NPHC and The Rest of Your Greek Community

[DeltaSigStan]

Whenever our Asian, Latino, and multicultural GLOs participate in events with IFC and PHC, they go all out, they're totally into it, and show LOTS more spirit than we do (str8 up). This last Greek Week, it seemed as though USFC dominated everything.

However, this is the third yr NPHC has first chosen to participate in Greek Week and then either backed out or not shown up. Our NPHC doesn't seem to want to participate with the rest of the greek community, opting rather to do their own service and social events. We've really want them to do stuff with the rest of the greeks, especially since they're the fastest growing greek council. I mean, if what we're doing is comm. service and showing spirit for your org, why not?

Is there a reason for this? And does this occur at other schools?

ETA: If you feel any ignorance in this question, please feel free to call me on it.

[Sistermadly]

I don't see any ignorance in your post, but maybe a little naivete. No two NPHC chapters are alike, just as no two Delta Sig chapters are alike. So by asking us -- folks who aren't on your campus -- what the deal is with the NPHC not wanting to particpate, you're basically making the assumption that this is the case nationwide.

In short, you've basically just asked "why are all black people everywhere like this?"

Instead of asking us what's wrong, have you considered talking to one or two individual NPHC leaders on your campus and asking them what the problem is? And if they don't respond, then you have your answer -- those particular chapters aren't interested in interfraternal relations, and you can rest in the knowledge that you made an effort and can then move on and have a great time with the chapters that do want to participate.

(ETA: I'm not in the NPHC, and I'm not speaking on their behalf, I'm just telling you what I read in your question.)

[33girl]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
I don't see any ignorance in your post, but maybe a little naivete. No two NPHC chapters are alike, just as no two Delta Sig chapters are alike. So by asking us -- folks who aren't on your campus -- what the deal is with the NPHC not wanting to particpate, you're basically making the assumption that this is the case nationwide.

In short, you've basically just asked "why are all black people everywhere like this?"
[/SIZE]

Honestly, he did nothing of the kind!! He asked "does this occur at other schools?" There could have been someone on GC with information on why the NPHC at his school might not want to participate, or if there are rules in the NPHC barring them from participation in these sorts of events, and rather than bug every forum this was an avenue for someone to either post the info or send Stan a PM.

Sorry, but you are being WAY too sensitive here.

[DeltaSigStan]

It's all good....I understand no two chapters are alike, so maybe the proper question is "does this occur at your school?"

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by 33girl
Honestly, he did nothing of the kind!! He asked "does this occur at other schools?" There could have been someone on GC with information on why the NPHC at his school might not want to participate, or if there are rules in the NPHC barring them from participation in these sorts of events, and rather than bug every forum this was an avenue for someone to either post the info or send Stan a PM.

Sorry, but you are being WAY too sensitive here.

Why do people say "sorry" when they're not?

Okay, so let's spin this on another angle. Say he came in and said that he noticed that of all the sororities on his campus, the women of Alpha Phi (for example) never wanted to do anything, were stuck up snobs, and just generally had bad attitudes, and then asked whether A Phis on other campuses were like this. It's no different - the issue here is making generalizations about an entire class of people based on his anecdotal and limited experience.

If he wanted to know whether there are rules, I think Stan is smart enough to ask whether there are rules. He's one of the more thoughtful posters on GC, and from his post I got that he wanted to make sure that he wasn't stepping on toes or saying something offensive. I wasn't offended, but I wanted to point out where his question might be misconstrued by others especially since he asked us to check him if his question was ignorant or insensitive.

Even if someone shared similar experience with the NPHC at their own school, it's still anecdotal experience, and it doesn't say anything about the NPHC as a whole.

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by DeltaSigStan
It's all good....I understand no two chapters are alike, so maybe the proper question is "does this occur at your school?"

It's cool. So have you (or any representatives from the other greek councils) tried talking to NPHC representatives on your campus?

