Is there a writer's sorority?

lestergal · #1 10-31-2006, 11:33 AM

I know that there is a music fraternity, and I was wondering if it is possible to make a writers frat? All of the sororities at my school lack..."cultural diversity." And the few that do cater to european americans generally have VERY low membership or are EXTREMELY disorganized. I want to start one of my own.

Any ideas anyone?

AlphaFrog · #2 10-31-2006, 11:46 AM

I'm extremely confused...

First of all, are you wanting to start a sorority or fraternity? You said sorority several times, but then you said "make a frat". Which is it? Sorority, or Co-ed Fraternity?

Then you ranted about DIVERSITY, but you also want to focus on writers? Which is it...because if you're wanting DIVERSITY, then try a multi-cultral GLO, but if you're wanting "writers", then I doubt you're going to get much diversity.

Now, let's address the issue of what your meaning about "catering to European Americans"...I can't tell from what you said if you WANT to be in a group that caters to European Americans, and are just disappointed with the organization of the ones that exist, or if you're saying that the only ones that do exist at your school DO cater to European Americans and that disgusts you.

After your clarify your disjunctive post, we can begin to help you with what you're actually looking for.

lestergal · #3 10-31-2006, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lestergal

I know that there is a music fraternity, and I was wondering if it is possible to make a writers frat? All of the sororities at my school lack..."cultural diversity." And the few that do cater to european americans generally have VERY low membership or are EXTREMELY disorganized. I want to start one of my own.

Any ideas anyone?

Sorry, I'll clarify. I want to start something. I would prefer that it be a sorority, but a fraternity is fine as well. I want the central idea to be diversity. I googled such sororities and I only got three responses, they were less than encouraging.

Even mulitcultural sororities still need a central purpose. So I thought it would be cool to start a writers GLO. The music one here is really tight knit and I want something like that. A writers sorority would allow for cultural diversity and at the same time, everyone would have something in common. That is why I want to start a writers sorority.

AChiOhSnap · #4 10-31-2006, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lestergal

Sorry, I'll clarify. I want to start something. I would prefer that it be a sorority, but a fraternity is fine as well. I want the central idea to be diversity. I googled such sororities and I only got three responses, they were less than encouraging.

Even mulitcultural sororities still need a central purpose. So I thought it would be cool to start a writers GLO. The music one here is really tight knit and I want something like that. A writers sorority would allow for cultural diversity and at the same time, everyone would have something in common. That is why I want to start a writers sorority.

It's an interesting idea, but how big is the market at your school for writing? Do you have a large creative writing/literature program? You're going to want to recruit as many members as you can, so make sure the interest is there before starting from scratch.

Also, I encourage you to check out Sigma Tau Delta, the honors English society. It's technically an honor society -- not a social fraternity -- but many times honor fraternities have lots of activities like parties and philanthropy projects. If you have a chapter at your school maybe you can think about joining, or ask the chair of the English department about what you can do to start up a chapter if you don't already have one.

Drolefille · #5 10-31-2006, 12:15 PM

Your problem is a split of goals. A multicultural sorority has (besides any ritual ideals) the ideal of multiculturalism. A writers sorority has again ritual, and a common goal of being writers. Together, you've winnowed your pool of PNMs down to a much much smaller amount.

blueangel · #6 10-31-2006, 12:31 PM

I have not heard of a writer's "sorority," but there are quite a number of writer's groups. I'm not sure that's what you had in mind, though.

Sigma Delta Chi: is the Society for Professional Journalists
SABW: Society of American Business Editors and Writers
SATW: Society of American Travel Writers

are just some of them. On this page, you can find many more:
http://www.readersread.com/organizations.htm

Senusret I · #7 10-31-2006, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lestergal

Sorry, I'll clarify. I want to start something. I would prefer that it be a sorority, but a fraternity is fine as well. I want the central idea to be diversity. I googled such sororities and I only got three responses, they were less than encouraging.

Even mulitcultural sororities still need a central purpose. So I thought it would be cool to start a writers GLO. The music one here is really tight knit and I want something like that. A writers sorority would allow for cultural diversity and at the same time, everyone would have something in common. That is why I want to start a writers sorority.

It sounds to me that you want a fraternal order of people who are interested in writing and/or writers' professions. It also sounds like you would like for this group to be diverse and multicultural by nature.

I believe that for a model of the type of organization you'd like to be similar to, look into Sigma Alpha Iota and Phi Mu Alpha (for musicians) and Alpha Psi Omega (for theatre artists). I believe those are the organizations most similar to what you want and provide a solid blueprint.

A writer's fraternity is something I would have joined as an undergraduate.

Imagine the pledge process:

Pledge, write a novel. You can't cross until it's finished and we LOVE IT!!!

REE1993 · #8 10-31-2006, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senusret I

A writer's fraternity is something I would have joined as an undergraduate.

Imagine the pledge process:

Pledge, write a novel. You can't cross until it's finished and we LOVE IT!!!

You just made me choke on my cocoa puffs.

PS I am a former writer/reporter/journalist/copywriter

Sister Havana · #9 10-31-2006, 02:16 PM

The only one I can think of is Zeta Phi Eta, which is a coed communications fraternity. (and the kind of thing I totally would have joined if we'd had it at IU!)

Honeykiss1974 · #10 10-31-2006, 04:04 PM

I would do a Google search and see what literary sororities/societies are out there. I'm sure you're not the only person that has thought of this so there may already be some organizations established.

I seem to vaguely remember a sorority with a literary focus existing - I think their colors were pink and gold but I can't for the life of me remember their name.

Good luck!

Senusret I · #11 10-31-2006, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honeykiss1974

I seem to vaguely remember a sorority with a literary focus existing - I think their colors were pink and gold but I can't for the life of me remember their name.

Good luck!

I think you are thinking of Kappa Phi Lambda Literary Sorority, but I think maybe they are defunct.

REE1993 · #12 10-31-2006, 05:26 PM

For some reason, the word "defunct" makes me giggle.

RU OX Alum · #13 11-01-2006, 11:12 AM

the writer's co-ed group is Sigma Tau Delta
the multicultural sorority (female only) is Theta Nu Xi

jwjpma4403 · #14 11-02-2006, 12:17 AM

At my old school there was a GLO that was Lamda Iota Tau, or LIT for short. I dont know if this is a local or a national, but my friend was in it and they did have a induction ceremony. This was a GLO for English majors.

bows&toes · #15 11-04-2006, 09:09 PM

why does this have to be a greek org? just start some type of school club. greek life is not for everybody, if you don't fit in with current groups....maybe it's not for you?