APO & A Phi Q

Hyper2 · #1 05-04-2003, 09:55 PM

This is a serious question that I have for members of all male chapters and those that are co-ed. Why do some chapters or members (all-male past/present chapters), feel as though women who are in Alpha Phi Omega are not true members of the organization, and must be treated only as Jewels?

X-orcist · #2 05-04-2003, 09:57 PM

Hey Hyper,
i know what you feel.

Attractive#7 · #3 05-04-2003, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hyper2
This is a serious question that I have for members of all male chapters and those that are co-ed. Why do some chapters or members (all-male past/present chapters), feel as though women who are in Alpha Phi Omega are not true members of the organization, and must be treated only as Jewels?

As we all know, our beloved fraternity was traditionally all male. The decision to let females in the frat was something that was forced upon the men. They did not necessarily want this. Some men are ok with it, they feel as though you should not discriminate when it comes to service. Other members are not ok with it. Some will totally ignore you while others will embrace you at the time, but are really against it. Personally I love my frat and I will not allow anyone to disrespect me. It's going to be hard at times, but that is why you must demand respect.

Senusret I · #4 05-05-2003, 08:15 AM

This is a touchy topic that won't die. Before we discuss it again, PLEASE talk to Brothers in your Chapters about the issue FIRST, then if you still don't have answers you want, talk to neighboring chapters. THEN talk to your sectional and regional staff. THEN take it to the national APO list serv.

Also, please READ the prior threads about this topic.

Let's not post yet another argument divisive to our fraternity on a public message board.

bro_strawter · #5 05-05-2003, 04:36 PM

Well said frat!!!

PLEASE DO A SEARCH!! It'll save alot of drama.

Hyper2 · #6 05-05-2003, 04:52 PM

I was just asking because, I have read the post from the past, and they still do not help with the issue. I know its touchy and it redundant, but I want to know why the separation. If you are not the ones that sweat the issue, then don't worry, just give encouraging words ("keep your head up" or "stay strong"). From what I can see from past post, everyone seems to be okay with having females in the organization, but what about bruhs that have not replied or don't know about the forums. When I was asked to talk to my bruhs about the issue....I can't because I'm apart of an petitioning group, we have no answers, the past members (1947-1994) of the chapter treat the women of APO as jewels and not real bruhs, and it hurts. The section and regional chair warned us about the issue, but when it hit home, it was not cool. I refuse to be walking down the street, helping in the community or come back to school for Homecoming, and see them and be total ignored by them.

33girl · #7 05-05-2003, 05:21 PM

I don't know why the chapter at your school was closed originally, but in ANY Greek org, when a chapter is recolonized, there's always mixed feelings no matter how happy you are to see your letters back on campus. It stirs up a lot of old hurts and pains. Add the all-male/co-ed issue to the mix and they double.

gamma_girl52 · #8 05-05-2003, 05:21 PM

Just to cut in.

Jewels (or "Jewels of Tau" as the official name) are an INDEPENDENT service organization. They are not "sweethearts" of the fraternity.

The rest, as ya'll know, I cannot speak on

but I wanted to clarify that.

I_Candee · #9 05-05-2003, 08:20 PM

Hey Hyper,
As a female, I was told about this issue while seeking membership into Alpha Phi Omega. I agree with Dardenr, so I'll abstain from discussing this topic on a public forum. I will state that I wish you good luck on finding out more about this topic . Please ask your advisor for guidance on finding the answers you seek...my advisor has been INCREDIBLY helpful!!!

GoldnBlue2004 · #10 05-06-2003, 11:51 AM

I agree that we should embrace each other as brothers and fellow petitioners of this great organization. There is no need to be seperate, but equal. It is not anyone's fault that nationals has allowed for women to become members of this organization. We all need to get a grip and just learn to accept them as our brothers. All of this division needs to come to a close or we will not get anywhere in this world. By being divided all it causes is a problem for us as well as others and that is in anything that you pursue. Like I said before I love each and every one of my brothers in this organization. We all have or aspire to have the same letters and represent the same organization. We need to unite and become stronger because right now by being divided it just shows out weak points. See you all October 31st. One!

#14
GQ-FO-REAL
FL '02
JCSU Petitoning Group

bro_strawter · #11 05-06-2003, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hyper2
I was just asking because, I have read the post from the past, and they still do not help with the issue. I know its touchy and it redundant, but I want to know why the separation. If you are not the ones that sweat the issue, then don't worry, just give encouraging words ("keep your head up" or "stay strong"). From what I can see from past post, everyone seems to be okay with having females in the organization, but what about bruhs that have not replied or don't know about the forums. When I was asked to talk to my bruhs about the issue....I can't because I'm apart of an petitioning group, we have no answers, the past members (1947-1994) of the chapter treat the women of APO as jewels and not real bruhs, and it hurts. The section and regional chair warned us about the issue, but when it hit home, it was not cool. I refuse to be walking down the street, helping in the community or come back to school for Homecoming, and see them and be total ignored by them.

No actually, I got it. Believe me, without you even typing a reply, there is probably nothing I haven't heard, or question I haven't answered on the issue. I totally understand your position. I'll be glad to answer any of your questions outside of this forum. It's been drama free in here for a minute, and I think we would all like to keep it that way. E-mail me if you like at tstrawter@ureach.com

Hyper2 · #12 05-06-2003, 08:54 PM

Thank you so much for all that you said, I'm sorry that I brought up an issue that could bring up potential drama. I just wanted answers, and I want to just thank everyone for their opinions.

sweete81 · #13 05-06-2003, 10:43 PM

Now I know that I am a Neo so there are many things that I have yet to understand about Alpha Phi Omega, yet I do understand a great deal about where you are coming from being that I am not only a female bruh at the Zeta Phi Chapter (HU/Black Beta) but the alumni/advisor coordinator as well for my chapter. Like the others stated, it is a public forum so it is not wise to "air dirty laundry" here, but you can email me at sweete81@blackplanet.com, anytime to discuss this issue (Cause it is a lot that needs to be discussed). I will be more to happy to share my opinions, experiences and anything else with you and your (female) line brothers.

Yours in L,F,S,

News @ 9
9-ZP-03 A

Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Inc.

P.S. Good luck to you all on your rechartering status and I and my line will see you in the fall

P.P.S. Hyper and anyone else from the JCSU PG GROUP or any other HBCU PG GROUP or Chapter, please email me the information of your VP of Fellowship, cause we are planning something and we would like for you to be apart of it!!!