Women of Color in NPCs?

[Jill1228]

FIRST and FOREMOST:
This is NOT a flame war and it will be a travesty if it turns into one!

I am considering pursuing Alumnae Initiation and have been reading this wonderful board to read about other AI experiences.

I am wondering about the women of color on this board, black women in particular, who are in NPCs.

Of course I welcome ALL races of men and women on this thread because I would love to hear the point of views! Anywho...
What are/were your experiences?

Looking forward to your responses!

Thanks in advance!

[Sistermadly]

Hi Jill,

First, let me say that I'm absolutely thrilled that you're considering alumnae initiation! As a recent alum initiate, I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.

My experiences in Alpha Phi have been good ones. I've been made to feel welcome whenever I'm around other Phis - my race has never been an issue. As a matter fact when I went to the Regional Conference back in February, the first Alpha Phi I talked to (other than the women I traveled with) was an African American woman.

Since then, I've had the pleasure of meeting Alpha Phis of all races, creeds, colors, and national origins. No one's ever said a mumbling word to me.

I wish I could say that my experiences as an undergraduate were as positive, but they weren't. Still, I managed to find a home where I truly fit in -- and I hope you'll soon find a place for you in the NPC!

Best of luck to you in your AI search!

[ZTAMiami]

Hi Jill!

Welcome to GC and potential NPC sisterhood. Be sure to read all the Alumnae Initiation threads. While chapter makeup varies from chapter to chapter, state to state, every NPC group has initiated non-white members. I am Hispanic and was initated in a very diverse chapter on a diverse campus. Don't be discouraged by any negativity that may be brought on by people on this board (it is a public board!)
Good luck with your process!

[CutiePie2000]

Hi Jill,
Here is a thread about African American DGs (mainly about women who joined as collegians, but I thought it might interest you just the same)

I can understand your concerns, given that certain "pockets" of North America are a tad less progressive in the "race relations department" than others. I also wanted to mention that Vancouver BC is my hometown and I have never known nearby Blaine, WA (where you are) to be a "hotbed" of racism. I think you should be fine!

Good Luck finding your new home!

[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Originally posted by CutiePie2000
Hi Jill,
Here is a thread about African American DGs.

I can understand your concerns, given that certain "pockets" of North American are a tad less progressive in the "race relations department" than others. I also wanted to mention that Vancouver BC is my hometown and I have never known nearby Blaine, WA (where you are) to be a "hotbed" of racism. I think you should be fine!

Good Luck finding your new home!

As a fellow Washingtonian, I'd have to agree (though we probably aren't the most diverse area of the country relative to others).....

Good Luck!

[phisigduchesscv]

HI Jill,

Could luck in your quest for Alumni Initiation. As others have said I think it depends on what region of the country you're in. At my chapter we are extremely diverse and yet if you go to some of the chapters back east they may not have as much diversity if at all.

However for Phi Sigma Sigma's we practice what our founders believed in - Inclusiveness and welcoming the diversity of women. When our sorority was founded in NYC religion and socioeconomic standing was the "racism" of the time and the 10 founders were friends who wanted to join the same sorority but couldn't because they weren't all the same religion (you had a mix of catholic, protestant, and jewish) and socio-economic backgroud, so they decided to create their own sorority that is open membership to all women of character regardless of background.

The best thing to do is to probably visit various organizations websites to see if their principles are close to what you believe and then contact their headquarters to see where to go from there.

Good luck in AI
Carolyn

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Good luck Jill1228! I hope that you find what you are looking for through A.I.

[shadokat]

Jill1228-- Best of luck with your exploration of AI with an NPC group. As someone who had many diverse women in her chapter, I can tell you that it may be a tough idea for some to swallow, but it's well worth it!!

[bsp-mich24]

I will have to agree with the other posts....the chapters (GLOs) I'm pursuing at one of the local colleges are very diverse. It does vary by state, region & campus chapter.

From what I can tell overall, the "race-relations department" at the GLOs near by has change for the better since I went through formal rush back in 1989; I think that is partly b/c more and more minority women are going to college these days. etc.).

[MysticCat]

Originally posted by phisigduchesscv
(you had a mix of catholic, christian, and jewish)

Umm... Not to make a big deal, but don't you mean Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish?

[CutiePie2000]

Originally posted by MysticCat81
Umm... Not to make a big deal, but don't you mean Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish?

She probably does mean that.

[Jill1228]

Thanks for the wonderful response ladies (and any gents out there)

Keep them coming! I am taking it all in!

Smartblonde-there is not much diversity in Washington State anyway! (well unless you are near a military base)

I am originally an East Coaster

[White_Chocolate]

Originally posted by phisigduchesscv
HI Jill,

Could luck in your quest for Alumni Initiation. As others have said I think it depends on what region of the country you're in. At my chapter we are extremely diverse and yet if you go to some of the chapters back east they may not have as much diversity if at all.

However for Phi Sigma Sigma's we practice what our founders believed in - Inclusiveness and welcoming the diversity of women. When our chapter was founded in NYC religion was the "racism" of the time and the 10 founders were friends who wanted to join the same sorority but couldn't because they weren't all the same religion (you had a mix of catholic, christian, and jewish) and socio-economic backgroud, so they decided to create their own sorority that is open membership to all women of character regardless of background.

The best thing to do is to probably visit various organizations websites to see if their principles are close to what you believe and then contact their headquarters to see where to go from there.

Good luck in AI
Carolyn

I'm living proof of this
I'm black
I've been in Phi Sig for 2 yrs.
It's definitely been an experience

And on our campus, Sigma Kappa and Alpha Phi have minorities
And you can ask them, we wouldn't trade it for the world

[Dove Gal]

Jill,

As a proud memeber of Sigma Kappa for 3 years I can honestly say that it has been the best experience of my life. Being an African American I know how hard it can be with all the thoughts that may run through your head. But if you are honest with yourself you will make the best decision for you. I hope that you find what you are looking for and if you need any help PM me.

One heart, One way

[phisigduchesscv]

Originally posted by MysticCat81
Umm... Not to make a big deal, but don't you mean Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish?

sorry about that. that is exactly what I meant. I've edited the post to correct my mistake