by Serenity (edited August 15, 2000).]

[ZChi4Life]

equeen, they are called Alpha Iota Omicron

Originally posted by equeen:
Out of curiosity, ZChi, is the Indian fraternity Iota Nu Delta, by any chance?

[BFulton]

Tiara98!

What a nice, proactive approach! Good luck!

[equeen]

Tiara, extremely cool proactive idea!! Neato.

Establishing relations with other greeks helps if you approach individual greeks you know (as friends, classmates, etc.), and ask them to refer you to their philanthropy chair, President, etc. It seems to work better if an officer has a sister/brother that will vouch for you, and by extension, your organization.

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equeen
A Lioness has her Pride!
@>--;--
Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies

[ZChi4Life]

I agree, Tiara, that's a great idea. I'll have to borrow that

We've been sending out personalized emails to student orgs on campus inviting them to our events as well. I have even seen some others starting to adopt that method now

Tiara, I looked at your webpage. It's really cute! But the history page doesn't work
But it's a really nice page. Your sorority's colors are very pretty Good luck to you all in the Fall!

[Moni93]

Quick question ZChi4life, does your school have a NPHC, if so, have you or a representative from your organization approached them about having a greek roundtable which includes all of the greek orgs? This way you could have a discussion regarding community service projects that could be jointly coordinated through both organizations.

Good luck.