[xp2k]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
I don't see any ignorance in your post, but maybe a little naivete. No two NPHC chapters are alike, just as no two Delta Sig chapters are alike. So by asking us -- folks who aren't on your campus -- what the deal is with the NPHC not wanting to particpate, you're basically making the assumption that this is the case nationwide.

In short, you've basically just asked "why are all black people everywhere like this?"

Instead of asking us what's wrong, have you considered talking to one or two individual NPHC leaders on your campus and asking them what the problem is? And if they don't respond, then you have your answer -- those particular chapters aren't interested in interfraternal relations, and you can rest in the knowledge that you made an effort and can then move on and have a great time with the chapters that do want to participate.

(ETA: I'm not in the NPHC, and I'm not speaking on their behalf, I'm just telling you what I read in your question.)

I actually think Sistermadly hit the nail on the head and answered quite tastefully.

The best thing to do is confront the particular NPHC groups to see where they're coming from.

[WhirlwindTNX]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
I don't see any ignorance in your post, but maybe a little naivete. No two NPHC chapters are alike, just as no two Delta Sig chapters are alike. So by asking us -- folks who aren't on your campus -- what the deal is with the NPHC not wanting to particpate, you're basically making the assumption that this is the case nationwide.

In short, you've basically just asked "why are all black people everywhere like this?"

Instead of asking us what's wrong, have you considered talking to one or two individual NPHC leaders on your campus and asking them what the problem is? And if they don't respond, then you have your answer -- those particular chapters aren't interested in interfraternal relations, and you can rest in the knowledge that you made an effort and can then move on and have a great time with the chapters that do want to participate.

(ETA: I'm not in the NPHC, and I'm not speaking on their behalf, I'm just telling you what I read in your question.)

Co-sign!

[Glitter650]

Originally posted by Sistermadly

In short, you've basically just asked "why are all black people everywhere like this?"

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In fact he asked... are NPHC orgs like this everywhere... as NPHC orgs are historically black, not exclusively black... I know several non African American ladies in NPHC orgs, and I believe Ninja Poodle can back me on that one.
Even so Stan (as he stated he does knows chapters are different everywhere.... so most likely the answer to your question is no.. they're not like that everywhere so the question should've maybe been.. how do we get them to participate ? Answer... (as others have said) Talk to the leaders of the council or each individual org and see what they say.

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by Glitter650
In fact he asked... are NPHC orgs like this everywhere... as NPHC orgs are historically black, not exclusively black... I know several non African American ladies in NPHC orgs, and I believe Ninja Poodle can back me on that one

Point taken.

[33girl]

Originally posted by Sistermadly
Okay, so let's spin this on another angle. Say he came in and said that he noticed that of all the sororities on his campus, the women of Alpha Phi (for example) never wanted to do anything, were stuck up snobs, and just generally had bad attitudes, and then asked whether A Phis on other campuses were like this. It's no different - the issue here is making generalizations about an entire class of people based on his anecdotal and limited experience.

Perhaps there would be a logical reason that (using your example) Alpha Phi never wanted to do anything on his campus - maybe in years past they were treated badly by fraternities, they were on social probation, or something like that. Someone from that sorority could tell him that and I'm sure he would say, ok, that makes sense. I looked at his question like this, only with NPHC groups instead.

He didn't turn this into a black/white thing, you did...as Glitter pointed out, NPHC does not equal black.

[decadence]

Originally alleged by Sistermadly: In short, you've basically just asked "why are all black people everywhere like this?"

NO he did not. Additionally, as has been pointed out the 'H' in HBGLO is there, and NPHC does not equal black - to use the above text. Plus, he said multicultural and Latino orgs participate in the initiatives enthusiastically; I would think those orgs likely have black men and women as members, as might the NIC/NPC groups!

And again from Sistermadly: Okay, so let's spin this on another angle.

A totally different one from the original post apparently.

