NPHC Events

[f8nacn]

If a prospective comes across an event sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, are they allowed to attend or should they be invited by a member of an organization?

What is proper protocol?

[BlueReign]

If it is open to the general public there is nothing wrong with attending. I have been to several NPHC functions and hardly see anyone who is not affiliated with a D9 in attendance though.

[SummerChild]

F8nacn,
I would say don't go. You are bound to run into the silly male jokester who wants to know why you are there if you are not part of a sorority and subsequently what sorority is your interest. He will probably be loud, depending on how low his thermos is. LOL.

Seriously, while the above may not actually happen, you are bound to come off looking like a groupie of a sorority - or maybe even a fraternity, since you likely won't go around putting all of your business and interest out into the street (at least I hope not). The only real protocol to follow here is to do what will allow you to maintain some dignity. Dignity is good.

Like my Soror said, just fall back. I encourage you (and all interested women) to focus more on making yourself the all-around BOMB - personality and characterwise, academically, in your career, in your community leadership and involvement, in your carriage. That will get my attention faster than you merely telling me that you admire my Sorority. That's great and I appreciate that. However, what will you (not you personally) contribute to *me* and to *the Sisterhood*? To me, an AA woman that is the all-around BOMB is impressive. That's the woman that I want as *my* Soror. That is the kind of woman with which I want to surround myself.


SC

Originally posted by f8nacn
If a prospective comes across an event sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, are they allowed to attend or should they be invited by a member of an organization?

What is proper protocol?

[SKEEphistAKAte]

I concure with my soror. I recently received some info on the NPHC picnic in ATL and they SPECIFICALLY stated that they didn't want non-NPHC members in attendance, otherwise greek or not. However, I know that we have an NPHC picnic in Tampa and there are non-greeks there. They do typically come across as groupies and look out of place. The sorors are usually with the sorors and the frats are with frat. So, the non-greeks tend to stand out and kind of look lost.

On the other hand, some NPHC events are more public oriented and are fundraisers and welcome non-NPHCers. I wouldn't see any problem with you attending those.

And again, as we've said repeatedly ASK THE GREEKS IN YOUR AREA. They can give you a better idea about whether non-NPHCers will be welcomed at their event than anybody on GC can.

[enigma_AKA]

As far as protocol--wait for an invite. You don't want to intrude if it's not an open event. If it is, then just go for it. You never know who you might meet or what might happen, for better or for worse. It's always good to find yourself in the company of people who are about their business.

It's probably worth the networking and social opportunities presented, just like any other picnic or open event. If you're concerned about a few people clowning you or asking you questions about you possibly affiliating, then perhaps you shouldn't. But if you don't care--and I don't think you should---go for it. Free food and networking is always great!

enigma_AKA

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by SummerChild
Like my Soror said, just fall back. I encourage you (and all interested women) to focus more on making yourself the all-around BOMB - personality and characterwise, academically, in your career, in your community leadership and involvement, in your carriage. That will get my attention faster than you merely telling me that you admire my Sorority. That's great and I appreciate that. However, what will you (not you personally) contribute to *me* and to *the Sisterhood*? To me, an AA woman that is the all-around BOMB is impressive. That's the woman that I want as *my* Soror. That is the kind of woman with which I want to surround myself.


SC

I'm sure you have a lot of *haters*, soror!

[f8nacn]

This question was posed on a yahoo group forum and I wanted to see if you all had the same answers...but I definitely am aware of not going somewhere that I would be in the minority and an outcast (that's just not my style - PERIOD). But as far as open events (to greeks and nongreeks) depending on scheduling, I would look into it.

Thanks for everyone's response :-).

[Steeltrap]

I agree with my sorors -- go and do your thing in the community of interest. We have ways of observing interested people.

Having said that, I've seen interests attend our two major events (our debutante ball and scholarship breakfast). They generally are invited by friends of theirs who are sorors, and I haven't seen groupie-esque behavior. I guess that reflects the fact that Greek life in my corner of SoCal is very stealthy.

If it's a public event, I don't mind seeing an interest there, but I don't like groupie-esque behavior, sweating people, etc.

