Sororities and Politics??

[AlphaGamGirl13]

Hello AGD's! I need advice, and decided to ask some sisters of mine!

One of my sisters is very politically active, which is great, don't get me wrong. Her views, however, completely oppose the views of myself, and some of the other girls in our chapter.

This past weekend, she went to a protest, and held a sign endorsing a certain candidate. This sign had our letters plastered on it. I would have been okay with her wearing letters, as to say that she is an Alpha Gam and supports this candidate, but by putting them on the sign, I felt like it said "Alpha Gam supports this candidate", which is NOT the case. I do not want to be associated with this candidate or his ideals, and I know some of my sisters feel the same way.

This sister also talks to girls about politics and spouts off her views, regardless of the PNM's views, at COR/COB events. I feel that this could offend a girl, and make her turn away from our chapter.

Is there any sort of rule being broken in this sign incident? I'm not looking to get her into trouble, I really just have no desire to be associated with these certain political ideals. Am I over-reacting to this entirely, or should I be concerned, and maybe take action? Just trying to figure out what to do about this. Any input is appreciated- Thanks everyone!

[KSUViolet06]

I'm going to crash your forum for a second.

I have to ask, is your issue with this protest the fact that AGD is associated with ANY political stance in general, or is it simply because you don't agree with HER particular political views?

[ASTalumna06]

Originally Posted by AlphaGamGirl13

Hello AGD's! I need advice, and decided to ask some sisters of mine!

One of my sisters is very politically active, which is great, don't get me wrong. Her views, however, completely oppose the views of myself, and some of the other girls in our chapter.

This past weekend, she went to a protest, and held a sign endorsing a certain candidate. This sign had our letters plastered on it. I would have been okay with her wearing letters, as to say that she is an Alpha Gam and supports this candidate, but by putting them on the sign, I felt like it said "Alpha Gam supports this candidate", which is NOT the case. I do not want to be associated with this candidate or his ideals, and I know some of my sisters feel the same way.

This sister also talks to girls about politics and spouts off her views, regardless of the PNM's views, at COR/COB events. I feel that this could offend a girl, and make her turn away from our chapter.

Is there any sort of rule being broken in this sign incident? I'm not looking to get her into trouble, I really just have no desire to be associated with these certain political ideals. Am I over-reacting to this entirely, or should I be concerned, and maybe take action? Just trying to figure out what to do about this. Any input is appreciated- Thanks everyone!

A couple of questions:

1.) Have you talked to her about this at all? If you present your concern to her in a friendly way, she might be very understanding.

2.) Does your chapter talk about appropriate/inappropriate conversation topics during recruitment? Politics is a HUGE one to avoid... in both a formal recruitment and COB setting.

[kddani]

That's not a proper use of any sorority's letters - to be used in an endorsement such as that without the sorority's express written permission. She had no business putting AGD on the sign. AGD had nothing to do with it - it was her personal position.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by kddani

That's not a proper use of any sorority's letters - to be used in an endorsement such as that without the sorority's express written permission. She had no business putting AGD on the sign. AGD had nothing to do with it - it was her personal position.

And even if the sorority gave consent, I think endorsing any political position would jeopardize a sorority's tax-exempt status.

ETA: I mean, I don't think any sorority would give consent for that very reason.

[agzg]

Originally Posted by AlphaGamGirl13

Hello AGD's! I need advice, and decided to ask some sisters of mine!

One of my sisters is very politically active, which is great, don't get me wrong. Her views, however, completely oppose the views of myself, and some of the other girls in our chapter.

This past weekend, she went to a protest, and held a sign endorsing a certain candidate. This sign had our letters plastered on it. I would have been okay with her wearing letters, as to say that she is an Alpha Gam and supports this candidate, but by putting them on the sign, I felt like it said "Alpha Gam supports this candidate", which is NOT the case. I do not want to be associated with this candidate or his ideals, and I know some of my sisters feel the same way.

This sister also talks to girls about politics and spouts off her views, regardless of the PNM's views, at COR/COB events. I feel that this could offend a girl, and make her turn away from our chapter.

Is there any sort of rule being broken in this sign incident? I'm not looking to get her into trouble, I really just have no desire to be associated with these certain political ideals. Am I over-reacting to this entirely, or should I be concerned, and maybe take action? Just trying to figure out what to do about this. Any input is appreciated- Thanks everyone!

I had a big long answer and I lost it.

We had one of these when I was a collegian. Drove me freaking she nuts. One time told someone to get out of America if they didn't like George W. Bush.

Well, A., letters should not be on a political sign. Alpha Gam should have absolutely nothing to do with (anyone's) politics. It's funny - so many of us, mostly collegians, seem to think that they themselves own the trademark on the letters Alpha Gamma Delta - not true at all.

B. You should not be discussing politics at COR events, unless it's Team Jacob v. Team Edward. You should always be mindful of helpful hints used during Formal Recruitment whenever you're hosting a COR event. Perhaps your VPR could do some programming during chapter (probably right before you host an event) outlining which topics to stay away from, etc.

[33girl]

Originally Posted by agzg

B. You should not be discussing politics at COR events, unless it's Team Jacob v. Team Edward.

And even that's dicey if you get a Twilight hater. LOL.

Politics should NEVER be attached to a sorority's letters, even if 100% of your chapter agrees with what she's saying. It's just not appropriate. I would get the VP of standards to take her aside and tell her to cease and desist ASAP. agzg's idea about a workshop on good topics and bad topics is a good one, but the problem is, too often the people who need the information the most listen the least.

[AGDee]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

And even if the sorority gave consent, I think endorsing any political position would jeopardize a sorority's tax-exempt status.

ETA: I mean, I don't think any sorority would give consent for that very reason.

This. It can jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the organization. If this needs to come from a higher up, talk to your Province Director.

[BabyPiNK_FL]

That's just crazy. What do your letters have to do with any political figure? Completely out of line...

And if she won't stop at COR/COB events, put her *** on water serving/cooking/door greeting/backyard grass watering duties. She's entitled to her opinions, but just like many other things collegians like to do that are outrageous, she can't invoke them on the whole chapter in this way.

[AlphaGamGirl13]

Honestly, the whole tax-exemption thing hadn't even occured to me. Thank you guys for your input, I will definitely speak to an advisor or our chapter president on this issue. You are all so helpful!

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by AlphaGamGirl13

Honestly, the whole tax-exemption thing hadn't even occured to me. Thank you guys for your input, I will definitely speak to an advisor or our chapter president on this issue. You are all so helpful!

Sometimes it's easier to have that conversation from a legal standpoint than a philosophical one. Good luck!