Say he came in and said that he noticed that of all the sororities on his campus, the women of Alpha Phi (for example) never wanted to do anything, were stuck up snobs, and just generally had bad attitudes, and then asked whether A Phis on other campuses were like this. It's no different - the issue here is making generalizations about an entire class of people based on his anecdotal and limited experience.

The words 'attitude problem' spring to mind to put it mildly - totally inapplicable example. Number one he did NOT attribute characteristics (snobby etc) as you did in your example. "Our NPHC doesn't seem to want to participate with the rest of the greek community" is a statement of fact based on witnessed events. Did he say "Our NPHC are obstructive, rude, prejudiced and have no sense of campus community spirit because they don't participate in..."? NO. Further note his use of the word 'our'. Comments noting he has limited/anecdotal experience are facile, he has not attended every single university in N. America with greek life for four years or been involved for two decades at all different ones as an advisor; so of COURSE his comments + questions are personal to his experiences. Sistermadly my slightly acid tone is because you seem to be calling someone out for bad behavior which isn't present and someone has asked for advice/input.

Yet more: Even if someone shared similar experience with the NPHC at their own school, it's still anecdotal experience, and it doesn't say anything about the NPHC as a whole.

He never said nor sought to say anything about the NPHC as a whole!! There is something he observed on his campus and asks if others have observed similar on theirs.

We've really want them to do stuff with the rest of the greeks, especially since they're the fastest growing greek council. I mean, if what we're doing is comm. service and showing spirit for your org, why not?

See, now I see this as admirable. All greek together, working to build a stronger system for the benefit of all orgs. Being in a vacum devoid of NPHC influence and input when those orgs are present would be a great shame in my opinion. Unless people think otherwise to that I think commendation for his enthusiasm would have been better with suggestions and advice on how to contribute to a more integrated Greek system which respected and built on the different characteristics and rich heritage all all the different types of GLOs there.

[Sistermadly]

Seeing as how Stan seemed to be okay with what I said, and seeing as how he got that there wasn't any malice, accusations, or "oversensitivity" behind it, I'm just going to A & B that conversation, and C my way out of any others. Y'all got so bent out of shape over what I said -- when he asked for input, mind you -- that you completely overlooked my suggestion. I'll quote it again here, if it helps:

Instead of asking us what's wrong, have you considered talking to one or two individual NPHC leaders on your campus and asking them what the problem is? And if they don't respond, then you have your answer -- those particular chapters aren't interested in interfraternal relations, and you can rest in the knowledge that you made an effort and can then move on and have a great time with the chapters that do want to participate.

[decadence]

Yes so we'll just gloss over the sentence which followed your first paragraph then.

[Dedicated2Delta]

Originally posted by DeltaSigStan
Whenever our Asian, Latino, and multicultural GLOs participate in events with IFC and PHC, they go all out, they're totally into it, and show LOTS more spirit than we do (str8 up). This last Greek Week, it seemed as though USFC dominated everything.

However, this is the third yr NPHC has first chosen to participate in Greek Week and then either backed out or not shown up. Our NPHC doesn't seem to want to participate with the rest of the greek community, opting rather to do their own service and social events. We've really want them to do stuff with the rest of the greeks, especially since they're the fastest growing greek council. I mean, if what we're doing is comm. service and showing spirit for your org, why not?

Is there a reason for this? And does this occur at other schools?

ETA: If you feel any ignorance in this question, please feel free to call me on it.

Don't take it so personal. I would just tell you to keep inviting the NPHC orgs. and if they choose to participate they will and if they don't then oh well. At least you can say that you invited them.

My chapter always wanted to participate in Greek Week, but when it came to events, we either weren't interested in those events or we didn't have enough members in our chapter at the time to participate. But in those cases, we helped out by being judges for contest or setting up refreshment stands for those who were competing. We found a way to get involved, simply because we wanted to.

Not every NPHC org. is into the whole Greek Week thing. Have you tried to get them involved with your organizations in other ways? Maybe you should start off by trying to co-sponsor service events or fund raisers with those NPHC orgs on your campus.