Sorority Dilemma, Need advice!

[Omwi13]

Hi everyone,

I am seeking advice and for someone to shine some light on my current situation. I researched and found several Christian sororities that interest me. I prefer not to say the names of any. I narrowed my choices down to 2 of them but more interested in the one. The first one is a non-collegiate sorority and the second one is for undergrad/grad's.

The dilemma is, that the first sorority is national but does not have a local chapter in FL where I am. If I am selected, then I would have to pledge E-Line (internet) and then start a new local chapter in my area. Going this route would be a lot of work to do and training portions that would come along with charting a local chapter, in which I was told by the regional director. Starting a local chapter on my own is optional, but I want the full experience.

The second sorority has already established a local chapter in my area and has a good number of members that are active. I like this sorority and would not have to start from scratch to charter a local one. I would also be at an advantage of being able to attend interest meetings and actual events in my area.

I want to join a local sorority that is already established in my area. I want to experience the pledging process and unite in sisterhood versus pledging an E-line chapter that does not have that advantage of meeting the members personally in the organization. I like both of the sororities but am not sure if choosing an E-line chapter is worth it, instead of choosing the other sorority that is already charted in my area.

Any good advice?? Sorry for the long message.

[WhiteDaisy128]

Originally Posted by Omwi13

Hi everyone,

I am seeking advice and for someone to shine some light on my current situation. I researched and found several Christian sororities that interest me. I prefer not to say the names of any. I narrowed my choices down to 2 of them but more interested in the one. The first one is a non-collegiate sorority and the second one is for undergrad/grad's.

The dilemma is, that the first sorority is national but does not have a local chapter in FL where I am. If I am selected, then I would have to pledge E-Line (internet) and then start a new local chapter in my area. Going this route would be a lot of work to do and training portions that would come along with charting a local chapter, in which I was told by the regional director. Starting a local chapter on my own is optional, but I want the full experience.

The second sorority has already established a local chapter in my area and has a good number of members that are active. I like this sorority and would not have to start from scratch to charter a local one. I would also be at an advantage of being able to attend interest meetings and actual events in my area.

I want to join a local sorority that is already established in my area. I want to experience the pledging process and unit in sisterhood versus pledging an E-line chapter that does not have that advantage of meeting the members personally in the organization. I like both of the sororities but am not sure if choosing an E-line chapter is worth it, instead of choosing the other sorority that is already charted in my area.

Any good advice?? Sorry for the long message.

Sounds like you made your preference pretty clear. Now just hope you click and are a good fit.

Might be worth checking out the other groups (social and service GLOs) at your school too.

[Kevin]

This answer is very much not in my lane, but having experienced the chapter founder experience (and we had much more support than some online individual) is completely different from pledging an existing organization. I mean you will be creating that pledging experience from scratch. You have no traditions, no past, no alumni. It's just you and whatever other membership you're able to scrounge up and create experiences for.

I was one of the founding members of a large NIC/IFC national with hundreds of thousands of members and nearly 300 chapters. We had an expansion consultant stay with us for a whole semester (that was of debatable benefit) and had constant visits from consultants and other interaction with HQ.

You're talking about starting from scratch, just you and someone on a computer or pledging something which exists. Understand these are two very different experiences.

[greekdee]

Based on what you said you're looking and hoping for, and that you like them, it sounds as though the established chapter is the one to pursue.

[Omwi13]

Originally Posted by WhiteDaisy128

Sounds like you made your preference pretty clear. Now just hope you click and are a good fit.

Might be worth checking out the other groups (social and service GLOs) at your school too.

Thank you WhiteDaisy128. I have to weigh all of my options. I like your advice to seek other ones.

Thanks!

[Omwi13]

Originally Posted by greekdee

Based on what you said you're looking and hoping for, and that you like them, it sounds as though the established chapter is the one to pursue.

Thanks Greekdee! The second choice seems to be the better choice since its already local and established.

[Omwi13]

Originally Posted by Kevin

This answer is very much not in my lane, but having experienced the chapter founder experience (and we had much more support than some online individual) is completely different from pledging an existing organization. I mean you will be creating that pledging experience from scratch. You have no traditions, no past, no alumni. It's just you and whatever other membership you're able to scrounge up and create experiences for.

I was one of the founding members of a large NIC/IFC national with hundreds of thousands of members and nearly 300 chapters. We had an expansion consultant stay with us for a whole semester (that was of debatable benefit) and had constant visits from consultants and other interaction with HQ.

You're talking about starting from scratch, just you and someone on a computer or pledging something which exists. Understand these are two very different experiences.

Thanks. Yes, those are two different experiences. You made things more clear!

[greekdee]

Definitely take the advice to check out others since there are many Greek organizations out there. My experience is with Panhellenic sorority life, and while there will be a variety of faith backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, lifestyles, etc., many Christian women seek and find their sisterhoods within NPC. Best wishes whichever way you choose!

[Omwi13]

Thanks!