As for the San Diego NPHC picnic, most of the independents I have seen are significant others of Greeks, some of whom are not interested. That's a whole different matter.

[PerfectVerse06]

Great advice, SummerChild!!

F8nacn, if I were you I'd ask my Greek friends what the nature of the event will be. Personally, unless I was sure I wouldn't look like a tag along, I wouldn't attend. Going out with my Memberfriends to a restaurant or something is one thing, because Greek affiliation is not the main purpose for the gathering. But an NPHC function is all about Greeks and Greek Life, so if you feel comfortable enough, then go for it. You might meet some really nice people. But don't make it seem like you're only there to make some connections so someone can 'hook you up'.

This sort of thing is why I manage my social time with my Memberfriends because I'm not trying to get the label of being the 'tag along'. I don't want it to be 'Oh, there goes the XYZ's and PerfectVerse AGAIN', so I'll give my Memberfriends space, thank them for the invite, and get up with them at the next outing. Plus, I'd have to deal with answering 'Are you an XYZ?' or people assuming I'm a member because I'm in a group of members. I've had plenty of 'embarrassing' moments where women have run up to me and hugged me, thinking I was their soror, and I've quickly corrected them.

I find meeting members in situations like an NPHC picnic to be much better because it's not as blantly obvious that I'm interested. If you're a non-Greek at a Greek function and there's not many other non-Greeks attending, then it kind of screams that you are interested. But like I said, it depends on the nature of the event. I'm sure you'll make the right decision!

[FeeFee]

Originally posted by SKEEphistAKAte
I concure with my soror. I recently received some info on the NPHC picnic in ATL and they SPECIFICALLY stated that they didn't want non-NPHC members in attendance, otherwise greek or not. However, I know that we have an NPHC picnic in Tampa and there are non-greeks there. They do typically come across as groupies and look out of place. The sorors are usually with the sorors and the frats are with frat. So, the non-greeks tend to stand out and kind of look lost.

On the other hand, some NPHC events are more public oriented and are fundraisers and welcome non-NPHCers. I wouldn't see any problem with you attending those.

And again, as we've said repeatedly ASK THE GREEKS IN YOUR AREA. They can give you a better idea about whether non-NPHCers will be welcomed at their event than anybody on GC can.

That reminds me of the Skee-Phi picnic that takes place every year in NYC. Before becoming an AKA, there was no way I was going to show my face there unless I had the full rights and privileges of calling someone Soror or Phrat, and them calling me Soror in return.

Same thing with step-shows or other NPHC sponsored events. Unless I was personally invited by Memberfriends, I did not attend.

[f8nacn]

I thought step shows were open to the public. At my undergrad, greeks and nongreeks always attended the stepshow after Homecoming...of course nongreeks didn't sit in the area of the greeks, or that would have labeled you!

[SummerChild]

Soror you are hilarious! We all do.
SC

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
I'm sure you have a lot of *haters*, soror!

[SummerChild]

Soror, I got it. I sent you an email.
SC

Originally posted by Steeltrap
I agree with my sorors -- go and do your thing in the community of interest. We have ways of observing interested people.

Having said that, I've seen interests attend our two major events (our debutante ball and scholarship breakfast). They generally are invited by friends of theirs who are sorors, and I haven't seen groupie-esque behavior. I guess that reflects the fact that Greek life in my corner of SoCal is very stealthy.

If it's a public event, I don't mind seeing an interest there, but I don't like groupie-esque behavior, sweating people, etc.

As for the San Diego NPHC picnic, most of the independents I have seen are significant others of Greeks, some of whom are not interested. That's a whole different matter.

[f8nacn]

Can someone please explain

groupie-esque behavior

What not to do?

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally posted by f8nacn
Can someone please explain

What not to do?

• Professing your love for the Sorority to every one of members that pass by
  
  Gawking at their letters like you are plotting to take over their life
  
  Being extra helpful when your assistance is not requested
  
  Introducing yourself to EVERY single member and reciting your resume to them
  
  Following members around
  
  Trying to outshine other non-members that may be there

Just a few examples....